Minister reiterates appeal against turning justice into political football

Justice Minister Owen Bonnici reiterated his appeal against making the justice sector “a political football”, arguing that a much-needed reform was underway but “cautiousness” was key in delivering a sector that meets the efficiency required.

During a press conference called to discuss the country report issued yesterday by the European Commission working staff, the minister said the European Commission praised government’s decision to substantially increase the number of female members of the judiciary. The rate increased from 35% to 43%.

The controversial nomination of the Speaker’s daughter, Caroline Farrugia Frendo to the bench and the nomination of Ingrid Zammit Young – who has since withdrawn her nomination – prompted a national debate on judicial appointments. Both the government and opposition tabled their proposals and the government’s motion is set to be discussed in the coming days in parliament.

Asked whether the bill would become law before the Easter or summer recess, Bonnici said the government’s commitment was to have the reform in place before the end of legislature.

“This is part of our electoral manifesto and we are committed to seeing this reform through … We won’t drag our feet but we won’t rush it through it either,” he said.

The minister cautioned against “a hurried implementation”, arguing that the government wanted to have as wide a consultation as possible, including with members of the judiciary.

It was not excluded – but neither confirmed – that another name would be put forward to replace Zammit Young’s nomination. The minister pointed that improved efficiency also required more members of the judiciary.

Going through the salient points of the country report affecting the justice portfolio, Bonnici dubbed the document “a certificate” that the justice reform is underway and positive results were being registered.

The country report stated that the efficiency of the justice system continues to demonstrate shortcomings, but the implementation of the ongoing judicial reforms programme has prompted some positive trends. By way of example, the minister quoted the increase in the clearance rate of the administrative tribunal, which went up from 40% in 2012 to 411% in 2015.

The report also argues that Malta needed to work on its insolvency cases, training for members of the judiciary and the implementation of alternative dispute resolution measures such as mediation and arbitrage. Bonnici pointed out that the government was working on all three points.

Replying to questions from the press over news that the Energy Minister had a trust fund in New Zealand and a shell company in Panama, Bonnici refused to give his opinion on whether he would choose to have a company in Panama.

The justice minister also said that if he were to set anything up, he would declare it and this was what Mizzi did.