Cassam Uteem: “Communalism is the Ultimate Weapon of Politicians in Decline”

In light of the revelations brought to light by “Missie Moustass,” former President Cassam Uteem has voiced serious concerns over the state of democracy in Mauritius, declaring that the country is operating under a police regime. He claimed that citizens are being closely monitored and their privacy significantly violated.

As the nation approaches elections, Uteem is calling for common sense to prevail, encouraging tranquility before, during, and after the legislative elections.

So far, with one notable exception, the current election campaign has remained largely peaceful, with no serious physical violence reported.

However, Uteem noted that social media has been rife with communalist language that could potentially incite dangerous situations.

He questioned whether the Mauritian public possesses enough maturity to overlook such divisive rhetoric or if they might be swayed by it.

Recalling a history marked by violent electoral campaigns, Uteem acknowledged that recent elections have been quieter, albeit not without minor skirmishes involving political activists.

He attributed this relative calm to the maturity of the electorate and the general population.

Still, he warned that the misuse of social media could exacerbate tensions, urging authorities to take swift action against those responsible for spreading inflammatory content.

When asked why social cohesion seemed fragile, Uteem highlighted the importance of understanding and embracing the rich diversity inherent to a multiethnic and multireligious society.

He stressed the need to reinforce traditional values of respect, acceptance of diverse opinions, and solidarity from a young age, cultivating an environment where mutual understanding can thrive.

The former president also addressed the controversial remarks attributed to Police Commissioner Anil Kumar Dip, which have sparked outrage among Christians and Muslims, who both hold the Virgin Mary in high regard.

The government has announced the establishment of an inquiry headed by a former Supreme Court judge to address these allegations.

Uteem criticized the government’s decision not to suspend Dip during the investigation, questioning the complexities surrounding his constitutional position and the procedures required for dismissing an individual in his role.

The legitimacy of the inquiry is under scrutiny, especially given the political context and perceived impunity within the current administration.

Uteem cautioned against cynicism but insisted that the public must await the commission’s findings before passing judgment.

The recent leaks have reportedly had a devastating impact on the ruling government and its allies, exposing a troubling decay within critical institutions due to excessive political interference.

Uteem cautioned that the situation is dire, as essential conversations are being recorded secretly, infringing on personal privacy and democracy itself.

In response to the Prime Minister’s claims of “fabrications” fueled by artificial intelligence, Uteem emphasized the serious implications of the leaks, pointing to credible recognition from individuals involved in the recordings.

He reiterated that Mauritius is no longer a democracy but rather a police state where citizens are closely observed and their privacy is frequently invaded.

As authorities sought to uncover the identity of “Missie Moustass,” Uteem suggested that regardless of this person’s identity, gratitude should be extended for revealing unsettling truths.

The focal point should be the authenticity of the recorded conversations, which, if validated, warrant legal action against corrupt officials and conspirators.

Ultimately, Uteem called for transparency from the investigating commission, urging clarity on how and why the extensive surveillance was deemed necessary, who authorized it, and what procedures were followed.

Reaction to the ICTA’s Decision to Restrict Social Media Access: A Threat to Freedom of Expression

Cassam Uteem has expressed strong condemnation of the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (ICTA) for ordering service providers to limit access to significant social media platforms in Mauritius.

He called this move a gross infringement on freedom of expression, arguing that social media serves as a vital communication tool, enabling individuals to exercise their rights to speak freely and share information.

Uteem pointed out that videos released by “Missie Moustass” have exposed deeper issues within the government’s structure and various institutions.

He suggested that if the authorities truly believed these revelations posed a risk to national security, they could have engaged directly with representatives from platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube to address the issue rather than penalizing the entire population by restricting access.

Uteem challenged the authorities to consider the damage such actions could have on the country’s international reputation and the implications of limiting free speech.

Uteem highlighted that the ICTA claimed to be following directives regarding the order, which coincided with the release of audio recordings implicating the Prime Minister and his inner circle.

He inferred that the urgency behind the ICTA’s decision was likely a response to the concerns raised by “Missie Moustass” regarding potential scandals within the upper echelons of government.

He reflected on the adage suggesting leaders fear exposure when their misconduct is threatened.

