Former Labour Party president Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi has been appointed as the new chairman of the Grand Harbour Regeneration Corporation, a government-owned entity.

He replaces former chairman Mark Portelli, who was previously also chairman at Transport Malta.

Dr Zrinzo Azzopardi, a lawyer by profession, confirmed when contacted yesterday that he had been informed of the appointment but has not yet received the official documentation confirming it.

Asked when he will be assuming his new position, Dr Zrinzo Azzopardi said it would happen soon.

He said he felt qualified for the position because after 14 years practising as a lawyer, he had acquired a lot of experience in corporate management, a crucial aspect of his new chairmanship.

“The experience I gained from the legal profession can be used in this role I have been given,” he said. Dr Zrinzo Azzopardi did not seek re-election as party president after the PL’s comfortable election victory.

The new Labour government has been slammed from several quarters for appointing to government boards and entities former and present party officials, as well as many supporters who openly endorsed the PL.

The Grand Harbour Regeneration Corporation’s mission statement is to undertake the Government’s vision for the Valletta harbours and the restoration and regeneration of Valletta Grand Harbour, Marsamxetto and the surrounding areas.

It is also responsible for nurturing the necessary investment and upgrading a number of sites along Grand Harbour.