Sai Mizzi Liang

Sai Mizzi Liang’s performance as Malta’s special envoy to Asia remains under wraps as the government would not give any information despite promises to the contrary.

Citing confidentiality and commercial sensitivity, Malta Enterprise, the State agency that appointed Ms Mizzi Liang on the instructions of Prime Minster Joseph Muscat, said it was not in a position to divulge any information on what she had delivered.

Asked for a list of investments and initiatives resulting from Ms Mizzi Liang’s work in China, a spokesman said “Malta Enterprise cannot disclose names of companies concerned because of commercial sensitivity and because Maltese law rightly protects prospective investors”.

Asked to make available Ms Sai Mizzi Liang’s annual performance appraisals in view of her public stature and her political appointment, Malta Enterprise also refused. “Malta Enterprise does not publish its employees’ performance appraisals nor information regarding particular projects, including investments and initiatives,” it said.

This stand contrasts with earlier declarations by the Prime Minister and various government officials.

Ms Mizzi Liang, Health and Energy Minister Konrad Mizzi’s wife, had told the press during the only official appearance she ever made, in July 2015, that she should be judged by the results she achieved and not by the exorbitant financial package she received.

“There is a Chinese saying that it’s not important what you say but what you do. So, please, judge me by what I do for you and on the results I deliver,” she had told journalists.

Judge me by what I do for you and on the results I deliver

Both Joseph Muscat and Dr Mizzi had defended the €13,000 monthly package she was given, insisting that she was fully qualified to do the job and that she should be judged by the results she attained.

So far, the only public result of Ms Mizzi Liang’s three-year stint in Shanghai is the opening of a representative office in Smart City by China’s Huawei technology giant. The office has so far remained closed and is only used when representatives of the Chinese company visit Malta.

Ms Mizzi Liang was appointed Malta’s envoy to Asia shortly after Labour returned to power. Unlike her predecessors, she was put on an ambassadorial salary entitling her to all the perks that come with the job – the payment of accommodation, transport and family educational services.

Two years into her contract, Ms Mizzi Liang was also appointed Malta’s consul general in Shanghai – China’s richest city – following the opening of a state-of-the art consulate in the city with the help of EU funds.

Following his election as Labour’s deputy leader, Dr Mizzi announced that his wife would be relinquishing her position in China at the end of her three-year contract.

Asked whether Ms Mizzi Liang would be returning to Malta, the minister did not reply.

Sai Mizzi Liang: what they said:

Sai Mizzi Liang (July 2014, Guiyang, China)
“I don’t know why they’re attacking me like this, probably because I’m Chinese, a foreigner. I’m upset but I have to live with it. That’s life. I believe I have the best qualities for the job.”

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat (July 2014, Guiyang, China)
“Ms Mizzi Liang’s work has delivered results. My visit here was a success and a memorandum of understanding for investment and cooperation was signed.”

Sai Mizzi Liang ( July 2015, Smart City)
“My job is a salesman for Malta. I facilitate that two parties come together have a nice negotiation and if there is a problem I can soften it out.
“Please judge me when I deliver the result. There is a Chinese saying: it’s not important what you say but it’s important what you do. Judge on my results and not on what people say. Judge me on what I do for you.”

Prime Minster Joseph Muscat (June 2015, Parliament)
“The Opposition will soon know what Mrs Mizzi has been doing all along.”