Mallia: put PBO in prison
Minister is being ‘wilfully malign’ trying to tarnish my name, claims Mallia
Labour candidate Manuel Mallia speaking at yesterday’s press conference. Photo: Jason Borg
Labour candidate Manuel Mallia yesterday said he would be seeking a sentence of imprisonment for Nationalist Party general secretary after instructing police to take criminal action against Paul Borg Olivier for libel.
The action concerns an article on the PN media website maltarightnow.com, titled ‘Three Labour candidates involved in oil scandal’, which repeated claims made by Finance Minister Tonio Fenech in a press conference on Friday that Dr Mallia was “involved” in the ongoing oil buying scandal.
Dr Mallia categorically denied any form of involvement, calling Dr Fenech’s allegations “obscene” and saying he would be “seeking imprisonment” in the course of the criminal case.
Speaking during a press conference alongside fellow PL candidate David Farrugia Sacco – who said he would also be taking legal action against Dr Borg Olivier – Dr Mallia insisted he had only found out about illegal commission paid for oil purchases through the media.
Mr Fenech linked both him and Dr Farrugia Sacco to the scandal, noting how both men had represented the Farrugia brothers in the past and hinting they might be indirect sources of leaks to the press.
But Dr Mallia yesterday said the minister was being “wilfully malign” in trying to tarnish his name.
“I represented the Farrugia brothers in a case against their brother George, which concerned him siphoning funds away from them. The case had nothing to do with illegal oil commission,” he said.
“For the minister to try to taint me in this way is to stoop to the lowest form of politics.”
Dr Mallia claimed his letter to the directors of Intershore Fiduciary Services Ltd – including former PL financial administrator Joe Cordina – also had nothing to do with the oil commission affair and was simply a note informing them, in light of the fund siphoning investigation into Mr Farrugia’s company Aikon Ltd, to “regularise their position”. Dr Farrugia Sacco also denied he or his brother were in any way involved in the scandal. Mr Fenech had quoted a court document that said IT expert Geoffrey Farrugia had worked “in conjunction” with Stephen Farrugia Sacco in examining Aikon Ltd’s IT systems.
“My brother was not involved in the IT audit. He was not even called as a witness in the subsequent court case. All he did was advise Geoffrey Farrugia, who conducted the IT audit, on the proper layout of reports presented to the courts,” he said.
He added mention of his brother in a court document was simply “an act of courtesy” for his help.
Dr Farrugia Sacco subsequently read from an affidavit by Geoffrey Farrugia, which stated as much.
The two men cast aspersions on Mr Fenech’s patchy recollection of details surrounding the Maltese clock given to him by George Farrugia’s sister-in-law.
“The minister says he was given the clock because Mr Farrugia’s sister-in-law ‘admired him’. I’ll leave it up to the public to decide whether that’s normal or not.”
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51 Comments
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Mr Mark Borh
Feb 25th, 15:21
PL have been making up stories for years, they finally got a taste of their own medicine and...
Michael Magri
Feb 26th, 17:46
Mr Borh or whoever you are.. If i were you i would elaborate on such `stories` (!!!) and also finish your sentence clearly and not ending it with a suspecious `and`.(!!!)
Thus i invite you to do so now...
Mr Andrew Camilleri
Feb 25th, 14:58
Let me remind that Dr Mallia is a self-mae man, who has reached the top rung of his profession, having trained in criminal law with Ho Guido DeMarco. For someone to come along and accuse him of being involved in a criminal act is very damaging to his good reputation. Imagine after all those years of hard workm, along comes PBO and throws these unfounded insinuations.
Mr Andrew Camilleri
Feb 25th, 14:50
Good for you Dr Mallia. I am fed up with all these insinuations and mud throwing that hurt not only the person they are aimed at but also their families. The PN seems not have any consideration in its desperate attempt to stay in government. They just throw mud at all and sundry, no matter who it is, even members of their own party. Prison would be a good sentence for these people.
Ronnie Callus
Feb 25th, 13:41
Komplu kebbsu l-hatab imbaghad ghoqodu ibku.Tant il-Partit qed dahru mall hajt li qed jaqa fil-baxx li qatt ma'rajna bhala Din il-pulitku taghkom,sa anke min imexxi l-programmi tal-PBS jghid lil ta' fuqu (lic-Chairman)biex jirrizenja hu flok ibaxxu rashom u ma'jkomplux ikunu parteggjani. Lanqas lin-nies m'ghandhomx ghajnejn u widnejn biex jisimhu.Il-kbir ghalikom ghadu gej, Franco gabkom f'postkom
Ronnie Callus
Feb 25th, 13:32
Komplu kebbsu l-hatab imbaghad ghoqodu ibku.Tant il-Partit qed dahru mall hajt li qed jaqa fil-baxx li qatt ma'rajna bhala Din il-pulitku taghkom,sa anke min imexxi l-programmi tal-PBS jghid lil ta' fuqu (lic-Chairman)biex jirrizenja hu flok ibaxxu rashom u ma'jkomplux ikunu parteggjani. Lanqas lin-nies m'ghandhomx ghajnejn u widnejn biex jisimhu.Il-kbir ghalikom ghadu gej, Franco gabkom f'postkom
Francis Saliba M.D.
Feb 25th, 12:47
@MichaelMagi & GorgBorg
Wrong page nothing. If you did not spot the intense hatred in the photograph above I invite you both to look again.
Massimo Gatt
Feb 25th, 15:06
Hatred? He was attacked in the most hateful way possible. The PN claimed that he committed a crime and questioned his proffesional integrity. What do you expect of him? Words of admiration and love?
You're a doctor, if a very influential media source accuses you publicly of medical malpractice, would you be happy about it?
Francis Saliba M.D.
Feb 25th, 16:44
@MassimoGatt
It is a lie that the PN claimed that Dr Mallia had "committed a crime" or assailed his "professional integrity". He was "involved" as a lawyer in a case about the fraudulent distribution of a commission from an oil tender, an act later described as scandalous. I expect a dignified explanation not virulent bluster about sending a political adversary to prison.
Francis Saliba M.D.
Feb 25th, 16:51
@MassimoGatt
Since you mention it, yes, I was very publicly accused of medical practice by a fellow Labour professional. I ignored the defamation with contempt but explained to those who reported the abuse how events had soon proved me right and he was totally and maliciously wrong.
Massimo Gatt
Feb 26th, 00:01
He was the lawyer of the farrugia brothers and he settled a civil case were George farrugia was allegedly stealing part of the income of his brothers companies. It wasn't linked to the Oil tendering case.
Tony Agius
Feb 25th, 11:40
When people are closed in a corner, they call for revenge, same old Labour in blue uniform, and they stupidly think that by doing so , they gain votes, Labour scored too many auto goals Last week, lies are not positive , bye bye Labour.
Ronnie Callus
Feb 25th, 13:24
Wait and see Tony who is going to do the Bye Bye. We heard and saw many ex-Nationalists joining the LP party and noone ex-MLP saying and joining joining the Gonzipn clique Party. Even students (youngsters) are fed up with you. You will take the last drenge on Thursday's students' meeting.
I Mercieca
Feb 25th, 19:23
Ronnie...isma minni
tghoddx il-flieles qabel ifaqqsu
ghandkhom habta intom is-Socjalisti taghmlu hekk
ma tmurx tohrog dizappuntat ghall-darb'ohra
LOL
Anthony Tab.
Feb 26th, 14:54
I agree with you 100 % Tony Agius.
@ Ronnie Callus , we have no interest to let you know who always voted MLP and now they are going to vote PN, to avoid that some one will try to stop them from voting , as it is important that they vote as they wish , as they feel insulted with lies by Joseph Muscat and other MLP candidates , about Drugs that are stupidly called ice.. ecc, yes bye bye MLP .
C Muscat
Feb 25th, 11:06
U wiehed ma jridx jinsa dawk li ghak ftit penali tal VAT li ma setghux u ma kellhomx minn fejn ihallsu gew mitfugha il-habs. Dan ifisser li min imur il-habs skond il-ligi ma tantx inaqqas mid-demokrazija.
Naqbel mal-PL li jaghti cans lil min ghandu ihallas biex ihallas u mhux bil-ligi nitfghu l habs.
Mario Camilleri
Feb 25th, 09:55
Li kieku jkun xi Ġanni tat-triq u jinsulenta bniedem t'integrita u professjonalita wieħed jifimha li jkun żbalja u jekk jitlob apoloġija publika ma naħsibx li jkun ġara xejn. Imma li jkollok Avukat fil-pożizzjoni ta' Seg. Ġen. u b'mottiv politiku juża l-pożizzjoni tiegħu biex jattakka b'mod malin, dik iġġorr responsabbilita kbira u tqila.
gaetano attard
Feb 25th, 10:44
naqbel perfettament mieghek mario, min jaghmel akkuzi serji bhall dawn habs haqqu, ikun min ikun.
a.g.
