Updated 6.19pm - Added Alleanza Bidla statement

At least five Libyan ministers were willing to reveal details of the alleged medical visas scandal but "could not", Alleanza Bidla leader Ivan Grech Mintoff said today.

Addressing a press conference, Mr Grech Mintoff said there were dozens of Libyan nationals willing to turn in information on the alleged racket involving an OPM representative to the Health Ministry.

Photo: Ivan Martin

They, however, were scared they would have their Maltese visas revoked. The unnamed Libyan ministers also wanted to turn in information to the police on the matter but were not being given access to the island.

Mr Grech Mintoff said he had no faith in the authorities to investigate, nor did other Maltese who also had information on the alleged scandal.

He said the whistleblower, who had direct contact with the Prime Minister, had received threatening calls from an unknown person or persons twice. His lawyer sought protection from the Police Commissioner but this was denied.

'Muscat must protect whistleblowers' - PN

The Nationalist Party said Mr Grech Mintoff's claims were extremely serious, and that Prime Minister Joseph Muscat should act immediately to ensure that anyone with information about the alleged bribery was given access to Malta and protection from harm. 

"A serious Prime Minister doesn't defend the person alleged to have made thousands of euros in corruption, but rather uses all their powers to ensure the truth is revealed as soon as possible, and that police investigate matters thoroughly," the PN said. 

'Check your facts' - OPM

The Nationalist Party was basing its claims on allegations that police have long been investigating, the  Office of the Prime Minister said in a statement. 

In the statement, the OPM said that it had no indication of any Libyan officials having used official channels to express concerns about the matter.

"The Opposition would be better off verifying the credibility of Mr Grech Mintoff's claims, instead of relying on them to attack the Government," the statement concluded.  

Mr Grech Mintoff responded in turn, and he stuck by his claims.

"We take note of the OPM's reply and will respond in due course with copies of the documents the government says it never received," a statement by Alleanza Bidla said. 

(The programme above was meant to air on F Living last Tuesday but the station owners told Mr Grech Mintoff not to air it)