In a brief interview with TBN, Monorath was asked how he himself views the developments surrounding him and the matter at the Telecommunicatie Autoriteit Suriname (TAS).
The minister pointed to the work he and his staff had carried out in the past period. Regarding the assessment that his position had become untenable, he said that people may view this differently. “Everyone has their own interpretation of an untenable situation,” Monorath stated.
Public opinion plays an important role
President Simons took several circumstances into account in her assessment of Monorath’s position. Social and political pressure surrounding the TAS affair also played an important role.
The matter has led to increasing criticism of the minister in recent days. Divisions also emerged within the governing coalition over whether Monorath could continue to perform his duties.
Following a conversation with the minister, the president concluded on Thursday that an untenable situation had arisen. According to Simons, this was also discussed with Monorath and he indicated that he would submit his resignation.
Monorath points to work carried out
The minister stressed that the developments do not change the work that, according to him, has been carried out at the ministry.
“I have done considerable work at the ministry. We have done good work. We have done many things,” he stated earlier on Thursday.
At the same time, Monorath indicated that administrative work must continue. “But if the situation is untenable, the government must continue. Everyone must continue. We must continue too. We must do what we have to do.”
Consultation with ABOP leadership
After the meeting at the Kabinet van de President (Office of the President), Monorath was also in contact with ABOP chairman Ronnie Brunswijk. The party leader has spoken out in recent days against the minister’s departure.
Brunswijk believes that the allegations against Monorath provide insufficient grounds to declare his position untenable. However, he acknowledges that the president has the authority to appoint and dismiss ministers.
As Key News reported earlier, Brunswijk has announced that he will discuss the situation that has arisen within the ABOP.
TAS affair is the reason
The political pressure on Monorath is related to his previous work as chairman of the supervisory board at TAS. At the centre of the matter is, among other things, a disputed employment contract with former TAS director Wendy Jap-A-Joe.
The current supervisory board has filed a criminal complaint against Monorath and Jap-A-Joe in connection with the matter. The legal assessment of the allegations is separate from the political decision regarding his ministerial position.
The ABOP has submitted documents which, according to the party, should demonstrate that Monorath acted at the time on the basis of official instructions and decisions. Whether these documents legally justify his conduct has not yet been established.
The matter has now not only affected Monorath’s position, but also raises questions about further cooperation within the coalition.
More background: Coalition divided over Monorath’s position.
