Put ethics back into politics
When Carm Mifsud Bonnici was axed by a parliamentary motion earlier this month, I wrote a piece in this column entitled Dangerous Brand Of Politics. The title is enough to remind you of the drift of my argument.
Now, our House of Representatives has gone one worse. It axed someone who is not even a member of the House on trumped-up charges of treason in a pseudo-trial that failed even the most basic tenets of natural justice.
I do not need to sing the praises of Richard Cachia Caruana. He does not need it and a lot of ink has flowed in that direction. I will just say that I share the concern of those who feel that the country will gain nothing from his departure. Quite the opposite, really. We stand to lose. And this is one area where we cannot afford to lose, especially at this particular juncture in Europe.
Our country has done extremely well in the first eight years of EU membership. But this does not mean that it was all a coincidence or that it will always be that way. After last week, it will be decidedly more difficult to keep it that way.
I hope that all those who supported the motion realise that this will ultimately hurt all of us rather more than it will hurt its intended target. What is sure is that this motion crystallised a dangerous new brand of politics that is now staring us all in the face.
I call it dangerous because it fails the test of reason and the common good. Because it is a kind of politics where the end justifies the means. Where might is right. Where envy is encouraged. Where people are disposable. Where party comes before country. Where power is an end in itself. Where opportunism prevails over righteousness.
Last week’s motion had pretty much all these ingredients that I just listed. That is why it was a case of dangerous politics.
Why are we here? We are here because of two reasons.
The first is that the Nationalist Party is divided. And it is high time that we come clean on this one. People are loathe to trust a party in government if it is unable to stand united. So unless unity is restored, the party is in for a rough ride. That would be a pity because the second reason why we are here is even more grave.
The second reason is that the Labour Party unfortunately lacks a basic sense of ethics that is required for politics and that is a pre-requisite for anyone to be trusted with power.
The absence of a basic sense of ethics has led the PL to throw reason and moderation straight out of the window on countless occasions. Be it on democracy 30 years ago, be it on Europe 19 years ago, be it on the euro four years ago, be it on the parliamentary motions this month.
All the while, the PL calls itself a moderate party. I have to admit that I expected better from Joseph Muscat.
I thought that his four-year stint in the European Parliament would have given him the necessary training to inject his party – and the entire political system – with a fresh verve that would construct politics on reason, on bridge-building and on cooperation. After all, the European Parliament, where no single party enjoys a majority, is a tough training ground for compromise-building among very different political views.
I was wrong.
Unfortunately, far from refreshing the local political scene, Dr Muscat has allowed himself to be poisoned by it. This explains why, under his watch, the Labour media remains an incredibly vicious venom-machine. It explains why Dr Muscat constantly panders to expired Dom Mintoff stalwarts and pushes them to the fore. It explains why his decisions often betray a keener interest for his party’s trajectory to power than for the country. It explains why Labour is basing its campaign on attacking individuals and on village politics rather than on coming up with policies and solutions.
This is parochial politics rather like Sali Berlisha’s and Eddie Rama’s Albania.
It is politics built on personal attacks, which Europe has been trying to eradicate but which Labour continues to embrace.
Politics should not be like this. Politics should be about serving with a sense of ethics, with loyalty and integrity and it is about pursuing goals based on reason and on cooperation.
Last week, we saw anything but.
It is time to put ethics back into politics.
Dr Busuttil is a Nationalist member of the European Parliament.
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Alfred J. McEwen
Aug 10th 2012, 13:05
Alfred J. McEwen
And what are you doing in this article Dr. Busuttil, are you not attacking the Labour Party machine and it`s leaders ? Talk about a vicious venom making machine having a sense of ethics..should`nt you be looking at yourself. ?
Alfred Grech
Jul 1st 2012, 02:26
Ethics are lacking severely in Malta and had been for many generations. First you, policians, need to learn how to treat the public with dignity and respect, then in turn the public will treat you in the same way. Several politicians to me are big kids - they still fight and try to destroy their opponent but that is common in Malta - heck, we see all this even between parishes and they do it in honour of their saint.
Ethics should include making sure the public is living a comfortable life and not having a big part of the population always living in poverty while you, especially MEPs are shovelling money in your bank accounts.
