That?s enough ! So, the Executive Chairman of Mauritius Telecom (MT) is wild angry. His wrath is justified, he says, because a journalist put the wrong questions and addressed him in an improper tone. Mr Sarat Lallah, therefore, insults, threatens and complains that media people are focusing on his person. Why should Mr Lallah be, now, so touchy and so rude?

Some years back, he was such a different man. He surely remembers the young entrepreneur who, very amicably, used to invite the press for a visit of his small enterprise located in De Conti Street, in Port-Louis. Those were the days. Politicians do forget hard times and painful experience, when they are in safe waters. That?s the normal trend.

So, it?s no use recalling the Engrais Martial and Curepipe Town Hall episodes of Lallah?s political career. Constituents may, at times, be so ungrateful and show disrespect ! Let?s not restart the quarrel over the kick in the back received from a Labour agent. But Sarat Lallah is not the only political appointee to show such unbecoming attitude. Some other nominees are worst.

The gallery is full of despicable creatures that constitute a shame for their sponsors, whatever be their political background.

On that score, Labour shares the trophy with MMM and MSM. In late 90?s the chairman of a state owned commercial concern would keep at his place objects supposed to be on show at the company?s shop. The gentleman was very fond of horses ! Another political appointee was an amateur of luxury cars. The day he took office, the corporation ordered a very expensive limousine that would provide enough room for the comfort of long-legged passengers.

There was a crony who suffered from a particular syndrome. He constantly felt insecure. No problem ! The week following his appointment at the helm of a vital institution, the Board decided to hire the services of a regiment of bodyguards for the Executive Chairman and his family. The above are but a few examples. Would you wish to discover more, just read Hansard.

At the first sittings of the National Assembly, following an election, backbenchers of the new majority, usually, make it a priority to uncover the contemptible dealings by political nominees of the former regime. But paradoxically, the new government would appoint a few cronies that would, soon, be showing the same failings. Some blue-eyed boys seem to think that the State of Mauritius belongs to their patrons and that their appointment is the result of heritage sharing. This explains their arrogant attitude.

A few years ago, one of these nominees was questioned about his posting in a sector with which he was not conversant. He peremptorily answered : « Why should I know the sector ? I know the Prime minister, that?s enough ! » The guy is back in business as Chairman of an Authority.

Is it not time for the leaders of the day to revisit the criteria and procedures for appointment in Boards of state owned companies ? This is an area where the electorate expected a new mindset, Mr. Sithanen.

<B> JED</B>