Opposition MP questions government’s intentions to privatise ARMS

Opposition MP Kristy Debono questioned whether the government intends to fully or partially privatise the Automated Revenue Management Services, claiming that they are already in discussions with technology consultancy company Accenture over the public company’s future.

Speaking in her parliamentary adjournment, Debono referred to Accenture’s recent announcement that they had helped Shanghai Electric Power in their recent investment in 33% of Enemalta’s shares, noting that the announcement came from Accenture’s mouth and not the government’s.  

She questioned Energy Minister Konrad Mizzi as to how much Accenture were paid in their brokerage deal with Shanghai Electric, whether the government forked out any of the money itself, and why he had not come clean to the public about Accenture's role in the SEP negotiations.   

She claimed that the government have been involved in discussions with Accenture over the future of ARMS for the past couple of weeks, and questioned whether the government intends to fully or privatise it.

“What role will Accenture play in ARMS’ future? Is it true that the government will pay Accenture €6 million for their services?

 “If the government’s plans for ARMS don’t include Accenture, can it at least confirm whether it plans to restructure ARMS, why it asked for Accenture’s help, and whether its relation as SEP’s broker could constitute a conflict of interest in this case?

“We hope that the government doesn’t end up visiting the other side of the world before springing a surprise like it did with the Enemalta deal.”