Muscat: scrutinise St Philip’s lease deal
Opposition Leader Joseph Muscat yesterday repeatedly asked the Government to refrain from signing the contract to lease St Philip’s Hospital before it is reviewed by the Auditor-General, the Public Accounts Committee and ultimately by the whole House.
Winding up an urgent debate in Parliament that he had requested, with no vote taken, Dr Muscat insisted the Government had not told Parliament what the conditions of the deal were.
The Government had earlier said the deal would be referred to scrutiny by the Auditor-General and the PAC after signing.
Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said the Cabinet had been involved in a “long and tortuous” process over the lease, lasting 30 months.
Health Minister Joseph Cassar and Finance Minister Tonio Fenech gave a blow-by-blow account of the negotiations while Nationalist MP Franco Debono hit out at the Government for agreeing to hold the debate without a vote.
Earlier, Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando (Independent) tabled a motion to make himself a member of the House Business Committee, in a move linked to the Government’s determination to sign the lease without subjecting it to scrutiny.
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Henry S Pace
Oct 16th 2012, 15:11
when mintoff sold the St Michael's Training College to the Libyan Government for 1 000 000
.
maltese liri (one million) he did not have the decency to bring it before parliament
Stephen Grech
Oct 16th 2012, 16:36
One Million Lira in the '70's when plots were LM 200 seems a good deal.
However, thus such justify today's St.Philips situation?
I urge you to go and buy a property and instruct your Notary not to perform any "Ricerki", or conduct them only when you have signed a one way contract.!
Henry S Pace
Oct 16th 2012, 15:00
' Muscat: scrutinise St Philip’s lease deal '
In the 1970's the Labour Government led by dom mintoff sold the former St Michael's Teachers' college to the Libyan Government for just one Million Maltese Liri. Well at that time maybe Joe Muscat was not even born or he was still an infant in his nappy.
All Labour MPs of the time -Debono Grech & co never asked any question
Paul Azzopardi
Oct 16th 2012, 16:59
Just One million Liri ??? Mr Pace back in 1970 that was alot of money the equivalent to that today is huge besides what would you say about PN selling of Mid Med all properties and asset for 80million??? I bet your going to say a good bargain right?? Sure cause like most of you see things in Red and blue...and have not a clue what goes on under your noses...our public was and still is a fool
R Axisa
Oct 16th 2012, 13:37
Nahseb li meta xi hadd jasal biex jixtri jew jikri dar, hadd ma jaghmel il-kuntratt l-ewwel, imbaghad imur jispezjonaha u jaghmel ir-ricerki wara li jkun fattar kollox. Tinten l-affari, u tinten bil-bosta.
Francis Sammut
Oct 16th 2012, 12:27
I used to think that Mr. D.Mintoff acted the dictator in years gone by. Now I know that he was not the only one. Now we have Dr. L. Gonzi who acts in the same way, rather subtley and with a smile I might add!
Paul Azzopardi
Oct 16th 2012, 11:46
Government determination to sign a lease before subjecting it to scutiny says it all. This island is in a mess, I dont want to sound partisan, but this very much seems like the last few throbs of a failing political party knowing that it is on its way out, it also show lack of discression surprisingly close to administrative chaos expected from a third world government.
J Cauchi
Oct 16th 2012, 11:06
I agree with you. The discussion served only to save Gonzi's face. It would have been more proactive if Franco Debono's motion was discussed. Gonzi accepted Muscat's proposal as no vote was involved. It was only an exercise of tpacpic u aktar tpacpic. Unless the Opposition and the 2 other candidates are prepared to take strong action, Gonzi will continue to ignore you u JIRROMBLA FUQKOM.
Mr J Xerri
Oct 16th 2012, 10:44
What kind of discussion was this: if Parliament did not discuss the conditions of the deal as the Government had not told Parliament what the conditions of the deal were? Was this just a formality to fend off the criticism that the Government was bye-passing Parliament?
jOSEPH Sant
Oct 16th 2012, 10:24
Once again the Maltese people witnessed the dictatorial manner by which our Country is administered. How public funds are being spent or 'IMBERBQA" by an irresponsible govnt. Gonzi accepted to discuss the matter, as there was no vote attached. Both Parties should know that the people are against this deal as they have a Hospital which is being purposely kept in a derelict state.
Mr M Spiteri
Oct 16th 2012, 09:21
Things work the other way round. First you scrutinise then you sign. That is why the country is in such a state.
This is a pure bailout to St Philip’s Hospital from our taxes, nothing more nothing less.
Clyde Cassar
Oct 16th 2012, 09:33
Agreed 100% Here in Malta, shoot first, questions later, no wonder we're in this mess.
Stephen Grech
Oct 16th 2012, 10:13
However, certain people cannot see the logics behind such a logical and fundimental code of ethics in such leasing/purchase excercise.!!
Please choose the reason of your report below: