Speaker Michael Frendo proposed the reactivation of the select committee on the strengthening of democracy.

Speaking in Parliament this evening during the commemoration of the 90th anniversary of the first sitting of the legislative assembly and the senate following the Amery-Milner Constitution of 1921, he said that Parliament should exploit the new powers given to it by the Lisbon treaty. There was still a lot to do and the challenges ahead were major.

Parliament had to develop the concept of what it meant to be a Maltese citizen. It was necessary that the Constitution was better known and studied by all sectors of society.

He proposed that a copy of the Constitution would be sent to all homes and that an exhibition on Parliament's 90th would be held.

Dr Frendo also proposed that a workbook on the history of Parliament is developed for use in schools. Those who did not know their past could not build a good future, he said.

The event was also addressed by former Speaker Alfred Bonnici who gave a historical overview of the situation.

He said that said that all members of Parliament, Speakers and Prime Ministers had faced their challenges but all had served Malta with respect and dedication.