Sathiamoorthy Sunassee: A Life of Service to the Labour Party and the Community
Obituary
The passing of Sathiamoorthy Sunassee on January 22, 2026, at the age of 82, marks the end of a life defined by two unwavering pillars: a shrewd business acumen and an absolute loyalty to the Mauritius Labour Party (PTr). Known affectionately to many as Moorthy, he represented a generation of political figures for whom party affiliation was not a matter of convenience, but a sacred family heritage.
A Heritage of Service
For Moorthy Sunassee, the red banner of the Labour Party was a legacy. Following in the footsteps of his father, who was himself a dedicated member of the PTr, Moorthy grew up in an environment where the ideals of social justice and the struggles for independence were dinner-table conversations. This deep-rooted family history ensured that even when the political tides turned, he remained loyal to his party.
The 1995 Landslide and Ministerial Career
Moorthy Sunassee’s political journey reached its zenith during the historic general elections of 1995. Running in Constituency No. 13 (Rivière-des-Anguilles–Souillac) as part of the PTr-MMM alliance, he secured a commanding second-place finish alongside his running mates, Kishore Deerpalsing and Raouf Bundhun.
The alliance’s 60-0 sweep propelled him into the Cabinet, where he was entrusted with the crucial portfolio of Ministry of Industry and Commerce. As a businessman by training and temperament, he brought a practical, results-oriented approach to the ministry, navigating the complexities of trade and industrial growth during a transformative era for the Mauritian economy.
Moorthy Sunassee’s relationship with the Mauritius Times went far beyond that of a reader. He was a “great supporter” of the publication. He valued the paper’s role in fostering deep political analysis and maintaining the historical memory of the Labour Party’s founding principles.
“Loyalty Through Every Trial”
Perhaps the most striking tribute to Moorthy Sunassee comes from his peers, who describe his “fidélité à toute épreuve” — a loyalty tested and proven. In an era where political floor-crossing and shifting alliances often dominate the headlines, Moorthy Sunassee stood by the Labour Party during its triumphs in the mid-90s and remained a steadfast supporter during its periods in the political wilderness.
As noted by current government members and party colleagues alike, he remained a “loyalist to the core,” never wavering in his support for the Labour Party.
Sathiamoorthy Sunassee leaves behind a legacy of stability and conviction. He served as a bridge between the founding generation of the Labour Party and the modern era, demonstrating that one could be a successful businessman while remaining deeply committed to the foundational ideals of the party.
Mauritius Times ePaper Friday 30 January 2026
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