Ombudsman engages with Final-Year MCAST Journalism students

Ombudsman engages with Final-Year MCAST Journalism students

Published November 25, 2024

The Parliamentary Ombudsman, Judge Emeritus Joseph Zammit McKeon, held an informative session with final-year Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Journalism students of the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST). This engagement forms part of the students' hands-on learning experience, allowing them to gain deeper insights into the roles and functions of key institutions.

Welcoming the students, the Ombudsman emphasised the significance of future journalists understanding the purpose of integrity institutions. He highlighted how the media serves as a crucial stakeholder in the Ombudsman's office, playing a vital role in promoting transparency and accountability. The Ombudsman provided examples of cases he investigated, recommended remedies for, and resolved—many of which were initiated after appearing in the media.

During the meeting, the Ombudsman elaborated on his office's mission and functions and went through the Ombudsman Act step by step, explaining it in a practical way and citing examples. He shared how the institution has assisted individuals seeking redress for acts of maladministration. He described the complaint-handling process and discussed the office's interactions with public entities and its efforts to enhance good governance and uphold the rule of law.

The Ombudsman stressed that a democracy lacking the rule of law, good governance, accountability, and transparency is incomplete. He underscored the importance of integrity institutions—such as the Office of the Ombudsman, the National Audit Office, and the Commission for Standards in Public Life—in maintaining checks and balances within public administration.

The students engaged actively, posing a variety of questions. Topics ranged from the importance of the Ombudsman's independence and the process of own-initiative investigations to the Ombudsman's appointment procedures and the office's role in safeguarding individuals' rights.

Accompanied by their lecturer, Dr Natalino Fenech, the students appreciated the opportunity to learn first-hand from the Ombudsman. Concluding the two-hour information session, Judge Zammit McKeon wished the students success in their future careers, emphasising the pivotal role they will play in fostering an informed and just society.