Independent politician Arnold Cassola has requested an investigation into Prime Minister Robert Abela following comments that defended the recently revealed driving license racket.

Cassola submitted the request to Standards Commissioner Joseph Azzopardi claiming that Abela is in breach of Paragraph 4 of the Code of Ethics. 

In his request, the politician made reference to two specific paragraphs in a Times of Malta article that includes a comment from the Prime Minister:

“Robert Abela continued to defend ministers and public officials who helped people get fast-tracked for their driving tests through the back door, on grounds that this is part of the system.”

This is unethical, he stated, it may have resulted in unqualified persons being given a license in a way that endangers other road users and pedestrians.

He continued by saying that these requests by ministers or MPs constitute “improper influence” and are in breach of Paragraph 4 of the Code of Ethics.

This clause states that while a member of the House of Representatives is duty-bound to relay the complaints of his constituents and to make representations in their name to Government authorities, the Member is expected not to use any improper influence, threats, or undue pressure in the course of his duties.

“It should also have been reported according to Paragraph 5e of the Code of Ethics.”

Similarly, this paragraph states that a member of the House of Representatives is expected to report to the Speaker and to the competent authorities any attempt at corruption, pressure, or undue influence by third persons, aimed at influencing his conduct as a member.

Meanwhile, he argued that the way Abela is defending former Transport Minister and current Foreign Affairs Minister Ian Borg who exerted “such improper influence and who failed to report the same to the Speaker” is a breach of Paragraph 1 of the Code of Ethics.

This clause states that a member of the House of Representatives shall at all