With the ongoing election campaign, Uteem has observed that some candidates have resorted to vulgar language and low blows against each other, questioning whether politicians have run out of legitimate arguments to persuade the electorate.

While he acknowledged that such behavior is not widespread, he emphasized the unacceptable nature of derogatory remarks directed at female politicians, noting the additional hurdles they face in a challenging political landscape.

He further critiqued the political climate and the trend of making extravagant promises during campaigns without providing clear plans for implementation.

Uteem cautioned that such practices contributed to a culture of dependency among the populace, particularly the youth, who may view politics as a means to easy money rather than as a call to productive engagement.

In light of the declining value of the Mauritian rupee and rising living costs, Uteem stressed the importance of honest discourse regarding the nation’s economic challenges.

He recalled how past leaders, like Sir Anerood Jugnauth, spoke candidly about critical issues, which are crucial for a functioning democracy.

According to Uteem, citizens deserve transparency to evaluate their representatives’ performance genuinely, but the fear of losing votes often leads politicians to avoid sobering truths during campaigns.

Addressing the tendency among some politicians to exploit communal sentiments during elections, Uteem maintained that communalism is a tactic used by disillusioned leaders to rally support behind unsupported claims.

He noted that such manipulation typically surfaces in private gatherings, where divisive rhetoric flourished away from media scrutiny.

Uteem’s observations extend to Paul Bérenger, a long-time political figure who has been historically vilified by opponents based on his ethnicity and political affiliations.

He argued that this ongoing smear campaign ignored Bérenger’s considerable contributions to the political landscape and national unity.

Commentary surrounding Shakeel Mohamed, another political figure, revealed that prejudice continues to influence perceptions based on religion and ethnic background, with some factions dismissing his qualifications to hold a significant political role.

Uteem argued that these prejudices reflect broader societal challenges, but believing that many voters will remain aware and discerning, navigating through the attempts at manipulation present during this electoral cycle.

Embracing Diversity: Promoting Peace and Understanding in Mauritius

Cassam Uteem emphasized the importance of celebrating diversity in Mauritius and fostering mutual understanding among children from a young age.

He asserted that cultural associations play a crucial role in preserving the nation’s rich cultural tapestry.

While some organizations are commendably dedicated to promoting and safeguarding ancestral cultures, there are others that unfortunately exceeded their cultural mandates by engaging in partisan politics and issuing electoral voting directives.

Uteem acknowledged the valuable contributions of socio-cultural associations that work to combat social issues such as drug addiction by providing recreational activities and support for the youth.

These organizations deserved encouragement and support.

However, he expressed concern regarding those associations involving themselves in political campaigns, often at the behest of political leaders or under duress.

This involvement can create significant discomfort for members who may not share the same political views, though fortunately, such directives often fail to resonate, particularly with younger voters who are increasingly reluctant to be manipulated.

He discussed the emergence of communal politics, suggesting that it reflects a failure of political leaders to adequately address the needs of marginalized minority communities.

However, Uteem argued that these communal tactics are primarily employed by desperate politicians lacking substantive policies.

When systemic discrimination occurs, particularly in areas like recruitment and advancement, it breeds an environment where communal campaigns can gain traction, ultimately stalling the progress of nation-building in Mauritius.

Reflecting on the racial tensions witnessed during the 1999 riots, Uteem pointed out that some current politicians behave like arsonists, igniting divisions for their own gain.

He reiterated that the fragility of a multi-ethnic and multi-religious society necessitates constant vigilance to prevent actions that undermine social harmony.

He advocated for the celebration of diversity and believed it essential to teach children the values of sharing and respect—not only at home, but also in schools, which are crucial environments for fostering social cohesion.

Uteem stressed the need for nurturing interpersonal and interreligious relationships within the community, emphasizing that these connections require ongoing attention and care.

In light of the current tensions in Mauritius, Uteem has a clear message for the nation:

“Keep a cool head.” He reminded citizens that elections are democratic exercises allowing voters to choose representatives who will make decisions on their behalf.

The candidates and their supporters are not enemies engaging in physical conflict; rather, they are participants in a contest of ideas, where the most convincing should earn the public’s trust and votes.

Uteem firmly believes there is no justification for violence at any stage of the electoral process, urging the nation to act as the civilized society it is, especially in a democratic context.

Source: Defi Media