National Elections 1998

KSU Memorandum

In view of the forthcoming elections, the University Students Council (KSU) is presenting the following Memorandum prepared by the Social Policy Commission. The Memorandum represents the views of the elected representatives of the University Students, both on Education policy as well as on the wider national policies, which we feel duty-bound to comment upon. We feel it is important to stress that the Commission includes all representatives of the University Students which means students in all the Faculties and Institutes including the Institute of Health Care and Junior College as full-fledged University Students.

The student movement in Malta has historically been at the forefront at moments of great social change and upheaval. In almost 100 years of history KSU (or CPU or SRC as it has invariably been known) has represented students and voiced their opinions on national policy. It is with confidence therefore that we present the following Memorandum and as citizens we expect that the political parties take careful note of its contents in the spirit of democratic representation.

As students our main concern are the educational programmes each party is putting forward. We note with satisfaction that this subject is being given its due prominence and that there seems to be a general consensus on the importance due to this sector. We feel that education is the most important building block in our society and is to be nurtured and kept free of partisan interference. An objective, constructive and consensual approach is of paramount importance in this sphere.

We believe that as Education is the most important building block in our society there must be a commitment to ensure that all stages of the system of education be accessible to capable and deserving students. We believe that all parties should commit themselves to the fact that tertiary education should be seen as a right and not simply a possibility. Our country’s educational system must support the accessibility of all students to a tertiary education and by tertiary education we do not mean simply a University education.

We feel it is high time the process of streaming within and among schools be reconsidered and gradually phased out. We also feel that classes should be smaller and the possibility of having two teachers in one class considered, thus lessening the impact of comprehensive schooling on low achievers. A balance of emphasis must be made between achievers, low achievers and the less-able. Also developments towards inclusive education must not be neglected. An effort must be made to avoid school-dropouts. This should be coupled with assistance for those persons who remain illiterate after leaving the educational system.

Education must be seen as a lifelong experience and we believe it should not be part of a utilitarian scheme to support our nation’s employment needs. This having been said, it is important that the role of education in national development, employment and social needs be not neglected. Lifelong experience also means that no barriers be placed on the possibility of adult education. The concept of furtherance of education in adult life must be encouraged.

Education must not only be viewed from its academic aspect. A clear commitment must be made to ensure an investment in other aspects of education such as sports, theatre, art and music.

The stipends reform imposed on the students in October was a cold shower for our union which had expected dialogue and constructive changes. KSU has always advocated the need of a change in the stipends system so long as this is made in a constructive manner without affecting accessibility to University. Once again KSU condemns any attitude whereby changes directly affecting present or future University students are made without any form of consultation.

We believe that a proper reform of the stipend system still needs to be affected and insist that this be made after a careful study of the needs of the various University students. Such a study must be based on two criteria (a) the area of study of the particular student and the financial burdens it entails; (b) the financial situation of the particular student.

As regards lower income bracket students, we feel that the system outlined in the Legal Notice of January 1998 announcing the reform in the stipend system is definitely not enough. A new system which is not discriminatory or humiliating must be devised, bearing in mind that no student will ever pass a means test on his own steam. In fact, the financial strength of each particular student is, at present, not determined on the basis of his own income but rather on that of his parents. Should however, a complete removal of the means test prove to be impossible, then it is essential that at least those students genuinely requiring added assistance do receive it.

A period of analysis and consultation must precede the formulation of any changes. KSU is prepared to lend its support to any constructive reform ensuring that no immediate, drastic changes are made. Furthermore, a reform of the stipends system must not be based on economic considerations only, but on the consideration that stipends serve as an incentive and aid to improve access to tertiary education. To quote from our Constitution (section 11.1) "Capable and deserving students, even if without financial resources, are entitled to attain the highest grades of education."

A proper revision of the stipends system, should also take into consideration the position of mature students who are not breadwinners. This is especially the case with married women who do not receive a stipend or any other form of income, thus turning them into a financial burden on their husbands and family. In view of this the following proposals are being put forward:

1. A form of stipend or a subsidy for books, research etc;
2. Tax deductions for child care facilities for all working and/or full-time students;
3. Child care facilities up to 1800hrs for all children, including those who are over 5 years of age

We feel that a socially just stipends system will include all University and Post-secondary students, and we view in a positive light the recent proposal to extend the range of students receiving a stipend at post-secondary level.

KSU agrees with the proposal that Maltese University under-graduate students on exchange programmes abroad should continue to receive stipends during their stay abroad. Regarding the suggestion that Maltese students reading post-graduate courses abroad, should receive a stipend, we feel although the suggestion is commendable, investment should first be made to ensure that the University of Malta can provide more than adequate services and structures to students in Malta. This would be of benefit to a larger number of students, and on a more long term basis. Should the scheme of stipends to post-graduate students be introduced, it is important that the first persons to benefit therefrom should be those who opt to pursue their post-graduate studies in Malta.

