News • October 12 2003

Jason Micallef

What new ideas, or strategies would you like to bring to the position?
If elected, I would ensure that the MLP will be a much more media oriented party. A party that will make sure that its work and policies are understood well and most of all delivered in a simplistic manner thought to reach all sectors of the people. This can only be done through a well equipped information/press office within the new General Secretary’s office, and will focus mainly on how the party and its officials need to perform on the medium (TV) airwaves and definitely the printed media.
How should the Labour Party face the coming years?
The coming years are a big challenge for our party. The MLP was always and still is a big and strong party. But as resulted in last April’s‚ General Election, we are not big nor strong enough. So first we have to re-organise and put back our house in order by bringing back Labourites whom for one reason or another opted not to vote for Labour. We have to internally and mostly in public, show full support to our leadership, Dr Michael Falzon, Dr Charles Mangion and Dr Alfred Sant. Then, we must convince people that not only we are a good opposition but a credible and most of all, an alternative government.
Why, in your opinion, did the Labour Party lose the last election?
I know and we all do, why the MLP lost the last General Election. But what is important now is for the party, its leadership, the administration, our local and district committee’s, our grass roots to look forward (inharsu ‘il quddiem) and work hard in convincing the electorate that we are an alternative government to a present comatose government in all aspects.
Why should people vote for you?
At present I am meeting delegates from all over the Maltese Islands and the general feeling is that they are desperate for a big change in the administration. I am confident that changes will only be achieved by electing new faces with fresh ideas and a vision of how the party structures have to work in the next four years up to the next general election. They know all candidates running for this post, and are also well aware who’s been there and done that, so my only appeal would be, changes can and will only be made by electing a new face for the post of General Secretary.