401
Miskin min ikasbarni, - miskin min jidħak bija!
Woe to him who tries to belittle me.
Par Rużar Briffa
This excerpt is from a poem titled 'Jum ir-rebħa' (translated as 'The Day of Victory') by Rużar Briffa (1906-1963). The poem remains a notable reference to Maltese language and culture. It was inspired by an event in 1945, when Malta, then a British colony, hosted a football match between the Maltese team and Hajduk Split from Yugoslavia/Croatia. During the pre-game ceremonies, the national anthems of Yugoslavia and Britain were played, with the British anthem being performed by the Maltese La Vallette Band. Although Malta had its own national anthem since 1923, diplomatic protocol required that only the British anthem be played. In response, the Maltese spectators stood up and began singing their own national anthem, demonstrating their pride and respect for Maltese identity.
67
Jew b’xejn jew xejn!
Free schooling or none at all!
Par Karmenu Mifsud Bonnici, Prime Minister of Malta (1982 – 1987)
In 1983, it was used as a political slogan by the Malta Labour Party government during its confrontation with the Maltese Curia, over its demand for free tuition at Church schools.