Oil procurement scandal: PM ready to offer protection to people who volunteer information

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said this afternoon he was prepared to do anything in his power to encourage people to come forward with information on the alleged oil procurement commissions scandal. Questioned after former Nationalist MP Frank Portelli suggested that Parliament should be reconvened to urgently enact a Whistleblower’s Act, Dr Gonzi said he doubted whether that was needed, given that the general election was close, but he agreed that people should be encouraged to come forward and given protection so that they could give information on the case. He said he would also consider an amnesty for information. Dr Gonzi said a new PN government would enact a Whistleblowers' Act in the first days of a new parliament Earlier today, Dr Portelli’s proposal was welcomed by, among others, Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando, Franco Debono and Arnold Cassola of Alternattiva Demokratika. Dr Pullicino Orlando said he was sure that a majority of MPs, including many Nationalists, agreed with Dr Portelli's call. Dr Debono said protection for whistleblowers should come from the law, not from the prime minister, particularly as no one knew who could be involved in this case. The Times reported...