PN concerned at government’s 'obstructionism'

The opposition today expressed its serious concern over government’s attempts to obstruct the Ombudsman, who yesterday filed a judicial protest against home affairs minister Manuel Mallia over the ministry’s refusal to uphold requests for information.

The Ombudsman has been investigating complaints raised by army officers on appointments and promotions.

The investigation came to a standstill after the Home Affairs Ministry claimed the Ombudsman did not have jurisdiction to cover complaints raised by members of the Armed Forces of Malta.

“The unprecedented court action taken by the Ombudsman against government confirms that government does not accept the Ombudsman’s scrutiny, which is an essential parliamentary institution in a democratic society,” opposition MP Jason Azzopardi said.

He added that government’s obstructionism posed a risk to the country’s democratic foundations and urged government to co-operate with the Ombudsman.