Prime Minister to give new roles to MPs that did not make Cabinet

Joseph Muscat may have no intention of furthering Lawrence Gonzi's system of twinning MPs with ministers as parliamentary assistants, but the party's former shadow ministers and new MPs have been informed of new roles that they will assume.

Muscat met with MPs individually this week, amongst them Chris Fearne, Justyne Caruana, Silvio Panis, Silvio Schembri, Etienne Grech and Carmelo Abela, to inform them of their roles which are yet to be announced.

Also summoned was MP Joseph Sammut, who penned a status on his Facebook profile "thanking those who expressed their disappointment at the fact that I was not chosen to contribute to the implementation of the electoral pledges," the MP, who shadowed transport affairs, said.

In comments they gave to the PN's Net TV, which was the only press stationed outside the Office of the Prime Minister, most of the MPs described the meetings "cordial" while also confirming that Muscat would be making an announcement later this week on the new appointments.

Muscat's appointment of 14 ministers and eight parliamentary secretaries has already raised questions of the cost of his government cabinet, although the new ministers and secretaries will be paid at pre-2008 levels, before the increased honorarium paid to the Gonzi II Cabinet.

Muscat also wants to commission an independent review of remuneration for the country's political officer holders, as well as an updated code of ethics for ministers who hold directorships in businesses. Muscat also pledged an online attendance register for MPs who will be paid only according to the parliamentary sittings they attend.

Earlier last week, Muscat defended his choice of having a large Cabinet. "It's not a question of increasing expenditure but one of value for money. It is the right size," he said, while admitting his opposition to appointing parliamentary assistants. "I am not very keen on parliamentary assistants and I prefer assigning particular roles to specific individuals. My idea is also not to stop at government benches but also turn towards the Opposition and assign MPs with executive roles."