PEN Malta believes that the position taken by the Nationalist Party, which does not allow prospective candidates for the appointment of Leader of the Party, and potentially the Leader of the Opposition, to interact with journalists from a section of the media, “effectively goes against the practice of open and critical journalism.”
PEN Malta said it feels that the appointment of the Leader of the Opposition is not merely an internal procedure of the Nationalist Party but an occasion of national importance.
“In this regard, it is imperative that there be open and public discussion, including the participation of journalists from all sections of the local media.”
PEN Malta reminds that it is the duty of journalists to uphold the democratic spirit of the country through their work, “and therefore it is the responsibility of every entity to allow these journalists to carry out their duties.”