Gatt: I would be happy to publish statement I gave the police; PM does not rule out inquiry
Dr Gatt speaking outside police headquarters.
Updated 12.38 p.m.
Infrastructure Minister Austin Gatt had a meeting of over an hour with the Police Commissioner and gave the police a statement in connection with their inquiries into corruption in oil procurement.
Dr Gatt was seen arriving at police headquarters in his official car at about 11am.
In a brief statement after he left police HQ, Dr Gatt said he had given a statement to the police.
He told timesofmalta.com: I will be happy to publish the statement I gave the police, but I was asked by the police not to in order not to hinder investigations. I will have no problem in publishing once the police tell me it is OK."
Last week Dr Gatt said he would be happy to reply to any questions which the police may have on oil procurement. He insisted he was not personally involved in oil procurement decisions.
Also this morning, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi did not rule out calling an inquiry into oil procurement following allegations of corruption.
Replying to reporters' questions after opening a day centre for the elderly in Kirkop, Dr Gonzi said he called on police to investigate immediately after the first allegations surfaced. At this stage the police should be allowed to carry out their investigations.
If necessary, he added, an inquiry would also be held at a later stage.
A former member of the oil procurement committee, Frank Sammut, has been questioned by police in connection with commission he allegedly received from the sale of oil to Enemalta.
PBS reported yesterday that other businessmen have also been questioned by the police into alleged links to oil sales.
Dr Gonzi replies to questions on the oil procurement investigations.Dr Gonzi also dismissed Labour Party criticism of the PN's costings of its electoral pledges. Reacting to the comments made at a press conference by MEP Edward Scicluna, Dr Gonzi said Prof Scicluna was the same person who had said that student stipends should be stopped and and people should also pay for health services.
He said that when he heard such assessments, he felt that Labour was moving in the wrong direction.
He believed that the PN proposals were sustainable, and it was worth pointing out that the European Commission had removed Malta from the excessive deficit procedure, a fact which the Labour Party tried to hide.
Minister Austin Gatt's car outside police HQ. Photo: Kurt Sansone
141 Comments
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Eddy Privitera
Jan 30th, 21:47
Henry Fenech Azzopardi: The figures I quoted re EU funds, were given by the Commission to Prof. Edward Scicluna ! If Simon Busuttil mentioned different figures, he must have thought that those who were hearing him were all gullible and wouldn't know that he was fooling them !
N Callus
Jan 30th, 12:33
Minister Gatt had to wait for a couple of seconds for his driver to pick him up from the depot and he was visibly very uncomfortable. Imagine poor us waiting endlessly for arriva to come and pick us up come rain or shine ehh?
John B. Borg
Jan 29th, 22:22
Please show some respect to our intelligence and stop treating us like a bunch of "cwiec Maltin" Austin Gatt was called at the police HQ and interrogated. At the end of the interrogation he signed a statement. The spin that's coming out is like Austin Gatt was asked to prepare a statement and walked in casually to hand it to the commissioner of police. Austin Gatt was interrogated. Period.
adrian dimech
Jan 29th, 19:36
keep it up this is very good tactic for some to divert the show otherwise we would start to understand what is being proposed does not make sense
Edmond Micallef
Jan 29th, 18:37
GonziPN imploding further, perhaps?
Oh how able to read the signs of times the young leader is.
Oh how stubborn and power hungry the other not so young leader is.
Alfred Vassallo
Jan 29th, 18:25
This is all a farce. Nothing will come out. We got used to it. Only God knows what goes on in the corridors of power.
VINCENT WILLIAMS
Jan 29th, 18:10
The EU Commission had removed Malta from the excessive deficit procedure months ago not last week. Since then the debt and the deficit increased considerably. So what the PM and GonziPN are stating are outdated.
A really and independent public inquiry should have been held by the PN Gov. years ago. When it was made public that there was foul play regarding the buying of oil from Enemalta.
Joseph Sammut
Jan 29th, 17:25
Just watched the video: Min. Gatt wasn't the usual cocky self for sure!
Henry J Bonett
Jan 29th, 17:10
Abundantly clear that the Whistleblower's Act is not 'ghal ghajn in nies' as some guy, playing smart, tried to dismiss it. We cannot but have it soonest. To my mind anyone trying to belittle the act is totally suspect.
Henry J Bonett
Jan 29th, 17:08
Abundantly clear that the Whistleblower's Act is not 'ghal ghajn in nies' as some guy, playing smart, tried to dismiss it. We cannot but have it soonest. To my mind anyone trying to belittle the act is totally suspect.
C Muscat
Jan 29th, 17:02
It is a shame tohave Gonzi everytime trying to hide behind the Police Commissioner. Where are the checks and balances? I have to remember VAT scandal so many thousands of euros stolen from public funds and no sign of resignation. this was not an election time scandal. The chief justice was not an election timescandal and so on and so forth...
