Q&A | PL: where the nation’s interests come first | Rachel Tua

What is your background?

The first and most important thing to mention are my incredible parents. Their impact on me is inestimable. I caused my family some concern at times because I was so much trouble in primary and secondary school. However, they still believed in me and supported me all the way. One of my mother's main worries was that, due to my intense interest in horses and riding, my studies would be neglected... apart from the fact that she wasn't so keen on the way I used to ride - with prime concern being given to my safety.

One of the greatest mentors in my life was my grandfather Dr Joseph Fenech Adami. I was only four years of age when he introduced me to the Courts of Malta. His teachings, stamina and spirit dwell within me till this present day. He taught me to never be afraid of anything. No time was lost in following his footsteps - a traditional Fenech Adami legal background where education was the order of the day. I read Law at the University of Malta and was admitted to the bar in 2010, after which I took an interest in the political scenario.

How did you get involved in politics?

Upon accomplishing my doctorate, I wanted to take a further step in life, a challenging pace which forms part and parcel of my grassroots: a career in politics. I was overcome by an urge to be closer and wanted to be of service to the nation. From the instant I made up my mind I knew that such decision was not going to consist of a plain sailing journey, but I was determined to run into the wind and overcome any obstacles. The innovated politics introduced by Joseph Muscat mirrored the principles I strongly believe in. My beliefs and ideas were shared with the Labour Party leader who in turn invited me to form part of his team. Overwhelmed by such a request, I felt honored to give my immediate consent.

Why Labour?

As a child I was brought up in a staunch Nationalist environment. My great uncle Prime Minister and President Emeritus Eddie Fenech Adami was, in my opinion, one of the greatest statesmen; a person whom I strongly admire. His politics were based on solidarity and transparency, amongst many positive factors; the same politics which has nowadays ceased to exist within the Nationalist Party, but has been resurrected within the Labour Party under the leadership of Joseph Muscat. The Labour Party can be classified in my opinion as a complete renaissance. It is the party whose principles are synonymous to my line of thought where the interests of the nation come first and foremost.

If elected, what will you be pushing for?

I will definitely push for equal opportunities entitled to all. I believe that promotions at one's workplace should not be granted according to one's political belief but according to competency. I do not agree that different wages should be handed out for the same jobs. I believe that there should be better working conditions where applicable.

I will be pushing for zero-tolerance to corruption, discrimination, social exclusion and also for harsher penalties to be inflicted upon perpetrators of domestic violence and animal cruelty.

I believe that strategies and the right planning should also be targeted at the creation of jobs and an increase in employment. This can also be done through foreign investment within our country expanding the economic growth.

I believe that there must be a greater input in facilitating one's life when it comes to those people who are more vulnerable.

I will also be pushing for a better education and health services for all.

What is holding back more women from contesting the general elections? What do you suggest should be done to attract more female candidates?

Contesting the general elections is no easy task. Much time is spend away from family and friends, notwithstanding the possibility of personal attacks, character assassination and threats. Most women prefer to be with their family and raise their siblings, remaining aloof from such an ordeal.

In my opinion, in order to attract more female candidates, there should be a promulgation of policies thoroughly providing for the right to a private life.

Which issues should a Labour government prioritise?

I believe that a Labour government should prioritise the Whistleblower Act: an act consistent of the removal of time barring on political corruption. It is ridiculous to live in a country where money, rather than being invested in the well-being of the Maltese people would be wasted on commissions. Such prioritisation ought to be followed by the investment in educators, as all our children are entitled to the best education. Furthermore, I believe in proper investment aimed at economic growth resultant in the creation of jobs. In addition to the aforesaid, a Labour government should also prioritise the long awaited proposal of lowering the water and electricity bills. 

Coming from the legal profession, which are the priorities that a new Labour government should work on if elected in this sector?

A new Labour government in my opinion should work upon its plan to lower the costs of water and electricity bills, a burden that has haunted many people throughout the years from a fiscal and also from a health point of view. From a legal point of view I strongly believe that the promulgation of the Whistleblower Act ought to take precedence. Such legislation is necessary in order to assure transparency. The introduction of the Family Business Act will also facilitate the transfer of a business from generation to generation. In such cases, the tax regime would be simplified.

How would you rate the Labour Party in terms of civil rights and liberties? What should the electorate expect from a Labour government?

The Labour Party has endorsed a concept evolving around civil rights and liberties the same notion of which mirrors the fact that the Party seriously means business. Such politics can be rightly said to be rated upon an utmost diligent standard. The electorates are entitled to expect that a Labour government will maintain all its promises as set forth in lieu of all its proposals.

Do you think that the PL's decision to legally recognise same sex couples is an electoral ploy to earn the gay vote?

This same question has also been asked to President Barack Obama. Well, not at all. It is about time to endorse the principle that State and Church should not interact in certain legislative matters. We have already witnessed such an issue with the concept of divorce and since then the Labour Party has introduced yet another breakthrough whereby the core of such decision is simply based on a principle of equality between sexes in addition to civil rights. The thought of legally recognising same-sex couples happens to be an evolution, as also replied by President Obama. In addition, studies have also proved to show that allowing same sex couples to marry has led to improved mental and physical health as well as the increase in the level of commitment of the relationship, apart from the fact that it would help to eliminate an inferiority complex and social exclusion. The introduction of such a concept will also be beneficial to the economy.