Mallia: PM's decision not a sign of mistrust

Home Affairs Minister Emanuel Mallia insisted this morning that the prime minister's decision to put the justice portfolio under his wing was not a sign of mistrust.

The justice portfolio was assigned to form part of the Ministry of Home Affairs when the Cabinet was drawn up after the election, raising eyebrows over the fact that home affairs and justice were back in one ministry, even though a parliamentary secretary was assigned specifically for justice.

Yesterday, the prime minister said that parliamentary Secretary Owen Bonnici would henceforth report directly to him.

Replying to questions this morning, Dr Mallia said this decision was 'absolutely not' a sign a mistrust. 

"Whenever I spoke to the Prime Minister he always showed that he trusted me and he still does.  There were never any signs of mistrust," Dr Mallia said.

He believed that what led the Prime Minister to take this decision was the principle the Labour Party always had to separate justice and home affairs. Although there were two persons responsible for the different sectors, it was  felt they should be in separate ministries. 

Asked whether it was strange that this happened after only 100 days of the legislature, Dr Mallia said it was not strange.

"If you have to do something, you should do it at the start rather than allow years to pass. It is a good idea to act fast, but the interpretation, twist or spin somebody can give such a move is completely incorrect."

The minister said there was no tension between him and Parliamentary Secretary Bonnici.

"Dr Bonnici is an excellent person and the justice portfolio was totally in his hands. We used to meet every week to plan what had to be done. I worked well with him and I am convinced that he will continue working well under the new portfolio. The only difference is that he has a different ministry now."

Nothing had changed in the relationship between them or with the prime minister, he said.