R. Abela
Feb 25th, 09:38
The last Maltese journalist that ended up in prison was one who, filed a false report on Ex Minister John Dalli.
Karl Abela
Feb 25th, 08:22
What you give is what you get. Serves labour right for shooting allegations blindly.
Michael Magri
Feb 25th, 09:19
What do you exactly mean Karl..!! Are you TOO, then, implying that Dr Mallia and Dr Farrugia Sacco are `Involved`..!! Come on Karl.. LET`S SEE YOUR ANSWER...!!
Mr Mark Borh
Feb 25th, 09:46
Exactly!
Mario Camilleri
Feb 25th, 10:50
Ejja karl iss kun raġel mhux tagħmel bħal sħabek tfajjar bl'addoċċ.
Victor Vella
Feb 25th, 07:41
That is what civilized countries do. We are living like third world African countries under a Regime of GonziPN.
johnny Bravo
Feb 25th, 11:30
Mela Victor, I hope I find some bread to eat today
Francis Saliba M.D.
Feb 25th, 05:20
This atmosphere of hatred is the direct consequence of a deplorable attempt to create a false atmosphere of disgruntlement when our standard of living is vastly better than any Labour government has ever provided. We have higher employment rates than our neighbours and we haven't suffered their drastic cuts in social services. The LP even stabs its own deputy leader in the back. SHAME ON YOU!
Michael Magri
Feb 25th, 09:21
As usual Dottore... A comment absolutely out of subject..
Gorg Borg
Feb 25th, 10:25
What are you talking about!!!!!! I think you commented on the wrong page.
Mario Camilleri
Feb 25th, 11:05
Dottore, jekk qrajt sewwa f'dan l-artiklu m'hemm xejn fuq dak li qed tgħid int imma bħas-solitu tħawwad meta ma jkollokx bażi u trid tibqa tgħid tiegħek.
L-argument huwa jekk hux ser iġorr ir-responsabbilkita li għandu jġorr Avukat, seg. ġen. dwar allgazzjonijet li skont Dr Mallia huma malinni u nfondati u magħmula biex itapnu r-reputazzjoini ta' persuna. Tinsix kif beda Dr Mallia.
George Camilleri
Feb 25th, 13:25
Mr Saliba
after reading your comment, I have to ask you: A Masters in what? And from where again??
you're really starting to make me wonder...
Francis Saliba M.D.
Feb 25th, 18:41
@George Camilleri
Stop wondering, switch on your brain and explain what on earth are you talking about. I did not mention any A Masters from anywhere.
George Camilleri
Feb 25th, 20:43
@ Francis Saliba
You're quite right, an M.D. stands for medical doctorate, which makes the reality of your comment even worse!
You should switch on your objectivity on, because any fool can tell you that the most legitimate way a person can defend itself against claims, slander or not, is through Court action. And you interpret it as hate?
You bring shame to your profession, sir.
Francis Saliba M.D.
Feb 27th, 06:30
@GorgCamilleri
Whether I bring shame to my profession or not is decided by the Medical Board that has never had to investigate me for anything and by my equals - not by someone who does not know the difference between an M.D. and an M.A.
Maria Camilleri
Feb 25th, 04:22
Mallia, taf lil min ghandek titfa' l-habs - li min jahbi kazi ta' droga minflik jirrapporta. Nifhem li bhala avukat taf sew xi hsara taghmel id-droga liz-zaghazagh u l-familji.
Michael Magri
Feb 25th, 09:33
Allura Maria.. Biex immorru ftit lura fl-istorja.. Fuq dak il-famuz kaz tal-`Hafi`, lil min tah mahfra presidenzjali, li ma swiet ghal xejn, hlief li inhafrulu xi 50 sena habs fuq akkuzi diversi, fosthom tixrid ta droga, attentat ta qtil u sahansitra xehed falz darbtejn, u qisu ma gara xejn, x`tahseb li kellu jsir ..!!! Nahseb li rridu nghidu..!!
Alfred Vassallo
Feb 25th, 10:03
''Nifhem li bhala avukat taf sew xi hsara taghmel id-droga liz-zaghazagh u l-familji.''
