In a highly politically divided country like ours, the result of the general election is more than significant for the bulk of the population. Those who are on the victorious side think they have another five years of fruit, while the other half only see doom and gloom. Both sides have their reasons to believe either that they are going to be rewarded or to be condemned to injustice.
I have met quite a number of government employees who see no prospects in their career for the next five years. A very long time. The only reason for this being their political leanings. On the other hand I met various Nationalist sympathisers/supporters who now think that they own the country.
However, the result of the general election has sent another message. The incumbent government has managed to attract less than half an electoral quota, meaning that half the population did not support its victory. In my opinion this should send a loud and clear message to the government that unless it wants to be dubbed dictatorial, it should ensure that justice prevails in the administration of the country. The Nationalist government has a golden opportunity to show for the first time in the last twenty years of governance, that Malta belongs to everyone irrespective of his/her political creed. It is unnecessary to say that those who are entrusted with a public duty should not mix the exercise of his duty with his political beliefs. This country is tired of injustices and cannot for a very long time do away with talent, because that talent does not happen to fall within the short range of those who gave a helping hand to the Nationalist Party during election time.
The Malta Labour Party after doing the necessary reforms and elect a respectable leader, should be a strong but constructive and positive opposition. However, this does not relieve it from its duty to serve as a constant guard watching the government and forcing its criticism to what in its judgement is unjust and inappropriate.
With a majority of one single seat in Parliament and a few more votes in election, the Nationalist government should steer away from a partisan administration of the country. Democratic principles should overwhelm the temptation of securing job for only the blue-eyed boys.
Way back in 1987, when the Mifsud Bonnici government employed several thousands of people in government employment, an inquiry was held and many of these people were shown the red card. It is an open secret that before the last election, a caretaker government distributed hundreds of promotions and engaged new entrants in government and parastatal employment on the eve of election. Building permits were hurriedly issued and government machinery distributed all it could to secure the vote of the receiver. If injustices were committed they should be redressed; and once the Opposition regains its feet after the electoral loss it should enquire about the restoration of justice in this regard.
The political class, meaning both sides of the political divide, should place the country’s best interest as its foremost priority. However, the onus falls upon the government. If it acts correctly and in a national spirit, it would be ascertained the cooperation of the whole nation forcing its head towards progress and a better way of life. We are lagging behind our European partners in many respects. They are our benchmark. If we preserve the status quo, in a few years’ time we will become a mediocre country with a very low standard of living compared to the European mainland.
The government has the responsibility to serve as a guiding light and not just a provincial administrator roaming about its small pasture. In spite of the fact that we have formed part of the European Union for five years, we have not started to reap the benefits yet. Benefits are not only the hand-outs from Brussels that we have been hearing about ad nauseam. The benefits of joining such a club go further beyond. We have not mastered a sense of discipline in public administration; we lack a sense of professionalism in whatever we do, and still live in our mould of old-fashioned habits predominantly dictated by our hot climate and irresistible temperament.
The Malta Labour Party has the immediate challenge of choosing the right leader who would not only be expected to push his party to electoral victory in the next polls, but to give his contribution towards the progress of this country. The government has a bigger task. Gonzi and his crew should leave no stone unturned to attract the respect and cooperation of not only half the population but of the whole nation. Words alone would not suffice. The government would be judged through its actions.
In the years to come Malta has to face certain challenges. The Dockyard question has its thorns and complications and have to be solved in the best interests of its workforce and most of all in the best interests of the country. Air Malta has got its problems too and the numerous delays that passengers are facing daily do not augur well to attract tourists by the national airline.
The country badly needs leaps in improving our infrastructure (especially roads) and an urgent general clean up.
Only time will tell whether we can achieve our immediate and long-term goals to become an efficient and prosperous country. A government elected by a few votes and enjoying a majority of just one seat in Parliament, has a formidable task to perform. Only careful and intelligent decisions can seal a good deal to our future during the next five years.