The exception not the rule

It has dawned on the government there is glaring public disregard to law and order in some localities. It might have thought perhaps that the problem would resolve itself without any official intervention. It has not. If anything, it has become worse.

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, facing pressure from a string of communities now becoming increasingly concerned about lawlessness, has suddenly come out declaring that his government intends putting its foot down. Most, but particularly those living in neighbourhoods feeling the impact of such lawlessness, would welcome action to bring the situation in their localities back to normal. But in launching what looks like an aggressive law and order drive, the Prime Minister has a personal problem of credibility.

When he first referred to law and order, he might have had in mind criminal activities or, simply, wayward behavioural attitude in public places. Writing in The Sunday Times of Malta, Home Affairs Minister Michael Farrugia has confirmed this too. It is naturally essential to stem these but law and order extends also to other not-so-visible actions. Dr Muscat did not set a very good example when he kept his chief of staff and a...