Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and Infrastructure Minister Austin Gatt both owed the country a “clear declaration” after oil procurement-related e-mails published by The Sunday Times, Labour leader Joseph Muscat said yesterday.

“I don’t want to speculate, but everyone can read. Dr Gatt should make a clear declaration on the issue. The Government’s official reply was very weak; it was no reply at all.”

E-mails between oil trader George Farrugia and oil firm officials, published on Sunday, make references to an “A.G.” and ministerial meetings.

Dr Gatt denies ever speaking to Mr Farrugia about anything related to oil procurement, while Dr Gonzi has stood by his minister but declined to answer questions on the issue.

Mr Farrugia was granted a presidential pardon last week. In exchange, he must fully cooperate with police investigations and return any money he made in oil sales kickbacks.

Dr Muscat would not comment on the pardon: “The Prime Minister knows more about it than any of us, including me, so I think it’s best to reserve judgement until we see what evidence comes out of it.”