Indeed, Madam Speaker, as highlighted in the State of the Economy Report, there was a deliberate manipulation of data under the previous government to convey a false sense of a booming economy. It was an illusion, a mirage. GDP at market prices was overstated by around Rs22 billion for 2023, and more than Rs36 billion for 2024. The budget deficit was understated in the Budget document by 1.8 per cent of GDP for fiscal year 2023-2024 and by 3.3 per cent of GDP for fiscal year 2024-2025. We have amply demonstrated that the falsification of data was the only way for the previous government to conceal its economic and fiscal mismanagement, and the resulting disastrous situation. But the truth has finally come out. Madam Speaker, with regard to part (a) of the question, the real culprits and the masterminds behind the falsification of data have already been booted out of office. Game- over for them! But we are looking very closely to take further appropriate actions if needed. Madam Speaker, we are rebuilding our institutions to ensure that their independence, their good governance and effective functioning is a reality. One example is the Bank of Mauritius which has regained total independence to carry out its functions and its roles. We will also carry out a fundamental review of the governance structure across key public sector institutions, including the Economic Development Board and Statistics Mauritius. As regards part (b) of the question, Government has already secured technical assistance from the IMF to review and strengthen our institutions and statistical system so as to prevent the recurrence of this terrible manipulation that has taken place. The IMF will carry out a comprehensive assessment of the extent to which our institutions, including the Ministry of Finance, Statistics Mauritius, and the Bank of Mauritius, are observing international statistical standards and codes while compiling and disseminating statistics. The assessment will cover all statistical sectors, namely the national accounts, price indices, monetary and fiscal statistics, government finance statistics and the balance of payments.

35 At the end of the assessment, the IMF will submit a Report on the Observance of Standards and Codes (ROSC) together with appropriate recommendations. This assessment by the IMF is long overdue since the last one was carried out in 2002. Madam Speaker, the IMF has, as a matter of priority, agreed to devote the first part of the exercise to reviewing the organisational structure of Statistics Mauritius, and its data collection and dissemination process to prevent, again, such interferences in the future. We are acting fast to restore the integrity and quality of our statistics after ten years of abuse. A Steering Committee is being set up under the Ministry of Finance to coordinate the assessment of the IMF and ensure effective implementation of its recommendations. Madam Speaker, we will shortly reconstitute the Statistics Board and appoint an independent and fully qualified Chairperson, and that Board will be given full independence in the exercise of its responsibilities. With the implementation of the recommendations of the IMF, we will ensure that in future, no government will be able to manipulate data ever again.

Yes!

Madam Speaker, could the hon. Prime Minister advise if his administration has received any representation, in whatever form, from the then representatives of the MSM Government to defend the figures they have presented to the Mauritians?

I do not think they are able to do that.

Madam Speaker, are we to understand that…

Brief! Brief, because time is almost up.

…the Director of Statistics, who by law has to be independent, does not take instruction from anyone? That, under the Statistics Act, there is no disciplinary action being envisaged, let alone taken against him and others under him for having wilfully falsified data, according to what is being said? Is this what the hon. Prime Minister is saying; that there is no action being envisaged, let alone being taken?

No, no! That is not what I said. I did not delve into it too much, but there will be action taken.

It should be immediate...

36

(Interruptions)

Eta al dormi do ta! Al happy hour do!

(Interruptions)

Hon. Third Member for Beau Bassin and Petite Rivière!

How can we trust these figures?

Hon. Members, we have got only one minute left! An hon. Member: You chose those people!

Chut !

(Interruptions)

Mr Quirin!

B/78, please!

(Interruptions)

᠎The Deputy Prime Minister: Be ou pe assiz koste ar li foutou!

The same people there!

Get dan so pos!

(Interruptions)

Take a seat back.

B/78 has been called, please! Last question! ᠎ LATE MR S. K. – DEATH INQUIRY – STATUS