Gonzi to waive loans to Muslim school
Video: Paul Spiteri Lucas
Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi today promised to forgive interest-free loans amounting to €400,000 which were granted to the Muslim school in Paola in 2011 and 2012.
He said his Government had also allocated a subsidy of €300,000 in this year's Budget which would also be honoured if he were to be re-elected.
"Your school is our school and your children are our children," he said after a visit to the school in Kordin where he was shown around by Imam Mohammed el Sadi and head Maria Camilleri, a former Labour MEP candidate.
Dr Gonzi also said he would support the Libyan government's plans to upgrade the Ta' Giorni school into a higher education institution.
Meanwhile, the Imam called on the Government to issue a directive to prevent discrimination against Muslim women who want to wear the hijab at work or in schools. He also asked for more multi-faith places of worship, the permission to slaughter animals according to Muslim tradition and for help with the planning authority on expansion projects and the regularisation of other mosques.
He thanked Dr Gonzi for helping the Libyan community during the crisis and wished him more success.
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Ivan Zammit
Jan 22nd, 11:57
Did anybody watch the video clip, as i did not see the Prime Minister shaking hands with any of the Muslim women in the school
David Borg
Jan 21st, 10:58
Its a case of being generous with other people's money.
David Borg
Jan 21st, 10:49
I don't know what all the fuzz is all about. After All we are a rich country and these are fellow human beings.
I am sure that if there was public consultation the vast majority of Maltese do not mind paying for this..
Richard Caruana
Jan 12th, 07:57
I am against the waive of the debts and a lot too. Not because they are muslims but because noone come to remove my debts from me so why should Gonzi with my own taxes remove someone else's debt, and for votes no less. You just lost a voter (along with his family) and I believe many other like me not going to vote for you at the very least or at the worst voting against you good job.
Ann Sanders
Jan 22nd, 14:24
I agree but let's not forget that it is a school for Maltese children, with Maltese teachers too. Fact is Mr. Gonzi should do the same for other schools too. We are talking about educating our children.
Alex Buds
Jan 11th, 18:19
Bizarre use of funds.
And I wonder how Muslims would react if Christians in their countries made analogous demands to the ones that the Imam is making...
Maria Carmen Saliba
Jan 11th, 19:20
you mean????
Maria Carmen Saliba
Jan 11th, 19:47
BIZARRE USE OF FUNDS????? The majority of the students in Mariam al Batool School are Maltese Muslims and all teachers (except those teaching Arabic & Religion) are MALTESE CHRISTIANS!!!! Head and Asst Head are Maltese Christians! So??? THIS SCHOOL IS A VERY GOOD EXAMPLE OF INTEGRATION BETWEEN MUSLIMS & CHRISTIANS .... OF MUTUAL RESPECT! A very special school indeed! Well done to all staff there!
Joe Tanti
Jan 11th, 14:56
Most of the comments below are disgusting. Where is the tolerance preached by our church? I hope you're not all hypocrites and go to church every Sunday.
Michael Grech
Jan 11th, 20:14
Joe, I agree that most comments are intolerant and condemn them. Moreover, I'm not against the fact that Gonzi is going to waive this debt. Yet, I suspect that there is some hypocracy in a party that for ages propounded a mono-religious picture of Malta, and then on the eve of an election comes out with this thing. A few months back many were presenting the PN as a Christian Party.
David Borg
Jan 21st, 10:56
With the same argument all debt on church schools will be erased and we as parents will not have to fork out hundreds of euros in donations to pay for the school electricity bills. Your extrems catholic views are the reason that Islam is the largest growing religion in the world.
Joseph N. Attard
Jan 11th, 10:19
Once again, I submit the same comment: there seem to be ample funds for anything and anybody, except for the aging disabled and their elderly parents.
John Azzopoardi
Jan 11th, 00:14
why not use the funds to fix those third world roads we have in Gozo. You want our vote, you must earn it Mr. Gonzi.
