Karmenu Mifsud Bonnici’s family has turned down an offer by Prime Minister Robert Abela to organise a state funeral for him, warning that this would have gone against his wishes.

Shortly after the death of Mifsud Bonnici, who served as Prime Minister between 1984 and 1987, the government issued a statement to confirm that Abela had offered to organise a state funeral.

“While Dr Mifsud Bonnici’s family appreciated this gesture, they informed the Office of the Prime Minister that Dr Mifsud Bonnici had declared in writing that he didn’t want this kind of funeral,” the statement read. “Prime Minister Robert Abela respects his wishes.”

“The government will maintain communication with the Mifsud Bonnici family and help organise his funeral according to the former Prime Minister’s wishes. It extends its condolences to the Mifsud Bonnici family and pays tribute to the former Prime Minister for the work he did in favour of Malta.”

Mifsud Bonnici passed away last night aged 89 years old.