State broadcaster had been criticised for avoiding to report about Robert Aquilina’s book
PM mocks ‘books and blogs’ while PBS reports on Pilatus book only after 30 hours
“Stick to books and blogs while we continue to lead”, Prime Minister Robert Abela addressed critics while speaking at the Labour Party’s general conference on Sunday.
Abela made no direct mention of anti-corruption activist Robert Aquilina’s new 700-page book revealing emails and findings of investigations into Pilatus Bank.
“Stick to books and blogs, which you enjoy dabbling with, whilst we will reply by creating more jobs and generating wealth for the people”, he said.
In what appears to be a concerted effort of Labour and the state broadcaster to mock critical publications, TVM News reported about the Pilatus book only 30 hours after its launch.
Members of civil society and the opposition had criticised the lack of a TVM report on Saturday morning’s book launch.
Mark Camilleri reacts to PM’s speech
Reacting to the prime minister’s words, former National Book Council chairman and author Mark Camilleri reminded Abela that “the book industry makes 1% of the economy”.
Calling him a “loser” and a “parasite”, Camilleri said that Abela, who has contributed nothing, wanted to patronise.
Mark Camilleri asked whether the National Book Council will issue a statement “against this attack on the whole industry”.
David Casa: ‘Repubblika can take it’
Update 20:30 | On Sunday night, PN MEP David Casa said he felt “immune to this style of attacking” due to having experienced mockery ever since he took on the fight on corruption.
Casa said, knowing Robert Aquilina, Repubblika and Occupy Justice, “the more they are being attacked, the stronger they become. They will never give up.”