Ammar Elsadi
Jan 10th, 23:08
Mariam Al Batool school is a non profit making school , school fees are there to cover part of the school's budget since the number of students is still low due to space.25 Maltese people are employed at the school and 3 foriegners teaching arabic language and religion .the school offers the teaching of islamic education to Maltese muslims and is a world model of mutual respect & tolerance.
mohammed hamed
Jan 10th, 22:27
I Read all the comments blame Dr Gonzi for his action , i see a lot of misunderstanding
a lot of professional Muslims help Malta in 70 my father was one of them in hospital , airline , etc . For Libya it help Malta for more than 40 years , Malta have a lot of investment in Libya , how many Maltese business Run in Libya , Tunisia , Egypt , Gulf .
R Casha
Jan 11th, 11:39
So what!!!
How many Libyans are investing in Malta?! How many times did Malta help Libya?! I remember the patrol boats sent when Mintoff wanted to search for Oil...wow what a kind nation!
Does this mean we can lend money from Libya without paying back! See things from the other side of the coin Mohammed!!!
Maria Carmen Saliba
Jan 11th, 19:37
Mr R Casha ....... Mariam al Batool school is a school for MALTESE CHILDREN!!!!! There are MALTESE TEACHERS and ADMINISTRATORS!!!! So the gov is helping the Maltese not the Libyans!!!
Cecil Herbert Jones
Jan 12th, 14:46
@Maria Carmen Saliba
And what's wrong with helping Libyans?
This article is not about helping Libyans, even though it includes Dr Gonzi also saying he would support the Libyan government's plans to upgrade the Ta' Giorni school into a higher education institution. You see this whole thing is about the Maltese eventually helping ourselves from teaching hundreds of thousands of Libyans.
Joseph Borg
Jan 10th, 19:20
Ghax ma tahfirx id djun li ghandhom il familji maltin li ma jistghux ihalsuhom mela tal libya sinjur fiz zejt.
Gordon Farrugia
Jan 10th, 19:11
Total irresponsibility and arrogance - I mean how can you make such promises when you have no guarantees whatsoever that you will again be in governance? Isn't his purely a fishing for votes!!!!!!?????
Christopher Dimech
Jan 10th, 18:06
Older people will remember a vastly different impression of Iran before the Islamic Revolution. There are a large number of pictures and videos out there that show a radically different country from the one today. And in Malta we have a government supporting a school where the Imam wants the hijab at work and schools.
Nathan Pardi
Jan 10th, 17:33
Just what is the PL's stance on this issue? If it is the same, then this is an academic debate. If the PL does not back the Nationalist Party's support of this islamic religious institution mascarading as a school, they need to come out and say so, and not merely through their surrogates and supporters, who whould act as a "firewall" when push turns into shove. This will clarify the choices.
M Grima
Jan 10th, 18:16
Well, Dr. Gonzi promised what is not his. If he wants to forgive the loans to the School he can do so from the overpayment of the weekly payrise of €600, which he and the cabinet members have not yet returned. Moreover I have always been thought that charity begins and home. Then we have Maltese citizens who cannot pay their W & E bills and they have their electricity and water disconnected.
pat muscat
Jan 10th, 17:29
Dr Gonzi should also absolve the money owned to EneMalta by the thousands of new poor which cannot afford to pay his skyhigh bills! Good for Muslims good for the the poor!
Ammar Elsadi
Jan 10th, 17:24
Thank You Dear Prime Minister, big thanks to the generous Maltese people who support each other when in need cause some people here cant understand that Mariam Al Batool School is a Maltese school from head to toe . Our non muslim head and teachers are always free to wear what they wish as you can see . regarding "charity starts at home " , well it is at home since all students are Maltese !
Joe Spiteri
Jan 10th, 17:24
Why don't they ask some oil rich islamic state to help financially for the running of THEIR childrens' schools, instead of handing out our taxpayers' money? After all, its not money from YOUR personal account, Dr.Gonzi!
Louis Craus
Jan 10th, 17:19
Hekk sew.! Facli tahfer dejn li mhux tieghek biex tidher sabih.........imbaghad ihallsuh uliedna dan id-dejn.
Daqs kemm qedin sew f' dal -pajjiz ! Finanzi fis-sod u mimlijin b' miljuni ta' djun. L-aqwa li ekonomija tajba.