As regards Gozitan students, we believe the current Lm15 subsidy and Lm3 travel voucher is not adequate in view of the expenses these students have to meet. Gozitan students face rental fees and in many cases water and electricity bills of the flats they rent as well as daily living expenses. We feel a proper study of the situation should be carried out, and that the appropriate increases should be made.

We also feel that transport should be provided to Gozitan students to and from Cirkewwa at the start and end of the week.

Foreign students attending courses in Malta, paying full fees at our University should be granted a student work permit for the duration of their studies, this would enable them to live in Malta without depending totally on pocket money from their parents abroad. The necessary safeguards should be taken so as to ensure that students applying for student work permit are in bona fede.

We fully support any move strengthening the autonomy of the University of Malta. We do believe however that there must be an amount of synergy between the University, government and the private sector.

Whilst reaffirming our strong belief that the Faculty of Theology must remain an integral part of the University, we request a re-evaluation of the situation in the above-mentioned faculty. Such a re-evaluation must take into consideration the opinions of all parties concerned and be based on an informed and structured dialogue.

The private sector should be more involved in the development of the University and the practical aspect of student studies. This is being said especially in the light of the results of recent surveys which demonstrate that "employers complain that graduates hold unrealistic, inflated expectations of the content of work; rather, graduates should apply skills and expertise to make their work more challenging and fulfilling".

We believe Government should take a more active interest in the institutions of the University and that it should make better use of its representatives in the main University organs (Senate and Council). All too often has the Government proved to be unaware of the developments within these two organs. This as was seen in the second stipend issue last July.

We also agree that the University should be allowed to have a more long-term budget and in this respect we agree with the proposal that University budgets are made on a contractual basis.

The White Paper Ghal Universita` aktar Moderna, Demokratika u Trasparenti included a number of proposals for the reform of University. Whilst KSU has already commented on the White Paper, we note with disappointment that most of it has not been implemented. The only proposal extensively implemented was that of a University Ombudsman who was appointed in September 1997. We feel that this single implementation has proven to be weak in substance and ineffective by nature. Consequently we stress upon the need for the Office of the Ombudsman to be;

1. more publicised and familiar to students and academic staff
2. more easily accessible with an office within the University premises, rather than in Valletta, and with a more efficient system for receiving complaints
3. afforded stronger investigative powers when exercising his functions
4. afforded a stronger weight in so far as his advice is concerned.

While we feel that the decisions of the Ombudsman should not be binding, we do believe that the University lacks a proper system of effective redress and remedy. It is high time that the powers within the University be distilled into clearly distinct and separate entities. In this respect an independent body for the review and remedy of academic and administrative injustices should be set up at University, also there should be a clear codification of all the regulations and statutes affecting students and academic staff alike. All too often students face uncertainty as to what regulations they are subject to, and in certain instances the application of regulations is arbitrar.

We believe that the basic guiding principles by which such an independent body should function, should be two-fold;

1. The principle of certainty, which pervades such areas as modes and times of assessment, content of syllabi and distribution of subjects.
2. The principle of legitimate expectations.

The measures proposed in the White Paper should be immediately introduced thus temporarily alleviating the problems mentioned until the relevant structures are implemented. In this respect students should be granted the right to review their examination papers and there should be a legal obligation to provide academic auditing. As regards the review of papers we understand that this could lead to an unprecedented increase in the demand for the exercise of such a right, and KSU is prepared to put forward a set of proposals on how this should be catered for.

KSU has long been committed to the furtherance of the effectiveness of student representation. This year KSU has embarked on a project of harmonisation of the elections of Faculty Representatives provided for by the Education Act. It is important however that student representatives be adequately recognised, and in this respect KSU reiterates the need for the Student Union’s to be given legal recognition.

We feel that the service of public transport to and from University is inadequate, this leads to the increased use of private transport causing much of the space at the University to be lost to parking. We therefore believe that there should be an effort on the part of the authorities concerned to improve public transportation.

An increased emphasis on the use of Maltese in University must be made. Where possible students must be allowed to submit their assessment in Maltese, a practice already adopted by a number of faculties.

The MATSEC system was introduced a few years ago with the intention of replacing foreign systems. In 1995 the Matriculation Certificate was introduced and this carried the required qualifications to two Advanced Level Subjects, three Intermediate Level Systems (meant to be equivalent to a third of an Advanced Level) and Systems of Knowledge. These six subjects had to be obtained in the same sitting.

The results in this year’s Matriculation exams brought out the flaws in this system. We feel the element of certainty is being seriously undermined during these examination sessions. Students face uncertainty ranging from syllabus content, to exam results. The quality of Intermediate exams is still a mystery for teachers and students alike – is it measured by the quantity of work done or by the depth thereof ? It is evident that the University is not sufficiently equipped to administer such a system and in this respect we also question whether there is a right balance between academic and administrative staff on the MATSEC board.

The timing of these exams is also questionable. The fact that students have to sit for examinations in April reduces the academic second year to seven months, from a potential of nine. The manner in which papers are set leaves much to be desired, and in this respect it is high time that a more concrete means of academic accountability is introduced.

We therefore agree that it is necessary to reform the MATSEC system. Such a reform must aid in the academic development of the student and must not serve as a barrier to extra-curricular development. Such a reform must definitely consider the following points:

1. Concretely defining the Intermediate exams and quality thereof – this must go beyond simply defining them as a third of the Advanced level exams;
2. An examination of whether the number of exams to be sat for in one session should be reduced;
3. Re-evaluate the necessity of issuing one certificate as opposed to the previous system
4. Exams should be sat for in May and re-sits in Mid-September;
5. A strengthening of the administrative system of MATSEC;
6. A proper system of academic auditing in consultation with public and private sixth forms;
7. A monitoring board of the system (academic and administrative) which could involve nominees of public and private sixth forms as well as student nominees.

Finally, after discussion with Heads of Sixth Forms, both public and private, KSU feels that consultation with interested parties before the implementation of new ideas is lacking. We also feel that, as in the case of University, the remedies for students who suffer academic or administrative injustices are insufficient. We feel it is important to reiterate that any such reforms must be made in consultation with students, teachers and other parties concerned.

The necessary measures must be taken so that Malta may face the inevitable challenge of economic restructuring. These must include benefits and incentives in the tourism and local manufacturing industries. Measures are also necessary so that the position of dockyard workers and farmers is not jeopardised. Workers whose position at work is being threatened must be afforded a right for retraining. A number of incentives must be considered to enhance corporate social responsibility.

We also support tax incentives which encourage the citizen to use private services thus lessening the burden on state welfare. This system of tax incentives must be expanded so as to promote social programmes and possibly as a social deterrent in certain areas such as the environment.

We believe that basic social necessities should be available to all citizens. In this light we urge all parties to consider subsidising basic goods and to avoid burdening such necessities with unnecessary costs. Essential goods must also be free from tax or subject to as little tax as possible. State subsidies are a means of just distribution. In this light we also feel that such systems must first of all be equipped to avoid abuse and to promote individual social responsibility.

We feel that there must be a genuine effort to control the increase in cost of living. Minimum wages, pensions and social benefits must be increased with any rise in the cost of living. The cost of living must also be measured more realistically.

The field of employment must be subjected to proper study and evaluation. We have already mentioned that proper preparation will generate potential employees already imbued with a level of experience. We also support any measure taken to enhance training of the unemployed so as to increase potentials of employment. As regards students, KSU has begun to perform its part by offering the free services of a Part-Time Employment Agency and is now preparing for a Graduate Consultancy Service. We feel that such initiatives as these should be supported and expanded upon. Such services can only help to provide the necessary experience before a full introduction into the world of employment.

We believe that laws safeguarding the health of workers at the place of work must be enforced. We also feel that laws allowing free association to a Union of choice must be better enforced. The laws on part-time employees must also be revised in a concrete manner so that such persons are not deprived of good working conditions and pay. Part-timers should also be entitled to the right of first refusal when there are full-time openings in the company for which they work.

We also believe that democratic participation of workers in public and parastatal enterprises must be increased and encouraged. There must also be more incentives for the setting up of more co-operatives. Worker education must be further incentivised in the light of the principle of education as a life-long experience. As regards unemployment there must be a study as to whether hours of work should be reduced with the same amount of pay being retained so as to tackle the problem.

We hold that the government must provide social housing to those who really need it without any form of discrimination. Also in this area there should be a maximisation of the use of the already existing living space.

Health Services must be free and available to everyone. In this light however we have already mentioned our support for tax incentives for the use of private services. There must be an effort to increase efficiency and to avoid the misuse of resources. We believe that there must be a stronger emphasis on health education and measures of prevention, an area of possible health education would be that of balanced diets.

