It is often noted that the only natural resources this minuscule country possesses are its people. Notwithstanding the small population, throughout history there have been Maltese who have made a name for themselves and for their country in different professions and at various levels.
So there is no doubt that Malta has talent but it needs to be spotted, encouraged and cultivated. Unfortunately, very often, especially in the political field, the opposite happens. Appointments made by the new Labour Government over the past weeks are a case in point.
One acknowledges there are sensitive posts that a government would ensure are filled by people it trusts blindly. But there are many others that can be occupied by civil servants who have proved to be loyal, hard-working and who put the national interest before any other. When there is a change in government, such people ought to be given time to prove themselves and only moved if they fail the test.
This is essential not only to guarantee continuity but also not to waste talent and scare away potential incumbents with the necessary qualifications and capabilities.
And it is in this department that the government led by Joseph Muscat – the man who said one need not agree with the Labour Party to be able to work with the Labour Administration – has failed.
The matter must be troubling Dr Muscat as he referred to it when concluding his party’s annual general conference on Sunday.
He said he could not understand why the Government was being criticised for having appointed Labour supporters and sympathisers to a number of key positions.
“Does being a Labourite mean you cannot contribute,” he asked. Of course not. Just as being a Nationalist or Green does not mean one cannot contribute. If you have what it takes and prove yourself, then political affiliation or sympathy should not come into it.
Dr Muscat told party delegates that the appointments made by the Government included people with different political backgrounds. That may be the case but certainly not in the more high profile posts. Also, one hopes that this was not an exercise in tokenism.
“Just as I proudly defended their appointments, I will proudly defend those of people linked to the Labour Party. We need to enter a post-partisan age and leave grudges behind us.” That is precisely the point being raised here.
In a study launched in April last year and themed A Strategy For Addressing The Nation’s Priorities, the Today Public Policy Institute listed what it felt should be the priorities the next administration ought to tackle “if it is to ensure a better future for Malta’s citizens”.
Among other things, it had said that a “government should exercise its mandate in the interests of the many, not the few – in the long-term interests of the country as a whole, not sectoral interests within it. It should seek consensus and cooperation, rather than confrontation. It should place a premium on developing people and enlisting all the talent available in the service of Malta, regardless of social background, gender or political affiliation. It should aim to place the Maltese identity, Maltese society and every Maltese person at the heart of its policies.”
Given Labour’s political slogan of Malta For All and all the talk of a movement rather than a party, the expectations are rightly very high.