Labour MP Joseph Farrugia will push for changes.

New Labour MP Joseph Farrugia, known as iI-Farell, wants the voting system to be changed so Maltese people eligible to vote can do so even when they are abroad.

He was unable to vote in the MEP election this year because he had to go abroad, but Mr Farrugia dismissed claims he had done so because he was disgruntled with the party.

“I couldn’t vote because I had to go abroad for health reasons.

“All my children voted for Labour in those elections and I have always wholeheartedly supported the party,” he said.

He said he disagreed with the system in place that meant Maltese living abroad could not vote in their country of residence and said he would try his best to change the system.

“I don’t agree that we spend all this money so Air Malta can offer cheap flights to Maltese living abroad to fly them here to vote.

“They should be able to vote at embassies,” he said.

Describing himself as a businessmen first and a politician second, Mr Farrugia said he was very appreciative of the electorate for giving him the honour to succeed Karmenu Vella in Parliament.

Mr Vella vacated his seat to became European Commissioner.

Although he contested a number of elections on behalf of Labour, Mr Farrugia, who comes from Żurrieq, has only made it to Parliament once, in the 1996 election, when Labour was last in government. His stint at the House of Representatives was short-lived as the Labour government collapsed after 22 months in office.

“I have always worked hard to serve my constituents and it is a great honour for me to make a comeback after 16 years away from Parliament. This must be a first,” Mr Farrugia said.

I have always wholeheartedly supported the party

Claiming to be a shy, low-profile politician, he said he respected all his constituents, whether they are Labourites or Nationalists.

“My only wish in politics is to help people, whoever they may be,” he said.

Mr Farrugia, 58, is married with three children. He used to own a bathroom business – Farell Bathrooms – but his children have taken over.

“I am neither a shareholder nor a director of Farell Bathrooms. I have nothing to do with this business and this is completely run by my children,” he said.