Ethics and dignity are lacking are becoming extinct in this country and very few politicians have the right to speak about it. You too, Simon, can go astray with your way of talking when you start attacking the Labour.
Hope I'm not talking stupid but if I am I'm doing what many politicians do everytime they open their mouths.
Sarah Grech (Zebbug)
Jun 28th 2012, 14:26
As much as Dr. Cachia Caruana believes it, he is not indispensable, Dr. Busuttil.
John Buhagiar
Jun 28th 2012, 14:18
If Labour have no sense of decency and ethics while in Opposition, it can only get worse if and when they get elected to power.
Love him or hate him, RCC is a capable and talented resource, not only for the PN but more importantly for the country.
Judging by this move, I can never thrust Muscat as my Prime Minister.... Not with my vote.
Karl Consiglio
Jun 28th 2012, 09:19
Prosit Simon, well said!
Paul Gauci
Jun 28th 2012, 03:41
Go tell it to Michael Fenech Adami Simon!
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20120611/local/Local-council-paid-for-a-staffer-s-theology-course.423734
Mr Michael Debono
Jun 27th 2012, 19:50
DR Simon Busuttil like simple Simon raises the merits of RCC to the sky. Being the future leader of the P.N. he starts chosing his men.
Mr Andrew Camilleri
Jun 27th 2012, 18:15
I got to the second paragraph and stopped reading for the simple reason that Dr Busuttil has not even read the Opposition's motion in regard to RCC. There is no mention of treason in the motion - this is just another spin by GonziPN. I find this spinning disgusting as it misleads completely and to my mind the author is doing his best to mislead his readers. It's a sign that his coming arguments are weak as they are based on a false premise.
Nenu Galea
Jun 27th 2012, 15:51
Dr.Busuttil should notice that if there is a party that cannot talk about ethics in politics is the PN,because it was his party that attacked or gave the blessing for personal and vile attacks on their political opponents especially on Dr.Sant when he was PL leader.Regarding the past and power hunger,he should also notice who incited strikes,had the Malta File,organised paramilitary groups (the infamous blue jackets),had weapons hidden in it's HQ,to destabilize a legitimate government,and not so in the past did not accepted the loss of an election that was contested fair and square (unlike the 2008),and worked thoroughly to bring down a fairly elected government. Can Dr.Busuttil please realize that this song is worn out now and the the people are more intelligent than the PN think they are/
pat muscat
Jun 27th 2012, 15:02
'Put ethics back into politics' ; who lied about Justyne's Caruana's vote in Parliament some months ago? Action speak louder than empty rhetoric!
James Grech
Jun 27th 2012, 14:09
Some people tend to have an incredible ability of stretching arguments and claim that they reflect the truth. It is high time that politicians remember that people are not dumb and gullible. Dr. Busutil's argument is totally meant for blue eyed people and is contradicting to say the least. In one instance he refers to the PL as a party with no ethics, on the other hand he admits that the PN is divided. Was it the PL that gave rise to this division? I hardly think so. The truth is that a number of the PN parliamentary group have had enough of the way that this government is being managed. Some have grudges towards other members of parliament or other high ranking civil servants, who are claimed to be more than just that. What the PL is doing, is launching its proposals amidst a lack of clear direction from the PM and effectively using democratic tools to nudge Government. The people are seeing the PL as a valid alternative since it is united and has at heart the good of the country, while the PM and the PN are more afraid of loosing their power and far from concentrated on keeping the ship afloat in the economic turmoil that advances.
Willie Grech
Jun 27th 2012, 12:50
Dr. Simon Busuttil said, "the Labour Party unfortunately lacks a basic sense of ethics." WOW!! What nice words!
But isn't this guy the same one who ran MIC up to the EU referendum run-up? Isn't he the same guy who promised hunters and bird trappers that their hobby would remain intact? Isn't he the same guy who told fishermen that their piece of bread would not be touched? Isn't he the same guy who promised us all that if we were to bring a car from another EU Country it would be the same as if crossing from Malta to Gozo? Isn't this the same guy who practically promised us heaven on earth if we join the EU?
Is Dr. Busuttil the right guy to speak of political ethics at all?
V. Cauchi
Jun 27th 2012, 12:30
A very good article, Dr Busuttil, yet I feel I should give a simple advice.
