He argued that despite the several NGOs that have spent “countless hours” drafting comprehensive documents demonstrating the necessity and long-term benefits of their initiatives, the government “almost instantly” accepted a proposal that “lacks a studied understanding of its physical, mental, or long-term implications”.

“All for the sake of a catchy headline, something that appears ‘sexy’ or gamified on the surface.”

This, he disappointedly concluded, is one of the “many” reasons he is no longer involved in activism.  

Speaking to Lovin Malta, Mifsud Bonnici referenced several different proposals submitted by KSU and GħSL which unfortunately, were not adopted by the government.

These have come in the forms of singular proposals, in-depth policy papers – related to sustainability and education, and even judicial reviews.

In 2018, KSU together with a group of Sixth Form councils proposed the introduction of civic studies in secondary schools to substantiate 16-year-olds who have the right to vote with an educational framework.

This year, KSU has even suggested that the minimum wage should be raised to 60% of the median wage, in line with the EU Directive on Adequate Minimum Wages. The council argued that students are struggling to balance financial pressures with University’s demands and called for a shift from a minimum wage mentality to that of a liveable wage.

Mifsud Bonnici further stated that when he was president, the student organisation had asked the government for some €5,000 to help finance the KSU Career Finder but was never followed up with.

What do you make of this?