Labour MP Joe Debono Grech last night formally apologised to the Speaker and to independent MP Marlene Farrugia over the comments he made in Parliament last Friday.
In a letter read out by Speaker Anġlu Farrugia, he said that he never intended to insult Dr Farrugia personally and that his reaction stemmed from his known character.
His formal apology on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, he said, should serve as a clear message.
The apology came after Simon Busuttil moved a motion calling on the Speaker to modify his ruling over an exchange of offensive language between Dr Farrugia and Mr Debono Grech. He asked for the latter to be suspended over his “intimidatory” behaviour towards the independent MP.
In his ruling, the Speaker had ordered both of them to withdraw disparaging words they had launched at each other on Friday. They had called one another purċinell (clown), and Mr Debono Grech had then told Dr Farrugia: “niġi għalik u nifqgħek” (I’ll come and bash you).
Before the House started to debate the motion, the Speaker asked permission to withdraw, given that his own ruling was being contested. Deputy Speaker Ċensu Galea took his place.
Dr Busuttil said the ruling was unjust as the perpetrator [Dr Debono Grech] and victim [Dr Farrugia] were being placed on the same footing. The former’s words could not be equated with the latter’s threat.
What made it worse was that it was uttered in Parliament.
He criticised the Prime Minister for still not having condemned the incident, five days later. The government just could not handle criticism.
Prime Minister Joseph Muscat accused Dr Busuttil of political posturing and opportunism.
The government was moving an amendment intended to promote a more responsible attitude among MPs
The government, he said, was moving an amendment promoting a more responsible attitude among MPs, in that all discussion should be constructive and respectful, and no talk which advocated aggression or violence should be accepted
It was the Opposition who could not take criticism, as it had walked out of Parliament when the ruling was not to its satisfaction.
He said that the relationship between the government and Opposition had changed since Dr Busuttil became leader. Discussion had to be inspired by constructive criticism.
Dr Farrugia said the ruling placed her, the victim, on par with the aggressor. This was a very negative message to all those in abusive situations who were trying to muster the courage to seek redress.
Dr Busuttil said that the move to the new Parliament building could be the harbinger of a new, more civil mode of discussion and he offered to take up the government’s amendment in the motion presented by the Opposition.
He said that so long as the motion differentiated between aggressor and victim, a compromise could be reached.
Dr Muscat said that since Mr Debono Grech had apologised in writing, suspending him was no longer at issue.
At the suggestion of Dr Farrugia, Dr Busuttil proposed that the call for suspension be removed and the Prime Minister’s amendment be added to the original motion. The government insisted, however, on its counter- motion.
Dr Busuttil noted the absence of Mr Debono Grech from the House. The Prime Minister said Mr Debono Grech had informed him that he would not take part in the debate or the vote.
Dr Busuttil remarked it was ironic that the perpetrator of abuse did not have the moral fibre to attend the debate.
Explaining his vote, Labour MP Godfrey Farrugia said he disagreed with the Speaker’s ruling but agreed with the government’s amendment especially in the context of Mr Debono Grech’s apology. He disagreed that the MP should be suspended.
The motion as amended by government was approved.
During the sitting, Deputy Speaker Dr Galea repeatedly warned the members against rowdy behavior.