The Rule of law is sacrosanct as enshrined in our Constitution but a sense of disillusionment and despair overwhelms us when we view certain events unfolding on the social scene. There is something rotten in the Republic of Mauritius. The recent loudspeaker issue concerning azan (the call for prayers) has unravelled the fragility of the fabric of Mauritian multicultural society: the least spark would have triggered a communal conflagration and riot, had it not been the good sense and wisdom of some young patriots.

Sour reminiscences of 1965, 1968 and 1999 racial riots are too strong in our minds. We are destined to live in peace together on this tiny island. It is inconceivable that, at the very outset of the conflict, some irresponsible and ignorant questioned naively the validity of the separation of powers, one of the pillars of democracy. The day when the Judiciary, the Legislative and the Executive, the three independent and important components, merge into one single unit, it will be the day when we shall nail democracy into a coffin of dictatorship.

The breakdown of law and order is an indication of our degree of civilisation and it sends shivers down our spines. A sense of insecurity and fear hovers in the island. If we do not respect the police, the trusted preservers of law and order, how can we live in peace and tranquillity in this country beset with explosive social problems? The police force deserves to be respected and admired throughout the communities which they protect, although there are black sheep in their midst and some are found embroiled in a number of controversies. The police force must never be destabilised. Otherwise it will profit only the lawbreakers.

The City of Port Louis is irreversibly converted into a city of anarchy and lawlessness. It is infested with pickpockets, thieves and miscreants. In broad daylight, tourists are assaulted and robbed of their belongings. Is this the way to show our hospitality? Then, we have the acute problem of street-hawkers that have invaded every nook or corner in the name of employment and humanitarian grounds. There is hardly any breathing space to move on the pavement. What was illegal has turned into legal for them. The absence of the authorities concerned is most scandalous. There is laxity in the application of law and order and the situation is left to its decay until a problem arises one day and they will apply piecemeal solutions to it. We can term it as misrule of law.

There are many sectors where we witness the withering of the State leaving in its trail anarchy and misrule of law as, for example, in the prison system, schools, hospitals, on the roads and others. There is the dysfunction of many momentous institutions. Many do not shoulder their responsibility as they ought to. Is it because of fear to displease some or of their incompetence in decision-making?

After all we cannot blame them: all the issues have been politicised. Politicians once in power have spread their octopus-like tentacles into every walk of life. Is it surprising to note a total apathy and indifference on the part of the population? Who cares, after all? Even if the country is going to the dogs? But some law-abiding and peace-loving citizens have sounded the alarm bell and it is up to the decision-makers to take the bull by the horns. Otherwise hell-gates will be flung open.

Philip LI CHING HUM