R Axisa
Jan 29th, 17:25
U min kien imdahhal fl-iskandlu tal-VAT kompla jiehu l-kuntratti tal-gvern.
m. borg (slm)
Jan 29th, 17:28
The Police commissioner should be suggested by the president and voted for in parliament.
These political assignments are only damaging the reputation of police force.
M Borg
Jan 29th, 18:39
m.borg (slm )
Don't you trust the Police Commissioner ?
Give him time and let him do his work . I am sure he knows what he is doing .He does not need any help from us..
Ronnie Callus
Jan 30th, 07:24
Sew qed tghid Sur.Muscat ghalhekk dawn dejjem jidhku u ahna msieken inhallsu t-taxxa ghalihom. Tilfu kull kredibilta dawn in-nies jekk qatt kellhom.X'ma jgholiex id-Deficit tal-pajjiz, imbaghad jigi jghidilna Dr.Gonzi 'Finanzi fis-Sod'.
R. Aquilina
Jan 29th, 16:51
All these accusations and doubts in people's minds could have easily put at rest if we had a Whistlblowers Act like all the democratic countries of the world. Without it , we are looked upon like a backward African dictatorship.
Eddy Privitera
Jan 29th, 16:48
The mystery will remain unsolved as long as the " politician who is not contesting the election" - mentioned in this case, remains unknown !
Joe Vella
Jan 29th, 16:58
Eddy, perhaps you should tell me what SNS-Lavellin Inc./Sargas/John Dalli/Joseph/Muscat/PL/Gaddafi/kickbacks/Mexico all have in common.
Brendon Borg
Jan 30th, 02:16
@ Eddy Privitera
Who told you he's being investigated?
Removing your red sunglasses might do you well, you're so one sided, brainwashed.
Eddy Privitera
Jan 29th, 16:38
If I remember correctly, in the case of ex-minister John Dalli, Dr. Gonzi had asked him to resign because he couldn't have a minister "under investigation in the cabinet " !
S. Cuschieri
Jan 29th, 16:48
there is no cabinet now eddy, just in case you forgot there's an election coming up - moreover austin gatt is just giving a statement to the police, he is not the main person being investigated!
Mr Andrew Camilleri
Jan 29th, 16:55
Cuschieri, you are wrong, This very day, right after Gatt left the Police Depot, there was a Cabinet Meeting at Castille. While some saw this as an emergency meeting, the government said it was a routine cabinet meeting. I suppose they wanted to know what Gatt said.
adrian dimech
Jan 29th, 17:01
dear edit it is not the minister that is being investigated do not get confused
Carmel Borg
Jan 29th, 17:10
So far he is not under investigation, therefore your comparison is incorrect.
Eddy Privitera
Jan 29th, 17:14
S. Cuschieri: So what is the meeting at Castille today, at which ALL ministers were present, called. if not a cabinet meeting ??
Ann Galea
Jan 29th, 17:17
Mr Cuschieri there was a cabinett meeting thiz very morning...just in case you have a blindfo,d over your eyes and your ears are closed
Joe M Borg
Jan 29th, 17:19
Eddie, as usual, you are mixing lettuce with.... Keep it up. You're very good at it!
R. Saliba
Jan 29th, 17:25
Dr. Gatt is not under investigation.
S. Cuschieri
Jan 29th, 17:38
@ eddy:
the gist of the argument is that austin gatt is not the one under investigation --- that's all i wanted to say!
HENRY FENECH AZZOPARDI
Jan 29th, 23:13
Eddy Privitera Once again your argument is all lies. Dr. Austin Gatt is not being investigated but interrogated which is very different. Qed terga thallat il hass mal basal biex tipprova titfa it tajn.
Incidently did you listen to Simon in Bondi +? You would have got your financial figures right without having to parrot what other people had to say about finances from the EU.
Lies will not work
d. attard
Jan 29th, 16:30
It does not look good when the PM diverts from such a sensitive issue to hide behind out-of-context generic statements
G. Borg
Jan 29th, 16:28
Toqghod taqra ftit il-kummenti li hawn hawn taht qisu Dr. Gatt diga' instab hati dwar xi akkuza. Hudu pacenzja, stennew ftit, imbghad naraw min se jittressaq il-Qorti. Veru li il-laburisti mohhom bix jitfghu it-tajn, u jaraw ma xiex se jaqbdu, imma l-ahwa tigrux, ghax iz-zmien ghad jaghtina l-aqwa parir !
James Grech
Jan 29th, 15:50
Shouldn't the PM distance himself from such situations? Why has he kept Dr.Gatt so close to heart even though many others including JPO and Franco vehemently told him to let go, in particular after the many failures Gatt was involved in? Standing by what these two said, Gatt was also behind their exclusion from running in this election on the PN ticket.
