The Role of the Ombudsman – Guardian of Integrity or Gatekeeper of Privilege?
The Maltese Ombudsman holds a sacred trust: to serve as the people’s check on administrative abuse, to uphold transparency, and to be an impartial pillar of democracy.
In his current capacity, Judge Emeritus Joseph Zammit McKeon serves not only as the Parliamentary Ombudsman but also ex officio on the Judicial Appointments Committee (JAC) — a constitutional body entrusted with recommending judicial appointments. This dual role demands absolute integrity and an ironclad separation from conflicts of interest, both real and perceived.
Yet, the recent appointment of Dr. Monica Borg Galea to the Magistrates’ Bench has cast a long shadow over this office. Borg Galea, until recently the Head of Investigations at the Office of the Ombudsman, worked directly under Zammit McKeon. Her selection from among a strong number of candidates, despite her very limited court experience actually working as a lawyer in Court, raises urgent questions about favoritism and insider access.
Dr. Monica Borg Galea
The public deserves to know: Did the Ombudsman recuse himself from deliberations involving his assistant? Was due process followed, or was it overshadowed by proximity and loyalty?
Joe Zammit McKeon
Without transparency, trust cannot endure. And without trust, the Ombudsman cannot lead.
The public must demand full disclosure and accountability. This is about more than one appointment — it is about the future credibility of a key democratic institution.
1 Comment
Dwar dan il-kaz. ”Dahlet ghal interview Dr. Minica Borg Galea, huwa irregistra fil-minuti li ma jistax jibqa fil-kumitat u hareg il-barra”. Gafa. fuq dan il kaz tazaq flilma qejied.