M Grima
Jan 10th, 17:12
I have absolutely nothing against foreigners including Libyans. Anyone is welcome to stay in this country as long as they respect our culture, our laws, our religion and our traditions. Waiving the payment of any loans is most unfair on Maltese citizens, many of which have loans with local banks which will never be waived. Dr. Gonzi's antics are cheap (vote catching) and unfair to all Maltese.
GL Calleja
Jan 10th, 17:31
Maybe the words of John F Kennedy echo: " Ask not what this country can do for you, ask what you can do for this country".Instead Dr Gonzi reversed that concept and is more dedicated to do more for other countries than for his own.If Dr Gonzi spent all the money he spends on foreigners (illegal immigrants included) and spent that money on his own citizens we would be able to pay for our utilities
Chris Agius
Jan 10th, 17:11
Trying to win votes with our money? How low can they get? Must be very desperate. Futur fis-Sod my foot!
GL Calleja
Jan 10th, 17:07
Maybe Tonio Fenech is right when he says NO PROBLEM. Money is no object when the TAX PAYER is paying for it and the government is given an open credit card with no limits what so ever. No problem if we run out of money, we charge some more and if we run out again we can always borrow more money from China and then charge some more. Take one good look at the deficit.
Ivan Attard
Jan 10th, 17:03
Finally. Gonzi helped me decide what to do with my vote!
Ms D. Borg
Jan 10th, 16:29
Since you are in our country, you must abide by our rules and laws. You do not need other mosques you already have a large one in Paola.
Steve Mifsud
Jan 10th, 16:29
How about writing my home loan off? How about "forgiving" the tax I have to pay on inheritance? How about paying for a new car for my family? How about financing a dream holiday for me and the kids to Disney USA? How about......
David Borg
Jan 10th, 16:09
How low can GonziPN GO..... PLEASE GO.
D Muscat
Jan 10th, 16:01
Before handing out taxpayers money, how about paying back the amounts due by the inland revenue for overpayments by taxpayers before 1998. That's my money you're giving away.
Hossam Helwani
Jan 10th, 16:00
Gonzi is a true Prime Minister he is respected world wide , one quick glance at this lovely country one can see that it ranks high within the European Union, while lejber ranks lowest of the low when it comes to future. It is the credit of this Government when we today we are a free country without harassment to buy things we need, this government took us to the internet where we are today.
George Camilleri
Jan 10th, 16:48
My friend, the PN truly liberalized the markets of this country... but then left this country descend into the deepest capitalist hole: a country ruled by an oligrachy, financed by chosen business men, and administered by institutions decomposed with inefficiencies and no accountability.
As someone well known once said: Democracy is something living, you dnt achieve it once and then go to sleep!
Andrew Cumbo
Jan 10th, 17:03
How can you talk about PL future when we have been 25 years with the same Government. You said, without harassment to buy things we need. Tell this to the young couples that have a contract based job when they go to Banks and ask to have a loan to buy there future home. Ask the retailers about today's purchasing power to know exactly how hard it is for them to earn for living.
Mark Fleri
Jan 10th, 15:46
"Meanwhile, the Imam called on the Government to issue a directive to prevent discrimination against Muslim women who want to wear the hijab at work or in schools.'
How about stopping the persecution of Christians in Libya. Malta is a Catholic country not a Muslim one.
Maria Carmen Saliba
Jan 11th, 19:44
Malta is predominantly Catholic but we should not exclude the minority who are Maltese Muslims!!! NO WE SHOULDN'T DISCRIMINATE AGAINST WOMEN WHO WANT TO WEAR THE HIJAB!! The Imam doesn't discriminate against the Christians who work at MABS .... a very good example of Christians and Muslims living together and respecting each other! We should all follow this example!Well done Mr Sadi!
K Grech
Jan 10th, 15:23
"the permission to slaughter animals according to Muslim tradition"
Il pm qed jaghmel il bsaten fir roti ghac-cirkli li jigu hawn Malta, u qed jghidlu biex ihallih jahqar l annimali....
