Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1537311
6 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 9 JULY 2025 NEWS Broadcasting Authority orders ONE to report conclusion of standards investigation into PN MP THE Broadcasting Authority (BA) has ordered ONE TV to report the findings of an investigation into PN MP Toni Bezzina and claims that he wasn't show- ing up to his public job. Last month, Bezzina was found inno- cent of any alleged ethics breach in re- lation to his work as government archi- tect by a standards czar investigation. The investigation was prompted by a report to the Commissioner for Stand- ards in Public Life by blogger Neville Gafa. Bezzina was the target of a campaign by the PL and its proxies such as Gafa who claimed that he was not showing up to work as government architect, but was instead engaging in private practice during official hours. The BA complaint, filed by Bezzina argued that ONE News had previously broadcast the allegations against him. Michael Piccinino, who represented Bezzina, stated that the MP had already requested a right of reply on January 21, 2025, which the station failed to broad- cast. Piccinino further noted that once the Standards Commissioner concluded the investigation and issued a report, ONE was obligated to inform the public of the outcome, but again failed to do so. In response, ONE, which was repre- sented by lawyer and MP Ramona At- tard and ONE News editor Josef Carua- na, stated that the lack of reporting was due to an oversight. Attard added that ONE would not contest the point regarding the absence of reporting and confirmed the station was prepared to remedy the situation. In its decision, the BA ordered ONE to report the investigation's conclusions by no later than two days since the de- cision. In a statement on the ruling, the PN welcomed the ruling, calling the PL's campaigns against certain PN MPs as being supported "by a fascist-leaning faction within the party." MATTHEW FARRUGIA mfarrugia@mediatoday.com.mt Nationalist MP Toni Bezzina Momentum says Abela 'unfit to lead' after reinstatement of Kurt Buhagiar MOMENTUM executive member Car- mel Asciak slammed Prime Minister Rob- ert Abela's "defence" of Lands Authority's decision to reinstate Kurt Buhagiar saying he is "unfit to lead". "Let's be clear: this is not about guilt or innocence, that's for the courts to de- cide. This is about basic ethics, respect, and public trust. A person facing seri- ous criminal charges in connection with a fatal construction collapse should not be representing a public authority, col- lecting taxpayer money, and 'getting on with the job' as if nothing happened," Asciak said. Abela was doorstepped by journalists after construction victim Jean Paul So- fia's mother, Isabelle Bonnici stated that Kurt Buhagiar had returned to work at the Lands Authority. Buhagiar is one of five individuals facing charges over the collapse of a timber factory under con- struction on government-leased land. Robert Abela defended Buhagiar's reinstatement as he noted that he had previously been on paid suspension and is now simply fulfilling his job responsi- bilities, rather than getting paid without reporting to work. He said Buhagiar's reinstatement "is not just tone-deaf, but morally bank- rupt." "Where is the leadership? Where is the decency? Where is the commitment to reform and justice that was promised to Jean Paul Sofia's family and to the nation?" Asciak said. "This decision, and the Prime Minister's defence of it, spits in the face of the inquiry findings, which clearly blamed the State for its oversight failures. It mocks the memo- ry of Jean Paul Sofia, and it continues to betray his mother, Isabelle Bonni- ci, who had to fight tooth and nail for a public inquiry that should have been automatic." Momentum said it stands with Isabelle and with every citizen demanding real accountability, not administrative ex- cuses. Asciak concluded that, "Malta de- serves leaders who understand the weight of public office, who uphold standards and who value life over po- litical convenience. Robert Abela has shown us, once again, that he is not that kind of leader." Momentum executive member Carmel Asciak says Kurt Buhagiar's reinstatement at the Lands Authority, despite being charged over the involuntary murder of Jean Paul Sofia, is 'not just tone- dead, but morally bankrupt' Prime Minister Robert Abela was doorstepped by journalists after Sofia's mother, Isabelle Bonnici stated that Kurt Buhagiar (inset) had returned to work at the Lands Authority KARL AZZOPARDI kazzopardi@mediatoday.com.mt