The House of Representatives this evening paid tribute to former minister Wistin Abela, a Labour MP for 30 years and minister throughout the Mintoff government years of the 1970s and 1980s. He passed away last week.

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat praised him for his love of the country.

Foreign Minister George Vella, who like Mr Abela hails from Zejtun and was a close friend, praised him for having made major achievements for the country including the setting up of Air Malta, Sea Malta, Enemalta and Telemalta.

He said Mr Abela would for ever be remembered for having stayed close to the people and for doing his best to help those with a small income.He had worked hard for the country and the party.

His times were different than today. Aims and methods were different, he said. Some agreed with Mr Abela, others did not, but his integrity was never in doubt.

Deputy Opposition leader Mario de Marco said Wistin Abela would be remembered as being an unassuming man who was always loyal to the country and the House and had worked to set up various parastatal companies.

Like Dr Vella, Dr de Marco noted how Mr Abela used to give free private lessons before he entered the political fray. 

Dr de Marco said lessons had been learnt from the past and he had no doubt that Mr Abela had given his contribution for the country to progress.