Pullicino Orlando says Casa ‘behaving like a tabloid journalist’
● My duty is to citizens, not OPM, MEP replies
Former Nationalist MP turned unsuccessful Labour candidate Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando yesterday accused PN MEP David Casa of “behaving like a tabloid journalist and causing devastating, negative effects to the country.”
Pullicino Orlando was reacting to comments by Casa after the MCST chairman on Monday called for police action against the MEP over his possession of leaked FIAU documents.
In his statement, Pullicino Orlando said that any allegations of corruption should be thoroughly investigated in a democratic country.
“On the other hand, Casa, as a senior politician, is not expected to behave like a tabloid journalist – teasing his audience for months on end with allegations which have not been substantiated. His behaviour in this, and other, instances is being widely regarded as an attempt at destabilising our democratically elected government by using his influence at a European level. The negative effect his shenanigans are having on our country’s institutions is devastating.”
The following questions arise from his behaviour, Pullicino Orlando said: Why hasn’t he passed these documents over to the competent authorities yet? Is Casa aware of the fact that this delay is, in itself, illegal? It is a criminal offence to be in the possession of such documents. Does Casa consider himself to be above the law? Has Casa verified whether or not the author of this particular document was – as has been claimed - purposely drafting a document which was meant to be leaked?
“Casa should put this charade to an end. Suggesting that voicing the thoughts of many is an attempt at intimidation is ludicrous – to say the least. If Mr Casa really felt strongly about his loyalty towards his countrymen he would not be acting in a manner which is widely being considered to be the epitome of perfidiousness,” Pullicino Orlando said.
My duty is to Maltese citizens, not OPM David Casa
“Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando is paid handsomely from our taxes – apparently in order to be wheeled out to do the Castille’s dirty bidding,” Casa said in reply to Pullicino Orlando’s statement.
“The evidence of criminal activity already in the public domain and the complacency and complicity of the now politically captured institutions require a different approach.”
“I will release the FIAU report when the expert analysis is completed. Not a second before. And definitely not because I am called on by a political appointee indebted to his political masters for his lucrative taxpayerfunded position,” Casa said.
“No threats of arrest will stop me from carrying out my duty.
“I will publish the conclusive FIAU report. And it will leave the Prime Minister with no option but to sack Konrad Mizzi.”
“Now perhaps the chairman of the Malta Council of Science and Technology might consider at least pretending to dedicate some office hours to the role we pay him to be carrying out.”