Former Vice-President: Missie Moustass Has Provided Significant Insight

Raouf Bundhun, the former Vice President of Mauritius, has expressed his concerns regarding the electoral promises made by the leader of the Alliance Lepep. In a recent interview, he also addressed the matter of phone tapping, asserting that “Missie Moustass has done harm for good.”

Many observers have noted that this election campaign is unprecedented. Do you share this view?

“Indeed, we can describe this as an unprecedented campaign,” Bundhun stated.

“The outgoing government has engaged in unacceptable practices by distributing money to voters, even offering cash to unborn babies still in their mothers’ wombs, as well as to young individuals aged 18 to 25.

This is something we have never seen before. Since my election in 1967, I have never witnessed a government distribute such large sums of money to voters on the eve of an election.

Although the Privy Council has interpreted this as a promise from a potential future government for the benefit of the entire nation, these actions resemble electoral bribery.

This behavior is reflecting a government in decline. The Prime Minister seemed to believe that he can buy votes by handing out money. The right to vote is sacred.”

When asked about the comments made by Jean Claude de l’Estrac on Radio Plus regarding the electorate’s choice in the upcoming legislative elections—whether they wish to grant a third mandate to Kobita Jugnauth—Bundhun replied, “It is shameful.

For the first time since independence, I have observed the wife of a Prime Minister meddling in state affairs. Kobita Jugnauth has no right to interfere; it is the Cabinet and the ministers who should be making decisions.”

He also discussed the term “Lakwizinn,” which has been frequently mentioned during the campaign.

“When I first heard the term ‘Lakwizinn,’ I thought of the British concept of ‘Kitchen Cabinet,’ where the Prime Minister is surrounded by a close circle of advisors.

However, I later learned that ‘Lakwizinn’ specifically refers to Kobita Jugnauth.

According to Missie Moustass, who has provided audio recordings, she has not hesitated to call ministers to give them directives, which is perplexing and unacceptable in a respectable democracy.

If what is claimed about her is true, it is indeed condemnable.”

Bundhun was then asked about the core issues at stake in these elections.

“There is nothing particularly special about this election. In 1967, the choice was clear: it was about independence or association with England.

Today, the government is merely at the end of its term and is organizing general elections. In a democracy, transition is essential. Pravind Jugnauth has served two terms, which is sufficient.

My analysis led me to believe that a majority of the electorate is seeking change, given the numerous irregularities under the outgoing government.

For instance, during COVID-19, significant sums were spent on overpriced medications and defective respiratory equipment.

Who benefitted from that? The then-Minister of Commerce was forced to resign, and others placed money in US dollars in Dubai.

The populace is wise enough to know what to do on Sunday, November 10.”

When asked if this was tantamount to a disguised voting instruction, Bundhun asserted, “I would advise the electorate to vote wisely and with discipline.

It is important not to waste their votes on candidates who have little chance of being elected.

The two main political blocs are the outgoing government and the official opposition.

The electorate should make their choice but should direct their votes towards three candidates.

Corruption, communalism, nepotism, and casteism are deeply entrenched within our country.”

He acknowledged the shock caused by Missie Moustass’s recordings, stating:

“If everything being said is true, how did we reach this point?

It’s unfortunate and absurd that communalism has resurfaced just before the elections, while proper governance seems to have disappeared, with corruption prevalent in both public and semi-public sectors.

When I served as a minister, I sat in the Cabinet with individuals of caliber.

To name a few, there were Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, Sir Veerasamy Ringadoo, Sir Harold Walter, and others of exceptional talent.”

Regarding the powers and privileges of the Prime Minister, Bundhun pointed out, “The Constitution grants the Prime Minister various powers that should be exercised in consultation with the Cabinet.

However, under Pravind Jugnauth’s tenure, we have witnessed a form of dictatorship, an almost police state where ‘Big Brother is watching us.’

Governance must be democratic, free from interference in justice or police matters, and must include a neutral Speaker.

It’s truly disheartening to have had a Speaker like Sooroojdev Phokeer, who regularly expelled opposition members from the chamber.”

On the topic of public service appointments, Bundhun commented:

“These appointments are frowned upon. When one becomes a high-ranking public servant, they must ‘deliver’ and not be a mere puppet of the current government.

That is why I condemn the outgoing government for its interference across various sectors.”

Regarding the police commissioner’s role in the “Moustass Leaks,” Bundhun stated:

“If what Missie Moustass claims is even partially true, then the Commissioner of Police is unfit to continue in his position.

He should have at least stepped down temporarily while the inquiry takes place.”

He was then asked if the “Moustass Leaks” could galvanize a large voter turnout.

Bundhun responded, “By bringing to light information the public was unaware of, Missie Moustass has raised citizens’ awareness of abuses of power and violations of their freedoms.

Although his illegal wiretapping is condemnable, he has unveiled troubling truths that have transpired behind the people’s backs.

He has provided a tremendous service to the electorate by making them aware of the infringements on their freedoms and the surveillance they have endured.”

When discussing the personal attacks dominant in the current campaign, Bundhun lamented the deterioration of political discourse:

“Throughout my career, I have always promoted national unity and understanding among communities.

Two individuals who shaped our foundation of tolerance were Edwin de Robillard and Father Henri Souchon.

I often participated in human training sessions at Pointe-Jérôme and Anse-La-Raie.

We took pride in our national anthem, composed by Jean-Georges Prosper, that espoused the strong Mauritian slogan: ‘As one people, as one nation.’

We must never use our community to disparage another.”

Lastly, addressing the promises made by the outgoing government, including reducing the Value Added Tax (VAT) on essential goods and providing a 14th month salary, Bundhun said:

“These reductions should have been implemented long ago, not just before the elections.

The rising cost of living has made life unbearable for the middle class.

Regarding the 14th month salary, both sides have made similar promises.”

On the issue of financing these promises through potential revenues from leasing the U.S. military base at Diego Garcia, Bundhun remarked:

“Pravind Jugnauth seems to be relying on an unrealistic foundation. Instead of creating jobs for our youth, the MSM leader is fostering a dependency culture.

Concerning the Chagos, I recall speaking at the 21st Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in New Delhi in November 1975, where I quoted Napoleon’s description of the British as a ‘nation of shopkeepers.’

This was because the British had assured us that there would not be a military base on Diego Garcia, despite reports confirming otherwise.”

Finally, when asked about Navin Ramgoolam’s assertion that a prospective government formed by the Alliance du Changement would endure for a full term, Bundhun concluded,

“Having listened to Ramgoolam on Radio Plus, where he expressed that he has learned from his past mistakes, I will simply say that I have always fought for the advancement of our country.”

Source: Defi Media