What questions?
24 December, 2008 – As the Bhutanese parliament goes into session we anticipate some interesting sessions, informative debates, and meaningful decisions.
Beyond the issues already identified in the agenda, the “question hour” could, potentially, raise some relevant questions and answers. The process of placing a decision maker on the stand and asking him or her to explain certain decisions is a professional one, that should be appreciated by parliamentarians, the people, and the decision makers.
It is time that Bhutanese officials explained why this bridge here and not there, why this road, why this school instead of that one, why this hospital here, and many more.
We understand the disadvantages of a small opposition and hope that questions also come from MPs of the ruling party to maintain the integrity of the House. MPs represent different constituencies and some questions must be asked in the interest of the people.
There is one healthy premise for the questions. That the question, and the issue, is relevant to the people. The MPs represent the people and the government works for the people. The debate should also serve the interests of the people. Personalised and vindictive exchanges would be a “lose-lose” situation.
Meanwhile the first questions may need to be directed at the Assembly, to the MPS, and people. For example, why is an entertainment allowance for gewog officials important for local governance? Who are the officials being entertained at the cost of the people? To the people of Dagana we ask, do they have no greater concern in the villages than the safety of their MPs?
The inaugural session of parliament this summer was dominated by historical agenda like the signing of the Constitution. While the parliament will still be adjusting to its new role, we expect that the discourse will be more focused in this session. In the aftermath of the general election, the Coronation was a festive reward for all of us. Now it’s time to make democracy work.
The general theory about democratic governance is that the people exercise their power in two ways: formally by voting in the leaders of their choice, and informally by continuing pressure on the leaders through the media. Their responsibility is not over with the elections.
Democracy and GNH resonate in the interpretation of the media’s responsibility – serving the public. Like the government the media has one premise – the interests of the people. Its time now for all of us to ask the right questions.
“Public office is a public trust”
Source: Kuenselonline