Cabinet commissions review of code of ethics

The Cabinet has commissioned a review of the ministerial code of ethics to make it "more relevant to today's realities", according to Prime Minister Joseph Muscat. Speaking to the press in Brussels, Dr Muscat said the code of ethics was written in 1995 and must now be updated, streamlined and "clear". Dr Muscat also replied to questions about the structure of his Cabinet. He stressed that the set-up for justice and home affairs ensured there was a "split" with two people responsible for the different areas, Manuel Mallia for home affairs and Owen Bonnici for justice. "This had worked well in previous legislatures unlike what happened in the last legislature," he said, referring to the controversy during this legislature regarding the "conflict" that arose by having the same person, Carm Mifsud Bonnici, responsible for the two areas. Dr Muscat also pointed out that linking the police, the army and the civil protection department under one ministry was intended to strengthen national security and allow for more "synergy" such as in areas like irregular immigration. Asked why Public Broadcasting Services was added to the mix of Dr Mallia's ministry, Dr Muscat said PBS was sometimes...