The Prime Minister’s special envoy to Arab countries, Maria Camilleri.

Maria Camilleri, the Prime Minister’s special envoy to Arab countries, turned down a €34,000 salary because she feels the money can be used to help people who really need it.

“It’s very simple, really. I kept in mind that the money I do not take can be used to benefit people who are worse off than me,” Ms Camilleri, a former Labour MP, told Times of Malta when contacted.

Since she has a fixed income from her job as head of the Muslim school Mariam Albatool, in Paola, she believes she does not require a second salary.

Information given in Parliament on Tuesday night revealed that Ms Camilleri settled for €100 per month to cover expenses in relation to her role.

She is also entitled to an allowance for travel in connection with her work and hospitality costs are refunded.

The money I do not take can be used to benefit people who are worse off than me

Ms Camilleri replied: “I am the head of the Muslim school and I have a salary with which I can eat and cope. Despite having another position [as special envoy], I felt that, in the circumstances of Malta’s economic situation, I should not receive another salary.” She said that, so far, she had not travelled in her new role, which meant she had not touched any of her allowances.

Ms Camilleri’s job essentially involves working to strengthen bonds with people from Arab countries within and outside Malta through meetings and networking opportunities.

She said she had been working with the Arab community for 17 years and had lots of contacts, which was why Prime Minister Joseph Muscat trusted her with the role.

The Prime Minister has another two special envoys.

Former foreign minister Alex Sceberras Trigona earns €34,684 as special envoy to the World Trade Organisation.

Joseph Zammit Tabona, former High Commissioner to the UK, was appointed special envoy for business promotion and also earns €34,684 a year.

Questions sent to the Office of the Prime Minister asking for further details on the purpose of the envoys’ role and salaries remained unanswered by the time of going to print.