Victor Laiviera
Jan 10th, 15:20
Vote buying.
joseph borg st john
Jan 10th, 16:13
Yes Vic like all the lejber gimmicks.
Svetlana Borg
Jan 10th, 15:19
I hope that the Imam - after requesting the list from the Prime Minister - also included that Muslim women who refuse to wear the hijab will be protected from their 'loyal' husbands and not end up doubly discriminated.
John Attard
Jan 10th, 15:16
Are you going to forgive my home loan to??
MT Caruana
Jan 10th, 16:02
heheheh good comment heheh
Colin Stanley
Jan 10th, 15:12
Any more requests ?
Anthony Arpa
Jan 10th, 15:10
Nahseb li ahjar li il Prim Ministru hafer il licenzji li hawn b'lura tat TV. Liema licenzji huma ingustament imposti fuq il poplu min kemm ilna bil cable TV .
John L Galea
Jan 10th, 15:02
Can Gonzi waive my loans too? Promises everything to everyone...why not me?
G. Abela
Jan 10th, 14:59
that is called the biggest 'GIMMICK 'of all time!!!
Can GonziPN give us his opinion on what the Imam requested! What a far cry from the PN's attitude towards the Libyan people in the 70s.
gimmick.............GIMMICK............................WHAT A GIMMICK!!
Hossam Helwani
Jan 10th, 15:57
I would suggest you caution as to how to speak about The Prime Minister and the Libyans. What lejber did was to hob nob with the echelons of the libyan regime what Gonzi did was to rescue victims and try and work hard for a country to country co operation. No one sucked up to gaddafi as mintoff did with a simple apetiser like gaddafi gardens, but why waste time on the past!
Chris Finch
Jan 10th, 17:18
Hossam, Who was the last western leader to meet with Gadaffi?
Mario Buhagiar
Jan 10th, 19:27
Hossam. What was joseph muscat supposed to do? take Libyans in his home? Being the leader of the opposition does not entitle him to any power at all. Gonzi was in charge of this country at the time. I fully supported Gonzi in this issue, but also the labour party did support the government.
Andrew Cumbo
Jan 10th, 22:31
Hossam , don't take everything that is said by the Prime Minister for granted. This is the same Prime Minister that in the last General election has send letters to Drydocks, Airmalta workers and Bus drivers. All these letters guaranteed their jobs for all these workers. I don't think that I need to tell you more you know what happened after.
Joseph Micallef
Jan 10th, 14:59
Ohhhh maaaa.. how low can you go Gonzi??? This man is so paniced that he is ridiculing himself and his party to the lowest levels possible. Tghid gejja l-elezzjoni? Mid-derha irid jerbah, anke jekk bil-qerq, inganna u gideb!
joseph borg st john
Jan 10th, 16:22
Mela bhal Joseph Muscat !!
A Cachia
Jan 10th, 14:58
Ejja Joseph raise the stakes - It's all about POKER skills! :D
Kenneth Williams
Jan 10th, 14:57
Qassam la giet id daqqa biex troxx. Mela anki dawn ser jivvutaw????
John Scerri
Jan 10th, 14:53
1. The Imam is asking too much . Forget it
2. Dr.Gonzi forgiving loans to a Lybian school is very unfair on schools , private schools which took loans to expand their businesses. Forget it Dr.Gonzi you are discriminating .
3. Muslim women should not wear the hijab for security reasons .In their country they can do what they like .
I hope Dr.Muscat will not fall into this trap.
Chris Finch
Jan 10th, 17:22
John the Hijab is a simple head covering and is very different to the Burkha or full face / body covering to which I think you refer, there are no security issues regarding the Hijab in the workplace or anywhere else.
Maria Carmen Saliba
Jan 10th, 23:03
1. I think that everyone has the right to wear what he/she wants!!! The hijab is a simple head covering, which should not bother anyone!!! I would be more bothered by those women who wear unsuitable clothes for work, church etc.