In this field there is a consensus in the Social Policy Commission that there should be no barriers to opportunities which could create a social gender imbalance. Furthermore aids such as day care centres with socially just prices, laws against discrimination of women due to pregnancy in the field of work, should be introduced so as to remove any existing barriers. We also feel the need to note that an emphasis on positive discrimination might lead to a situation where posts are filled by token persons appointed simply due to gender and not due to their capabilities.

We feel that it is important that further legal recognition of minority rights is introduced. Improvement of prison conditions is one such example. Persons with disabilities must be given what is theirs by right – all forms of accessibility to society (physical or moral). In this light too we believe that laws which aid refugees and immigrants must be introduced, and that work permits for refugees must also be considered.

In this respect we feel the need to stress that the political abuse of the state of the elderly in our nation cease immediately. We feel that the situation in the past two elections is and was deplorable with both parties resorting to panic-mongering among the elderly people in a vote-getting attempt. The elderly of our nation are due respect, they are not puppets with a vote once every five years. Having said this we obviously insist that proper measures be taken to ensure safety of the elderly and to ensure that conditions for the more needy are improved. We feel that our society can bring out its real value by caring for those who have already performed their part.

The problem of the rate of increase of private cars (10,000 a year) must be tackled. The Public Transport system must be radically improved with better working conditions for bus drivers, better and more routes, longer time schedules, introduction of more bus lanes and further efficiency. Alternative modes of transport must also be considered. The government must also incentivise an improvement in the private taxi system so as to lessen abuses and arrogance.

Laws against abuse of animals must be introduced and enforced. There must be better education against the torture and abuse of animals. We also feel that there must be a study as to better methods of rearing animals and government incentives in this area should be considered.

We strongly believe that it is the duty of our state to provide better education and incentives for the preparation towards family life. A large number of problems could be avoided if proper education existed. We also feel that a greater investment in family support systems is necessary and in this light one must not forget investment in the fields of education and social work.

We also feel that the first solution to family problems should always be an attempt towards reconciliation, and in this respect we feel that the support being given is not adequate. Further study as to the necessary areas of support in this field is definitely necessary and should include a re-evaluation of the rights and duties of the parties in family law. A possible separate code on family law should also be envisaged. Within this structure of support of families in crisis it is important to underline the duty to protect the weaker elements i.e. the children.

We also encourage such efforts as the amendment of the laws regarding the recognition of illegitimate children, which have so far tended to be discriminatory.

KSU can cautiously state that the proposals being put forward in this field could be seen as a possible alleviation of problems for those persons who cannot enter into married life for one reason or another. We do however feel that should such a law be introduced, it should not be discriminatory and should not be limited to men and women living together, who can not get married due to a previous marital tie.

As regards the issue of divorce, we feel first and foremost that there must be a wider discussion and consultation before such a decision is taken. We however feel that if it is seen that divorce is necessary for a minority in the country the measures to introduce the necessary structures should be taken.

Having established the fact that the possibility of conducting negotiations for entry is envisaged by both parties, the Commission notes the divergence in approaches between the parties in the immediate time-frame. While one party advocates the Free Trade Zone, the other advocates immediate negotiations for membership in line with EU accession growth. The Commission feels the need to comment in the following manner on these two approaches:

1. Any approach towards an agreement with the European Union, whatever form such an agreement may take, must be preceded by extensive, unbiased information on the mechanisms and policies involved;
2. A responsible effort must be made by all parties concerned to avoid proselytising policies which verge on misinformation, this in the spirit of allowing an informed, democratic decision;
3. The taking of the right decision must be viewed (and publicised) as an achievement for our nation and not another partisan victory;
4. As regards the Free Trade Zone, we are concerned that the opening of the Maltese Economy to an area of Free Trade will not be sufficiently counterbalanced by the aids which would be possible should entry into the European Union be achieved and this would seriously prejudice the position of Maltese traders;
5. As regards negotiations to join the European Union, the Social Policy Commission notes that during such negotiations a number of measures would be necessary to fall in line with the Avis, in this light we would like to question what would happen to such measures should the package negotiated be refused by a referendum.

We feel that it is important that the Convention on the International Criminal Court, set up in July of this year should be ratified, possibly before the end of the next legislature.

A greater emphasis should be placed on environmental education, which should start being taught at a primary level placing a greater emphasis on the local environment, both natural and historic.

Our country should be protected from rapid and destructive development, this is especially important in view of the small size of our country. There should be a serious review of the laws regulating the Planning Authority and such a review should introduce further efficiency and strengthening of the Authority’s powers.

As mentioned earlier, the polluter pays principle should be availed of more regularly in an attempt to curb irresponsible actions. We also believe that tax incentives for the use of environmental friendly products be introduced.

