Institute for Tourism Studies executive director Henry Mifsud has suspended himself pending an investigation by the Internal Audit and Investigations Department, the government said.

In a statement this afternoon, the government said the ministry requested the investigation following allegations of irregularities.

Newsbook claimed that Mr Mifsud went on long leave following an argument with the minister.

The government said that the ITS board of directors has, in the meantime, appointed Pierre Fenech acting executive director.

It said that Mr Mifsud has denied the allegations against him.

This afternoon, the Nationalist Party’s tourism spokesman Antoine Borg said it was clear that the government issued its statement on Mr Mifsud when it realised that the Opposition was holding a news conference about the matter.

He said that the situation at the ITS had now surpassed all acceptable limits and Mr Mifsud’s position as an executive director was untenable.