Memory Lane 07/07/2002

Talking to Robert Naudi

Dr Robert Naudi was one of the most down to earth politicians I have ever known. He was not only a politician that respected the views of others but always tried to lead by example even in his profession. Compared to other politicians his political career was somewhat short. He contested the 1971 elections. He did well but was not elected He won a parliamentary seat during the 1977 general election.

Dr Naudi told MaltaToday that that he is proud to have been involved with a party that always cared for workers and for the elderly. "The 1976-81 MLP raised pensions, introduced Children’s Allowance, introduced the 40-hour week etc. What the Labour Party did in those years was something revolutionary and good for the people."

So why did he not stay on after the 1981 election? "I had no row with the party, in fact my rapport with the MLP was as good as ever but I felt that there was something in life which was going to give me better satisfaction. I wanted to be part of the Church; I wanted to be part of God more than I had been before. I felt that I had to choose between the Church and politics. Both demand a special attention. I chose the Church," Dr Naudi told me.

Today, Dr Naudi helps in voluntary work and he is a member of the ‘Strengthening of Catechism’ (It-Tigdid Katekezi). He is also a member of the Msida Good Shepherd Group and is also a church animator. The former MLP deputy is also a Chairperson in the Pastoral Council. His work there is to liaison with all the movements active in the Msida parish. Dr Naudi is also a Minister of the Holy Communion (Ministru tat-Tqarbin). Dr Naudi could not possibly juggle all this and politics also.

When he was diagnosed with cancer of the bladder his life was radically changed "I was miraculously cured. Thanks to the power of prayer and the grace of God."

Dr Naudi will be 66 next November and his rapport with the people from Msida is still as healthy as when he was in politics. Today he still practices his medical profession but only just. In fact he’s semi-retired.

He still follows poltics but not too closely. "I only watch the news on TV to keep in touch. Politics has changed from my time. Gone are the days when most MPs used to get involved in their constituents itches and scratches. Now politics is harder. It takes more time out of politicians because it is more complex. It’s a team effort now and not an individual struggle any more, " Dr Naudi said.

In his spare time Dr Naudi is an avid philatelist. He has been since 1948 and has some 300 stamp albums. "In those days stamp issues were not that frequent. Sometimes I come to a point were I feel it is better to stop this unending collection, but when one feels lonely, it's a comfort," Dr Naudi confided.

Robert Naudi was talking to Ray Abdilla