Independent MP Marlene Farrugia has amended her motion of censure against the prime minister's chief of staff, Keith Schembri, after the Speaker told her that it could otherwise not be admissible.

Marlene Farrugia told Times of Malta that the issue was that Mr Schembri is not a Member of Parliament and therefore any motion of censure or no confidence has to be moved against the minister responsible for his appointment. 

She amended her motion, presented yesterday, shifting the focus to the prime minister. The motion now says that once a parliamentary committee completes its investigations into Mr Schembri's actions,  the House would consider whether it should censure the prime minister on the basis of his confidence in Mr Schembri. It also asks the prime minister to demand Mr Schembri's resignation. 

The motion, handed to the Clerk of the House yesterday evening, proposes the establishment of an ad hoc committee, along the lines of the Public Accounts Committee, to investigate the allegations being levelled against Mr Schembri.

The committee, chaired by a member of the Opposition and composed of three members from the government and four from the Opposition,would  hear all parties, including Mr Schembri, and conclude its report within two months.