Former Nationalist MP turned unsuccessful Labour candidate Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando this morning accused PN MEP David Casa of behaving like a tabloid journalist and causing devastating negative effects to the country.

Pullicino Orlando was reacting to Casa’s reaction to comments JPO posted on Facebook yesterday focusing on his dramatization of FIAU reports he claims are in his possession, linking Keith Schembri and Konrad Mizzi to corruption.

In his statement, JPO - who is now chairman of the Malta Council for Science and Technology said that any allegations of corruption should be thoroughly investigated in a democratic country.

“On the other hand Mr Casa, as a senior politician, is not expected to behave like a tabloid journalist – teasing his audience for months on end with allegations which have not been substantiated. His behaviour in this, and other, instances is being widely regarded as an attempt at destabilising our democratically elected government by using his influence at a European level. The negative effect his shenanigans are having on our country’s institutions is devastating."

The following questions arise from his behaviour, Pullicino Orlando said: Why hasn’t he passed these documents over to the competent authorities yet? Is Mr Casa aware of the fact that this delay is, in itself, illegal? It is a criminal offence to be in the possession of such documents. Does Mr Casa consider himself to be above the law? Has Mr Casa verified whether or not the author of this particular document was – as has been claimed - purposely drafting a document which was meant to be leaked?

"Mr Casa should put this charade to an end. Suggesting that voicing the thoughts of many is an attempt at intimidation is ludicrous – to say the least.  If Mr Casa really felt strongly about his loyalty towards his countrymen he would not be acting in a manner which is widely being considered to be the epitome of perfidiousness,” JPO said.