National security is an ambiguous term in itself. It revolves around the state and its citizens. “A threat to national security” would entail those actions taken by anyone which would jeopardize the security of the state. Similarly, conduct “prejudicial to the vital interests of Malta” would also necessitate this. Examples include the taking away of human life, bodily harm, terrorism, causing extensive destruction to a state or government facility, a public transportation system or an infrastructure facility, to name but a few. If there is a proper reason as to why the relevant authority deems an applicant to be a threat to national security then the authority will be able to reject the application. Here the criminal record of the applicant is the most telling and relevant information such authority will use.
