“Some of the proposed solutions are draconian.”

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat reacting to the Malta Employers Association’s proposals suggesting that self-inflicted ailments, such as hangovers, should not qualify for sick leave.

“She was forced to eat a spoonful of salt for cooking salty food.”

Prosecuting Police Inspector Sylvana Briffa telling the court how an Indonesian care worker claimed she was mistreated by her former employer.

“The government is using the excuse of bureaucracy to dismantle the very controls and safeguards that might prevent abuse.”

Environment NGO spokeswoman Astrid Vella accusing the government of sending out the wrong signal towards illegal development on the island.

“It’s hard and tiring... I have locked myself in my room countless times to cry it out.”

The mother of a 13-year-old girl who harms herself appealing to authorities to help parents cope with troubled youngsters.

“Some chapters had been cut out of books using razor blades.”

University library director Kevin Ellul on students’ astuteness to ensure they had access to books – they either tear out pages, hide them in different sections or never return them. At least 10,000 books have gone missing.

“Highly unlikely.”

Mater Dei Hospital Infection Control head Michael Borg urging people not to panic as there is a low risk of the highly contagious disease Ebola reaching Malta.

“I spoke to my brother and he is safe and sound.”

Jimmy Muscat reacting to government reports that his brother, Roger, was missing in Libya. The reports were made after Jimmy Muscat himself raised the alarm.