Various business leaders have expressed their frustrations surrounding Parliament’s decision to not pursue a public inquiry into the death of Jean Paul Sofia.

Parliament's voting result / Facebook

Malta was left shocked last December after the 20-year-old died under rubble when a building under construction in Corradino collapsed. Aside from his death, five other workers were injured in the accident.

The Opposition, after being approached by the victim's family, proceeded to call for an independent public inquiry into Mr Sofia’s death, yet this was defeated in Parliament on Wednesday. It was replaced by a Government-amended version that removed any reference to a public inquiry and instead called for a faster conclusion of the magisterial inquiry into the case. The decision was met by anger from various people, especially the victim’s family, who have strived tirelessly since the accident to achieve justice.

Jean Paul Sofia (left) and his mother Isabelle Bonnici (right) / Facebook

Business leaders have also taken to social media to express their concerns about the decision, with Andaria Financial Services Chief Revenue Officer Reuben Abela in particular stating that the whole vote is “beyond disbelief”.

“A child died. A mother cried. A mother begged for justice,” he said. “She was denied a public inquiry into the death of her own son. For whatever reason, she is being denied the truth,” he added.

Andaria Financial Services Chief Revenue Officer Reuben Abela / LinkedIn

“No economic growth, technological advancement, or wonderful initiative can be considered a step forward if we can’t even take care of our weakest, of a mother that wants justice for her son,” he continued.

“Jean Paul is her son. Jean Paul is my son. Jean Paul is your son. Jean Paul is Malta’s son,” Mr Abela added, further emphasising the importance of the verdict to the whole nation.

Experienced Director and Consultant Jennifer Farrugia was in agreement with Mr Abela, noting that “everyone has a right to justice”.

Director and Consultant Jennifer Farrugia / LinkedIn

“Everyone has a right to know what happened. Isn’t there a lawyer out there who can help her,” she questioned.

James Portelli, Executive Director in the financial services sector, also voiced his disappointment at Parliament’s decision, stating that away from the emotions of it all, it highlights a “fundamental issue” that needs to be addressed. “Members of Parliament represent the people and not the party. Therefore, the whip has no place in a parliamentary democracy,” he said.

“A Member of Parliament should follow his or her conscience or the will of his or her constituents without fear or favour as per the oath they all individually swear. Where these two conflict, a Member of Parliament feels they disagree with their constituents, they should abstain, or even resign, because in a secular democracy the will of constituents should rule,” he continued.

Executive Director James Portelli / LinkedIn

However, Mr Portelli explained that the role of the whip “derails the very ethos of democracy”, and it only exists to “do the leaders’ dirty work or bidding”.

“If we really believe in the rule of democracy, the role of the whip should be abolished and Members of Parliament should – first and foremost, and always without fear or favour – represent the people,” he continued.

“Yesterday was a black day in the history of Malta,” Mr Portelli concluded.

Keith Vassallo, Managing Director of his own real estate brokerage firm, on Wednesday remarked that he is “shocked” by Mr Sofia’s loss, which is a “tragic consequence of an issue that our society has yet to rectify fully”.

Real estate firm Managing Director Keith Vassallo / LinkedIn

“It’s a heartbreaking irony that while property sellers are regulated, those who build the structures we inhabit often operate without sufficient oversight,” he added.

“As an estate agent, this incident has worried me, magnifying the urgent need for stronger regulations in the construction industry. I am at a loss as to why anyone would not support a public inquiry that could bring about necessary reforms to prevent such needless losses and avoid further mistakes,” he continued.

Mr Vassallo proceeded to express condolences towards Mr Sofia’s family, and added that his memory will serve as a “beacon, driving us all to strive for safer and more responsible practices within our field”.