Is all this fuss about the Baħrija development a typical case of two weights and two measures because there happens to be a targetable official involved?
A quick browse through the Mepa website will show that this was not the first such application to be granted permission in an ODZ. The architect seems to have based his argumentation against the case officer's recommendations on precedents established by a number of such permits issued previously, including to other high-profile individuals. But mum's the word on them.
A look at case numbers PA02470/92, PA02338/95, PA01095 /99, PA02010/01 and PA04204/94 would perhaps raise more questions than answers but probably they would be the wrong questions for whoever has a hidden agenda.