The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Enterprise is insisting the country must avoid any risk that business and investment are affected by uncertainty and reputational issues.

In a statement about the importance of good governance, the Chamber said it had always actively advocated full transparency and integrity by anyone in public office.

“In view of the current developments, and in the interest of growth and jobs, the need to take swift and concrete action is now of utmost urgency,” it said.

Referring to the current developments related to the Panamagate scandal, the chamber said action was needed in the interest of growth and jobs. It said the Bill on Standards in Public Life before Parliament needed to be made law as soon as possible.

“Malta needs to uphold its credibility as a global financial centre of excellence. For this purpose, our politicians must at all times be seen to take the higher indisputable ground against factual or apparent dubious practices which fuel unnecessary suspicions.

“It is the politicians’ responsibility to lead by example and ensure that citizens and taxpayers are given full satisfaction through the judicious use of the resources by them contributed.

“If Malta wants to sustain its positive trend in economic growth and stability, good governance is not an option – it is a must,” it said.