The prime minister this evening took exception to a comment in parliament by Opposition Leader Simon Busuttil that he had interfered in the way the police proceeded in the John Dalli case.

He asked the Opposition leader to substantiate or withdraw what he had said.

Dr Busuttil said he was making a political judgement based, especially, on the statement made under oath in court by the former Commissioner of Police John Rizzo.

Dr Muscat said this constituted a breach of privilege. Mr Rizzo had spoken of pressure from parliament, not the government Dr Busuttil had implied that he (Dr Muscat) or somebody appointed by him, had interfered in the work of the Police Commissioner.

Dr Busuttil said he was refusing to alter what he had said. His was a political judgement about political interference.

Dr Muscat requested a ruling from the Speaker at another sitting. 

A few minutes later, Gozo Minister Anton Refalo objected to remarks about  a ferry being called back to harbour.

Dr Busuttil insisted that here too, he was making a political judgement on the basis of the published reports.