The newly-appointed Commissioner for Standards in Public Life, George Hyzler, has indicated that he would not be looking into the 17 Black allegations, saying that by law he is not empowered to look into allegations of misconduct predating the establishment of his Office, which was officially set up on October 30 this year.
Dr Hyzler was asked on the matter in his first comments following his swearing-in at the Presidential Palace in Valletta.
When it was pointed out to him that the latest revelations involving Minister Konrad Mizzi and the Prime Minister's chief of staff Keith Schembri came to light last Friday, Dr Hyzler remarked that he would not commit on individual cases. Furthermore, he reiterated his earlier statement that by law he could not look into past cases.
Last week Times of Malta revealed that Dubai-based company by the name 17 Black was owned by Yorgen Fenech, the CEO of Tumas Group and director of Electrogas - the consortium chosen to build the new power station.
17 Black had been identified in a leaked e-mail as one of two sources of income for the Panama companies Hearnville and Tillgate, which were set up by OPM consultants Nexia BT for Minister Konrad Mizzi and the Prime Minister's chief of staff Keith Schembri. Both Dr Mizzi and Mr Schembri have denied any wrongdoing.
Meanwhile, in his first reaction the Commissioner for Standards played down expectations, saying his office needed time to find its feet. Asked whether he had enough resources at his disposal, he remarked that he would be starting his term with a small staff, with the option of engaging external consultants if there is a need.
Dr Hyzler expressed his hope that the Office for the Standards in Public Life would serve to increase the credibility of the House of Representatives and attract the best elements of society.
President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca described Dr Hyzler’s appointment as a historic development in terms of public scrutiny and accountability.
Dr Hyzler's appointment was agreed between the government and the opposition.
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