KSU slams ‘non-transparent’ Sadeen deal

Student body says transfer of ODZ land to Jordanian construction company is ‘unjustified’

Hani Salah (centre) chairman of the Sadeen Group, signs the heads of agreement with economy and education ministers Chris Cardona (left) and Evarist Bartolo
Hani Salah (centre) chairman of the Sadeen Group, signs the heads of agreement with economy and education ministers Chris Cardona (left) and Evarist Bartolo

The University student council today expressed its disappointment at Parliament’s approval of the transfer of land to a Jordanian construction group which was handpicked by government to operate a private university. “As part of the Front Ħarsien ODZ, we are devastated to hear that, albeit much protest, ODZ land is still being transferred for this project.”

“We feel that our concerns have been ignored and that the concerns of many citizens of Malta have too been dismissed,” KSU added. 

The council added that it was also disappointed that, after holding several meetings with education minister Evarist Bartolo, and with the National Commission for Further and Higher Education (NCFHE) CEO Edel Cassar the Council was never informed about the decision taken by the Jordanian Company to apply for a "Higher Education Institution" license and not for a University license.

KSU said that the latter decision continues to fuel doubts surrounding the reason why criteria were changed through the introduction of Legal Notice 150.  

“The Students’ Council is also devastated by the vagueity surrounding the education capacity of Sadeen Education Investment Limited, which means that the government is transferring public land to an investor who holds absolutely no academic credentials.”

Citing Clause 10 of the Emphyteutical Grant, KSU said that education standards will be based on ‘student satisfaction’ - dismissing the requirements and conditions that may be imposed by the NCFHE.  

The council added that although local businesses could thrive through the introduction of new investments, this does not reflect reality, as Sadeen Education Investment Limited will have first right over all facilities, and it will have the discretion to lease and impart management rights and operational agreements over all ancillary facilities to anyone.
KSU also pointed out the vague definition of ancillary facilities in the emphyteutical contract, which the council said grants wide discretion to Sadeen.

“The AUM will have the right of use of the land it presides over, land which the government is now obliged to maintain through its own funds,” KSU said, adding that access to Maltese citizens will be restricted.

“This right of use is not even in line with the definition of “use” set out within the Civil Code, highlighting the fact that this entire deal has been conducted in a nontransparent and backhanded manner from beginning to end.”  

KSU reiterated its belief that there is truly no justification for the transfer of ODZ land.

“The AUM is not a university, but a Higher Education Institution, contrary to what was stated during various discussions with the concerned authorities, nor is it being built in the interest of the public, as the cons far outweigh the pros in this scenario.”

It added that government’s discussions surrounding the AUM have been vague throughout, and the loss of some of the most valuable virgin land left in Malta should most definitely prevail over this pretence for a “university”.