MIDI plc – the company behind the controversial Manoel Island development – said it is open to scrutiny and review by the competent authorities but assured that the concession deal is protected by law.In response to Prime Minister Robert Abela assuring that the government is reviewing the contract for any potential breaches, MIDI firmly stated that it has fully complied with all obligations under the concession granted 25 years ago.The company outlined its full commitment to delivering the approved development but said it is open to any scrutiny or review by the Lands Authority, the Government, or any other competent authority.“The Company is confident that any objective review of the facts and the contractual framework will confirm that it has acted in accordance with the provisions of the Deed and there are no grounds for rescission.”MIDI reiterated that the Deed of Emphyteusis is a legally binding contract negotiated between successive administrations between 1994 and 2000. The concession was unanimously approved by both sides of the House of Representatives and was granted in June 2000.This deed provides legal protection to both sides’ rights and obligations which can not be disregarded or unilaterally set aside, the company explained.MIDI further denied the allegation that permit delays and time frame extensions could be considered as a breach of obligations. It said that the provisions of the deed automatically extend the time periods for completion when there are delays related to the issue of permits and archaeological findings at both Tigne Point and Manoel Island. In these cases, the limits of the obligations are extended by the time allowed in the terms of the deed.“The matter has also been dealt with in the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024, which were authorised for issue on 29 April 2025.”MIDI concluded by reminding that it’s open to discussing improvements in the public interest to the extent that in the revised masterplan 80% of the Manoel Island concession is earmarked for public open spaces and heritage buildings.A parliamentary petition received over 29,000 signatures from people in Malta opposing this development and arguing that there are grounds to review the contract, take back Manoel Island and turn it into a public park.While MIDI has argued that it has not violated any of its obligations, activists, journalists and civil society are unconvinced. At the start of the controversy, both the government and the Opposition Party defended the contract and rejected the idea of taking back Manoel Island. However, now, their tones have changed and Robert Abela has said a review is taking place to check for breaches of the contract.What do you make of this?•