Peter Simpson
Jan 29th, 15:48
The introduction of the whistle blowers act would have solved this scandal: I wonder why it does not not even get a mention in GonziPN's forthcoming electoral program?
Lawrence Fenech
Jan 29th, 15:47
Gonz a prominant journalist has hit the nail fair and square on the headwhen he said you have underestimated your opponent in this electoral campaign and it's going to be so till the 9th of March.
All this tilme wasting for the date of the election has boomeranged as the opposition has more time for it's program and fresh ideas but you are obsessed by the past which now interests nobody any more
S. Cuschieri
Jan 29th, 16:49
fresh ideas??
James Grech
Jan 29th, 15:45
This is proof if there was need for any that Dr.Gonzi adopts the two weights two measures approach. With Mr Dalli and others he was categorical and readily condemned their operate, accepting their immediate resignation. Not the same with Dr.Gatt however. He was responsible of many near-to-failure tasks but yet he lingered on. Was Dr.Gonzi ever the guy at the wheel? If yes, why allow such blunders?
Lawrence Fenech
Jan 29th, 15:41
Aust we would be happier to see the report published. As usual everything is hush hush. We would also like to see more results from the police.
Jos Borg
Jan 29th, 15:30
He looks totally distraught.
Joe M Borg
Jan 29th, 17:21
Yes, that's true, just l;ike Anglu looks at the moment!
Jos Borg
Jan 29th, 19:13
@ Joe M Borg.
My comment was not meant in that way. But now I will reply in kind.
.
Totally different scenarios. Anglu's case should be equated with Franco's.
But here is the difference: Anglu was told he is still a 'bniedem validu' and asked to contest the elections.
Not so with Franco Debono. The PN closed its door on him not to contest elections, as was the case with
JPO and Mugliett.
j brincat
Jan 29th, 15:30
Unfortunately this is what one is bound to expect if the people give GonziPN another FIVE years in power (as much as he is yearning and pleading).
He would remain perched up there in his solitary Ivory Tower immune from ALL of our mundane woes!
The choice is Yours and Your Only!
If you want more of the same and yet the same then on vote GonziPN!
And so be it!
jb
Joe M Borg
Jan 29th, 17:24
In 1996, when the choice was ours, and ours only, we chose PL for the fantastic VAT gimmick. We were sorry afterwards. You forget something important, Mr brincat, that PL's last showing was so FANTASTIC, that it's THEIR fault that they have remained in opposition for 15 years! I wouldn't want more of the same of 1996-8! Not to say anything from 70's and 80's.
j brincat
Jan 29th, 15:21
Whom is he trying to impress?
Certainly the very few!
jb
jm busuttil
Jan 29th, 15:16
Does any one have a feeling like mine that PL is going to regret that all this issue has come to light, more and more after Leo Brincat's statement. Mhux jiena. Mela min?
marius mifsud
Jan 29th, 16:34
no i don't have such a feeling
Mr Andrew Camilleri
Jan 29th, 16:38
You seem not to read enough. The TOM last week outlined all the appointments given to Sammut by GonziPN over many years, including a golden handshake when he had to be dismissed from MOBC, an office at Enemalta when he did not even work there. No I think this time the PN is going to be finally uncovered for what it really is.
Eddy Privitera
Jan 29th, 16:42
JM Busuttil: You are writing what you wish to be the case. Unfortunately for you, ALL FINGERS POINT IN ONE DIRECTION - people connected to GonziPN !
Joe M Borg
Jan 29th, 17:25
Eddie. Anglu's finger is NOT pointing towards Gonzi, but towards Joseph.
Joseph Aquilina
Jan 29th, 15:07
When did the newspaper that made this news public REALLY know about this case? Did they know months ago. If yes then is it ok with everyone, including lejber, that a newspaper decided when justice is to be made ... which is usually when someone is to gain the most!!
Mr Andrew Camilleri
Jan 29th, 16:44
Let me point something out: GonziPN and friends (bloggers) have been attacking Saviour Balzan (even personally) for years. So now its time for a taste of your own medicince. First you attack them every day and then you expect them to shut up when the election comes. Too bad! Next time treat a newspaper with the respect they deserve. This was another anti-democratic mistake by GonziPN.
Simon Ciantar
Jan 29th, 15:06
One way of ensuring Healh services remains free is to cut down on the excessive abuse in the issuing of medicines , i know people who have a drawer full of expensive expired pills , the menality of many is to get whatever they can as long as it is free even if they dont need them . Also people using the Emergency should have to pay a nominal fee, ,many go there for nothing !
Mr Andrew Camilleri
Jan 29th, 16:46
This is why Alfred Sant's imposing of a 50 (old) cents fee with each order for free medicines was good. But the Pn made a big issue out of it and the fee was cancelled out of pique when they came back to power. Now we have to suffer the consequences of all that waste and shortgages.
