Once again, Caroline Muscat and The Shift News have launched a baseless attack on Minister Owen Bonnici, cloaking partisan rhetoric in the guise of investigative journalism.
I would like to comment on that.
Caroline Muscat’s claims of journalistic independence are questionable at best. In 2016, she resigned from her position as News Editor at The Times of Malta to lead the Nationalist Party’s electoral campaign. This direct involvement in partisan politics casts a long shadow over her current role at The Shift News, raising serious doubts about the objectivity of her reporting.
She criticises Minister Owen Bonnici loyalty to the Labour Party throughout his career. Indeed Dr Bonnici has demonstrated unwavering loyalty to the Labour Party, even during highly challenging times. In November 2020, when he was unjustly, unfairly and baselessly demoted by Prime Minister Robert Abela from his role as Minister for Education and Employment to a half-Ministry for Research, Innovation, and the Coordination of the Post-COVID-19 Strategy, he continued to serve with dedication and integrity and he was subsequently returned from two electoral districts in his best ever showing.
Caroline Muscat’s portrayal of such loyalty as a weakness reveals her misunderstanding of political commitment. Loyalty, especially during adversity, is a virtue that underscores a politician’s dedication to their principles and constituents.
Minister Bonnici was also criticised because of the infamous judgment penned by Mr Justice Joseph Zammit McKeon relating to the Great Siege Monument. The Monument, crafted by Antonio Sciortino and unveiled in 1927, stands as a testament to Malta’s resilience and unity. However, since October 2017, following this highly controversial court ruling, the monument has been subjected to neglect and politicization. It has become a battleground for political agendas, detracting from its historical significance.
It’s imperative that we reclaim the monument’s original purpose—as a symbol of national pride and unity. Allowing it to be co-opted for partisan displays disrespects our heritage and the sacrifices of our ancestors.
While The Shift News proclaims its independence, questions arise regarding its funding sources. In 2020, the U.S. Embassy awarded The Shift the “Award for Courage,” and the outlet has been associated with international organizations that receive U.S. funding. This association raises concerns about potential foreign influence on its editorial stance.
Moreover, the Trump administration’s significant cuts to USAID programs have impacted numerous organizations worldwide. While there’s no public record confirming The Shift’s receipt of USAID funds, the broader context of U.S. funding in media raises questions about the true independence of outlets like The Shift.
Owen Bonnici
Caroline Muscat claims Owen Bonnici is “just a footnote” chasing headlines. That’s rich coming from someone who’s built a whole platform off cheap shots and recycled outrage. Owen Bonnici isn’t chasing headlines — he’s chasing results.
While The Shift churns out clickbait for its echo chamber, Bonnici is out there backing artists, funding cultural institutions, and delivering for the people. Footnotes don’t build contemporary art spaces. Footnotes don’t preserve heritage. He doesn’t care about making headlines — he cares about making a difference.
It’s time to recognize these critiques for what they are: politically motivated attempts to undermine dedicated public servants like Owen Bonnici.
