KSU react to NAO report while SDM criticise Pulse behaviour

Earlier today, KSU released a statement of clarification with regards it’s status and administrative proceedings. The statement follows a report commissioned by the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee – the report treated the concession of parts of University House.

With reference to it’s status as a voluntary organisation, the council expressed it’s disapproval with regards the observations made within the report.

‘In this regard it is highly inappropriate to state that the University of Malta should exercise a monitoring role over KSU’s finances and general administration.’, the statement continued, ‘ This goes against the fundamental principles which form the essential existence and backbone of the oldest students’ council in Europe.’

As stated in the report, the council pointed out that the 1994 memorandum between the University Council and itself prompted, further asserted that the administration process adopted by the council has always been in the students’ interest.

Treating accountability, the students’ council spoke of their Annual General Meeting, at which it’s executive members are held accountable in accordance to it’s dealings. Moreover, the statement affirmed it’s commitment to discuss the situation with the University of Malta so as to maintain the revenue generated yearly from the premises in question.

In defence of the council, Christian democrat students SDM expressed it’s disappointment towards Labour MP Owen Bonnici and rival organisation Pulse, for their respective involvement and reaction regarding the report.

SDM spoke of the comments as an attack on free services KSU provides to student organisations and students alike, adding businesses occupying the premises also provide students with services.

Despite lambasting such reactions, SDM showed it’s approval of the report, stating that it allowed the council to continue to rectify it’s administration processes. The statement went on to refer to the Student Opportunity Fund, Freshers’ Week and other projects as testament to KSU’s work as product of such administration processes.

“SDM is concerned with Owen Bonnici’s behaviour, acting against the students’ interest – this affirms the Labour Party’s record with students. For example, the Labour Party closed down the Faculty of Arts, fought with the medical school and broke promises regarding stipends.”
The organisation drew comparison with rivals Pulse, who are supposedly supporting Bonnici’s behaviour.

In reply, Pulse president Clive Farrugia said that the intentions of his organisation’s comments were for KSU to ratify it’s procedures; Farrugia dismissed SDM’s allegations as an unnecessary partisan attack.