Nationalist MP Franco Debono, who two weeks ago presented a private member's bill on constitutional and other reforms in the justice sector, has welcomed proposals on basic beliefs contained in a document issued by the PN yesterday.

The document is being debated at a meeting of the PN General Council this weekend. It dedicates one of its chapters to constitutional and institutional reforms calling for autonomy of parliament and related reforms in the institutions of the Ombudsman, the Auditor-General, the Public Accounts Committee and the Broadcasting Authority.

The document also calls for reform in public administration including accountability and transparency in party financing and also features a chapter on reforms in justice and home affairs.

"These are the issues I have been speaking about internally and in Parliament," Dr Debono told timesofmalta.com.

"I think these constitutional reforms are essential to strengthen our democracy, especially the autonomy of Parliament, together with reforms in the justice sector, including the method of appointment of the judiciary. It is very positive that the party has taken my proposals on board and now they form part of this basic document of the party. These issues are all in line with the PN's basic beliefs."

Dr Debono said it was important that the people became familiar with the Constitution as this was a fundamental aspect of national identity.

"This document is an important step, but we must work to ensure the implementation of these proposals," Dr Debono said.