Cassola demands ethics probe into Abela’s defence of driving tests racket

On Wednesday, the independent politician sent a letter to Standards Commissioner Joseph Azzopardi, asking for an investigation.

In comments to journalists on Monday, Abela said fast-tracking people for their driving tests was part of the system.

“This is the way the political system works. If anyone says this should not apply for this country, I disagree”, Abela said.

Cassola said Abela was defending a corrupt system where ministers and Labour insiders requested expedited preferential treatment.

“This is unethical and may have resulted in unqualified persons being given a licence in a way that imperils other road users and pedestrians”, Cassola said.

Cassola’s request for investigation

Dear Commissioner Azzopardi

I write with reference to the declaration of the Prime Minister reported in The Times of Malta of the 3rd October 2023 where he  defended the persons embroiled in the driving test racket scandal;

“Robert Abela continued to defend ministers and public officials who helped people get fast-tracked for their driving tests through the back door, on grounds that this is part of the system.”

“That is the way the political system works. If anyone is saying this should not apply for this country, I disagree,” the prime minister said, adding that his government helped everyone, including Opposition MPs.”

The Prime Minister is defending a corrupt system where Ministers and Labour Party insiders make recommendations and request expedited preferential treatment for those select persons who approach them. This is unethical and may have resulted in unqualified persons being given a licence in a way that imperils other road users and pedestrians.

Such requests by Ministers or MPS constitutes improper influence and is in breach of Paragraph 4 of the Code of Ethics. It should also have been reported according to Paragraph 5e of the Code of Ethics.

The way the Prime Minister is defending the Minister who exerted such improper influence and who failed to report the same to the Speaker is a breach of Paragraph 1 of the Code of Ethics which states that :

“1. A member of the House of Representatives shall at all times, both inside and outside the House, conduct himself in a manner which reflects the status and dignity of the House of Representatives.”

Defending improper influence exerted by a Minister and the Minister’s failure to report to the Speaker means that the Prime Minister is not “conducting himself in a manner which reflects the status and dignity of the House of Representatives”.

I ask you to investigate this breach of ethics.

Yours sincerely
Arnold Cassola
Independent candidate 

4. While a member of the House of Representatives is in duty bound to relay the complaints of his constituents and to make representations in their name to Government authorities, the Member is expected not to use any improper influence, threats or undue pressure in the course of his duties.  

5. (e) is expected to report to the Speaker and to the competent authorities any attempt at corruption, pressure or undue influence by third persons, aimed at influencing his conduct as a member.