Fenech Adami dubs government ‘a factory of lies’

Labelling the Labour administration as a “factory of lies,” PN deputy leader Beppe Fenech Adami today refuted government’s claims that the court is withholding the publication of the contract between Henley & Partners and government, insisting that the contract was never exhibited during court proceedings.

On Wednesday, justice minister Owen Bonnici threw out a request tabled by Nationalist MP Jason Azzopardi to have the contract tabled in Parliament and scrutinised by the Public Accounts Committee.

Citing an ongoing court case between the government and Arton Capital – which were rival bidders to Henley & Partners for the concession of the Individual Investor Programme – Bonnici argued that the court had decreed to prohibit the publication of the contract.  

However, Fenech Adami today said that this is not true and stressed that the court had not prohibited the publication of the contract. 

“Owen Bonnici’s declaration that the court ordered withholding the publication of the contract is a blatant lie. The contract has not been exhibited during court proceedings,” he said.

Addressing a press conference outside the Prime Minister’s office in Valletta, Fenech Adami said: “This government is a factory of lies and its lies are only intended on hiding the truth.”

The PN deputy leader for party affairs argued that after analysing the court process, it transpired that he contract was never exhibited in contract.

Challenging the government to publish the contract, Fenech Adami claimed that due to the fact that “Henley & Partners had bankrolled overseas political parties and was guilty of corrupt practices, it is inevitable that doubts arise.

“If the government is truly transparent and accountable, it should publish the contract immediately,” he said.

On his part, opposition MP Jason Azzopardi said it is of paramount importance for the government to publish the contract, as this is in the national interest.

“The government and Owen Bonnici are blatantly lying on something of national interest. Can the government stoop to a lower level?” Azzopardi asked.

“It is unheard of for a minister to lie in parliament so the PAC would not be able to scrutinise a contract. It beggars belief that a minister does not want to disclose something of national interest,” he said.