On political corruption, ‘Labour won’t carry out witch hunts’

A Labour government doesn't intend to carry out "a witch hunt" on cases of political corruption but will wait for individuals to come forward, safeguarded by the Whistleblower's Act.

Labour has already hinted that the fight against corruption will take up a considerable portion of any future PL government's agenda. The party's commitment is to remove the time-bar limit for the investigation of corruption cases involving politicians. With the commitment to enact a Whistleblower's Act, the proposal could effectively also open a can of worms.

But when asked by MaltaToday whether he had any specific cases in mind which he wanted a future government to investigate if elected, Labour leader Joseph Muscat said his government "will not carry out any witch hunts".

"We don't want witch hunts. But coupled with the Whistleblower's Act, we are encouraging people to come forward on cases of corruption," he said, adding that there were "public figures" who have so far remained quiet but wished to speak out.

"We expect these individuals to come forward once they will be protected by the Whistleblower's Act."

By removing the 10-year prescription period, Muscat would be re-opening for investigation cases concerning politicians allegedly engaged in corrupt practices in the 1980s and 1990s.

But Muscat said he found "no problem" with such cases resurfacing and being investigated. "I am serene and I have no problem with whatever case is opened."

On the other hand, the proposal will have no bearing on much more recent investigations related to the Gonzi administration, such as the BWSC affair.

When asked whether a Labour government is committed to investigate the BWSC saga, Muscat said: "The Auditor Geneal has reported he lacked the necessary tools and resources to investigate the matter in depth. Once we give more power to the Auditor General, he should be able to investigate prior cases."