The chairman of Mita, Claudio Grech, announced his resignation today.

"Over the last months, I was finding it increasingly difficult to balance the time required to lead the agency and that necessary to effectively manage the operations of my private business," Mr Grech told IT minister Austin Gatt.

"At the same time, as you are aware, over the last months I was the target of an unwarranted smear campaign aimed at tarnishing the agency's and my reputation and integrity. This campaign held me back from taking my decision earlier and now that the Commissioner for Data Protection  and Information has concluded his investigations, I feel that the truth is known and the agency has emerged stronger than ever. Hence, I felt this is the right time to move on."

Mr Grech had invited the Data Commissioner to investigate after the Opposition raised questions on whether he had access to people's data, saying that conflicted with his political role within the PN. Mita always insisted that Mr Grech did not have access to people's data.

MINISTER'S REPLY

Dr Gatt replied that he was accepting the resignation with deep regret.

"I appreciate your reasons for resigning which are an unfortunate consequence of the policy to engage in these positions persons from the private sector on a part-time basis. What is theoretically a part-time position very quickly becomes a heavy commitment which one does not always manage to balance with their private affairs," Dr Gatt said.

"Having said that, myself, the government and the country owe you a debt of gratitude for your service over the past 14 years. You have been a key player and an inspiring leader in the government's digital program and Malta will continue to benefit from your achievements for many years to come."