Your apathy will destroy you

This week, I chanced across some old photos of my family and me in Malta, some 28 years ago. The pictures showed quaint villages, lowrise skylines, and delightful vintage cars chuntering around the streets.

They do not care about Malta, they do not care about the people that live there, and they do not care about the future of the country and its people. All they care about is red or blue and their grotesque adoration of the Prime Minister and I can only think that this is the result of incredible stupidity, or brainwashing

There was very little in the way of obtrusive developments, and barely a crane in sight. Eleven years ago, when I moved to Malta permanently, things had of course changed. Ugly apartment blocks and hotels had started to pop up everywhere, but nonetheless, the quaint little Mediterranean idyll had retained much of its charm.

Today the scene is very different. If you can manage to negotiate the stop start traffic into the centre of the island, you will be presented with a Mordor-esque scene comprised of cranes and poorly designed buildings permeating the once picturesque skyline. What bothers me the most is not the grotesque destruction of the island’s cultural heritage and charm, but rather the apathy that accompanies it. Very few people seem to care and this is not an attitude which is reserved just for construction, this attitude extends forcefully into politics as well.

The last few weeks, and indeed the last 18 months have left Malta’s reputation in tatters. What was once a highly respected EU and Commonwealth member, home to the European Capital of Culture, and a top-tier location for iGaming, Fiserv, and other related industries, is now a place shrouded in corruption, murder, intimidation, and links to international money laundering.

What angers me the most is the incredibly misplaced level of tribal loyalty. If these accusations of corruption and wrongdoing were levelled against the Nationalist Party, Labourites would be up in arms. There would be no need for “proof” (despite there being ample proof provided), there would be no ignorance of what is blatantly clear, there would be no intimidation of those seeking the truth, and they most cer- tainly would not be harassing and intimidating those that call for justice. These people would be shouting “traitor” at the PN and no doubt, they would take to the streets demanding sackings, removals, and police action.

But no. Because they are so blinded by their loyalty, they are instead attacking the people that hold the well-being of Malta close to their hearts. They do not CARE about the damage that their Great Leader is doing to Malta and they do not CARE about the fact that the eyes of the world are on them. They do not CARE about the numerous petitions, letters, and calls to action signed by some of the world’s leading writers, artists, and journalists, because all they care about is their loyalty to a demi-god and his minions.

The fact that they would be the first to attack the Opposition if the shoe was on the other foot shows that they really do not care, and in fact have a staggering level of apathy towards the heinous deeds that have been committed. They do not care about Malta, they do not care about the people that live there, and they do not care about the future of the country and its people. All they care about is red or blue and their grotesque adoration of the Prime Minister and I can only think that this is the result of incredible stupidity, or brainwashing.

What sort of patriot can support money laundering, kickbacks, the sale of their precious citizenship (while in the same breath tell foreigners to “go back to your own country”), allegations of engaging with prostitutes, murder, police inaction, intimidation, threats, misogynistic behaviour, and the illegal harassment of activists? On what planet is this Ok? And what sort of deranged people think that this is a good way to promote their country, and actually it is the people who are standing up and saying “this is wrong” that are the ones destroying its reputation?

Dear Malta, this is not Ok. There is no conspiracy against Joseph Muscat and the Labour Party. There is no international conspiracy to overthrow him. I can pretty much guarantee that not one single person on this entire planet, apart from Labour supporters is jealous or in any way admiring of Keith Schembri, Konrad Mizzi, Chris Cardona, or Joseph Muscat. The fact of the matter is that a journalist has been murdered, there is clear evidence and links to money laundering activities on the island, alongside a clear intent to cover it up with orders coming from the highest level. Your ministers have been conspiring to receive kickbacks/bribes/hush money, and planning to line their own pockets with money that was supposed to make your lives better. The institutions that govern this country are rotten to the core and if you cannot see that or you want to put the blame on those that are trying to put it right, then you are more lost than I first thought.

This government has screwed you and will continue to do so. They do not care about you, the person on the street, and all that you are to them is a vote. A vote of confidence that they can continue to rule with impunity and that they can continue to rip you and your country off at every opportunity.

I know that what I write will fall on deaf ears, but I felt compelled to write this anyway. I am truly astounded at the level of apathy against criminal goings on at the highest level in a country people claim to love, and I am appalled at the level of hatred that is levied against those who are fighting for what is right.

If you are a true patriot and you really love your country, stop being blinded by political colours and stand up for transparency, accountability, and above all, justice.