Fenech Adami says Maltese interests in Libya not being safeguarded

PN deputy leader Beppe Fenech Adami called on the government to take ownership of the problems Maltese companies in Libya are currently facing.

Addressing the parliamentary debate on amendments to the Criminal Code to include crimes relating to acts of terror, Fenech Adami said Maltese investors who turn to the government for help end up being referred to from one minister to another.

The amendments enjoy the support of both sides of the House of Representatives

Fenech Adami urged the government to create a focal point for these companies.

“If investors with interests in both Libya and Malta can’t find support in Malta, it will have serious ramifications for companies even in Malta. There must be at least one minister who should be responsible from taking action to help and support them,” he said.

Fenech Adami said the government should take the “necessary decisions” so that these companies don’t “drown”.

On his part, Justice Minister Owen Bonnici said the government was doing all necessary to help these companies and urged Fenech Adami to pass on any information he might have.

During his speech, Fenech Adami also urged parents to oversee their children’s use of the internet after international media revealed how three teenagers had been radicalised through a websites.

“I don’t want to alarm one but this is a reality that we must pay attention to,” he said.

While insisting that the Muslim community in Malta should in no way be associated with radical or extremist groups, Fenech Adami said one had to be careful “not to allows persons affiliated with terror groups to grow roots within our communities”.

Bonnici also said that the government had wanted to send a strong message against Islamophobia and xenophobia.