The Malta Enterprise board did not discuss the appointment of Energy Minister Konrad Mizzi’s wife as an envoy for the agency.
Speaking to the Times of Malta on condition of anonymity, a number of directors said chairman Mario Vella never brought the matter up for discussion, even though the board would normally vet such an appointment.
“I learned about the posting of an envoy to Asia from your newspaper,” one board member said. “I’ve attended all board meetings so far but the issue was never brought to our attention,” he said.
Earlier this week, Economy Minister Chris Cardona, who is responsible for Malta Enterprise, said he had no idea how Ms Mizzi Liang was employed but expressed total confidence in whoever made the appointment.
Dr Mizzi denied exerting any influence on his fellow minister or on Malta Enterprise to engage his wife.
He revealed that Malta Enterprise had approached his wife to become an envoy and said she could not turn down the opportunity.
The Nationalist Opposition has accused the Government of “sleaze” and of reaching “the lowest level of nepotism” after just six months in office.
Malta Enterprise defended the appointment and listed Ms Mizzi's business-related qualifications.
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