Saqsi lil pn specjalment rigward dak il kas ta Queiroz meta il partit tal pn tefaw il barra mil habs wara li tah proklama ta xejn!
Ara fuq din iz-zommu fomkhom sieket ghax kienet mahmuga mil bidu sa l-ahhar.
Maria Camilleri
Feb 25th, 10:42
U biex inkomplu mmorru lura fl-istorja nistaqsi: ghaliex kull min pogga bombi u spara ghall-bibien tan-nazzjonalisti fis-70ijiet, qatt ma nqabdu?
Mario Camilleri
Feb 25th, 10:59
@Maria Camilleri,
Hekk għamlu fil-każin tal-PN Mosta għax kien hemm il-provi u NQABDU. Bl-allegazzjonijiet biss ma tagħmel xejn.
Issa fil-każ ta' Francesco De Assis Queiroz traffikant kbir tad-droga li tħalla jitlaq minn Malta wara sena flok skonta s-sentenza ta' 12-il sena ħabs, ta' min trid rasu fuq il-platt?
Mario Camilleri
Feb 25th, 12:44
@Maria Camilleri,
Għandek bżonn tmur tagħmel naqra riċerka ħalli tkun taf min kien jagħmel il-bombi u wara l-biebin ta' min kienu jkunu.
Il-fatti huma li m'int qed tgħid xejn dwar dan il-każ. Mela ħalli nistaqsik: int qed tgħid li Dr Mallia nvolut fl-iskandlu tax-xiri taż-żejt u l-kummisjonijiet li ttieħdu? Risposta ċara jekk jogħġbok mhux tħallat il-ħass mal-basal.
John Azzopoardi
Feb 24th, 23:50
grow up mr mallia........if we had to put all in jail for slander......all of our politicians whethr PN or PL or othes will be in jail. don't you agree. Maybe, even you.
Susan Cassar
Feb 24th, 21:59
Mallia accuses others ministers of bumping into criminals yet he spends all day with them because it is his job...talk about Code of Ethics
M. Bezzina
Feb 24th, 21:45
Hope if Labour is in Gov ....they will mean it!!
L Zammit
Feb 25th, 11:09
Your comment is not a good omen. BEWARE A LABOUR GOVERNMENT.
Joe Tabone
Feb 24th, 21:39
Mallia will NOT silence PBO or FREEDOM of speech, we have fought hard for this and we intend to safeguard it.
The fact is that the local press uncovered alledged corrupt practices in Oil procurement, The PN Government IMMEDIATELY handed the case to Police, the PN Government issued a Presidential pardon, but PL politicised it and it BACKFIRED as now a PL official is mentioned in INTERSHORE!!
C Muscat
Feb 25th, 10:15
Fortunately in our democratic island of malta we have a legal system for those that abuse democracy. I am not taking any side but it is shameful for all to make us vote for the dirty tricks and not for an electoral manifest.
Without passing any judgement, I think manwel mallia has every right to recourse to the courts and let the courts decide this case.
John Wayne
Feb 24th, 20:37
Even Lou bondi statednduring the press conference that the article in question was in bad taste.
m busuttil
Feb 24th, 20:28
I do not care who said what or did what, but all this hatred is so bad for our children who are growing up and know how to read but let us not show all this hatred towards each others. Once many years ago a pl top person told us we act like this when we see reports or tv crew then we all are friends and go for a drink later but I say its what you feed us through media that is important so please
Christian Ellul
Feb 24th, 20:13
Lol... In the USA they would put his leader and his deputy leader in present for not reporting a clear act of crime they clearly knew about.
Joe Bonanno
Feb 24th, 22:49
Are you referring to the country that hasn't prosecuted a single bank ceo or other Wall St. types? The SEC was told about Madoff years before his eventual downfall and they did nothing! The American watchdogs were as vigilant as the present Maltese variety.
Frans Aguis
Feb 25th, 07:58
You clearly have no idea what goes on beyond our borders. The commisioner can take action whenever he wants no need for the PM to tell him.And if that is the case then you should be very dissapointed with the justice system the PN has built over the last 25 years. No better way to show them how dissapointed you are than by not voting PN in the next election
Mr Andrew Camilleri
Feb 25th, 14:56
'Christian' what 'act of crime' are you talking about? As far as I know, no court has found that s crime has been committed. So by what right do you conclude that there has been an 'act of crime'? You see how easy it is to throw mud!
Please choose the reason of your report below: