The Malta Federation of Professional Associations (MFPA) advocates for a meritocratic framework wherein policy advisors and consultants to decision-makers meet the necessary academic qualifications and experience, and adhere to high ethical standards.
It was referring to comments made to local media by Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo after he was found to have breached ethical standards, together with Minister Clint Camilleri, after Bartolo’s then girlfriend was given a consultancy job for which she was not qualified.
“In life, it is not just about diplomas or degrees. In life you have those who are able (to work) because of their experience,” Minister Clayton Bartolo told the media.
Education forms the foundational building blocks of all professions, MFPA said. The federation said it has consistently expressed serious concerns regarding declining educational standards, as evidenced through MATSEC examination results, questionable hiring practices which ignore lack of suitable qualifications including not least political appointments of persons of trust as consultants to Ministers.
In this regard, MFPA distances itself from public comments by high members of Government, which discount the necessity of qualifications, experience and ethical standards for consultancy positions in Public service. Such irresponsible claims undermine and discredit the need for students to pursue academic education to attain qualifications in the form of diplomas and degrees, and for professionals in all areas of practice to strive to enhance their practice through continuing professional development during the course of their service to society.
These declarations continue to encourage the decline of educational standards and lack of professionalism and accountability in our country. We already have several professions which are plagued with trumped-up positions filled by lesser-qualified people attempting to do the work of qualified and warranted professionals. Masking deficiencies in qualifications, experience and accountability of individuals in any position, especially those in high-ranking ones, as well as the proliferation of dubious designations undermine the integrity of our professions and tarnish the social fabric.
MFPA reiterates that professionalism is not merely a title but a commitment to ethical standards, social responsibility and fitness for purpose. Professions are a vital component of civil society, and we urge and encourage our youth and students to pursue careers defined by diligence and genuine passion. During these weeks when thousands of students are celebrating their graduation after years of studies and patience, let us praise their resilience rather than send a message that all their sacrifices were frivolous. Together, let us cultivate a society grounded in true meritocracy and democratic values.
This statement is endorsed by:
Association of Speech-Language Pathologists (ASLP)
Association of Podiatrists (APM)
Malta Association of Professional Conservators and Restorers (MAPCo-Re)
Chamber of Engineers (CoE)
Dental Association of Malta (DAM)
Kamra tal-Periti (KTP)
Malta Chamber of Pharmacists (MCOP)
Malta Chamber of Psychologists (MCP)
Malta Association for the Counselling Profession (MACP)
Malta Association of Occupational Therapists (MAOT)
Malta Association of Physiotherapists (MAP)
Malta Veterinary Association (MVA)
Maltese Association of Social Workers (MASW)
Medical Association of Malta (MAM)
Society of Medical Radiographers (SRM)
The Maltese Association of Youth Workers (MAY)