Edited sentence: Cassam Uteem, from the opposition MMM (Mouvement Militant Mauricien) party was to become the first President of the new Mauritian Republic.In spite of their weak numerical percentage, the Mauritian Muslims have had an important role in the political life of the island, namely during the pre-independence campaign when Abdul Razack Mohamed, the leader of the CAM (Communanuté d'Action Musulmane) allied himself with the would-be first Prime Minister, Seewoosagur Ramgoolam.Mauritian Muslims comprise an impressive number of valuable traders and businessmen to the Mauritian economy, such as Currimjee Brothers, the Omarjee Families or the Atchias, along with numerous professionals and writers.Other prominent social and political figures include Abdul Hakim Abdul Razzaque, who was a self-made businessman, originally from Trinidad, who founded the Imprimerie Idéale and owned the national newspaper Le Citoyen.This alliance secured the necessary votes to complete those of the Labour Party.With other members of his community, he started the Islamic Cultural College and financed many social and religious projects, among which the Rabita Building in Plaine-Verte