2. Most of the students in Mariam al Batool school are MALTESSSSSEEEEE!!!!
Mr Alexander Azzopardi
Jan 10th, 14:51
Charity starts @home
Robert Cassar
Jan 10th, 14:46
This is not right on the Maltese Tax payers.. very Disappointed indeed. Why that money was not invested in US MALTESE PEOPLE ? Libya is rich and here we have nothing yet to them you give and to us not! Sorry but this is not right at all.
carlos ellul
Jan 10th, 14:43
We've helped the Libyans in every way possible and yet, immigrants still pour on our shores as they refuse unhindered. These people keep asking for more rights and yet they refuse to give the same human rights to minorities in their own country. Its pretty evident whose at the short end of the stick on this deal.
A.Felix Busuttil
Jan 10th, 14:41
can we at least get a barter ? with fuel, they are very rich not like us
Carmel Farrugia
Jan 10th, 14:29
Can the Imam tell us if Christian women who want to go around Tehran without the hijab are permitted to do so?
Mehdi Klein
Jan 10th, 14:29
remember it is a promise..the question is when this promise will be fulfilled...oh is there really santa claus? or can we expect him only in Christmas.....undertake (to do something) in the future.
Ramon Casha
Jan 10th, 14:27
That's not your money you're buying votes with Mr. Gonzi.
R Mallia
Jan 10th, 14:27
"permission to slaughter animals"
This is already being done and it should be stopped. They kill in the most cruel way possible. Importation on halal meat should also be banned.
Ann Sanders
Jan 22nd, 14:01
Dear Mallia,
a Team at the University of Hannover, Germany, has infact proved that it is actually the most humane method of slaughtering as the animals do not feel pain. It is only because the body shakes vigorously that it gives the impression of suffering. On the contrary when animals are stunned they appear unconscious but are in fact in severe pain.
Adrian Borg
Jan 10th, 14:25
Dear Imam
Do not be fooled by Greeks bearing gifts, Dr Gonzi is of the same stoke as those who used to ridicule all the Arab nations (tat-tamal u l-habaziz).
It would be quite convenient if you would try to convince you brethren to relax persecution of Christians in your homeland.
T Mifsud
Jan 10th, 14:24
I definitely do not agree that the directive be lifted! This is the hole in the dike! We tolerate multi ethnicity but not at the cost of skewing our own culture! Sorry Imam, you are welcome here but stay by our culture. Thank you
Lawrence Fenech
Jan 10th, 14:23
You should forgive and refund all the maltese who paid extra VAT on the registration of their new cars. Imma l'ewwel il barrani is-soltu.
D Borg
Jan 10th, 14:20
dear Imam,
if any woman wishes to wear a hijab out of her FREE will - it is her personal decision & business and nobody else.
But, if you slaughter animals in a more painful manner, it is definitely not the sentient animal's free will to go through such pain and thus it is not a personal decision either - thus the ban should remain, and government should also revise Civil Abbattoir's procedures.
Andre Briffa
Jan 10th, 14:19
Gonzi - A true gentleman always helping those in need.
R Axisa
Jan 10th, 17:31
Mela ghaliex min ghandu l-minimum wage gabu jhallas it-taxxa??
Jesmond Farrugia
Jan 10th, 14:19
And this "would lead the country to higher debts which would have to be paid through higher taxes or tariffs"............. quoted from Finance Minister Tonio Fenech
Lena Hahn
Jan 10th, 14:17
The hijab in a school...I don't see how that would work really.
Maria Carmen Saliba
Jan 10th, 23:05
WHY NOT?????
Ray Borg
Jan 10th, 14:14
How generous. And yet… I when I was out of work, after six months, I was told I cannot receive any state assistance because my wife worked part-time!
S Atkins
Jan 10th, 14:10
NO permission to slaughter animals according to Muslim tradition please.
joseph borg st john
Jan 10th, 16:28
Agree 100%
Paul Caruana
Jan 10th, 14:10
Since it is government policy to subside church schools in Malta, and since the children attending this Muslim school are predominantly Maltese citizens (presumably), I can see how such a school would also be eligible for state aid. The question then is: what sort of state aid should the other private schools in Malta expect?
Joe Borg (Senior)
Jan 10th, 14:07
Qed jghid ghal lejber dan w qed iwieghed l-ilma jisfen!
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