If Joseph Muscat tries to sack him, Don Mallia can execute a coup. Which is why he is effectively already the prime minister, with so much power under his control.

Muscat will just do what is best for Muscat. never mind the collateral damage.

We are already seeing signs of this. By allowing party cowboys to flaunt the law, he is making others in the party take some of the flack. They are not queuing to defend Mallia or the others are they?

That does not mean that those who do not agree with him will say so publicly but they are very aware now where his priorities lie, none of them are stupid enough to think that what Muscat is doing puts the party in a good light. Of course they will say what they want the people to hear but one should also hear what they are NOT saying.

It manifests itself in a popular “game” among boys, called “I dare you to…”, like ring the neighbour’s doorbell, jump over the fire, dive from a high point, get into that field and get some fruit. Give them an order: don’t touch, don’t open that door. They take that as a challenge, a dare.

It is seen in activities like bull-fights, rodeo, weightlifting, the strongest man, etc.

It is a characteristic of those who always feel the need to prove themselves, craving to be seen as stronger, better, braver.

It is evident in those with a superiority complex. Throw in a huge dose of innate cowardice and you get a perfect profile of Joseph Muscat. Like the Duke of Plaza Toro, he prefers to lead from behind.