Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/823773
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 14 MAY 2017 2 MALTA'S bishops have called on Catholics to vote according to their conscience, in a pastoral letter is- sued yesterday. Archbishop Charles Scicluna and Gozo bishop Mario Grech said that Catholic voters should choose ac- cording to what they recognise is right and true in front of God, "[and] choose what is truly benefi- cial for the common good and for a just society." The bishops said the general elec- tions, called a year earlier by Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, were an important event in the life of Mal- tese society. "Great responsibility demands from us sound prepara- tion so that we will be able to make an informed decision," they said. "Our vote is an answer to this question: what kind of society do we want for ourselves and for fu- ture generations? It is a responsi- bility that demands that we choose people of wisdom and integrity, who treasure and embrace the ethical values that we believe in. One supreme value is that of the protection of human life from its conception to its natural end, and the respect for the dignity of each person." Malta's bishops have been vocal in upholding the Catholic Church's stand against gay marriage and gay adoptions, in a climate where the newly-elected Labour administra- tion pushed through laws for civil unions, cohabitees, and gender identity rights. While relations between both sides have always appeared cor- dial, the PN has said it is ready to embrace gay marriage rules, while Labour has so far dithered on re- introducing embryo freezing in IVF procedures, which had been outlawed under the last PN admin- istration. "We encourage everyone to car- ry out their duty responsibly, and we pray that the light of the Holy Spirit will help us make a good de- cision. Let us pray that our words and actions be guided by a spirit of dialogue, with deep respect for truth and for each other, including those persons who hold different opinions from our own," the bish- ops said. News Political ethics 'an orphan of PL and PN' – Greens MATTHEW AGIUS ALTERNATTIVA Demokratika have added to the chorus of criti- cism aimed at the Muscat govern- ment and Malta's political class as a whole, calling ethics in public life "the orphan of the PL and PN". AD secretary general Ralph Cas- sar said the country's institutions were "weak and incapable of stop- ping transgressors because they have been designed this way over the years by the PN and the PL". The system was made in such a way as to be totally dependent on whoever is prime minister, the green party says. "How many PN candidates are taking commissions from passport sales and big business?" asked Cas- sar, highlighting that large con- flicts of interest exist in both major parties. Parties that say one thing about funding and then have links to big business could not be trusted, he said. "If there is a standout issue it is this: that there are no checks and balances to prevent disgusting abuses of power. Before we fix the cracks in the Constitution we will continue to see this type of greed." AD made several proposals, in- sisting for example that the ap- pointment of the Commissioner of Police should not depend on the government of the day, so as to allow the police to investigate im- mediately should necessity arise, without interference from the gov- ernment." Backbenchers should not be given roles in the government, but should be scrutinising it, they said. "Scrutiny cannot remain in gov- ernment hands," the party insisted. Other public appointments should be taken out of the govern- ment's hands and given to parlia- ment to avoid dependence on the party they belong to. "After the Gonzi government created parliamentary assistants to give goodies to Nationalist backbenchers, Joseph Muscat ap- pointed Labourite backbenchers as chairpersons of authorities and public entities to gift them many thousands of euros in salaries. These manoeuvres undermine the autonomy of Parliament and ren- dered MPs mere puppets." Conflicts of interest are also found on the Opposition benches, he said, criticising the fact that the PN saw nothing wrong that its MPs act as consultants to db Group. "Can Simon Busuttil tell us how many of the lawyer candidates of the PN pocketed in commissions from the obscene IIP scheme? And what shall we say about the system of fiduciary companies that raise a lot of questions with PN and PL MPs... candidates involved as di- rectors in companies such as these? "Can Beppe Fenech Adami tell us why he failed to carry out the prop- er checks before becoming director of the fiduciary company Capital One, investigated over allegations of laundering drug money?" AD spokesperson Mario Mallia said the party was calling for the appointment of a commissioner for standards and ethics in politics and for MPs to fulfil their role on a full-time basis to avoid conflicts of interest. At the beginning of this legislature, he said, there was much talk of Constitutional reform, but four years on, practically nothing has been done. Parties should not be in the pocket of big business and the law should regulate lobbying, Mallia added. It was clear that the PL and the PN had failed to strengthen the in- stitutions over the years, AD said, and this was evident in the lack of progress registered in creating a Constitutional organ that would address the issue. Nothing had been achieved because the PN had refused to form part of the pro- cess, as it was being led by Franco Debono, which led to the PN not participating. "This was a conveni- ent and calculated step by the PL to keep the process of Constitutional change on the shelf... Four years on, we are practically still where we started." As things stood, even if there was a change in the governing party, it would be only a cosmetic change, because the election system should give a voice to other parties. Alternattiva Demokratika chair- person Arnold Cassola lashed out at AD's de facto exclusion from every televised debate. "This is shameful. At the last election we had three debates with the other parties. This time there were only four debates involving only the PL and the PN and a press conference each. "I'm sorry to say that instead of the Broadcasting Authority of Malta, it is moving closer to the Broadcasting Authority of Zimba- bwe." In order for checks and balances to be strengthened, there must be an independent political party, like AD, that refused the manoeuvring of the two major parties, the party said. "A vote for AD means a clean vote". Birzebbuga Local Council Dar Birzebbuga Triq Santa Marija Birzebbuga BBG1651 Tel: 21650165 Fax:21650444 BIRŻEBBUĠA Email: birzebbuga.lc@gov.mt The Birżebbuga Local Council notifies that during its next Council meeting, scheduled for Monday 22nd May 2017, it shall be discussing the following bye-law: - Use of Facilities (Birzebbuga Local Council) - Activities in Sand Pitch in Pretty Bay (Birzebbuga Local Council) He general public is being informed that a copy of the mentioned bye-law will be made available at the Local Council's Offices which shall be receiving any suggestions/complaints up till Friday 19th May 2017. Svetlick Flores Executive Secretary AGILOFT EUROPE LIMITED (Company Reg. No. C 62029) IN LIQUIDATION Persons or entities having claims against the above mentioned company which is in liquidation are requested to submit their claims in writing duly supported by detailed documentation by not later than the 31st May 2017 to: The Liquidator, Dr. Etienne A Calleja, 222, Leli Falzon Street, Naxxar, NXR2603, Malta. Bishops: Voters must choose 'wisdom and integrity'