As to what the future may hopefully hold for you, and it may even tantamount to the party leadership, do not ever tamper with history (tbagħbasx l-istorja) and always tell the truth.
Had we not been presented with the tragi-comedy we were afforded in the last week of the election campaign, we would today have been longing for an election which would return a PN government after five unfruitful years of Labour. And it would have been better that way.
Also, on a personal note: do not harbour any favour which will take you out of your way for gay marriages/ LGBT vaunted rights. Just remember that for a few votes coming the party's way, hundreds, if not thousands will be lost from traditional PN supporters who have always seen conservative belief as a hallmark of their party since 1962. There is a way out around every issue and we do not have to kowtow to diktats and ideals simply to be "with it" in a progressive European society,
Lina Caruana
Jun 27th 2012, 12:17
When dirty linen is being washed outside more often the electorate this time will have to be the decisive go between to sort out the chiff from the chaff.Unfortunately the electoral system fails us because we can only elect candidates in our constituency who will serve the whole country Erring politicians should be brought back to their senses.A more prudent and wiser stance is being taken by experienced politicians not because they are not liberal but because they are more reasonable and better informed about political culture. It is not good to stagnate and parrot but it is bad to think that one's ego trip will change everything all at once.We cannot have too many independents.The protestors seem to think that the party they want should be dictated by them leaving us all behind.Perhaps the solution for them is to strengthen the party and lose the election . A losing strategy. Do they feel lost and want to get the party down with them? No one is indispensabl.
J. Borg
Jun 27th 2012, 12:08
Can Dr. Busuttill tell us if his leader is going to adhere to the statement he made whilst discussing the RCC motion in parlament?
Emanuel Curmi
Jun 27th 2012, 12:04
Dear Dr. Busuttil,
I see a bit of contradiction and a lot of bias in your article. On one side you make a heartfelt plea for ethics in politics and then deploring the loss of RCC, a self proclaimed puppet-master, whose track record with the PN run volumes and not just chapters. Still I cannot help but recall a similar situation in our nation’s history as the last british forces left the island. There was a general feeling of doom, not only on the nationalist faction of the population but also on the fervent labour supporters. Mintoff had dared to cut our umbilical cord with the British and I doubted if there was a handful of Maltese who were not dreading what the future held in stock for us. If anything, life teaches us to take a step back before making a jump forward so your doomsday tone should be taken with a pinch of salt, at best. As far as ethics in politics, charity starts at home. Don’t you think Dr. Busuttil ?
Evarist Saliba
Jun 27th 2012, 11:55
As long as Joseph Muscat chooses to surround himself with persons who run Malta against the people's mandate from 1981 to 1987, a period of institutionalised injustice of one form or another, one cannot except anything better.
Ethics was, and is, something which theyn do not understand.
J. Borg
Jun 27th 2012, 12:09
always looking at the past.......what we are interested in is the future?
Don't come telling us that the PL isn't showing the proposals....what is the PN going to propose for the coming election? More of Franco Debono, JPO,etc,etc etc
Eddy Privitera
Jun 27th 2012, 12:40
Evarist Saliba: Then tell GonziPN to order his Mosta mayor and councillors to resign so that another local council election is held at Mosta, since GonziPN candidates had received LESS votes than PL ones !!!!
And also at Mellieha !!!
Willie Grech
Jun 27th 2012, 12:53
@ Evarist Saliba.
When you say that, "Joseph Muscat chooses to surround himself with persons who run Malta against the people's mandate from 1981 to 1987," are you talking about the Constitutional changes that were voted for by Eddie Fenech Adami and the majority of the PN MPs and by which the election of 1981 was run?
James Dimech
Jun 27th 2012, 14:56
@j borg. Of course we are looking at the past. Joseph Muscat brought back our ugly past to haunt our future.
He brought Sciberras Trigona, ML Coleiro, Karmenu Vella, Anglu Farrugia, Leo Brincat, Mintoff in the form of Yana Mintoff bland etc.
Evarist Saliba
Jun 27th 2012, 23:16
@ Willie Grech
Ethics require that you do not perverse the truth. You know quite well what happened in Malta between 1981 and 1987 and I need not remind you in detail because you must be one of those who have eyes but refuses to see. However, I would point out to you that the changes in the constitution came about not as a result of any spontaneous move from the MLP members of parliament but after a Nationalist Party supporter was murdered by someone wielding a weapon which finished in the hands of the police who planted onto another Nationalist Party supporter in a frame-up.
