News | Sunday, 08 February 2009

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Abela defends ruling against own party

Matthew Vella
Labour MP Carmelo Abela stood by his decision to rule against a request by PL deputy leader Anglu Farrugia, after party sources raised questions on whether he was expected to show favour towards the Opposition.
As deputy Speaker, Abela was asked by Farrugia to rule whether the government’s motion to change the timetable of parliamentary sittings, and the method of voting, violated the Constitution and Standing Orders.
The government motion proposes to hold Wednesday sittings in the morning, and for voting on divisions only at the end of Wednesday sittings.
As deputy Speaker, Abela ruled that the motion did not contravene the Constitution or Standing Orders because its purpose was limited in terms of applicability, and the House could regulate its own procedure.
“As deputy Speaker I have to assume the responsibility of the role, and if there is need for a decision to be taken, than I have to take it, irrespective of whose side one is on,” Abela told MaltaToday.
“It’s a tough position to be a member of the Opposition in this situation but when you assume the role you have to play according to the rules. I took a legal opinion on this particular request and that’s what the decision reflected. Of course, everyone is entitled to their opinion, but a Speaker presides over the entire House.”
The government’s motion to change the parliament’s timetable, the first time in 30 years, came after a ruling by the Speaker of the House last week against the Opposition’s request to adjourn the House on Thursday, and debate a motion by Opposition leader Joseph Muscat.
Muscat’s motion calls on government to revoke its backing for the extension project, which has €14 million in EU funds approved by the Planning and Priorities Coordination Division (PPCD) of the Office of the Prime Minister. The motion notes the presence of Malta’s Permanent Representative to the EU, Richard Cachia Caruana, as one of the members of the Co-Cathedral Foundation, “which presence – in the absence of a clear indication of the government priorities for the use of EU funds – creates a conflict of interest”.
Gonzi’s motion seeks to change the timetable of the House, so that when a division (a vote) is called, it will be taken on the following Wednesday. In that way, government – which has a one-seat majority – can ensure it will have all its members present for the vote.
The new motion says changes to the timetable are needed because ministers and MPs occasionally need to be away on official business, and no pairing agreement yet exists between the two sides.

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