Simon Ciantar
Jan 29th, 15:04
One way of ensuring Healh services remains free is to cut down on the excessive abuse in the issuing of medicines , i know people who have a drawer full of expensive expired pills , the menality of many is to get whatever they can as long as it is free even if they dont need them . Also people using the Emergency should have to pay a nominal fee, ,many go there for nothing !
M Grima
Jan 29th, 14:54
What a load of bull!
The electorate expects nothing less than a quick inquiry by an independent body which has no political interest and also a police investigation which comes up with results in a reasonable time. People have seen the report published by the Office of the Permanent Commission against Corruption and strictly speaking my 10 year old son would have done much better.
James Grech
Jan 29th, 14:50
Shouldering of responsibility is something which this government never took seriously. Such things would not happen if those responsible act accordingly and not arrogantly shy away from it.
jm busuttil
Jan 29th, 15:40
@ James Grech
U fuq bicca sindku tal-Marsa PL hid it, imagine something like this,what woulkd we expect nothing.
Our Prime Minister in the heat of the election asked the police commissioner to investigate and this on some one that the PL appointed.
Eddy Privitera
Jan 29th, 16:46
jm busuttil: There was no need for Dr. Gonzi to ask the police commissioner to start investigating. In fact Dr. Gonzi admitted, that the police commissioner Had already started HIS INVESTIGATION. Dr. Gonzi knew this, so he wanted to show that the investigation was being made at HIS request !
M Grima
Jan 29th, 14:49
Ghall pozi, inquiries, statements kontra statements, weghdi, kalkoli bombastici, infieq bla razan, prioritajiet hziena, u mitt elf haga ohra hadd ma u aqwa minn GinziPN. Ghalehekk jekk trid tkun medjokri u tat-tieni klassi ivvota PN.
M Grima
Jan 29th, 14:43
Dr. Gatt, nahseb li il-buzulotti mhux biss spiccaw imma ghadhom lanqas bdew. GonziPN huwa gvern tat-tejatrini u mhux ghax inweghdu xi 'inquiry' kollox huwa sewwa. Il-Malti jghid li il-huta minn rasha tintenn u wisq nahseb li kif qal sewwa Dr. Frank Portelli dan huwa biss 'the tip of the iceberg'.
.
Jiena nsaqsi kemm tahseb li huwa bahnan il-poplu Dr. Gonzi. Tahsew li il-qasba iccaqcaq ta xejn!!!!
M Grima
Jan 29th, 14:38
Inquiries are just a good excuse to give the impression that something is being done, a sort of an alienation exercise and 'bzar fl' ghajnejn'.
Dr. Gonzi had the tools at his disposal to combat corruption, yet he chose not to enact the Whistleblowers' Act. This was his choice and voting him out is our choice.
M Grima
Jan 29th, 14:29
Dr. Gatt, the people do not want your statements (anyway, would they make any difference) but for the police to get their act together and start delivering some sort of results. If they are not up to it, the Police Commissioner should ask the help of Interpol to take over this serious case. Justice delayed is justice denied.
twanny borg
Jan 29th, 16:12
Nahseb bil-maqlub l-ghagla mhux tajba. Taf per ezempju li darba l-pulizija tressaq lil xi hadd il-qorti ma tkunx tista' aktar tkellimhom? Serrah rasek li l-kummissarju kapaci m'hemmx bzonn il-barranin. Min jizbalja taht dan il-gvern jiehu dak li haqqu huwa min huwa.
M Grima
Jan 29th, 14:26
If Dr. Gonzi really expects to be taken seriously where it concerns corrupt practices he should have enacted the Whistleblowers Act with retroactive effect and also time-barred action against politicians who are guilty of misgivings. Not only did he leave these acts to gather dust but he did not even have the decency to include them in the PN's electoral crap.
M Grima
Jan 29th, 14:19
The police should do what other police forces do in Western countries. They should hold frequent press conference about the fate of their enquires about particlar major crimes because the more they act as if nothing is happening, the more rumours will build up. These press conferences if properly executed should not give away the plot, but should serve as a means to inform the public.
Freddie Micallef
Jan 29th, 14:19
"How rude [psataz] to ask me about the Cabinet meeting... I never give details over what is discussed during such meetings," Gatt chastised the press.<<<<<<<<<is this the way you speak with the media???
Mr Andrew Camilleri
Jan 29th, 16:48
Gatt never showed respect to the media- especially those that do not lick GonziPN's boots. Now it is time for the chickens to come home, slowly slowly, one Sunday after another until the final big bang a few days before the elections.
Mr Duncan Scerri
Jan 29th, 14:15
"[Gatt] insisted he was not personally involved in oil procurement decisions."
John Dalli had no contact with Swedish snus producers.
Joe Mizzi had no contact with anyone higher up the political hierarchy.
And the PCAC has still found no-one getting their fingers caught in the cookie jar.
Our politicians are all squeeky-clean with not a single blemish to their characters.
Bravo Sierra.
twanny borg
Jan 29th, 14:08
@eddie privitera- mhux veru li l-pn kien kontra c-children allowances kif ikkumentajt aktar l-isfel. Il-pn kien kontra li jinghataw l-ewwel tlieta biss meta familji b'aktar tfal kien haqqhom aktar ghajnuna. Fil-fatt il-pn ta' lit-tfal kollha u ziedhom sewwa. Il-pl baqgha l-istess jghawweg il-fatti.
HERMANN PAUL FARRUGIA
Jan 29th, 14:06
Even Nicolas Sarkozy's France was downgraded before last May's presidential Election ,essentially because of the political uncertainty provoked by a wish-list full Socialist Francois Hollande ,to whom Joseph Muscat ran into for photo/media coverage during his recent brief flash-visit to Malta.Just 8 months later,French workers & unions are already lamenting about Hollande's unkept fresh promises!
Charles J. Buttigieg
Jan 29th, 14:04
Anybody searching their memory of a few years ago would remember that when the police started investigating John Dalli on the Mater Dei issue Dr. Gonzi told Dalli that he cannot have one of his Ministers being interrogated by the Police and Dalli was forced to resign. Now that Dr.Laurence Gatt is in the same predicament will Dr. Gonzi force him to resign? My answer to my question is a big fat NO.
M Borg
Jan 29th, 16:26
Did you read anywhere that Dr Gatt is being investigated by the police?. All that was said was that he gave a statement to the police .
To give a statement and to be investigated have a very different meaning ..
twanny borg
Jan 29th, 14:00
Milli jidher xi ras kbira hafna kixfet dan il-kaz bhala ritaljazzjoni ta' xi haga. Hekk xi hadd jghidli.
Joseph Apap
Jan 29th, 13:51
Where is Profs Scicluna right
in wanting to stop Students stipends and make us pay for the health services
D Borg
Jan 29th, 13:42
why do minters and parl.secs keep using the 'official' cars in the few weeks preceding an election, especially considering that their 'errands' will be primarily on political campaign rather than government business.
seems we have a chronic difficulty to distinguish between party and government matters, and likewise who should be footing the expenses....
Anthony A. Mifsud
Jan 29th, 13:39
What a car! Pity he is being dumped from the race ...
Does it un on jet fuel?
I wonder ?
Ninu
Joe A. Borg
Jan 29th, 13:35
He slipped through the investigations like to car on a patch of oil!
Patrick Cumbo
Jan 29th, 13:21
Li naf huwa li hafna nies minn kull qasam jibzaw biza tremenda minn Austin Gatt. Hafna jajdu li il persuna andu tendenza li jintimida ( Bullying Style ) lill hafna. Huma veru ftit li lesti li lesti jajdu il verita, imma nahseb issa wasal il mument li iz zejt veru jitla fejn andu jitla. Li qedin ninsew li din hija storja marbuta maz zejt. Power Corrupts no more but Power Distroys is relevant..
j brincat
Jan 29th, 13:21
"He told timesofmalta.com: I will be happy to publish the statement I gave the police, but I was asked by the police not to in order not to hinder investigations"
Booqqq??????
jb
Spartacus Sladden
Jan 29th, 13:16
Il- ''Heavy Fuel Oil'' tiela f'wicc l-ilma !
Emanuel Farrugia
Jan 29th, 13:11
Dawn huma 'l politikanti li jiftahru li jhobbu lic-cittadini u jghidu li 'l politika ghalihom hija vokazzjoni. Halluna nghixu u tkomplux turu kemm intom ipokriti. Dan Austin Gatt ilu jaghmel kummiedji u fl-ahhar Franco Debono kixiflu ghawwaru. Austin Gatt ghandu bzonn jahseb ftit x'kien qal fl-1987 meta hu u shabu dahlu d-depot tal-pulizija ta'. Halluna.
Emanuel Farrugia - TARXIEN
G. Cachia
Jan 29th, 16:58
Jigifieri skond inti Dr. Austin Gatt mdahhal f'xi haga? U jekk iva dan sirt tafu minghand Dr. Franco Debono?
Ghax qed tghid li kixiflu ghawwaru.
A M Bonello
Jan 29th, 13:09
Now thats a fuel guzzling,exhaust emitting Jaguar that Mr.Gatt drives around in!!!
Shame on you Mr Gatt you were never in favor of the environment!
G. Cachia
Jan 29th, 13:07
What is the strategy of the Labour Party? As a Party don't mention corruption and don't mention irregularities.
All of you should have a look at the story re-local Bank that appeared on IL-MUMENT of last Sunday. Or you don't believe these things. The irregularities mentioned in this story were people's money.
And certain media knows very well but maybe it's not in their interest to publish them
Angelo Vassallo
Jan 29th, 13:01
@ Carmelo Aquilina
Anyone can see that Prof Scicluna is right but BOTH political parties are in a race to make unsustainable and populist promises instead of spending sensibly and sustainably
By any chance do you know that profs scicluna is ALSO running for the general elections on the LEJBURIST ticket? He is a candidate of one of "BOTH political parties"
Ħawwadni ħa nifhmek Carmelo!
Charles Cremona
Jan 29th, 13:00
Cyprus Joe is diverting attention on to Austin Gatt because he can see his campain running out of steam already. He should stick to telling us how he plans to pay for all the things he is promising instead as we don't want to end up like the country he likes to emulate which is now bankrupt.
James Grech
Jan 29th, 12:56
The implications are serious and even though investigations are ongoing, it is reminiscent of country where corruption has been perceived by the majority as being on the increase. Even the auditor general was weary of how certain contracts were handled. A change in direction is important! A future gov needs to reestablish credibility in institutions and reduce this perception with concrete actions
Angelo Vassallo
Jan 29th, 12:56
@ EDDIE privitera
You were definatley watching either TVHEMM yesterday evening or TVAM this morning because you are only PARROTING what profs edward scicluna said and instantly denied by Minister Tonio Fenech.
A Abela
Jan 29th, 15:16
And you are parroting what tonio fenech tried to say, because you known he looked a bit confused.
Carmel (Nenu) Aquilina
Jan 29th, 12:53
Good Luck Ministru Gatt!
Iż-żejt dejjem jitla f' wiċċ l-ilma!
U s-sewwa ser jirbaħ żgur!
Kuraġġ Austin!
R. Balzan
Jan 29th, 17:50
Iz-zejt jitla' f'wicc l-ilma,u l-commissions miz-zejt imorru ghand il-korrotti. Sewwa qed nghid?
Carmelo Aquilina
Jan 29th, 12:49
Anyone can see that Prof Scicluna is right but BOTH political parties are in a race to make unsustainable and populist promises instead of spending sensibly and sustainably
Mr Joe Micallef
Jan 29th, 13:21
The last time Scicluna played a prominent role in Malta's economy was under the Mintoff/KMB regime. That same regime that, at least, lost two whole generations of Maltese youth and violently supressed anyone who suggested otherwise
But despite him being the exact same person that is the past, isn't it? – as an ashamed MLP follower, I would certainly want to think so
James Dewar
Jan 29th, 12:46
How about a "Bus Procurement Enquiry" being set up to run alongside any oil procurement enquiry?
J Martinelli
Jan 29th, 14:16
I suppose you mean 'Inquiry' in which case, what would the inquiry be about? Who will be investigated? The contract awarding process or Arriva's performance? Or the 500 drivers who did not show up for their first day on the job?
Maybe you are right James. Maybe there should be an inquiry in order to establish whose hidden hand was behind Arriva's problems on day one.
James Dewar
Jan 29th, 17:21
@ Yes a full "inquiry" that would establish the facts from the outset as to how Malta came to be lumbered with what from day one is a public transport service whith many failings and issues and that fails to live up to what was promised. Dr Gatt and some of his associates have so far been allocated much of the blame but it would be good to know exactly what took place and who was responsible.
Leonard Brincat
Jan 29th, 12:42
Jista xi hadd jispjegalna jekk Austin Gatt ma marx min jeddu jew biex jigi interogat. U jekk mar minn jeddu il ghala mar? .. X raguni kellu biex immur ?Din xejn ma hu serjeta waqt interogazzjoni. Mela vera dawn in nies ghamluha taghhom Malta. Tal misthija...................................
J Martinelli
Jan 29th, 14:28
'Jispegalna'? Lill min qed tirraprezenta Sur Brincat?
Malli saru l-allegazzjonijiet, il-Prim Ministru talab lill-Kummissarju biex jinvestiga. Minn dak il-mument il-puluzija kienet libera li tghajjat lill min trid hi. Kieku AG mar min jeddu min jaf kemm il-PL kien jghid li mar biex jilqa ruhu minn quddiem! Tahseb li-Kummissarju ghadu 'paraventu'?
Tal-misthija huwa l-PL ghax nieqes mill-verita.
R. Balzan
Jan 29th, 12:41
It's typical of Dr Gonzi to play it dumb and deny knowing anything that's happening around him. These shenanigans have allegedly been going on for years and any Prime Minister worth his salt would have investigated these years ago. Anyway better late than never, although not many people have confidence in the commissioner to carry out a thorough investigation.
Mr Joe Micallef
Jan 29th, 13:45
It is typical of all MLP pundits to accuse, prosecute and judge (at times frame up to) anyone they decide to target. It is history repeating itself - Santayana is hard to refute.
J Martinelli
Jan 29th, 14:50
"..better late than never" - priceless. Maybe the police should go back to the days of institutionalized corruption by living and dead, former ministers, hunt for murderers of victims in the golden era and with some luck discover who they were and bring them to justice.
I suppose the PM's job is to look over each and every civil servant's shoulders to ensure they are not breaking the law! Duh!
Charlo Agius
Jan 29th, 12:35
Good luck, AUSTIN!
John L Galea
Jan 29th, 13:13
Good luck for what? for all the mess he did in every sector?
M Grima
Jan 29th, 14:20
May I ask what's the good luck wishes for?
Joseph Sammut
Jan 29th, 17:20
With all due respect Mr. Agius, how can you wish someone good luck when you don't know the outcome of this scenario? There were many champions in the past that had a great fall; this is nothing new. That's is why that it is a grave mistake for us citizens to make politicians our gods. I am talking in general and by no means am passing gudgement on Min. Gatt.
Eddy Privitera
Jan 29th, 12:32
The mystery remains as to who is the " politician who would not be contesting the election" mentioned in the documents revealed by Malta Today ?
HENRY FENECH AZZOPARDI
Jan 29th, 13:27
Do not forget Eddy that with mud slinging PL lost all the latest elections. Do I believe you when you said it is a mystery?
Let us wait for the outcome of the legal proceedings initiated by Dr. Austin Gatt and then you will have your answer to your mystery.
Mr Joe Micallef
Jan 29th, 13:51
I was thinking of someone who hired someone in 1997! Could it be him?
Mary Ann Borg
Jan 29th, 14:35
Your biggest mystery Eddie is how Lejber is so good and yet lost the last 6 out of 7 elections. I bet that is your biggest mystery.
anthony sultana
Jan 29th, 12:30
Franco Debono, is the star politition, in this last 50 years,every single person knows in this last 100 years ,coruption was the order of the day,and the weakest people work hard to make the corupt people rich.But no more we are well educated now, thanks to the PN party on this one, which is going to be against every corupt goverment in the future, just bring the whistle blower act with reward.
J Martinelli
Jan 29th, 15:30
Analysis of your comments:
1. FD is an irrelevant star.
2. Rich people are corrupt.
3. People are more educated, thanks to NP.
4. Whistle blower with reward! (a good boost for corruption?)
How would you or ANY political Party go about cutting out corruption? By having incorruptible politicians sleep with every civil servant, businessman etc to ensure compliance with the law?
Who's incorruptible?
j brincat
Jan 29th, 12:27
"Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi this morning did not rule out calling an inquiry into oil procurement following allegations of corruption"
Wasn't this case already investigated years back (under PN)?
So, why wasn't an inquiry held THEN?
jb
Eddy Privitera
Jan 29th, 12:26
On the same day that Malta was removed from excessive deficit procedure, Malta was was placed on ALERT position, meaning the EU was not convinced of figures presented by GonziPN ! Besides, Standard & Poor's DOWNGRADED Malta to BBB, the first time I remember this has happened, if I remember correctly ! So what is there to boast about Lawrence ???
Victor Vella
Jan 29th, 13:36
Eddy, what was Malta's standing in 1996 to 1998? not going to ask about pre 1987 MLP governments , because the rating was too low to be even considered.Remember how we used to borrow the Money allocated to Malta from the Banco di Napoli even before the Italian government had passed the give away through parliament?
J Martinelli
Jan 29th, 15:15
Eddy, again, stop showing how shallow & ignorant you are about EU procedures.
Do you think that the EU plays games? Is that not why the PL was, is, & will remain an anti-EU Party? It's because they want to live by their own rules, flexible, crooked, short sighted & with no sense of direction.
If the LP wins, would its govt not have to face the lower rating they created by nixing the Budget?
Sammy Vella
Jan 29th, 12:26
Was gatt summoned by the police to be questioned or did he go on his own accord?? Illumination pls
B Ellul
Jan 29th, 12:36
Here is the illumination...
'Last week Dr Gatt said he would be happy to reply to any questions which the police may have on oil procurement. '
James Dewar
Jan 29th, 12:50
Perhaps an official "arranged voluntary attendance" so as to avoid the need for an "enforced attendance"? Methinks he did not just decide to "pop in as he was passing".
Sammy Vella
Jan 29th, 13:11
@ B Ellul. Your reply is void as it didn't answer my question. Better if it comes from the horse's mouth
Jos Borg
Jan 29th, 13:59
Mr B Ellul
Maybe the Police are investigating on the Power of Incumbency.
Do you think that stating in public that the PN will be elected for the next 20 years and using all in your power to be elected is a legitimate act backed by the laws of the land and by our Constitution?
Or as we are now EU members we can do whatever is right for some people.
j brincat
Jan 29th, 12:25
@Joe Pace Asciak
"That is how a Prime Minister should act"
How exactly????
jb
Franco Abela
Jan 29th, 12:24
"European Commission had removed Malta from the excessive deficit procedure"
STOP FOOLING PEOPLE. THIS DOES NOT MEAN THAT OUR FINANCES ARE IN GOOD SHAPE!
