The Ombudsman has delivered a scathing review of the government's behaviour in matters related to transparency and accountability.

In his annual report for 2016, Ombudsman Anthony Mifsud said it was “unfortunate” that the disclosure of timely and correct information remained a highly controversial issue.

“This Office itself faced, on occasion, reluctance, if not refusals, to provide it with information, notwithstanding the wide powers that the Ombudsman has at law to exact [that information],” Mr Mifsud said.

One case was the refusal to provide the Health Commissioner with the full, uncensored texts of the hospitals’ privatisation agreement, despite repeated requests.

Leading to a lack of trust in the political class and general disillusionment in the conduct of public affairs

“[This] illustrates how the failure to provide correct and timely information can interfere in the investigation by this Office of complaints alleging discrimination and maladministration,” the Ombudsman said.

He also noted that the prevailing scenario had roots that went back many years and was symptomatic of negative traits “ingrained in the way of thinking of society”.

This, the Ombudsman noted, was fast leading to a lack of trust in the political class and general disillusionment in the conduct of public affairs as a service to the country.

He expressed regret at the escalating confrontation between the government and the Opposition as they traded serious allegations of improper conduct, unjustified secrecy and corruption.

Ombudsman Anthony Mifsud

Mr Mifsud, who was appointed Ombudsman in March last year after serving as auditor general, said 2016 could be considered “a defining moment” that required remedial action.

The situation presented an invaluable opportunity for a frank and serious debate on good governance and the solutions to guarantee openness, transparency and accountability, he added.

“Openness, transparency and accountability cannot remain slogans to be used for political or partisan convenience. They are values that need to be translated into real, tangible criteria that can guarantee good governance,” the Ombudsman concluded.

The annual report, which was tabled in Parliament, showed that the Ombudsman handled 557 cases last year, down from 611 in 2015. However, despite the drop in complaints, the office witnessed an increase of almost five per cent in the number of enquiries.

The report noted that past experience showed the number of complaints declined as a general election approached.

The Ombudsman has under his wing three commissioners dealing with the environment and planning, health and education.

In his annual report, the Commissioner for Health, Charles Messina, lamented what he described as “the great delay” in receiving replies and feedback from the Health Department.

“The Commissioner repeatedly commented about this lack of cooperation in his last four annual reports. Notwithstanding this, there has been no progress whatsoever,” Mr Messina said.

kurt.sansone@timesofmalta.com