@ J. Borg
You have already been answered. The PL politicians who want to lead us into the future include many
who led Malta in the past. That is why the past is very relevant to the future. Incidentally, I do not think that you know the meaning of ethics. Ethics have noting to do with proposals (if any) but with the way one conducts oneself.
@ Eddie Privitera
I answer you when your comments are relevant to whatI I have written.
j brincat
Jun 27th 2012, 10:36
"It explains why Labour is basing its campaign on attacking individuals"
Have you forgotten the massive character assassination on Dr Sant? He was not even shown any mercy when he was suffering from cancer!
Or wasn't this attacking individuals?
Simply two weights but two completely different measures!
(jb)
TONY FORMOSA
Jun 27th 2012, 11:22
. J, Brincat is simply J.Brincat but Dr. Simon Busuttil has no equal. Obviously MEPs cannot be removed by
some flashy guy's motion otherwise I wouldn't be surprised that there will be an attempt. !
RCC's axing is a sad loss for Malta. Those who voted in favour of the motion should know better.
TONY FORMOSA
Eddy Privitera
Jun 27th 2012, 12:36
Tony Formosa. Admiring such an inept prime minister as Lawrence Gonzi, exposes Simon Busuttil as having no standards as far as prime ministers are concerned ! Simon's prophecies about the EU are all turning to have been false prophecies !
j brincat
Jun 27th 2012, 10:32
"Put ethics back into politics"
How true - especially after listening to the PM's vitriolic Sunday sermons!
Where were you when in 1998 the PN sided with the Dom to bring a legitimate government down? And this after the PN had been absent from power for a mere 22 months. Talking of power hunger!
And remember that the PL's motions were backed by MPs from your own side!
And doesn't this happen in all democratic country? Not that we are exactly like them, mind you, because here only the small fry resigns or compelled to!
(jb)
Maria Debono
Jun 27th 2012, 10:08
well said Simon, unfortunately we are going through a very cloudy period. I hope we get out of it quickly for our own good. we managed to keep our heads above the water when everyone else was going under. It is a great pity that the ambitions of one person and the vindictiveness of others will land us in deep waters from where we might find it difficult to survive.
Mr Andrew Camilleri
Jun 27th 2012, 18:20
Every one else, Maria? I think you need to stop watching Net TV. Swden, Denmark and Germany (to name a few) are also in the EU but have a great economy. Would it not be better to look at them and say: I wish we were better off like them, instead of looking at the poor around us and saying, thank goodness we are not so poor. With a mentality like yours, (and GonziPN's) we will get nowhere.
James Dimech
Jun 27th 2012, 09:56
Excellent article. Sali Berisha and Edi Rama, the heads of the two parties in Albania, are always attacking each other on a personal basis.
Joseph Muscat is a politician ideal for the Albanian political scene. No wonder he wanted to keep Malta out of the EU.
Eddy Privitera
Jun 27th 2012, 11:19
JAMES: INCIDENTALLY, ALBANIA IS ALSO AN APPLICANT COUNTRY FOR EU MEMBERSHIP !!!!
YOU SHOULD HAVE ASKED SIMON BUSUTTIL TO EXPLAIN HOW THE EU WHICH HE PROMOTED SO EAGERLY, HAS TURNED OUT TO BE HELL INSTEAD OF HEAVEN-ON-EARTH, AS HE AND HIS GONZIPN HAD PRESENTED IT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
James Dimech
Jun 27th 2012, 12:43
Eddy,
Yes Albania is a possible candidate country for EU Membership. However they are still far from getting anywhere close to the EU. One of the reasons is their political situation, as the two main party leaders keep on bickering with each other on a personal basis and do not let each other work. In Malta we had been way beyond this.
However Joseph Muscat and his Mintoffian crew are bringing this kind of third-world politics back to Malta. Despite all his EU flags, blue ties and kinky slogans, Muscat's poltics are Maltese third-world Labour.
Muscat 's politics is like cheap deodorant sprayed on a pile of rotting fish.
Please choose the reason of your report below: