Updated - PM stands by Austin Gatt statements, reiterates fight against corruption
Updated - Adds video
Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said this morning that he stood by minister Austin Gatt’s declaration that he never spoke to George Farrugia on Enemalta oil procurement.
Replying to questions at a press conference (on education) this morning, Dr Gonzi said he did not wish to comment on this case as it was in the hands of the police.
Mr Farrugia is one of the men at the centre of a criminal investigation into alleged kickbacks taken in the procurement of oil.
The Cabinet had been presented with advice by the Attorney General and the Police Commissioner on granting a pardon to Mr Farrugia, and the conditions attached to it, and that advice had been followed.
The case would now follow its normal course of investigation.
Dr Gonzi said he had made it clear that the government would adopt a zero tolerance attitude to corruption.
He had promised that the government would use everything at its disposal to fight all forms of corruption. He had kept to his word. Through the pardon, the investigators now had the best means to reveal everything that could have taken place.
Asked about the e-mails published by The Sunday Times yesterday bearing the words ‘Aust’ and ‘A.G’, Dr Gonzi did not comment, saying he did not wish to influence anyone and would let investigations take their course.
He did not say whether he had spoken to Dr Gatt after the e-mails were revealed.
However, he recommended that people should not jump to conclusions.
Political responsibility would be based on the outcome of the investigation, he said.
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20130210/local/oil-firm-asked-rogue-trader-about-meeting-with-minister.456850
Popular Stories
Update 3: Marsa murder - Police looking...
Update 2: Three arrests after flamingo...
Former Judge Ray Pace found dead
Where’s Everybody staff is given notice
Revealed...the face of a Maltese woman...
Update 4 - Eddie Fenech Adami stable...
Update 3 - Woman trapped as car crashes...
Updated - Two bodies, capsized boat,...
Franco Mercieca doing routine eye ops at...
In Discussion
Update 2: Three arrests after flamingo...
Enemalta seeking minimum five year gas...
Mario de Marco, Zammit Dimech concede,...
Chinese company to study Malta-Gozo...
Updated - PM reacts to Labour anger on...
Franco Mercieca doing routine eye ops at...
No appeals board for first part of power...
Updated - PM comments as Franco Mercieca...
BBC site highlights illegal hunting in Malta
103 Comments
Post comment
Please sign in or create your Account to post comments.
A Caruana
Feb 11th, 22:21
It is this strange loyalty to Austin Gatt who has single handedly wrought disaster everywhere he touches that will cost Laurence Gonzi the next election, many nationalists are disgusted at this preferential treatment of a Minister who does not perform after a lot of hot air blowing and who is pig arrogant to boot. Gatt will forever be remembered for the Arriva disaster and the ARMS Bills problem
ANTHONY PAVIA
Feb 12th, 15:56
And many other "happenings" besides.
Francis Saliba M.D.
Feb 11th, 20:42
LP diehards condemn government ministers hurriedly, prematurely and before the full facts are established by the police and the AG and before evaluation of the evidence, for one evil reason only. That reason is that you fear that a full investigation would again disprove the allegation. This happened with Alfred Sant's investigation of abuses falsely alleged during the EFA's administration.
Victor Mallia
Feb 11th, 20:34
Ghada jispicca l-karnival imma "zmien il-buzullotti" ma spiccax!
Adrian Grech
Feb 11th, 20:26
ERGAJNA
rodney bone
Feb 11th, 20:07
Will we know the outcome of the investigation before the election? Probably no! Well, as if we need such outcome before voting when witnessing all this in black on white in the media.
M. Grech
Feb 11th, 20:01
"Dr Gonzi said he had made it clear that the government would adopt a zero tolerance attitude to corruption." However, it should be proactive NOT reactive! Dr. Gonzi, we do understand what was (& is) happening.
Anthony Scicluna
Feb 11th, 19:37
@Andrew Camilleri
Did I point fingers? No. If I were privy to corruption, I'd go to the police. But that is besides the point entirely.
Many make all these blah blah claim pointing fingers at each other cause more and more division.
Divide and rule springs to mind
Francis Attard
Feb 11th, 18:54
Qabel ma jkollna nies bhal Giovanni Falcone u Paolo Borsellino hawn Malta, ma jista qatt ikollna gustizzja vera.
ray mond
Feb 11th, 17:28
guys dont count the chickens before they hatch! any body can send an email saying that he had or intend to have a meeting with "AG" or "the minister" or Aust! which could be true or SIMPLY TO IMPRESS! We havent seen any emails from AG about such meetings! EX. a case of some one posing as The minister http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20121220/local/fraudster-faces-more-charges.4503
Ronnie Callus
Feb 11th, 17:28
Dr.Gonzi some bloggers had said that you were able to get the ship to port but unfortunately it's going to sink on the 9th.March because a lot are abondoning it. There was one time ago who told you that there was smoke but you didn't do anything to smother it. Possibly that you do not feel it ???? You should have been there to shelter us taxpayers and not leave this mess going by without notice.
RONALD ARRY
Feb 11th, 17:02
gol germanja adna kemm smajna li ministru ax ikkupjat it tezi 30 sena ilu kella tirizenja , u aw malta??qisu xej mhu xejn fuq kazijiet ferm u ferm aktar gravi nkomplu addejjin business as usual. imma meta ha tiftah mohhok poplu malti u nuru linteligenza tghana
Edgar Cachia
Feb 11th, 17:36
Min qallek li ma naghmlux bhal Germanja. Malta ghanda lanqas numru ta nies qeghda u ekonomija b'sahhita bhal Germanja. time will tell siehbi.......
Francis Saliba M.D.
Feb 11th, 17:39
Li Ministru Germanisa kkupjat tezi hu FATT stabbilit.
Illi xi Ministru Malti kellu kuntatti dwar xi kummissjonijiet abbuzivi mhallsa lil xi hadd hi biss HRAFA bla ebda bazi sakemm dan ma jigix ippruvat mill-inkjesta li qieghds issir.
Il-poplu intelligenti Malti ghandu jaghraf id-differenza bejn FATTI u QLAJJA propagandistici li ghad mhumiex ippruvati.
Eddy Privitera
Feb 11th, 18:03
Francis Saliba M.D. Tahseb li l-maggoranza tan-nies intelligenti qed jirragunaw bhalek ?? Anki l-Awditur Generali kien qal li ra hafna duhhan ta' korruzzjoni ghalkemm ma setax jara n-nar. Izda kullhadd jaf li fejn ikun hemm id-duhhan, 99% ikun hemm in-nar !
Francis Saliba M.D.
Feb 11th, 20:19
@EddyPrivitera
Tahseb li l-maggoranza ta' nies f'sensihom, Nazzjonalist u mhumiex, jahsbuha bhalek, li bizzejjed li xi partit politku iqanqal suspett vag u bla ebda provi konkreti, lejliel elezzjoni generali, dawnl-allegazzjonijit ghandhom jigu emmnuti u jsiru kundanni sa minn qabel ma l-pulizija u l-AG jikkonkludu l-investigazzonijiet taghhom?
Francis Attard
Feb 11th, 16:58
The PL is being too moderate in its retaliation to the Prime Minister's statements. Why?
Joseph John Zammit
Feb 11th, 17:39
So that no one can say they are throwing mud......That's why..
j brincat
Feb 11th, 17:46
What are you implying?
Could it be that it is being prudent instead of being moderate?
jb
Eddy Privitera
Feb 11th, 18:04
FRancis: Dr. Muscat is being very correct in all that he is saying.
Charles Camilleri
Feb 11th, 16:38
Dr. Gonzi to John Dalli " sorry John you have to resign as you are under investigation"
Dr. Gonzi to A.G. " don't worry I will defend you till the last minute and we will sink together and with us the party "
Dr. Lawrence Gonzi will be always remembered as the person who gave a victory to the PL on a silver plate
brian spiteri
Feb 11th, 16:34
Nisperaw li dawk it tapes li hemm il qorti mizmumin ghand magistrat fuq dan il kaz ma jisparixxux!!!
D. Xerri
Feb 11th, 16:44
ISSA ghidt wahda sew :¬)
joseph spiteri
Feb 11th, 16:18
Do you have other choice?
Anthony Scicluna
Feb 11th, 16:17
@Ethelbert Schembri
Since you and all the Labour apologists appear to have proof that Dr Gonzi knew about the scandal, isn't it better that you present all you know to the police?
