 20 - 26 December 2000 |
 |
 |
          |
|
|
 |
|
The Zobel meaning The name of the German state minister Zobel it appears is not only difficult to pronounce but leads to confusion and misconceptions. It seems that the fault does not lie with the state minister’s hold of the English language but with the Maltese press that sift characteristically for the cherries and sultanas in a statement to suit their own political agendas. Mr Zobel who is not new to Malta had the unsavoury job of listening to Christian democrats preaching to him on the merits of European Union integration and keeping his eyes wide open to the MLP’s arguments of not entering it. Now, this newspaper will not take Mr Zobel’s comments turn them around and leave out all the juicy parts. But this habit of dragging foreigners, exposing them to the press and taking what suits us is unethical – perhaps there is some more work for the Press Club here. Zobel was very aware of the vibes that his comments could lead to. Therefore he was more cautious than many of his predecessors – nevertheless, Zobel did state the obvious – that Malta’s position in the European Union would be of benefit to the country. Of course there would be birth pangs – who will deny that and of course there would be adjustments to be made. And yes, Minister Zobel’s did not say that Malta would be written off from the rest of the world. But it would, he hinted make Malta’s credibility shambles. And yes, the decision to adhere to membership is one for the people of Malta and whether this is decided by referendum or election is irrelevant and a purely academic discussion which has no room for political discourse. Manwel Cuschieri as President If one looks at the individuals that make up a team one may very well come to terms with the chemistry of that group. So the conclusions we draw when we hear of the nomination for President in the MLP executive are of sadness and shock. Now, perhaps Dr Mario Vella was stiff and rigid but at least he was an intellectual who had dumped his Marxism to something closer to Thatcherism. Mr Cuschieri is a propagandist who more often than not offends public intelligence and who bases his deliveries on pigeon droppings and gossip. Here is a man who incites political prejudice with his incessant diatribes based on speculation, inventions and false premises. Here is a man who pretends to be left when what he espouses is right and very wrong. Here is a man who the better elements in the labour party that purport to be of a social democratic base encourage to go on in an attempt to keep the “akkaniti” happy. It is indeed a sad day for politics, though the Nationalist side must be giggling at the prospect of a man who should have been admonished and side lined is now being given the prominence he badly does not deserve. | ||||||
| |||||||||
The Business Times, Network House, Vjal ir-Rihan San Gwann SGN 07
Tel: (356) 382741-3, 382745-6 | Fax: (356) 385075 | e-mail: [email protected]