The former chief of police is in the soup again. Lawrence Cutajar stood accused by many of indulging in rabbit stew as crucial evidence was possibly being tampered with at the notorious Pilatus Bank. He is also being investigated over claims he tipped off Daphne Caruana Galizia murder middleman Melvin Theuma on a money-laundering probe. His latest troubles stem from the promotion of police superintendents to the rank of assistant commissioner, a process he oversaw.
One of the superintendents eliminated, Raymond D’Anastas, felt he should have won promotion. In line with set procedure, he took his case before the public service commission. However, the PSC confirmed the decision of the selection board, then headed by Cutajar. The officer did not let the case drop and filed a formal complaint with the ombudsman.
Speaker Anglu Farrugia has told parliament that he cannot force ministers to provide details about the people employed by the government on a position of trust basis.
Opposition MPs David Thake and Jason Azzopardi have been asking ministers over the past weeks to list each individual occupying a position of trust, how much they earn each year, and when their contract expires.
Position of trust positions are often seen as a way to give unjustified promotions to friends and supporters , bypassing the usual engagement rules for public service.
In a series of identical replies, Prime Minister Robert Abela and his ministers said positions of trust are given in accordance with a manual issued by the head of the civil service in 2015.
Updated at 9pm
The Opposition has suggested standards commissioner George Hyzler as the next parliamentary ombudsman.
Talks between the government and Opposition over who should take over the position of Ombudsman have been ongoing for several days with a number of names up for discussion.
Current Ombudsman Anthony Mifsud’s term drew to a close earlier this year.
Government sources told
Times of Malta that the PN had suggested Commissioner for Standards in Public Life George Hyzler for the post during a consultation meeting with the government.
It is understood the government is not keen on the idea, with other candidates being considered.