‘PBS should not insult people’s intelligence’ – Mallia

Home affairs minister Manuel Mallia said the Public Broadcasting Authority (PBS) does not intend to interfere in the direction of the national broadcaster, however it could "no longer insult the people's intelligence," as it did during the electoral campaign.

In a speech which spanned over 40 minutes, reflecting what Opposition MPs described as Mallia's"mega-ministry", the minister explained that he would not be dictating how the broadcaster operates but he would be doing his utmost to put in place a modern management system at PBS. However the minister did not go into detail of what this administrative reform entails.

On his surprise visit at the Corradino Correctional Facility in Paola which led to an investigation in the lax attendance of prison warders, Mallia said that it was common practice for warders to leave before their shift was over and pointed out that this would be tackled.

This led to the resignation of prisons director Abraham Zammit, which Mallia confirmed.

Mallia added that the decision to place the Police and the Armed Forces within the same portfolio was "a wise decision" because this would lead to greater coordination.

Mallia said that the Police corps was blighted by a number of administrative shortcomings.

 "Like any organisation employing 2,000 persons needs an updated and adequate management system. Crisis management should no longer be accepted," Mallia said, adding that the fault does not lay with the persons running the police but with the administrative model.

He said the corp needs to be motivated and accountable, adding that the focus should no longer be on the number of resolved cases but by the prevention of crime.

"The police should not be seen as a force but as a service with police officers being the people's friends," Mallia said, pointing out the need to have more officers on the beat.  

On migration, Mallia said that the government shared the views expressed by PN MPs Beppe Fenech Adami and Carm Mifsud Bonnici who called for the dignified treatment of migrants.