Debono formally writes to PN Executive - seeks revocation of condemnation

Nationalist MP Franco Debono has written to the party's Executive Committee asking it to revoke a decision it took on Wednesday when it condemned him for the way he voted on the no confidence motion against Carm Mifsud Bonnici. He also asked the committee to revert to the situation it was in before the declaration.

Dr Debono wrote to the president of the Executive, Marthese Portelli, copied to the Prime Minister.

He pointed out that his grievances were procedural in nature, pointing out that the matter at issue had not been on the agenda of the Executive meeting, and in any case, he could not attend the meeting because he was speaking in Parliament about his 24-point motion about major reforms in justice and home affairs.

Dr Debono regretted that he had, therefore, not been given the opportunity to make his submissions under the principles of natural justice, basic democratic principles and the principles of the PN itself.

Dr Debono said he had always upheld the principles of the Nationalist Party and he, therefore, asked the committee to revoke its decision.

He said it was ironic that, while the executive was censuring the three absent MPs, he was piloting a law regulating political parties that proposed the creation of mechanisms ensuring party members received a just hearing within their organisation.

Dr Debono doubted whether it was the administrative or executive committee which was the most appropriate forum to take such a decision.

In its decision the PN Executive on Wednesday also condemned MPs Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando for the way they voted on the motion against Richard Cachia Caruana.