Candidly speaking, some politicians are out to mesure and confuse with the slogans they brandish to scare and disrupt national unity and integrity. The frustrated ones who kissed the mud want once more to revive the basic instincts of people. We have them in all sections of a multiracial society. They are misguiding and misleading when they proclaim that they are out to promote, protect and preserve national unity.

As a matter of fact, we do not want such political nuisances to toy with national prosperity as peace is essential for one and all. People have not forgotten what such individuals stood for, did and with what consequences. It should be noted with deep concern that – to fight for justice for a community is quite different from the means one manipulates for selfish purposes. We do not believe in, “Do and Die”. Let us say : “Do and Live”.

Broadly speaking, we agree to differ with the government. The leader at the helm is a mortal and thus bound to commit mistakes. In fact, in a democratic system, criticism is a very healthy sign – when based on logic, truth and precision. One who refuses to accept facts based on truth must not have recourse to arrogance and direct threats. It is always good to remember that freedom of a country is not always independence and that prosperity is not stability! If there is no spirit of give and take – stability is in great danger.

In reality, power may succeed but it can never prevail over truth. It is very unfortunate that certain lame horses, battered by time and dime, try to exploit and explore every opportunity to make a mountain out of a molehill, based an crass communalism in the very name of freedom.

Other “Chamchas” never fail to indulge in intrigues, blackmail, unfounded fears, apprehensions, mutual hatred and suspicion. The powerful, opulent and rich minority never misses the opportunity of crying wolf to communalism, when personal interests are threatened. Justice and fair play for the majority is communalism. They have got their “piedpipers” to broadcast to the four winds. Their “Chitras” and “Chao—chaus” are not among the spineless wards. Have they eventually learnt from history?

In the same breath, it goes without saying that, for decades, we have lived and worked together with people who have never been just to us. Our misfortunes, joys and achievements, we have truly shared. We do have a beautiful and wonderful tradition of live and let live. We have just reminded them that they never allowed us to live in peace, hamony and amity. We have just told them that it is not right to declare that we want everything far ourselves. We have always fought for harmony among all communities.

In truth and in utmost truth, those who have sown the poisonous seeds of discord, distrust and dissension, must never be given the opportunity to stick the tag of communalism on our backs. It is in the interest of the one in power not to fall prey to the machinations of vested interests. We do know he will not.

Ìn short, if a leader wants the people to be with him/her, he/she must eventually and most certainly show through action that he is with the people. Yesmen, sycophants, etc., have been responsible for the political “debâcle” of many a noble and good leader. Genuine criticism is to set the wheel right – when the State goes wrong. Mauritians know quite well and are conscious that the country still needs : SAJ, Paul Bérenger and Pravind Jugnauth as well as other competent and potential leaders. They too have their merits and shortcomings.

<B>Sookraj BISSESSUR</B>