Almost a century ago, Dun Karm wrote the verses for what was to become our National Anthem. In his mind, like everybody else’s, Malta had to be ‘ruled’ by someone, foreign or local. It was, therefore, natural for him to use jaħkimha (when praying to God for wisdom).

However, that term today jars.

I don’t think there exists anyone, whatever one’s political hue, who is happy with jaħkimha.

So why not replace it with imexxiha (to run the country)?

It even flows more smoothly with the music. Try humming it.