Owen Bonnici announces new judicial appointments system, but will carry on with Dr Farrugia Frendo's nomination
Justice Minister Owen Bonnici today announced the much awaited reform in the way appointments are made to the Judiciary, but confirmed that he will still carry on with the appointment of Dr Carolina Farrugia Frendo as magistrate according to the old system.
He said at a press conference that questions were being raised over the constitutionality of Dr Farrugia Frendo’s eligibility only because she happen to be the daughter of Speaker Anglu Farrugia. No such questions were raised when the brother of a minister or a former Parliamentary Secretary were appointed to the bench.
Dr Bonnici said that the current system where the minister directly appoints members of the judiciary will cease and a new system would be introduced.
Nominees would first be scrutinised by a sub-committee of the Commission for the Administration of Justice.
Pressed on whether in view of this reform he would stop all appointments until the new law is enacted, Dr Bonnici refused to commit himself.
He confirmed that it is his intention to continue with the appointment of Dr-Farrugia Frendo’s nomination.
Dr Farrugia Frendo will only reach the seven year experience threshold needed for appointment next month. She...