"Il-Moskea f’Ħal Luqa mhux ħa ssir." - Omar Rababah

Labour Party candidate, Omar Rababah, has confirmed that the proposed mosque project in Ħal Luqa will not go ahead, insisting that he had previously made his position clear that the initiative was “not suitable” for the locality.

In a statement addressing recent criticism and online speculation, Rababah said he had been working “behind the scenes” on the matter for some time and rejected claims that he had been involved in any formal discussions or applications related to the project. He also dismissed what he described as politically motivated attempts to mislead residents and turn public opinion against him.

“Ġranet ilu għedtilkom ċar li din il-proposta ma kinitx f’postha għal Ħal Luqa,” he stated, adding that despite ongoing criticism, he remains committed to serving his constituency and focusing on community needs.

Rababah also responded strongly to recent hostility directed towards him, saying that he would not be discouraged by what he described as “kattiv” and partisan attacks. “Ibqgħu xewxu… jien nibqa’ naħdem bis-saħħa,” he said, insisting that he will continue his political work and engagement with residents.

Rababah, who was formally approved as a Labour Party candidate, had recently been the subject of public debate following his announcement to contest the general election, which sparked a wave of online backlash, including racist and Islamophobic commentary targeting his Syrian paternal background and Muslim faith. Born in Malta to a Maltese mother, he is a Maltese citizen by birth.

The candidate has maintained that his focus remains on representing residents and continuing his political work in the district despite the controversy.

#MaltaDaily