This Is Chris Bonett’s Press Release Which Landed Him In Hot Water With The Standards Commissioner

Transport Minister Chris Bonett was found by the Standards Commissioner to be in breach of ethics after publishing a press release last month in retaliation to the PN’s criticism of his traffic management measures.
According to the Commissioner, Bonett should have released this statement through his own social media pages or via the Labour Party channels, rather than through the ministry, since it contained a number of partisan comments.
However, Bonett said he disagrees with this conclusion, arguing that ministers are also MPs and should be allowed to release partisan comments so long as they aren’t libellous or offensive.
This is the exact statement that landed Bonett in hot water with the Standards Commissioner.

“Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works Chris Bonett condemns the misinterpretation of the facts by the Opposition over the measures linked to the ‘Reshaping Our Mobility’ initiative.”
“After Minister Bonett updated journalists on the measures that have been implemented so far, those that will be implemented in the coming two weeks, and others that were implemented earlier, the Opposition criticised the plans and their implementation. This is despite the fact that these measures will be fully implemented over 18 months, following continuous consultation with experts, social partners and the public.”
Minister Chris Bonett stated: “Since I announced the measures last March, I kept my word to journalists that I would periodically update them on how this plan is being implemented. The fact that the PN is constantly trying to attack the reforms while, in the same breath, claiming that the government is copying its ideas is a sign of political immaturity and a lack of credibility. Worse than that, it confirmed that the Opposition doesn’t want to see transport problems tackled. It is comfortable criticising, but then doesn’t propose anything.”
The statement by MPs Mark Anthony Sammut and Joe Giglio is full of inaccuracies and even falsehoods, and clearly shows that their policies are being dictated by third parties – and not by themselves or the PN.
Factually, this government is changing the way we travel. From efficient public transport with new and extended bus routes to an unprecedented investment in sea transport to better coordination between entities on roadworks to loads of incentives to better organise transport. This government is committed to continue reforming and taking courageous decisions, with the help and involvement of the public. This is unlike previous administrations and the current Opposition which never offered anything in this sector and has no ideas till this day.”