Africa-Press – Mauritius. Mauritius passed the Public Inquiries Bill, establishing clearer parameters and stricter deadlines for public inquiries, Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam announced.
The bill, drafted by Attorney General Gavin Glover, was presented by Minister Shakeel Mahomed due to Glover’s illness. Ramgoolam stated the new law replaces outdated legislation with a more transparent and comprehensive framework.
He emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring public inquiry objectives are met and not abused, as he alleged happened in the past with reports being ignored.
The new legislation legally obligates the government to seriously consider and present inquiry reports to Parliament for debate. While not mandating acceptance of all conclusions, it ensures public access to findings and government responses, promoting transparency and accountability.
The bill mandates the Prime Minister to submit inquiry reports to Parliament within 30 days of receipt, preventing their suppression. Furthermore, reports must be published in the official gazette within 30 days of submission to the Prime Minister, ensuring public access.
Ramgoolam criticized the previous government under Pravind Jugnauth for allegedly using inquiries to settle political scores, citing examples such as investigations into the BAI Group, involving Sattar Hajee Abdoula, and the Britam Holding Ltd share sale, highlighting alleged conflicts of interest and accusations against Roshi Bhadain.
He strongly condemned Bhadain’s role in the BAI Group’s dismantling and the Betamax affair, referencing a Singapore arbitration ruling ignored by the previous government, ultimately resulting in a loss at the Privy Council.
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