The government has had initial contacts with Nationalist MPs to assess in what sectors the Opposition could contribute in executive roles, including government entities, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said this afternoon.
He also revealed that the government is to move an amendment to Standing Orders so that the Leader of the House would not need to be a member of the Cabinet.
The role is currently being filled by Deputy Prime Minister Louis Grech, but Dr Muscat said he would like a government backbencher to assume the role.
The amendment will be moved next week after the Budget is approved.
The role of the Leader of the House is to set the agenda of the House, in association with the House Business Committee.
Dr Muscat, who made his comments during a courtesy call by outgoing Speaker Michael Frendo, said he would like the administration of Parliament to be completely autonomous (of the civil service) by the end of this legislature.
He praised Dr Frendo for his proposal for the appointment of a parliamentary economy and finance committee as a forum for major economic players, something which is found in practically every country.
He thanked Dr Frendo for the good working relationship they enjoyed. He said that although they did not always agree, that developed mutual respect.
Asked whether he had consulted the opposition on the nomination of Anglu Farrugia as Speaker, Dr Muscat said that when speakers Louis Galea and Dr Frendo were about to be nominated by the then government, the choice was communicated to the Opposition and the Opposition agreed. Now it was up to the Opposition to decide on its position.
Dr Frendo thanked Dr Muscat for his patience in a difficult period in Parliament and said he was pleased to note that MPs always worked to keep the dignity of Parliament intact.
Dr Frendo later also made a courtesy call on Opposition leader Lawrence Gonzi.
Dr Gonzi praised him for his dignified handling of parliament during difficult moments.
He said the Opposition had found out through the media that the government had decided to nominate the new Speaker.