Politicians tend to court journalists when it suits their needs but when it is them in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons what the media faces is a brick wall. When the politicians involved are members of the Cabinet, this attitude is not only contemptible, it is unacceptable, not to say undemocratic.

The press is in duty bound to keep the government on its toes and also to ensure the public is well-equipped to make informed decisions. Such duty includes pressing the government to publish agreements and contracts in which there is public interest. But even here the government can make things very difficult for journalists.

This newspaper has reported that most of the applications made to the government under the Freedom of Information Act were rejected. Over 15 applications were turned down and the Times of Malta was forced to resort to the Data Protection Commissioner, who is empowered by law to review such decisions. By law, even if such complaints are upheld, the Prime Minister still retains the right to withhold the information requested.

Of course, the application and appeal process takes months, during which time a story is likely to have died a natural death. Which is what the government might want. The Freedom of Information Act is meant to promote transparency and accountability. Yet, it is fraught with loopholes and this administration has mastered the art of exploiting its weaknesses.

Access to information is not a privilege, it is a right

Access to information held by the government is not a privilege, it is a right, unless we are speaking of State secrets. In a democracy, the government does not get to pick and choose what to tell the public. When this happens, as is the case now, the press and the public cannot be blamed for deeming any obstruction as suspicious.

The call for transparency always seems to get the most opposition from the people who have the most to lose: politicians with something to hide. Sunlight is said to be the best disinfectant, yet, the basics of good governance often remain evasive.

There is a reason why checks and balances were built into the democratic system. If such practices are ignored what remains is not a democracy.

The level of secrecy cloaking most major deals the government is negotiating with third parties has become unbearable. This administration clamps down on even basic questions on petty projects. Even what it cost Malta to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest has become a ‘State secret’.

There is a pattern in discouraging inquisitive journalists. Do not take questions over the phone, have them sent by e-mail. This wins you time and, what’s more, any vague answers cannot be effectively challenged via e-mail. Avoid fielding any questions not directly connected to the event a minister is attending. When questions are put in writing… see above.

This is not an environment that inspires confidence in the government.

There is a reason why the slogan Gvern Li Jisma’ (A government that listens) is appealing. But, rather than serve its purpose, the series of political meetings so branded is nothing more than an annual public relations exercise, stage-managed to make the government ‘glow’.

Freedom of information is vital for citizens to make informed choices. They may not be the choices the government wants but drawing the shutter is not the solution.