During the debates on the electoral petition presented by Suren Dayal in the Supreme Court, the Prime Minister, Pravind Jugnauth stated that whenever he appoints a person to head a parastatal body, it does not imply that the latter is a supporter of his political party.
As a reminder, Suren Dayal, defeated candidate of the Labor Party in the last legislative elections in number 8 (Moka/Military Quarter), is contesting the elections of Pravind Jugnauth, Leela Devi Dookun-Luchoomun and Yogida Sawmynaden.
The discussions in the Supreme Court this Monday, July 26, have been focused on the intervention of Somduth Dulthumun broadcast on MBC a few days before the 2019 elections. The lawyer of Suren Dayal, Mr. Robin Ramburn made it clear to the Prime Minister, Pravind Jugnauth that Somduth Dulthumun the former president of the Mauritius Sanathan Darma Temple Federation (MSDTF) is one of his strong supporters. Hence his appearance on national television, the lawyer added.
To which the Prime Minister pointed out that he was not aware of this appearance and that according to him, Somduth Dulthumun, is a supporter of the former Prime Minister, Navin Ramgoolam.
When asked how Somduth Dulthumun was appointed to head the Mauritius Museums Council, the Prime Minister said that every time he appoints someone to head a parastatal body, it does not imply that the latter is a supporter. He gave the example of the appointment of the chief judge by the President of the Republic and himself.
Earlier, in the morning session of the same court, the Prime Minister argued that the minutes of the High Level Committee on the current pension system could not be produced in court because of state secrets. He will not be able to present the details, as he has first consulted the Attorney General’s office for a legal opinion on the matter. But he was asked not to do so for reasons of state secrets, according to the provisions of the Official Secrets Act.
However, the PM added that he could give the Court some information related to the inter-ministerial and technical committees that dealt with the pension issue in 2016.
Such as the fact that the inter-ministerial committee was set up following a decision of the Council of Ministers on August 19, 2016. It was first chaired by the then Minister of Social Security Fazila Jeewa- Daureeawoo, and then, by Etienne Sinatambou after his appointment as the supervising minister.
Pravind Jugnauth also said that the inter-ministerial committee met three times, including on September 22, 2016, October 12, 2016 and October 28, 2016. But, the committee did not submit any recommendation.
Dev Manraj denies any pre-election agreement with Salim Muthy regarding the « victims » of the Super Cash Back Gold plans by British American Investment Mauritius Co Ltd and Bramer Asset Management Ltd at the October 30, 2019 meeting. He was questioned in connection with the trial of the election petition submitted by Suren Dayal. The Financial Secretary stated that the meeting with Salim Muthy was an informal meeting.