We also believe that when large projects are proposed, due consideration should be paid to the effects that this will have on the environment and society. Furthermore such projects must retain accessibility for Maltese citizens especially in coastal areas. An effort should be made to protect agricultural land from development.

A Ministry for the Environment and the Protection of the National Heritage should be set up. In this light the Environment Act should be amended, placing a greater emphasis on the parts dealing with enforcement. The introduction of an Ombudsman for the Environment should be considered.

A greater role for Local Councils in Environmental matters must be considered and projects such as Campaigns on Waste Separation at Source could possibly be introduced on a Local Council basis.

We condemn the appeasement of hunters due to the voting power of the hunters’ lobby, this ignores the right of thousands of other citizens to enjoy the environment. The issue should not be decided on the basis of whether or not this activity forms part of our culture or not, or whether similar acts are accepted elsewhere, but should be tackled on its own merits. Also the laws on hunting are inadequate and not properly enforced.

We propose that Family Law Cases should be numbered, rather than remain identifiable through the name and details of the parties to the case, thus ensuring that the right to privacy of the parties involved remains observed, whilst allowing the proceedings to remain public and open.

The new Police Act should be enacted in Parliament, this whether or not the next election brings with it a change in government. The funds allocated to the police force should not be cut down from one year to the next. We also feel that the right to a lawyer during the possible 48 hours of arrest should be introduced.

The programme for the proper treatment of political refugees should be evaluated and its importance stressed due to the reality of the problem. Persons enjoying a refugee status and residing in Malta should be granted a work permit.

We feel that the death penalty should be totally abolished.

We also feel that the Secret Services Act should be revoked.

The corresponding services and facilities relating to drug abuse should be reviewed placing a greater emphasis on rehabilitation rather than punishment. As regards imprisoned drug abusers, we feel that more should be done for re-integration into society. A distinction should be made between drug victims who have come to depend on the habit, and drug dealers who thrive upon such dependence.

We feel that the National Youth Council’s recent efforts at co-ordinating the youth scene in Malta should be further supported by providing the necessary structures for growth. In this field we feel that there are insufficient structures to cater for the needs of a National Co-Ordination of activities of youth organisations. One example is the lack of youth hostels. We also feel the need to register the need for a proper legislation of Non-Profit making Organisations.

We believe that a deeper effort must be made to foster our cultural heritage and awareness thereof. An emphasis must be made on new developments in cultural appreciation which does not limit itself to traditional aspects of national identity. A continuous effort must also be made to promote the appreciation of cultural diversity, and in this respect aspects such as exchanges and twinning programmes in different areas with other countries should be encouraged.

KSU feels that physical and economic restrictions on the use of facilities for cultural promotion should be removed. By this we mean exorbitant fees charged for the use of areas for cultural events. Such fees tend to discourage any form of initiative at an early stage.

In this respect, KSU stresses its belief that structures within the University must be provided free of charge to University organisations and the activities they support in order that they may organise debates, plays, musical events, exhibitions and other related activities.

As regards the Junior College we feel that the present state of the auditorium has led to such situations where the Student’s Night could not be held. This situation must be remedied as soon as possible.

Both in the Junior College and in the University itself, more support is needed for extra-curricular activities.

We believe that young persons and their representatives must be consulted when restructuring of such areas as Paceville is being considered. Such consultation should also be extended in decisions related to the creation of more places for entertainment such as parks or theatres.

We fully support the introduction of legislation regarding the Maltese language and encourage that the organs concerned are involved. The Maltese language is a valuable asset in the assertion of our identity both locally and internationally and as such should be encouraged.

We feel that at present sports is being neglected within the educational system. More time must be dedicated to physical education within the national curriculum at primary and secondary level. We also feel that the facilities at University should be completed as soon as possible.

This memorandum has been prepared with great care by the Social Policy Commission. The Commission is made up of all the Senate approved organisations at University which now number over 30. The short time over which an election campaign spans does not allow for the ideal amount of direct discussion which should precede a proper and informed choice. The commitments of various politicians did not allow KSU to prepare the detailed schedule of meetings it would have liked to have had with the party representatives in the various areas. This notwithstanding we did manage to hold two meetings - one on employment and one on education.

This memorandum is aimed at giving a clear idea to the various political parties as to what policies KSU will be standing by over the next few years. We do not intend to abuse of our lobbying power. What we expect is respect and consideration. What we will insist upon, as we always have, is dialogue and consultation. It is only in this way that our democratic rights are guaranteed. We will not hesitate to take the necessary actions, as we already have, should such basic tenets of democracy not be followed.

Finally, we augur all parties a calm and reasoned electoral campaign and hope that our elected representatives to parliament and government will be our deserving representatives leading our nation into the next millennium.