PN laments 'ambiguity' over AUM site proposals

Opposition leader Simon Busuttil accused Prime Minister Joseph Muscat of being "ambiguous" over the possible relocation of the American University of Malta from Zonqor Point.

The government has asked MEPA to start looking for smaller sites, with the possibility that the  Jordanian investment campus is split. Asked whether the PN welcomed this proposal, Busuttil said Muscat was being ambiguous.

"No, we're not happy because it is ambiguous. On one hand, Joseph Muscat gives the impression that everything will happen at Zonqor Point, on the other he tries to show he's changing route. Muscat has managed to unite everyone against him," Busuttil said, adding that the Prime Minister "changes his tone according to the audience in front of him".

Asked about the €30 million required to repair structural damages at Mater Dei Hospital - due to concrete of inferior quality used - Busuttil said the technical people behind the construction and certification of works should shoulder responsibility.

Asked about political responsibility, Busuttil said he wasn't "a politician at the time" and "questions to politicians should be directed at those who were".

He added that he "expects the Labour government to do something about it, after two years in government".

The PN leader's comments were made during a press conference announcing the PN's general council being held this weekend. The Nationalist Party will be electing its 18 officials to sit on the party's executive committee. For the first time in Maltese political history, a committee will be electing nine members who are women and nine members who are men. 23 men and 18 women are contesting the election.

The executive will then vote to elect key positions within the party, including that of Secretary General, replacing Chris Said. The elections will take place on the third of June.

Busuttil said that the incoming Secretary General will have to focus on shaping the PN as a credible alternative to the country's leadership.