Joseph Muscat, Leader of the Labour Party declared on Wednesday that “the Court system should serve the people and not the opposite, that is why a new government will be introducing a system through ICT, whereby court sittings will be scheduled, so that postponements will be reduced. Moreover, an individual who has to take a day off work because of court summons, s/he would not do so in vain.”

“There should be a direct system of communication with the public, via e-mails and SMS’s, so that everyone is kept informed and there is no loss of precious time,” stated the PL Leader.

“We need to commission independent individuals who have knowledge and experience on he justice system in Malta so that a review of the Courts is made,” said Joseph Muscat. “This review should include all aspects of the area from the appointment of members of the judiciary down to the operative aspect itself. These recommendations would then be passed on to Government who takes the necessary action to ensure that the reform takes place by the end of the year.”

The PL Leader said that, “this review will be done so that there will be more checks and balances. Moreover the Commission for the Administration of Justice will be empowered in order to be able to act. Currently this Commission has only two options, either to give a warning or to give advice for the removal of a member of the judiciary.”

Joseph Muscat also spoke about the introduction of the Whistleblower Act, “which will be retroactive and not apply only from the day of its coming into force. Furthermore, the individuals who give information about such cases will be protected.”

The PL Leader also mentioned the removal of the time barring law for politicians, “so that all those involved in acts of corruption during the years, will have to pay for their actions.”

“The idea of entering court when not in the right has to finish, the way of doing things in court has to change,” concluded Joseph Muscat.

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