Sterling diplomatic duty

Martin Galea, the Maltese abducted by the so-called friendly Libyan militia, has made it back home safe and sound. It could have ended differently. What a relief it must have been for his family, who, we have learnt, were only informed of his release minutes before the plane touched down on the Luqa runway. But behind the scenes, literally behind the Prime Minister’s back, stood a lady, Marisa Farrugia, Malta’s Consul to Libya.

Standing there on the apron, Martin Galea, in front of the country’s journalists and cameras, named her personally for her outstanding role in ensuring his release and safe return to Malta. You could tell Galea’s gesture was coming straight from his heart.

But speaking right after the Prime Minister, Galea’s gratitude towards Marisa Farrugia sounded somehow strange. Why did the Prime Minister speak in total incredulity, without making any reference whatsoever to Marisa’s role in this breathtaking saga? Moreover, why did he give her his back when Martin Galea singled her out for saving his life? Had it not been for Martin Galea, we would have never got to know of the sterling work Marisa went through to ensure his release.

As the crowd gathered there on the apron, one person stood missing. Malta’s ambassador to Libya was nowhere to be seen. Anyone with a kindergarten-level in protocol affairs would have expected him there side-by-side with the Foreign Minister.

For some reason, he was not. All in all, Joseph Muscat should perhaps consider promoting Marisa Farrugia to ambassadorial level – she definitely deserves it more than Mrs Mizzi Liang. This will make up, not only for ignoring her in front of the cameras (and the entire nation for that matter), but also as a sign of recognition for the outstanding work she has successfully accomplished. This was what we have been promised after all – work and get rewarded.

Doing away with the only one you’ve got

Some days ago, Parliament discussed and voted upon the privatisation of Enemalta Corporation. In a nutshell, this was the only “bright” idea the government could come up with in dealing with this debt-stricken corporation. Indeed, selling one’s assets is one way of addressing your debts, but it’s also the easiest way. But when that asset happens to be the only asset of its kind (i.e. the only source of energy), you ought to think twice before doing away with it.

A step in the dark

The Opposition made various appeals for the government to publish the memorandum of understanding binding the government with the state of China on the conditions of the privatisation of Enemalta Corporation. If I’m expected to vote on the privatisation of a state corporation, isn’t it logical for me to be privy to the terms and conditions entered into, to be in a position to be able to assess whether this is in the best interest of my country? 

Notwithstanding our repeated calls, the government refused to accede to the Opposition’s request. There must be a reason. It seems that the government has something to hide. Otherwise, it would have had no objection to bringing us in-the-know.

This is a primary reason why the Opposition voted against this bill. It is unacceptable to make anyone accept something, and being left in the dark on how it affects you.

The irony in all this is that Charles Mangion had criticised a Nationalist government back in 2008 for failing to publish the memorandum of understanding entered into with Gasco Energy Ltd, involving the transfer of land for storing and bottling purposes, prior to the discussion of the said bill. Jason Azzopardi, then Parliamentary Secretary, had conceded to this request and tabled three documents for the members’ consideration.

Our request went unheeded and we voted against. It seems as if what was right then, is no longer the case now. This style of behavior, of sheer arrogance, is linked to a government with a nine-seat majority.

Debating the setting up of what had already been set up

I do not blame the former Zabbar mayor for his high-handed style of governance. He probably was following the footsteps of his party. Is it not disrespectful to Parliament to debate and approve the setting up of Enemalta plc, when Enemalta plc was actually registered and set up with the Malta Financial Services Authority two weeks earlier?

While Parliament debated the setting up of Enemalta plc in mid-July, the latter had already been set-up two weeks earlier at the beginning of July. While delivering my speech in Parliament, I was asking myself – why on Earth am I here debating a legislation, which in part has already been accomplished? 

No guarantees on working conditions

While the government did well in providing an employment guarantee to all Enemalta employees, this fell short of providing an assurance on working conditions. Being able to switch on the light anytime during nighttime, public holidays and weekends is possible thanks to Enemalta employees working on shift duties.

This pattern of work requires more flexibility and creates inconvenience as it goes against the daily office hours, but it is then recognised through allowances which can amount to approximately €400 a month. While €400 might seem little to those whose salary amounts to €13,000 a month, it is definitely a substantial amount to a low - middle class family. Employees currently on shift also fear that they may be replaced through an “interview” process that ignores the level of seniority.

For some reason, a union notoriously known for its tough approach has been hibernating all throughout. Am I surprised? Perhaps not.