<B>By Deepa BHOOKHUN</B>

The opposition speaks constantly of respecting the institutions. We agree. All too often the ills of society find their root in the trampling of institutions that hold all of us together, that make us the nation we are, that give us pride in who we are. Which is why every time they speak against such abuses, we can only support them. Not for their sake but for ours. All of us.

Madan Dulloo has been especially outspoken in his criticisms ? rightly so in my opinion. He speaks against the travesty of institutions. We agree and take it even further. We say one should differentiate the man from the office. We say one should respect the institution regardless of the people. We say one should rise above the pettiness to which mankind is prone.

But reports say that the same Mr Dulloo, otherwise very coherent in his arguments, called a press conference saying Sir Anerood Jugnauth should step down if the ?Alliance sociale? comes to power. If this is true, then Mr Dulloo is going too far. Is this what he understands by the respect of institutions? We can only hope he is not speaking for the ?Alliance sociale? but merely expressing an opinion. But it is an opinion that speaks of vindictiveness.

The press, opinion leaders, politicians and the public are the first ones to react when Sir Anerood Jugnauth slips from time to time and holds openly political opinions. Too right. But then we should return the compliment and abstain from vilifying the man; calling him names during political gatherings, uttering thinly veiled threats and attacking a man who cannot retaliate because of his office. Madan Dulloo refused to confirm this piece of information when we called him. He refused to confirm the information because he is not happy with ?l?express?. That he disagrees with ?l?express? is one thing. That he refuses to give information that may prove important to public opinion is another. And it is contemptible. The press also, might we remind Mr Dulloo, is an institution. Withholding information is also a sign of disrespect.

The lawyer politician needs to understand that it is not about settling scores. One does not settle scores with institutions whether they are the Presidency or the press. The stakes are too low and at the same time too high.

Why the need to attack the President? Why the need to withhold information? Why the need to even scores? Human nature one might argue. Well it is a damn shame. This is a dangerous attitude and a despicable one. We need decency not vindictiveness. The latter has characterized many of the actual government?s actions. Let us hope that the team who aspires to get back to power recognizes the need of this country, that has gone astray, for decency. Because when decency is lost, all is lost. And then we go even further astray?