Speaker blocks Simon Busuttil's question on chief of staff's presence at Pilatus chairman's wedding

Updated Monday 6.45pm with a request for a ruling. A parliamentary question by former Opposition leader Simon Busuttil about Keith Schembri’s presence at Pilatus Bank chairman’s wedding has been disallowed by the Speaker of the House. Dr Busuttil’s question was addressed to the Prime Minister, asking him to state whether Mr Schembri had in fact attended the wedding. However, the former Nationalist Party leader was informed by the Speaker’s office that his question was rejected because it was “not relating to public affairs”. Dr Busuttil was told that, as per Parliament rules, questions could only be put to ministers about matters relating to public affairs or to any other member relating to any business of the House for which such minister or member is responsible. Dr Busuttil argued that the question was about something that had already been made public through media reports, fell under the Prime Minister’s responsibility and was of clear public interest. Dr Busuttil accused the Speaker of abusing his powers to block the question, the sources added. The decision ran contrary the Constitution, which described Malta as a democratic country that safeguarded people’s rights, Dr...