Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi expressed “profound disappointment” at Tancred Tabone’ arraignment.

Using strong language, he said he could not accept that people appointed to safeguard the public interest “betray” the trust placed in them.

“I have done everything in my power to facilitate the investigation of all allegations, including issuing an amnesty to whoever was prepared to collaborate and give evidence in court that will expose all wrongdoing,” Dr Gonzi said.

Describing Mr Tabone as a prominent member of the business community, Dr Gonzi added it was no comfort for him that the events took place some nine years ago.

“Notwithstanding the good work that might be done by an individual in his private capacity, I reiterate that I cannot accept that any appointees, let alone leaders in our community, betray the trust that has been placed in them.”

Such situations not only undermined confidence in public institutions and the management of public sector entities but also in the private sector.

Dr Gonzi said Mr Tabone was already chairman of Enemalta and subsidiary MOBC when he became Prime Minister in 2004.

Mr Tabone’s two-year appointment was not renewed when it expired in June 2005 and his membership of public boards after that was restricted to positions nominated by the Malta Chamber of Commerce, th e DOI statement noted.

Labour leader Joseph Muscat later asked whether Dr Gonzi was blaming his predecessor. Was he also implying that he did not extend the contract because he knew something, he asked.