Two top officials at the Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises – GRTU, Paul Abela and Philip Fenech, will not automatically resign if they are charged with perjury.

Mr Abela, president, said he was “amazed” by news reports that the police were expected to file perjury charges against him and his vice president, Mr Fenech.

“I have heard nothing from the police and I am amazed by the news, especially if the police are leaking information in this way,” he said when contacted in Geneva, where he is attending a conference of the International Labour Organisation.

The case dates back to 2010 when the police charged former GRTU council member Sandro Chetcuti with attempted murder after he accosted then director general Vince Farrugia. The charge was eventually reduced to grievous bodily harm. In September 2013, the court found Mr Chetcuti guilty of causing Mr Farrugia slight injuries and sentenced him to one-month imprisonment suspended for a year.

In its ruling the court also ordered the police to investigate testimony given by Mr Farrugia and other witnesses, including Mr Abela and Mr Fenech, since they tried to twist facts.

From the court proceedings it transpired the three officials had allegedly conspired to exaggerate Mr Chetcuti’s actions on the day of the incident and lied under oath.

Earlier this year, a court ruled on a legal challenge filed by Mr Chetcuti and ordered the police to prosecute Mr Farrugia for perjury.

Asked whether he would resign if charges were pressed, Mr Abela pointed out that the GRTU statute did not oblige him to. “However, if the matter does reach that stage I will take it up with the GRTU council and my actions will be determined by what the council decides,” Mr Abela said.

Mr Fenech had a similar reply when contacted.

kurt.sansone@timesofmalta.com