Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1537976
NO government can function effective- ly without the rule of law. Robert Abe- la's sycophants, privilege-riddled state institutions, agencies, authorities and departments, together with a poisoned House of Representatives, have degrad- ed these essential principles. Constitu- tional tenets are regularly corrupted, leading to heinous results that further damage our country. We must redefine the consensus, laying a new foundation for the rule of law. The rule of law in Malta seems to have passed into a twilight zone, setting up an almost daily drama that pits right- eousness against evil. Defining good and evil is up for grabs at the outset. The rule of law has long been backslid- ing due to the process through which elected public authorities deliberately implement governmental blueprints, aiming to systematically weaken, an- nihilate or capture internal checks on power with a view to dismantling the liberal democratic state and entrench- ing the long-term rule of the dominant party. Good government requires function- ing institutions and infrastructure, with some measure of public acceptance of outcomes within a predetermined, pro- cedural framework. That framework is the foundation for the rule of law in any well-governed society. This is no small point. It is the rule of law and the at- tendant consent of the governed to be bound by it that provides the founda- tion for effective governance. While Malta continues to be confront- ed with serious challenges at home and abroad, a growing oppression is being felt, inflicted by the perversion and ex- orbitance of legal authority. Most Labour Party voters and a pan- dering party leadership still act as if for- mer disgraced prime minister Joseph Muscat is still the legitimate victor in a general election decided more than 12 years ago. Audiences of sycophants at the fre- quent Labour Party meetings addressed by Prime Minister Robert Abela boo and refute the notion of public account- ability for wrongdoing. How timely and appropriate it was for Repubblika to publish its Democratic Vision 2050 document that should run parallel to Envision Malta 2050. It's about time to revive, adhere to and live the core values of democracy and the rule of law. Being democratic is not enough. A majority cannot turn what is wrong into right. To be considered truly free, we must also have a deep love of liberty and an abiding respect for the rule of law. Malta needs a government of laws and not of men. While our government leaders con- tinue to declare their commitment to respect the rule of law as the foundation for our country, in practice their per- formance is perforated with lacklustre results or outright failure. People are losing faith in democratic politics and turning to authoritarian alternatives, or simply tuning out. Now more than ever, strong guardrails such as an inde- pendent judiciary, robust civil society and trustworthy elections are needed to stop the slide and build a fairer and more accountable system. This Labour administration is quite a bit away from its stated allegiance to de- mocracy, rights and the rule of law. Its actions are increasingly underpinned by disrespect for human rights, weakening checks on government power, state in- stitutions run by pro-government cro- nies and a malfunctioning justice sys- tem. How can we forget the frequent inter- national calls for Malta insisting on all potential incidents of corruption be- ing investigated and prosecuted by the authorities with the necessary rigour and highlighting serious and persistent threats to the rule of law, democracy and fundamental rights, including on issues of media freedom, the independ- ence of law enforcement and the judici- ary from political interference, and the freedom of peaceful assembly? On the streets, people talk about the rule of law, but ultimately, there is no tangible understanding of what it is. People fear this juridical concept will leave them going hungry, staying poor, and thwarts their possibility of being given a cushy job. People still see that they are having to work around rules and legislative struc- tures that preclude them from getting where they need to be, for better or for worse. The current situation in Malta re- mains incredibly fragile in terms of where we're going and the future of our democracy for multiple reasons that are related to the rule of law specifically but that are also related to several issues, in- cluding a lack of constitutional reform. 9 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 30 JULY 2025 OPINION It's about time to revive, adhere to and live the core values of democracy and the rule of law. Alexander Attard Beating the heat responsibly: Practical measures to safeguard older adults Commissioner for the Elderly A week ago, I wrote about the increased risks faced by our older population in very hot weather, although truth be said, young- er persons should also educate themselves regarding these risks and how to mitigate against them. Hence, I would like to high- light measures that should be taken to avoid complications related to the heat waves we are experiencing on a regular basis. Core essential measures may seem obvious but are worth repeating. Maintaining hydration is essential. Water should be drunk frequently throughout the day even in the absence of thirst. We should aim to drink 2-3 litres a day. Liquids such as alcohol, coffee and sugary drinks accelerate fluid loss and should be avoided. If sweating profusely, electrolyte replacement with di- luted sports drinks or rehydration solutions should be considered. It is clearly logical to stay indoors during peak hot hours (10:00am-4:00pm) but it is astonishing how many ignore this advice. Practical measures to cool the house in- clude using curtains/blinds to block sun- light. When outdoor temperatures exceed indoor temperatures, windows should be closed and kitchen/bathroom extractor fans switched on. Air conditioners should be set at 26°C. If unavailable, a number of low-tech cooling measures may be ap- plied such as cool damp cloths applied to the body, frequent cool showers/baths and spending more time in the coolest rooms of the home such as basements or north fac- ing rooms. Electric fans should not be used when temperatures are above 35°C since only hot air will be blown. If being outside can't be helped, wear a hat, sunglasses, light coloured cotton/linen clothes and apply sun screen (SP 30+). Certain commonly used medications may increase sensitivity to heat. These include diuretics (water tablets), blood pressure medicines and anti-depressants. Further- more, certain drugs may deteriorate in high temperatures and lose their effectiveness. Check on storage requirements and consult your family doctor if in doubt. Apart from older persons, people with pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, obesity and heart, lung, or kidney disease, should be conscious of their increased vulnerability to heat. Early intervention in heat related medical issues is essential and so it is important to recognise and monitor relevant symptoms on a daily basis. Dizziness, headaches, nau- sea and a rapid pulse are symptoms and signs of heat exhaustion. In this case, the in- dividual should be moved to a cool place and cooled down with cold water or ice packs. Cold water or electrolyte drinks should be pushed and the situation monitored. If there is no improvement after an hour hos- pital admission may be required. Confusion, slurred speech, hot/dry skin, seizure and a body temperature over 40° C indicate a heat stroke and is a medical emergency requiring hospitalisation. Heat waves require an aggressive mul- ti-layered approach if the older population is to be protected. Maintaining adequate hydration, staying in cool environments, addressing health factors and modifying ac- tivities are crucial. However, family and the community also have an obligation to min- imise risks by regularly checking in on the elderly especially during extreme tempera- tures. Prompt intervention by recognising symp- toms and signs of heat exposure will prevent minor issues from becoming life threatening medical emergencies. Be on the lookout for weather alerts so that adequate preparations can be put in place. As I said in my previous article: A single death from heat exposure is one too many. Mark Said A mockery of the rule of law Veteran lawyer