NGO Repubblika Criticizes Standards Commissioner’s Decision on Rosianne Cutajar Case
NGO Repubblika has raised concerns over the recent decision by the Standards Commissioner regarding a case involving Member of Parliament Rosianne Cutajar. In a statement released on Saturday, Repubblika revealed that irregularities were found during the investigation but the case was ultimately deemed time-barred, preventing any further action from being taken.
Repubblika initially filed a complaint with the commissioner after Cutajar failed to disclose income derived from a consultancy position at the Institute of Tourism Studies. The NGO condemned Cutajar for her apparent celebration, stating that she had been exonerated and labeling the complaint against her as a vengeful invention.
According to Repubblika, the commissioner’s conclusion confirmed that Cutajar had indeed been employed as a consultant while serving as an MP and had failed to declare her income from the consultancy, a breach of the code of ethics. However, the case was closed due to a limitation within the code that allows complaints to be filed within a one-year period. Although the breach was discovered more than a year after it took place, the commissioner was unable to pursue the complaint.
Expressing regret, the commissioner suggested the need to extend this time limit, emphasizing that unethical behavior does not become acceptable simply because it remained hidden for over a year. Repubblika echoed this sentiment, stating that Cutajar should not escape punishment solely because she concealed her actions for an extended period of time.
Furthermore, the commissioner raised concerns about Cutajar’s motive for hiding her consultancy, speculating that there may have been issues surrounding the authenticity of the contract and whether she truly acted as a consultant justifying her employment at the Institute of Tourism Studies. However, since this was not the subject of the initial complaint, the commissioner did not delve further into the matter.
Repubblika joined the commissioner in supporting the recommendation that MPs should not use time-barring as a shield to protect themselves from offenses. They emphasized that the breach of ethics should be held to a higher standard and that deceiving Parliament regarding income derived from a government appointment is never acceptable.
The controversy surrounding Cutajar has also raised questions about the relationship between MPs and the government. Repubblika criticized the government for potentially compromising and corrupting its own MPs through consultancies, which undermines the principle of separation of powers between the government and Parliament.
As Repubblika continues to advocate for transparency and accountability in Maltese politics, they urge MPs to act ethically and responsibly, ensuring that they do not engage in dishonest practices or attempt to conceal their wrongdoings. For now, it seems that the case against Cutajar has come to a close, leaving room for discussion about the limitations imposed on investigations of this nature.
In a quest for justice and a commitment to upholding democratic principles, Repubblika and other concerned individuals hope to shed light on the need for stricter regulations and a more robust system of accountability within Malta’s political landscape.
