Defiant Omar Rababah says he will submit nomination despite backlash
Social worker and activist addresses PL event in Santa Luċija
PL candidate-in-waiting Omar Rababah struck a defiant tone when addressing the crowd at a PL event on Wednesday, confirming that he would be submitting his nomination to contest the election despite facing a torrent of abuse.
The 34-year-old social worker and activist announced his decision to stand as a Labour candidate last week.
He has since faced a torrent of abuse, with some spreading Islamophobic conspiracy theories of a Muslim agenda to take over Malta.
Rababah, born in Malta to a Syrian father and Maltese mother, received a standing ovation from the crowd at the end of a rousing speech at the Garden of Serenity in Santa Luċija.
“The past five days were difficult for my family and me - they felt like 10 years,” he began, before listing his credentials as a born-and-bred Maltese national.
“I grew up in the streets of Qormi, on the playground near the St George parish church. I was in the subcommittee of the band club and raised funds for the feast. I stand for everything that is Maltese and will defend everything that is Maltese,” he said.
Rababah brought along several family members to the event, noting that he was the grandson of renowned għana singer Frans Cassar Il-Bloqq.
He appealed to the crowd not to be affected by the controversy surrounding his potential candidacy, adding that he was "one of them".
“My nomination is in a drawer. I can either proceed or take a step back,” he said, as the crowd rose to its feet.
“I think I’ve been given a response. Thank you for the courage you have given me,” he added, before confirming that he would, in fact, be submitting his nomination.
“Should the party executive board see fit, I will join this team of many talents who will deliver our manifesto.”