Licence decision a benchmark?

One is likely to judge the decision made by the National Commission for Further and Higher Education on the future of the American University of Malta according to which side of the political divide one sits. The commission could be accused of bending over backwards to appease the government. Others would conclude its findings prove how right the Prime Minister was in putting his weight behind the project proposed by the Jordanian investors.

Looking at it objectively, the commission has decided to offer a university licence provided 16 conditions are met. Its chairman, Martin Scicluna, is on record saying there is no room for negotiation. Yet, the investor seems to have other thoughts. Its legal representative told the Times of Malta earlier this week “there is always plenty of space for discussion”.

The National Commission for Further and Higher Education now has to talk the talk and walk the walk. It must, firstly, ensure all 16 “non-negotiable” conditions as originally imposed are met and, secondly, ensure all the standards set remain throughout.

Otherwise, what Mr Scicluna said in an interview with The Sunday Times of Malta – that the 14-month-long due diligence process was...