9 NEF Appointments Amid Controversy: Ashok Subron Speaks Out

Amid recent criticism and controversy over appointments to the board of the National Empowerment Foundation (NEF), Social Integration Minister Ashok Subron has broken his silence. He spoke openly on Sunday during a meeting with residents in his constituency to celebrate Mother’s Day.

On his Facebook page, he expressed gratitude to Mauritians who supported him and his team, including Kugan Parapen, Dany Marie, Rezistans ek Alternativ (ReA), and the Alliance of Change, during what he called a “tumultuous period.”

While acknowledging some mistakes in the process, Subron emphasized that his main goal was transparency.

“Kugan and I wanted to do the right thing by launching a public call for interest, open and transparent.

Everything was done legally, with advice from the State Law Office, and the nominations were approved by Cabinet. However, this was a new, unprecedented approach,” he explained.

He also addressed criticism from the public, especially regarding the appointment of some ReA members, like Dany Marie.

“Was it a mistake to surround myself with longstanding activists?

Some people misunderstood that, and I take responsibility. Society benefits from constructive feedback,” he said.

Subron reassured that out of nine appointments to the NEF, 8 had no connection to ReA. Still, he condemned malicious attacks against him and his partner, claiming false accusations that he appointed her to the NEF and that she receives a salary.

“All decisions were voluntary, nothing else,” he stressed.

He also criticized a Member of Parliament from the Alliance of Change who publicly attacked him while he was defending mothers who had suffered abuse in illegal shelters.

“I leave it to Mauritians to judge whether that was appropriate, especially while I was supporting these women,” he added.

Regarding the controversy, Subron welcomed opposition leader Joe Lesjongard’s decision to refer the case to the Financial Crimes Commission, hoping an official body will clarify the legality of the appointments.

“I now fully support the decisions made by the Cabinet,” he concluded.

Finally, he emphasized that in a democracy, all criticism has a place. “Ultimately, it’s the courts and the people who judge.

In the meantime, I wish all mothers a happy Mother’s Day, especially those who suffered in silence from abuse in homes tolerated by the previous government.”

Source: l’Express