“Simply being a ‘sympathiser’ of a previous government is not a legal ground for dismissal”
Qs& As
‘The government must provide evidence of the alleged misconduct or sabotage‘
By Lex
The Prime Minister, reacting to the police questioning and seizure of a journalist’s devices (Narain Jasodanand) over allegations against the Bank of Mauritius Governor, publicly denounced the action. He claimed the incident occurred without the knowledge of the Deputy Prime Minister or the Commissioner of Police, alleging it was an act of “sabotage” by stooges from the previous regime who are trying to undermine the current government. This week’s Qs & As examines the specific actions the government can legally take — from formal disciplinary processes and mandatory transfers to the difficult task of proving misconduct/sabotage while respecting the fundamental principles of job security and political neutrality.
* At a press conference last Saturday, the Prime Minister commented on the police questioning of journalist Narain Jasodanand. The journalist had levelled allegations against the Governor of the Bank of Mauritius and his son. The Prime Minister stated that neither the Deputy Prime Minister nor the Commissioner of Police was made aware of the action, which he claimed was an act of sabotage by “stooges” from the previous government. The Prime Minister’s statement lends credence to a similar accusation made earlier by the Minister of Education, who claimed that officials in his ministry were also carrying out acts of “sabotage.” If those claims are true, what course of action should the government take?
Instead of delaying action, the government should take firm and decisive steps to identify and address those officials who are allegedly impeding or sabotaging the implementation of the new administration’s mandate. Allowing internal resistance, potentially driven by residual loyalties or a reluctance to shift from the previous regime’s operational “culture,” hinders effective governance.
If governmental decisions regarding civil servants — including postings, promotions, or disciplinary measures — are perceived to be guided primarily by political considerations, family connections, caste, or race, officials who are resisting the new policies will be emboldened to continue their uncooperative actions.* Read More… Become a Subscriber
Mauritius Times ePaper Friday 26 September 2025
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