Madam Speaker, national unity and social cohesion constitute the very foundation of our Republic. Mauritius has long been recognised as a plural, democratic and multicultural nation where diversity is, in fact, a source of our strength. Government remains firmly committed to preserving this legacy and to ensuring that every Mauritian, irrespective of race, religion, ethnicity, language or social background, feels equally respected, protected and included. Madam Speaker, there are comprehensive laws criminalising incitement to racial hatred (Section 282 of the Criminal Code) using the media, electronic or online or social media, by words spoken – • Sections 16 & 17 of the Constitution which provide for recourse to the Supreme Court if there is racial discrimination, • The Equal Opportunities Commission and Tribunal dealing with complaints by victims for example, racial discrimination including discrimination in employment or discrimination by victimisation. The laws are, therefore, to be executed by enforcement and regulatory authorities, and it is open, Madam Speaker, to anyone aggrieved by alleged propagation of acts inciting racial hatred, to complain to the police or other authorities if he or she feels aggrieved or at risk. It is for the competent authorities – the law enforcement, police, DPP and the courts – to assess whether any act or course of conduct exceeds the exercise of a person’s fundamental right to freedom of expression and, therefore, constitutes an incitement to racial hatred. The object is not to police public opinion, but to protect social fabric of our rainbow nation while preserving the largest possible space for legitimate expression. In a bid to oppress, the previous government closed access to social media and slowed internet debit. When we came to power, we vowed that never, never again, should we allow our shared peace to be corroded by totalitarian minds. We condemn any attempt to muffle expression. This is an imperative in a multicultural and pluralistic democratic society. For these noble ideals, Madam Speaker, we rely heavily on the responsibility of one and all. But we must acknowledge that we face numerous challenges, especially when radicalisation sets in the minds of a few and those who still do not realise that – • The freedom of expression stops at the door of the freedom of others; • That the baseline of a peaceful diverse society is absolutely necessary to respect the views of other people’s religion and other people's lifestyle. We have to respect all of that. Madam Speaker, I shall be ruthless against anyone – and I repeat, against anyone – who jeopardizes national unity and social cohesion. Government remains resolute in its determination to preserve the unity of our nation and to ensure that Mauritius continues to be a peaceful, inclusive and harmonious society. Any new measure must remain proportionate and consistent with constitutional protection for freedom of expression.

Yes, hon. Dr. Ms Daureeawo!

Yes, thank you. Can Dr. the hon. Prime Minister confirm to the House whether the Government has conducted any assessment of the prevalence of racial hate speech in Mauritius, particularly on online platforms?

We actually have and we have been trying to. You know it is very difficult in Mauritius at the moment to be able to find out the source of this. That is why I am getting the help from the Indian Government. First of all, we were told to approach the Maharashtra Government to look at the cyber unit to reorganise. We came here, but unfortunately, after a while, the price suddenly seems to have ballooned. I do not accept this because we had agreed on one price, we cannot now have the price ballooning. We do not know why. So, I asked them to stop the work. Last time, I met Prime Minister Modi, I explained that to him and he has suggested that we deal directly with Delhi.

Okay, next question.

Would Dr. the hon. Prime Minister consider implementing or developing a national strategy or action plan on combating racial hatred, racism, discrimination?

It is unbelievable, Madam Speaker, we are in 2026 and still people do not understand that we are all children of the same God and they still persist in doing what they are doing. They will be harshly dealt with very soon.

Okay. Hon. Babajee, I think. DRUG-RELATED OFFENCES – REPORTED CASES & MEASURES