Controversial government MP Rosianne Cutajar has been handed a position on Malta’s Council for Children. 

Cutajar, a teacher by profession, was appointed to the board, which falls under Michael Falzon’s Ministry for Social Policy and Children’s Rights, along with seven other people. It is as yet unclear what her remuneration for the role will be. 

The MP was re-elected to Parliament following a casual election in March but was kept out of Prime Minister Robert Abela’s Cabinet following a swathe of scandals and unsavoury allegations towards the end of the last legislature. 

Cutajar was forced to resign as Parliamentary Secretary for Reforms after allegations that she could have pocketed thousands in undeclared brokerage fees from a property deal involving Yorgen Fenech. She has routinely denied wrongdoing but has admitted to receiving a €9,000 “gift” from Fenech. 

Cutajar is facing further controversy elsewhere after former National Book Council Chairman Mark Camilleri claimed she had an intimate affair with Fenech. She has since sued for libel, but Camilleri fired back by publishing messages between Fenech and Diane Izzo where the relationship is referenced.

Lovin Malta has previously reported how Fenech expressed concern that Cutajar’s “overly emotional” speech could have raised suspicions over their close relationship.

Meanwhile, she is also subject to an ethics breach from the Council of Europe, for failing to declare her conflict of interest when voting against a resolution that mentioned Yorgen Fenech as the owner of 17 Black.

Cutajar received a €28,000 termination benefit when resigned from Cabinet. She currently also serves as the Chairperson for Parliament’s Social Affairs Committee, boosting her parliamentary salary by €10,000. 

What do you think of the appointment?