Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1188980
25 OPINION and the criminal investiga- tion: something that has unfortunately been missing from day one. Either way, it is imperative that the full truth comes out, and that the new government is seen to be doing everything in its power to ensure that happens: i.e., to 'leave no stone unturned', as its prede- cessor had promised to do. This brings us to the consid- eration of restoring stability, and at least the semblance of normality. Much would naturally have to depend on how the protestors demand- ing Muscat's resignation will react, now that he looks likely to resign. I won't speculate, because this is another of the things that are likely to change again by the time I finish this article. So far, I've already seen a few reactions along the lines that… 'resignations are not enough, criminal pros- ecutions are now what we're after', etc. If that is indeed the general mood among protestors, we may be in for a far bumpier ride than is strictly necessary. Criminal prosecutions have to come about as a result of criminal investigations, not on the basis of popular demand. But from that same perspec- tive: more protests would certainly be warranted, if it can be determined that inves- tigators are indeed excluding certain trails. Ideally, then, the police should conduct a media briefing session – or 'press conference', call it what you will – to explain precisely why it was not necessary to issue a pardon for Yorgen Fenech; and, by the same token, why the Prime Minis- ter was not to be considered a 'special interest person' in this case… as Keith Schem- bri was, when faced with the same allegation. The same goes for Keith Schembri, incidentally. So far, we have only been told that he's no longer an official suspect. But we haven't been told exactly why. I imagine much of this will get cleared up when Melvyn Theuma finally delivers his all-important testimony in court; but that was supposed to happen this morning, and so far it hasn't. So, even in the interest of just avoiding further unnec- essary confrontations outside Parliament, now would be the perfect time for the investiga- tors to provide answers to all those questions. Either way, however, some form of compromise may be required, to at least allow the country a little much-needed breathing space. Just like the protest movement now has an opportunity to show a little restraint… Muscat's replacement can also greatly facilitate matters by just not standing in the way of all the further criminal investiga- tions that must now take place. The new Labour leadership will also have its hands full trying to make good for the reputational damage already inflicted on the country as a whole. In line with the judicial suggestion I men- tioned earlier, one thing the new government may wish to consider is to set up a spe- cial taskforce – extending to foreign members, if necessary – to look into every major government contract, and every major decision by every regulatory authority, for the past few years at least. I shall have to admit I am unaware of the precise legal infrastructure that would govern the setting up of any such entity: but I presume it would have to consist of peo- ple known to be of integrity, with as little in the way of political baggage as possible, ideally chosen after consulta- tion with all leading stake- holders. In brief, something along the lines of the Malta Council for Economic and Social De- velopment, but also compris- ing the judiciary, the police, the media and other inter- ested parties. Whether this is done by the same entity or another, ideally the exercise should also come in tandem with a revision of the entire legisla- tive infrastructure governing public contracts and the like. Over and above a long-over- due review of the Constitu- tion, which, in any case, I already wrote about last week. Much as 'Justice for Daphne' should remain the ongo- ing battle-cry, we all know there is more at stake than closure in one particular case. Besides: I would also like to think that, if Daphne's murder served also to trigger a thorough clean-up of our country's very sick, very un- healthy set-up… at least, she would not have died in vain. maltatoday | SUNDAY • 1 DECEMBER 2019 Besides: I would also like to think that, if Daphne's murder served also to trigger a thorough clean-up of our country's very sick, very unhealthy set-up… at least, she would not have died in vain