‘Access should never become privilege’: MFPA calls for clearer governance safeguards in Malta

The Malta Federation of Professional Associations (MFPA) has called for clearer safeguards governing interactions between political decision-makers, regulators, professionals and major economic operators in Malta.

In a statement on Wednesday (today), the federation said recent public discussion surrounding the close proximity between these groups offered an opportunity to reflect on good governance in a small jurisdiction.

The MFPA acknowledged that Malta’s size can offer advantages, including shorter lines of communication and greater accessibility between institutions, professionals and businesses.

However, it warned that such proximity must be accompanied by safeguards to ensure that access does not become privilege or result in different standards of treatment.

The federation called on Government, public authorities and regulators to maintain “clear, proportionate and transparent protocols” covering access, conflicts of interest, material representations and regulatory decision-making.

These protocols, it said, should be applied equally and consistently.

“Good governance should not make a small country less agile. It should provide the clarity and confidence that allow accessibility to remain one of its strengths,” the MFPA said.

“Small states do not necessarily need greater distance between people. They need greater clarity between roles.”

The MFPA represents a number of professional organisations, including the Malta Institute of Accountants, Chamber of Engineers, Kamra tal-Periti, Medical Association of Malta, Malta Chamber of Pharmacists and Dental Association of Malta.

The statement comes after the conclusion of the trial of businessman Yorgen Fenech, during which jurors were shown messages recovered from his phone detailing his communications with a number of prominent figures in politics, regulation, and law enforcement.

The exchanges included communications with former prime minister Joseph Muscat, former OPM chief of staff Keith Schembri, former minister Konrad Mizzi, former deputy police commissioner Silvio Valletta and former Malta Gaming Authority officials, among others.

Mr Fenech was acquitted on 2nd September of the charges relating to complicity in the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia and criminal association.

Read the reaction of Maltese businessmen to Yorgen Fenech's acquittal here.