Otherwise , by law you yourself would be an accessory to the scandal.
It is even more scandalous that you claim knowledge of the events, point fingers but do nothing to report it to the police to bring justice.
Anthony Paul Naudi
Feb 11th, 16:38
@ Anthony Scicluna,
Magnificently said
Mr Andrew Camilleri
Feb 11th, 18:47
But the PN apologists were all pointing fingers at Tony Zarb and accusing him and Muscat of corruption only last week - on the basis of a doctored recording. Now we know from Mr Ferry who was present at that meeting that nothing of the sort was discussed. He was there, you were not, yet you all ran off making wild accusations. None of you went to the Police to file reports of corruption.
M Grima
Feb 11th, 16:06
If this bizarre story had occurred in some Western country, the Minister would have immediately been told to resign by the PM. Defending the minister when things are nearing boiling point is a political mistake which Dr. Gonzi should never have resorted to. Taking as an example the Dalli case, the EU commissioner was made to resign on circumstantial evidence.
Mr Joe Micallef
Feb 11th, 16:18
Grima do you have some insider information on investigations which we common mortals don't?
Ronnie Callus
Feb 11th, 16:24
Hundred percent correct Mr.Grima. Two different measures to similar cases. Dr.Gonzi is stumbling in his own feet with the detriment of the PN Party. We, supporters are in illusion about all these matters. A lot have left the party or not going to vote.
Ethelbert Schembri
Feb 11th, 15:31
Dr Gonzi if you really had a zero tolerance for corruption, you should have exposed this huge SCANDAL that was being perpetuated under your eyes and those Ministers that should been vigilant so that things like these never happen. But it seems that someone was looking the other side and was blindfolded and had earmuffs too, as here if one makes some maths will find a hole of around € 500 Million
Martin B
Feb 11th, 15:42
Well said Mr. Schembri....
Patrick Zammit
Feb 11th, 15:26
If GonziPN really wants to fight corruption, he should have introduced whistle blower legislation along time ago and not offer pardon only in cases where it suits him.
J lanzon
Feb 11th, 15:10
Willing to fight corruption, yet indexed as No.43rd country in the world of the most corrupt countries.
Andrew Vella
Feb 11th, 15:21
perhaps the 'Tony Zarb' case is weighing us down
Louis Craus
Feb 11th, 15:02
Tghid gejjin ghad-diskors li kien qal Dr. Franco Debono, li Gonzi w Gatt kissru Partit?
Tghid vera jew mhux veru?
Lil minn taqbad temmen?
Ghal min kien jghid li Gonzi mdawwar bi " klikka w xibka ta' hazen ?"
Ma nistax naqbad ghal min kien qed jghid hekk.
Xi hadd jilluminani please.
G. Cachia
Feb 11th, 15:52
Sur Craus nahseb ahjar isaqsi lil Dr. Franco Debono. Finalment issa nafu li dan kien u nahseb ghadu l-Avukat tas-Sur George Farrugia.
Skond l-e-mails il-persuna involuta qalet li kellmet lil A.G. jew lil Aust.
Dan setgha kellmu fuq iz-zejt u setgha kellmu ukoll fuq it-ton taz-zejt. Ghad irridu naraw.
Ms.D. Galea
Feb 11th, 14:58
Were not minister Chris Said, Victor Scerri and John Dalli made to resign at one time or another when it was considered the right and honourable thing to do?
Is this a case of two weights and two measures?
Ms Rudi Mcbeal
Feb 11th, 15:49
Strange how certain "pinnuri" start changing their views on these boards and in the "pjazzez tar-rahal" at the same time every now and then. In the meantime completely refraining from ranting and commenting elsewhere too.
GL Calleja
Feb 11th, 17:18
Ms Mcbeal maybe you should do the same thing.
Ms Rudi Mcbeal
Feb 11th, 18:54
@Mr GL Calleja
I have to disappoint you here. I do not change my views and principles from week to week Mr Calleja.
Francis Sammut
Feb 11th, 14:47
Mario Cassar, it's either an 'imbuttatura' (in Maltese) or a 'push' - there's no such word as 'pushjatura'!
Silvan Said
Feb 11th, 14:46
Exactly what do people expect Dr Gonzi to do here? He has done his duty and made sure there is full police access to carry out an investigation. he cannot possibly be judge and jury. Both he and Dr Muscat have acted prudently on this matter thus far and both have shown political responsibility. let the police get on with it. it is their responsibility now.
*Joseph Brincat
Feb 11th, 14:27
Minister Austin Gatt’s declaration that he never spoke to George Farrugia on Enemalta oil procurement ,
Gonzi pn said this morning that he stood by minister Austin Gatt’s declaration !!
How can same one can stand by same one that he declared ,WILE HE WASN'T THERE ???
GL Calleja
Feb 11th, 14:08
"Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said this morning that he stood by minister Austin Gatt’s declaration that he never spoke to George Farrugia on Enemalta oil procurement." A true trooper Dr Gonzi, what choice do you have. Don't forget that Lawyer Franco Debono is in the middle of this saga, defending and representing Mr Farrugia? "What a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive."
Roberta Sciberras
Feb 11th, 13:32
John Dalli was made to resign as EU Commissioner on the grounds of "unambiguous circumstantial evidence". Does anyone spot an underlying similarity in this case? But of course the unambiguous circumstantial evidence this time points to Austin Gatt and not to John Dalli. I smell a case of "morto Sansone e tutt'i filistei",
twanny borg
Feb 11th, 14:43
Mhux ahjar ma taghggilx roberta u nistennew ir-rizultat tal-pulizija? Wara kollox kif qal il-pm li zgur mhu se jiddefendi lil hadd f'kaz serju bhal dan. Mur gib kieku giet rifjutata l-proklama x'kienu jghidu? Il-proklama faqet il-buzzieqa tal-pl.
Anthony Scicluna
Feb 11th, 14:47
Roberta. under normal circumstances, I would agree with you that people should resign. However, what does Dr Gatt have to resign from? It is a caretaker government with elections less than 4 weeks away. Gatt is not running, so resignation is irrelevant in this case. Investigations may proceed to study the allegations and bring whoever is involved to justice.
Ronnie Callus
Feb 11th, 15:03
Well said Roberta.Dr.Gonzi has proved himself that he does not apply equal measures to his own people. Due to this he brought the Party into shambles and his to rebuilt itself from its grass roots. Hoping that the truth will emerge and not something already agreed upon. One also hopes that A.G does not apply to Attorney General because according to them it could be anyone except Austin Gatt. Wait.
Mr Joe Micallef
Feb 11th, 17:29
Sciberras you have no clue what you are writing about or as the Maltese say "qieghda thallat il hass mal gass" (conveniently I would add)!
silvio loporto
Feb 11th, 13:18
I really pity Dr.Gonzi,trying to defend the undefendable.
But on second thoughts, he must have seen the storm brewing ages ago.
Joe Grech
Feb 11th, 16:05
......and did nothing about it!!!
Lawrence Fenech
Feb 11th, 13:02
Prosit Gonz "Judge and jury" fejn fidhol Austin Gatt. Dan meta ghadek ma xbajtx tiddikjara li m tridx tindahal waqt l'investigazzjoni. Bhala avukat mhux hazin imma bhal politiku " you leave a lot to be desired".
Mr Joe Micallef
Feb 11th, 14:45
Fenech you are obviously in a state of confusion. Gonzi has not in any shape or form condemned or acquitted anyone - you and your ilk did that!
R. Lewis
Feb 11th, 12:51
Anke lill Papa miskien fixkilna ghax sejjer jirrezenja fl-ahhar ta dan, qabel l-elezzjoni taghna. Ma kienx mument li gie Malta.
twanny borg
Feb 11th, 16:24
Kumment vojt.
David Magro
Feb 11th, 12:41
Under pressure Gonzi PN seems? Well this time he is cornered and he will try everything to escape from this big liabilty that Austin Gatt has once again dragged him in. Why is Dr.Gonzi finding it hard to part from Austin Gatt? These are the questions that the people are asking.
