The discussion on the constitutional reform should not be taken over by the political parties, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat has said.

During a meeting with the committee tasked with raising awareness on the Constitution, chaired by lawyer Franco Debono, Dr Muscat spoke on the importance of discussing its substance and relevance in today’s society. The committee should not fear questioning old laws, he added. He said the committee should be a sounding board to listen and introduce ideas.

Political parties should not take over the discussion but politicians would see which of the issues raised needed to be discussed, Dr Muscat said.

Dr Debono said the committee was working on a website and a child-friendly version with the help of Maltese author Trevor Zahra. “We are living in a time of constitutional reform,” which meant the committee took on a more important role, he said.