The Malta Community Chest Fund has no issue whatsoever with its involvement in a raffle organised as part of an MEP candidate’s political campaign.
The Times of Malta asked if the Office of the President had endorsed an “initiative” taken by “friends” of Labour MEP candidate Joseph Sammut who organised a lottery in aid of the MCCF and Hospice Malta.
Questions on the matter had been raised because the MCCF falls under the direct remit of the President, who is constitutionally bound to steer away from partisan politics.
Moreover, the raffle raised eyebrows after it emerged that the names of these two organisations ended up on political leaflets, the candidate’s website and the prize itself – a brand new Fiat Panda. The car is on show in Valletta in front of the Parliament building and tickets are being sold at €5.
MCCF welcomes donations coming from any legal activity or initiative
However, when Times of Malta asked the President’s Office if it had endorsed the MCCF’s involvement, amid concerns that such association could be perceived as blurring its political impartiality, the spokesman said they had no issue at all.
“Like any other foundation and NGO, MCCF welcomes donations coming from any legal activity or initiative,” the office said.
This newspaper also spoke to Hospice Malta, an independent NGO which offers palliative care for cancer patients free of charge.
“As with other NGOs, our benefactors come from all strata of society, individuals and organisations, including politicians and political groups. Hospice relies on the benefactors’ good intentions and acceptance of donations should not be construed as Hospice’s endorsement of the benefactors’ cause,” the NGO said in reply to questions.
Dr Sammut insisted that all relative authorisations and permits were in hand. The MEP candidate added that prior to organising the raffles his team had obtained the endorsement of both organisations.
