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I am writing with reference to Dr Anna Mallia’s 24 June article.
The article gives the impression that there is a code of ethics for the notaries. In reality there is only a code of ethics for advocates, but none exists with regard to notaries.
Some years back, I was involved in the drafting of a code of ethics for notaries. The general meeting of the notarial corps approved the code, and the final version was submitted to the authorities for their sanction.
To date, the code is still in on the shelf, waiting for approval.
I agree with Dr Mallia’s implied position that a code of ethics would be of benefit not only to the profession but also to society at large. In this particular case, the code already exists and has the added advantage of having been approved by the notaries themselves. This is a commendable case of self-regulation.
It must be stressed that the code of ethics as approved by the notaries’ general meeting was very clear in its stance against conflicts of interest.
Dr Mark A Sammut
Haz-Zebbug
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