'Parties ask everyone for donations' – construction magnate

The political parties approach "all businesses" in Malta for donations, according to top contractor Zaren Vassallo.

"For the past 40 years I've been asked for donations by both parties and I helped both equally," Mr Vassallo tells The Sunday Times in an interview published today. But he dismisses the commonly-held belief that contractors mainly fund the two main parties.

Refusing to divulge the figures he has donated, Mr Vassallo insists his contributions to the parties are not reciprocated with any favours – on the contrary, he says his well-known Nationalist sympathies have often worked against him when bidding for a contract.

"Everybody asks for my help, from parties to MPs, and I help everyone. I've contributed to so many initiatives in Mosta, from plays to local councils to the church. Everyone knocks at my door. It's in my nature to help."

Speaking to Herman Grech as Vassallo Group turns 65 this year, Mr Vassallo dismisses several media reports in connection with his company as pure lies intended to harm him because of his political beliefs.

Referring to the construction sector, he admits that a number of contractors do cut corners to keep costs low, but points out his company, which today employs 1,300 people, was instrumental in introducing a number of initiatives to reduce the inconvenience.

Mr Vassallo says the Maltese landscape has changed drastically in the last few decades because of speculators in search for a quick buck.

"It's ironic that while you need a licence to sell peanuts in this country, you don't need a licence to become a developer," he says.

Watch excerpts of the interview by clicking the link above. Read the entire interview in today's edition of The Sunday Times.

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110424/interview/Firm-foundations.361950