Roger Mifsud
Feb 11th, 12:16
Roger Mifsud:
Cant blame Lawrence Gonzi on this. If he accuses AG he would be jumping to conclusions, if he defends him, and AG has lied about his innocence, he would have defended the indefensible. The thing is, the PM has let matters reach this stage from inaction. The noose is now tightening.
Ethelbert Schembri
Feb 11th, 12:07
Dr Gonzi if you really had a zero tolerance for corruption, you should have exposed this huge SCANDAL that was being perpetuated under your eyes and those Ministers that should been vigilant so that things like these never happen. But it seems that someone was looking the other side and was blindfolded and had earmuffs too, as here if one makes some maths will find a hole of around € 500 Million
carlos ellul
Feb 11th, 12:07
There is no doubt that austin is a doer.
m. borg (slm)
Feb 11th, 12:06
However, he recommended that people should not jump to conclusions.
No need to Mr gonzi, the facts point only in one direction.
R Psaila
Feb 11th, 12:03
There is a concept called conflict of interest, which in any small firm with any sort of corporate governance and accountability, this is a very basic concept and fundamental at the same time.
Please pass this on, so maybe it can reach the head of the country's executive. Nuff said!!
Silvan saliba butler
Feb 11th, 11:45
Ara vera vili dawn tal pn ta ! Lil toni zarb malajr talbu r rezenja tieghu imma ma qadux jisttennew x investigazzjoni jew li jiccara l fatti ! Issa erhilu li huma jafu li toni m ghamel xejn zbaljat ax recording manipulat imma biex taraw li gonzi 2 ways 2 measures ! Bambin ehlisna minnhom dawn n nies !
Mr Stephen Borg
Feb 11th, 11:43
The prime minister knows that the guns are all pointed at one of his prominent ministers and yet again he goes into denial. The way the BWSC powerstation tender was approved is doubthful to say the least as the law was amended to pave the way for such a power station to be built. At this point in time it is better for Lawrence Gonzi to come clean then to cover up this serious issue.
Franco Attard Trevisan
Feb 11th, 11:34
I think dr Gonzi acted in the best manner on this particular case. Let's just keep in mind that only we free citizens enjoy the "luxury" of speculation, the PM cannot!
It would have been rather irresponsible for the PM to publicly jump to conclusions with such a high profile investigation going on. I am sure he has a personal opinion...
Joseph Grech Attard
Feb 11th, 11:25
"The case would now follow its normal course of investigation." The case has already followed its normal course of investigation, by the police and the AG. Granting a pardon is not the normal course of investigation. It raises more questions, especially as to 'why'. This is the Nationalists' Party second time that it is granting a pardon. The first one remained without any concrete results. This?
Francis Saliba M.D.
Feb 11th, 11:45
Had the government hesitated to act on the advice of the Commissioner of Police and the Attorney General you would have been among the first Labourites to accuse the government of having ulterior motives in rejecting that competent and authoritative advice. Granting a pardon on the recommendation of the C of P and the AG is precisely enabling the investigation to follow its normal course.
Ronnie Callus
Feb 11th, 15:15
Well said Joseph. Why does Dr.Gonzi left the police and the Attorney General to do their work. Enough evidence has already been collected by the police. Is this not a case where the Prim Minister came to know the people involved when he spoke to the person concerned when he asked him for Presidential Pardon.At least by reasoning this is what comes in mind to us citizens who pay our due.
Francis Saliba M.D.
Feb 11th, 17:55
@RonnieCallus
Gonzi's Cabinet is acting according to the advice of both the Commissioner of Police and the A.G. That shows that Dr Gonzi is letting them do their work and cooperating with them. What more do you want?
anthony sultana
Feb 11th, 11:18
I dont trust the PN party anymore to much smart talk,but we know it's just talking.How come few people are geting rich and lots of people are geting poor,what is the problem ?
Roderick Cachia
Feb 11th, 14:49
The government is brainwashing us with the feel good factor, when we all know that this country can reach higher levels. But as they did back in the 1950's and 60's, they want to keep us back..treating us like puppets on a string. That's why we really need CHANGE.
S Borg
Feb 11th, 11:14
Yes Sir, we are not to jump to conclusions when it concerns the PN. If however it’s a Labour issue, we are free to shoot from the hip and ask questions after.