B Ellul
Jan 29th, 12:37
Hekk hu, prosit! It seems that you're better in evaluating the gov finances than the EU institution! Minix xi profs iehor?
M Borg
Jan 29th, 12:43
Why not ask the European Commission what it meant when it removed Mlata from the excessive deficit procedure ?
Or better still why it felt that Malta should be removed ?
A.Felix Busuttil
Jan 29th, 12:21
an inquest NOW 4 weeks before election. Where were you 10 years ago?
Joe Pace Asciak
Jan 29th, 11:59
That is how a Prime Minister should act. I remember also another scandal before the last election. I remember also how a certain politician was attacked before the election (timing), and how, afterwards, he became almost a resident guest of Super One Radio and Television. Why? Ok, I am being naïve, but it’s not irrelevant to ponder on this and similar episodes.
Henry Moran
Jan 29th, 12:19
Were you around when a well known PN presenter manipulated TV recordings? Were you around when EFA lied on Alfred Sant and was then found guilty on his son's admission to University?Were you around a couple of weeks ago on the Brazil company affair? Were you around on the minimum wage earners being taxed? and so on and so on.And all these are coming out from ex PN supporters. Ask Frank Portelli.
Terence Valentino
Jan 29th, 12:23
Couldn't have said it better...
.... you are being naïve.
The Prime Minister shouldn't have left things come to this in the first place, my friend.
Edward Mallia
Jan 29th, 12:24
What 'other scandal' are you remembering? Not the Mistra Disco affair I hope: that provided a perfect example how a Prime Minister should NOT, repeat NOT, act. Certainly not irrelevant to remember that there is at least one person who is still in court because of that 'other scandal'; and that this person's presence in court is a double scandal: a ludicrous indictment and a lengthy process.
John Mifsud
Jan 29th, 13:36
You remember some things but seem uncapable to remember how the PN acted in favour of this certain politician before the election, only to dump him at a later stage!!!! As you well said, you are naive, but many unblinkered voters think that all this is relevant, and could now see for themselves what an honest politician Dr Alfred Sant is.
Lawrence Fenech
Jan 29th, 11:51
BONGU GONZ.
j brincat
Jan 29th, 11:48
Dr Gonzi said Prof Scicluna was the same person .. ..and and people should also pay for health services".
Does GonziPN remember that PN MP JP Farrugia had stated that he would vote against ANY payment for the health service and then GonziPN got shy because of his wafer thin majority!
He should remember as the rumblings were heard only a couple of years ago!
jb
j brincat
Jan 29th, 11:44
"Dr Gonzi said Prof Scicluna was the same person who had said that student stipends"
Remember that it was the same GonziPN who lowered the stipend and halved the Smart card allowance!
jb
K Spiteri
Jan 29th, 12:20
Dear JB, I hope it's not the whisky who's talking because I prefer having lower stipends and maybe halved smart card allowance rather than having to pay all the stipends and smartcard allowance back to Labour in Wonderland, as happened way back between 1996 and 1998 ;)
Eddy Privitera
Jan 29th, 12:30
K. Spiteri: So one could tell you that Gonzi would scrap children's allowance, bonus, free medicines, free healthcare etc..etc.. because Pn had voted against these measures in the past !
B.C. Borg
Jan 29th, 12:58
@ K. Spiteri,
I'm sure that you haven't heard Joseph Muscat stating that taking away stipends between 1996 and 1998 was a big mistake
So why keep moaning?.
Victor Laiviera
Jan 29th, 11:43
This looks like the famous promise to take MEPA under his responsibility. We all know what that meant.
P Micallef
Jan 29th, 11:42
It is true that the EC had removed Malta from the excessive deficit procedure. But it was in 2009 that the EC launched the excessive deficit procedure against the Nationalist Government when the deficit jumped from 2.8% in 2008 to 4% in 2009 as a result of uncontrolled expenditure before the 2008 elections. I am afraid that history will repeat itself
Alfred Vassallo
Jan 29th, 11:28
Anything now PM to look nice in front of the electorate, but your trust ratings are well down the average mark now.
Frank Borg
Jan 29th, 11:26
the pm should be assertive. Re edp, one should state what caused such and who is to carry political responsibility for making me pay taxes both direct and indirect so as to get removed from the edp. I am sure that no change in this country can lead to such without politicians who have the gutz to do the necessary in my name
Anthony Paris
Jan 29th, 11:15
Whatever GonziPN says, we have been hearing promises of balanced budgets since 1998. Every year the deficit was there and larger than expected. That's how we got to a 5 billion euro debt plus another billion of state guarantees. Tonio Fenech played the old "J-Curve" trick with GDP growth rates over the next 5 years in order to theoretically balance the budget in 5 years' time.
Please choose the reason of your report below: