KSU calls for accountability and the publication of Vitals inquiry

University student organisation KSU on Friday called for the magisterial inquiry into the Vitals deal to be published. In a statement on its Facebook page, the KSU said that it believes in the importance of the public’s right to have access to the inquiry in its totality, and added that “the country has a right to be fully informed about a fraudulent deal resulting in unjustified enrichment”.

KSU also condemned Prime Minister Abela’s statements implying that the Courts had been influenced by political considerations. It added that Abela’s remarks that these conclusions should be considered with scepticism and doubt are dangerous and that his comments that the inquiry was concluded at the same time of the launching of the candidates for the EU and local elections is irresponsible.

The student organisation said that it demands accountability. It continued that while it fully believes in the presumption of innocence and in one’s right to a defence before an independent court, “those implicated in serious offences cannot legitimately hold public office”. It said that those implicated are expected to shoulder their political responsibility and resign from their position pending the outcome of a trial. “Failure to do so should prompt the government to demand their immediate resignation itself.”

It said that allowing individuals who are criminally implicated for fraud, corruption, and money laundering to retain their respective positions is unacceptable. Furthermore, KSU added that a situation like this poses significant security risks.

As part of its statement, KSU said that it especially takes note of Edward Scicluna, who currently holds the position of Governor of the Central Bank along with his seat on the Governing Council within the European Central Bank.

KSU also said that Deouty Prime Minister Chris Fearne should resign. The KSU statement was issued before Fearne announced his resignation.

KSU said that this is a matter beyond partisan politics. “The student body takes these accusations seriously and demands that those implicated shoulder their political responsibility while due process unfolds. This is essential for the strength of our political and institutional system in which public trust is attributed.”

The statement was endorsed by a number of other student organisations and NGOs, those being the following;

UM Rocketry, IAESTE.Malta, SĦS - Studenti Ħarsien Soċjali, Malta Association of Dental Students, SDM - Studenti Demokristjani Maltin, University of Malta Rowing Club, CSA - Criminology Students' Association, JEF Malta, MMSA - Malta Medical Students' Association, ICTSA - ICT Students' Association, Għaqda Studenti tat-Teoloġija, MKSA - Media & Knowledge Sciences Association, USPA - University Students of Performing Arts Association, TDM 2000 Malta, Malta University Historical Society, Għaqda tal-Malti, ESA Earth Systems Association, GħSL - Malta Law Students' Society, ASCS, ALLT - Association of Linguistics and Language Technology, ESO - European Studies Organisation, Junior Chamber of Advocates, DESA - Department of English Students Association, UESA - University Engineering Students’ Association, Betapsi Malta, MIRSA - Malta International Relations Students Association, Malta Model United Nations Society, KNŻ - Kunsill Nazzjonali taż-Żgħażagħ, Moviment Graffitti, S-Cubed - Science Students' Society