Updated with PN, PL reactions below.
The Nationalist Party has claimed that the prime minister told PN officials that there was evidence of extortion in the death of former Nationalist MP Karl Gouder, whose body was found near the former Customs House in Valletta in September.
The police had ruled out foul play in the unexpected death of the former PN chief operations officer, who had just announced his interest in the post of PN general secretary.
In a statement on Sunday, the PN recounted a meeting between senior PN and PL officials when the latter called at PN headquarters to sign a book of condolence. During the meeting, Labour's then deputy leader Daniel Micallef said he understood Gouder's tragic death to be the result of 'extortion".
"At this, Robert Abela jumped from his seat and, pointing his finger, exclaimed, “Not understood! That’s exactly it, and with evidence! With evidence!”
That was why, the PN said, with a strong sense of responsibility and as they were obliged to do, when summoned by the inquiring Magistrate as part of the investigation, PN officials, under oath, informed the magistrate of what Robert Abela had stated in their presence.
The account came during a back and forth between the two parties after Abela told a Labour political event that he was summoned to testify over the death of an individual after opposition leader Bernard Grech set out a "trap". He did not name the 'individual' who sources later confirmed to be Karl Gouder.
"A few weeks ago, the PL administration and I were invited for a coffee by the leader of the opposition at PN headquarters. It was a trap", he said.
"After we left, Bernard Grech went straight to report us to the inquiring magistrate and told him that I was implicated in the death of a person," Abela said.
He said that he was summoned to court a few days ago to testify by the police's homicide squad before the magistrate.
"This is how cruel Bernard Grech is and how he is willing to do anything for power," Abela said.
Addressing Grech directly, Abela said: "You should be ashamed for what you did".
Abela was addressing Labour Party supporters in Gozo when he made the remarks.
Times of Malta understands that besides Abela, several members of the PL's administration were called to testify and were asked about the meeting.
Soon after his death the PN called for authorities and institutions to "uncover what led to the tragic death" of Karl Gouder, who was on the verge of becoming the party's general secretary.
They also called on the public to come forward with any information.
The PL had made a similar statement.
PN: Abela exploiting Gouder's death to divert attention
The PN in a reaction said it strongly and categorically condemned Abela's remarks and his exploitation of the tragic death of Karl Gouder to save himself and divert attention from the scandals perpetrated by his government.
"Robert Abela’s behaviour is disgusting, dangerous, and irresponsible, aimed solely at deflecting attention from the corruption he and his ministers are drowning in," the PN said.
"Robert Abela is willing to discard anyone and exploit everything and everyone, including the tragic death of the beloved Karl Gouder, to cling to the seat of power. Robert Abela shows no respect for anyone, not even for the deceased and their families."
The party reiterated its solidarity with the family of Karl Gouder and urged those of goodwill who have relevant information to pass it directly to the Magistrate leading the inquiry.
Replying to the PN statement, the Labour Party said the prime minister had only spoken on facts, that the opposition leader had tried to implicate him in a person's death. The prime minister was careful to not even mention the person's death, although the PN later did so, confirming what the prime minister said that the country should not sink to this level.
Reacting again, the PN said Robert Abela had stated that he was aware of evidence concerning the death of Karl Gouder.
"Because he is a coward, Robert Abela did not voluntarily approach the Inquiring Magistrate.
"Robert Abela was duty bound to inform the Inquiring Magistrate about what he stated during a meeting held, together with other Labour Party officials, at the PN headquarters."
The PN said that it was (then) PL Deputy Leader of the Labour Party Daniel Micallef who, after Robert Abela spoke and in the presence of several officials from both parties, remarked that he understood the tragic death of Karl Gouder to be the result of “extortion.”
"At this, Robert Abela jumped from his seat and, pointing his finger, exclaimed, “Not understood! That’s exactly it, and with evidence! With evidence!”
That, the PN said, was why, with a strong sense of responsibility and as they were obliged to do, when summoned by the Inquiring Magistrate as part of the investigation, PN officials, under oath, informed the magistrate of what Robert Abela had stated in their presence.
All this confirms how Robert Abela is a dangerous and irresponsible politician who will go to any lengths to protect himself.
Unlike Robert Abela, the PN will continue to insist on uncovering the truth and ensuring that if anyone drove the beloved Karl Gouder to his death, they face justice accordingly.
In yet another reaction, the Labour Party observed that in his statement, Bernard Grech had admitted that it was he who had reported the prime minister to the inquiring magistrate.
The PL asked what had stopped the Opposition leader from telling the people about his actions more than three years months.