Mr Andrew Camilleri
Feb 11th, 14:24
As in the Tony Zarb case where we now know from someone who was at that lunch meeting that nothing of the sort that Gonzi said was ever discussed at that meeting. Goes to show how you cannot trust Gonzi.
Albert Spiteri
Feb 11th, 11:13
Well done Gonżi, handled this matter like a truly cornered and panicked sewer rat. Better still you find yourself unable to shed off Dr. “dead-weight” Austin Gatt. Your dizhonest cliche"Political responsibility would be based on the outcome of the investigation" is yet again nothing more than another "spit 'n shine" exercise of the same dirty old shoe called GonżoPN.
john muscat
Feb 11th, 11:09
The PM should at least told us who Aust. and AG is.Why no comment? Is he afraid to show us ALL who are involved in this scandal?
Charles J. Buttigieg
Feb 11th, 11:09
If Gonzi thinks that he has a right to express his opinion in an assertive manner in that Austin Gatt is in no way involved in the Delimara oil sleaze, the public opinion has a divine right to disagree with him.
Mr Joe Micallef
Feb 11th, 14:47
Oh certainly yes - that is a fundamental right guaranteed by the PN and despite your resistance!
Eddy Privitera
Feb 11th, 10:56
Ara xi hadd jitfa xi dell fuq Austin Gatt, ghax il-prim malajr idur ghalih ! Ara kieku f'xi skandlu bhal dan kien hemm involut xi laburist, nahseb aqta kemm Gonzi kien jghid biex hadd m'ghandu jasal ghal xi konkluzzjoni qabel il-pulizija tlesti l-investigazzjoni taghha !
m. borg (slm)
Feb 11th, 12:09
FRanco Debono did say there was something "fishy" between gonzi and AG yet no steps or statements have come out of gonzipn to challenge this allegation
Willie Grech
Feb 11th, 13:53
Min jiftakar sew fil-kaz ta' vot ta' sfiducja f'Austin Gatt, il-PM dawwar dan il-vot f'wiehed ta' sfiducja fil-gvern kollu. Fil-kaz ta' Carm MB, li zgur ma kienx ikrah daqs dan, il-PM ma hasx li kellu jintervjeni. Illum, quddiem skandlu hekk kbir li jista jkun implikat anke xi ministru, tant li f'dawk l-emails jissemma anke kuntatt mal-ministru, il-PM jaghzel li ma jwegibx. Something's wrong???
Anthony Scicluna
Feb 11th, 14:48
Well Eddy, it's better than "Leadership with a smile and a stab".
John Micallef
Feb 11th, 10:55
So a tiny group of men decided if to give a pardon and negotiate the conditions to it, to someone who may spill the beans on matters that the same group of men may be involved in. No conflict of interest whatsoever... Komplu sejrin hekk.
Joseph Borg
Feb 11th, 10:50
how come in the case of Austin Gatt we are saying, and I quote:
"Political responsibility would be based on the outcome of the investigation, he said."
and when something happened to John Dalli (still not found guilty) we said that his position was untenable?
Charlene Bonnici
Feb 11th, 13:19
Poor John Dalli..........still believe he was PN's scapegoat to get rid of Tonio Borg and get Simon Busuttil on!!!
anton cassar
Feb 11th, 10:45
Mhux hekk...issa ninhbew wara l-investigazzjoni tal-pulizija bit-tama li dak li ghandu johrog, johrog wara l-elezzjoni....ara fuq haddiehor malajr talab ghar-rizenja tieghu...L-istess trattament lil John Dalli qed jaghti lil AUST jew A.G...... ezatt ukoll ? !!!
Andre Briffa
Feb 11th, 10:27
Well done Gonzi...handled this like a true gentleman. The investigation is now in the hands of the police.
Vincent Cassar
Feb 11th, 11:03
Mr Briffa...please note that the majority of the Maltese (PL, PN et al) are no fools...I assure you they can well see through this 'gentleman's' words!
Joe Vella
Feb 11th, 11:06
Dik hija s-serjeta.
Alfred Vassallo
Feb 11th, 11:12
Like a true biased partisan you mean......Well one thing for sure...people are not 'cwiec' as one minister wished them to be.
