Retired Judge Toni Abela took the oath of office as the first Commissioner for Judicial Standards.
The ceremony, which was presided over by Her Excellency the President of Malta Myriam Spiteri Debono in the presence of Prime Minister Robert Abela and Minister for Justice and Construction Sector Reform Jonathan Attard, was held at the Presidential Palace, in Valletta.
In his first speech, Dr Abela said that the creation of this position is the answer to a question raised by Juvenal: “Who will protect us from those who protect us?” He emphasized the qualities of integrity, magnanimity and firmness in decision-making as the values that should guide him in his new position. He promised that he would do his utmost to inform the people about the function of his office.
President Myriam Spiteri Debono described this appointment as a new path being given to the people, and bringing them closer to the administration of justice, which she defined as one of the three vital organs of the State, along with the Government, Parliament and justice.
The President highlighted the importance of the people having confidence in the State, including in justice. Addressing the Commissioner for Judicial Standards, the President recalled that this role brings with it an important responsibility, and said that the role is a new one that must continue to develop with experience, so that its function continues to be strengthened and improved.
Prime Minister Robert Abela congratulated Judge Emeritus Toni Abela and explained how our country has taken another step in the field of administering justice. He maintained that the Government led by him was a catalyst for major Constitutional reforms and the step of creating this new role continues to strengthen our country’s credentials in the rule of law. He said that Dr Toni Abela is entering an important position, and he wished that Judge Emeritus will contribute meaningfully in this new position entrusted to him.
The Minister for Justice and Construction Sector Reform, Dr Jonathan Attard, described this appointment as an important event for justice in Malta and another step in the ongoing process of constitutional development.
“The appointment of a Commissioner for Judicial Standards will give people a stronger voice in justice. The aggrieved citizen is being given a new, direct and independent remedy, to ensure that the courts perform their function with integrity and responsibility, and he congratulated the first Commissioner in this role, retired Judge Toni Abela. Minister Attard went on to thank the Judiciary for the support expressed on the principles that shaped this development, which was approved by Parliament after a procedural motion was tabled.
According to the Constitution of Malta, the Commissioner for Judicial Standards is appointed for a period of three years, which may be renewed, and must be a retired member of the judiciary, or a senior lawyer who is no longer practising the profession.
Photo: OPR
