MP raises questions on police commissioner's appointment, gets no reply

Home Affairs Minister Manuel Mallia this evening avoided questions about whether the new Commissioner of Police had been appointed under the proper norms. The question was put by Nationalist MP David Agius. Dr Mallia in reply, pointed out that this was a supplementary question to a question on the police dog section. He asked the Nationalist MP to put a formal question on the commissioner. Asked whether he did not wish to answer about the commissioner’s appointment, Dr Mallia said he would no problem replying when a formal question was put. Mr Agius then asked about family-friendly measures in the police corps and followed them up by questions on the appointment of the commissioner. Dr Mallia again said questions on the commissioner should be put formally. When Mr Agius protested and pointed out that it was the commissioner who was responsible for the police, Dr Mallia said he was only following procedure and he would have no problem replying once an ad hoc question was put. See also http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20130424/local/reinstated-police-commissioner-still-has-to-be-sworn-in-as-policeman.466786