Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/664438
MIRIAM DALLI M ALTA may not be in a crisis but the country is certainly go- ing through a rough patch, ac- cording to President emeritus George Abela, who urged the powers that be to quell "the speculation". In what started off as a cryptic message about the need for peo- ple in power to listen humbly to their predecessors – be it former presidents or members of the ju- diciary – Abela said one should listen to the "objective opinion" of those who have nothing to lose or gain. Interviewed by Andrew Azzo- pardi on Radju Malta's Ghandi X'Nghid, Abela said that when "one ref lects" on what's going on in the country, the need arises for a forum bringing experi- enced people together. "Such a forum would provide the adequate forum for these people to pass on their ideas and give their objective opinion on how things are developing," Ab- ela said. Prompted by Azzopardi on the invaluable experience gained by former members of the judici- ary and presidents, Abela said he was in favour of a council – established by the Constitution – that would give a formal struc- ture to the sharing of thoughts and ideas. "Along with the presence of an interlocutor, such meetings would be structured in a way that would allow topics to be discussed serenely… it's a way of harnessing the talent of these people. They will share their ex- periences and advice… ultimate- ly it would be up to the politi- cians to decide whether or not to take those suggestions on board. "When a country is going through these difficult times, the powers that be should lend a listening ear to those who want to say something and who do not have an agenda." Prompted, Abela would not go so far as to describe the coun- try's current situation as a 'cri- sis', but admitted that these were not happy times. "Decisions need to be taken fast to quell speculation. All I know is what has been published by the media… When we talk about establishing facts, well, people in power already would have known most of the facts. Are you going to be guided by sentiment? That would be the political cal- culation but you have to base yourself on facts… and decide as quickly as possible before any further damage is caused." With Konrad Mizzi 's political fate in his hands, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat this week said the government had "continued to listen to the people, and under- standing their sentiment". "I do listen, consider it, and de- cisions are taken collectively to ref lect that sentiment," Muscat had said. Asked point blank about the Panama Papers – which have embroiled energy minister Kon- rad Mizzi in controversy – Abela said the facts are there and can- not be denied. "There are facts which were known before they were re- vealed, which means that you al- ready had enough facts to make your own judgement. One can delay a decision, but it cannot be avoided. "At the same time, one way or another this case, with all ramifications, will be resolved. What worries me is the future. If politicians cannot exercise auto- control, who will do it for them? If you have the moral fibre you admit your mistake and shoulder responsibility." According to Abela, the com- ing into force of a Commissioner for Standards was not enough. While expressing his concerns over the current political sce - nario, Abela also insisted on the need for politicians to respect the will of the people in that a government is elected for five years. "The will of the electorate must be respected throughout the whole term of office," he said, sounding a warning to "aspir- ing leaders" to treat others in the same way they want to be treated. maltatoday, SUNDAY, 10 APRIL 2016 News Abela warns of 'unhealthy' political climate President Emeritus George Abela PHOTOGRAPHY BY RAY ATTARD