Justice Minister Owen Bonnici told Parliament the government was considering whether to improve the Permanent Commission Against Corruption or give its powers to another entity, such as the Chief Prosecutor or an inquiring magistrate.

Answering a question by Jason Azzopardi (PN), Dr Bonnici said that, while the government could not act hastily, it would not drag its feet. Once the members of the commission were appointed, they enjoyed tenure of office for five years.

Thus, the government could not appoint members and then decide to disband the commission midterm. “This would send a negative message,” he said.

Dr Bonnici expressed doubts as to whether it would be legally possible to appoint members of the commission and then enact legislation to abolish that same commission.

The government would announce its decision in the coming weeks. If it opted to improve the role of the commission, one had to ensure that it produced positive results, Dr Bonnici said.