Carmel Zammit
Feb 11th, 13:06
Does Dr. Gonzi's evasive statement really earn him the qualities of a gentleman? We people who subsidised his inefficiencies and mismanagement ought to be given a truthful explanation. It is us mortals who paid for this corruption and we await by right a plausible explanation.
Andre Briffa
Feb 11th, 13:51
The police are investigating the allegations and material brought forward and when the time is right they will reveal what has gone on. How do you expect Gonzi to comment on the situation is beyond me. On the other hand...JM heard Tony Zarb's comments, which were undeniably his own, and chose not to comment on the incident. That is very worrying.
Joe Camilleri
Feb 11th, 14:12
Youe are right Mr Briffa
well Mr Vincent Cassar same said re JM who the vici kap of lejber claimed that he is a backstabber - Not fools indeed
Mr Andrew Camilleri
Feb 11th, 14:27
Andre, there is nothing to worry about. Mr Ferry was present at that meetng and he tells us that what was said at the meeting was completely different than the spin that Gonzi, you and other PN bloggers are trying to give. No corruption was discussed- only protecting the workers. What we need to know is whether Gafa was given a contract in return for the recording. That could be very worrying.
S Deguara
Feb 11th, 14:52
Gentleman? Where exactly?
Alfred Vassallo
Feb 11th, 10:25
''However, he recommended that people should not jump to conclusions''
BUT you did when, because it suited you, call for Mr. Zarb resignation. Mhux ta b'xejn ma baqqax zejt f'wicc il nies!
Mr Joe Micallef
Feb 11th, 10:58
I know you have the habit of righting baloney, but in a world where digital communication reach many people you ought to start using your thinking endowment before posting!
Mark Cassar
Feb 11th, 10:59
ghax nimmagina jien fil-fehma tieghek kliem Tony Zarb mhux gravi bizzejjed biex jirrizenja hux? Jew aghar minn hekk skond kif qal "jiddefendi" l-haddiema kien qieghed (fuq kollox kif ghamel kuljum - l-aqwa li nattakkaw il-gvern)....l-aqwa li fejn jaqblilhom nies bhalek jhambqu li "imissu jirrizenja l-ministru"
vera ghandek ragun: mhux ta' b'xejn li ma fadalx zejt f'wicc in-nies!!!!!!!
Mario Cassar
Feb 11th, 11:14
Mr Zarb was recorded telling Gafa he would be given a 'pushjatura' if Labour gets elected. When did you hear a recording of Austin Gatt telling Farrugia he will give him a 'pushjatura' ? Is it so difficult for you to see the difference? No wonder Anglu has a problem with your dear Joseph.
Carmel Borg
Feb 11th, 11:19
Vera m'hawnx min ghandu zejt f'wiccu.
Mr. Zarb's story is recorded and he confirmed that the persons were himself, G Merciecc, D Gafa and another person whom I forgot who. He is claiming that the clips have been taken out of context. BS. whatever the conext was, certain words used implicate favouratism. Irrispective if DG was actually abusing workers or not, the used phrases are to be condemned.
Daniela Spiteri
Feb 11th, 11:24
Well...if you're mentioning Tony Zarb & resignations, he should have done so ages ago, namely because of: 1.) the opposition shown for the servicing of a US warship in our Drydocks in the 90's
2.) the 20th August 1999 strike, when he and other GWU officials got arrested for BLOCKING the roads to the airport.
3.) the burning of the EU flag by people during a "pacific" protest in Feb 2000.
Joseph Grech Attard
Feb 11th, 11:30
People must not jump to conclusions. But you, dear PM, can jump to conclusions by saying that you adhere to what Austin Gatt said. And, may I ask, who is it that gave you this special concession to be above the people? Your position as PM? That is too dangerous and reminds us of dicatorships and coups d'etats!
Mr Andrew Camilleri
Feb 11th, 12:06
Micallef: its writing not righting - how's that for baloney?As for thinking, why do you think that Gafa got a cleaning contract from government a month after he made the Zarb recording? Was it opure coincidence- or an example of bartering as stated by PBO?
Mr Andrew Camilleri
Feb 11th, 14:28
Micallef: so what conclusion do you get to when Gafa's company was given a cleaning contract 1 month after the Zarb recording was made?
Please choose the reason of your report below: