Josie Muscat was ‘misquoted’ on domestic violence remarks - MIM

The Malta Institute of Management yesterday came out in defence of PN candidate Josie Muscat, saying that the popular doctor had been misquoted after a 2012 debate on domestic violence.

The PN’s decision to let Dr Muscat contest the election on the party ticket was met with some surprise, with many, most notably the PL-leaning media saying that his beliefs were not compatible to those of the Nationalist Party.

Josie Muscat had served as a PN MP but later formed the anti-immigration Azzjoni Nazzjonali.

He was also against EU membership and had also made controversial remarks about gay rights.

He has been heavily criticised over the 2012 conference, during which it is alleged that he said men who committed violence against women were sometimes provoked.

In a statement yesterday, MIM said that despite clarifications it issued in 2012, “certain persons and/or media houses have decided to ignore such clarifications and inappropriately quote what was said in the conference on Gender Violence organised by the Institute in September 2012.”

It reissued its 2012 clarification, which reads: “Dr Josie Muscat insisted at all times that violence in all its forms is condemned at all times. As also the Appogg representative present agreed, in assessing cases of violence one needs to determine the cause of it. In certain cases it is a reaction to something else including but not limited to education and or other source of violence.

“As stated by Dr. Muscat there are various forms of violence and some could be a reaction to the other. In analysing this in detail, one may be in a better position to help the victims of any form of violence and also the other person. With respect to the comment regarding the participation of men, again, Dr Muscat explained that men may find it more difficult to talk about the violence they were subject to. This, although not right, due to the pride that men may carry in their character. Men may be subject to various kind of violence particularly psychological ones from various fronts which may also include the education system, peers, partners and relatives amongst others. The reality is that due to societal behaviour it is more difficult for men to express certain matters. In this context, in order to combat gender violence in all of its forms one must hear all the parties concerned and find ways how to encourage all victims to speak up.”

MIM added that Reuben Buttigieg, who was President of the MIM at the time, and had chaired the conference, had stated at the time that Dr Muscat was “conveniently misquoted,” adding that Dr. Muscat “had condemned all sorts of violence during the conference putting no exception.”

MIM said it hoped that the matter was now closed and and wished Dr Muscat well in his endeavours.

Dr Muscat last week told this newspaper that “the past is the past” and that he would “fully abide by the PN manifesto.”