Royal Address at the Concluding Ceremony of the 3rd Session of Parliament

July 30, 2009 - On the occasion of the concluding ceremony of the 3rd session of Parliament, I congratulate the elected government of the Druk Phuensum Tshokpa on the completion of one year and four months in office. In these early days of a new political system while bearing great responsibilities you have, despite the limited resources, successfully carried out the difficult duties of government in service of the Tsawasum.

The Opposition, though comprised of only two members, has through diligence and commitment, fulfilled the important duties of the Opposition party enshrined in the Constitution.

The members of the National Council, in the interest of the country’s future, have shouldered their profound duties with accomplishment. I must express my deep gratitude and appreciation to the government and the members of parliament. It is with complete trust and faith that I look upon you to serve the People and Country. In doing so you have my wholehearted support.

We must also acknowledge that in preparation for democracy we had entrusted immense responsibilities on our civil servants and judiciary as well as on constitutional bodies such as the Royal Audit Authority, Anti-corruption Commission and Election Commission, which they have fulfilled in the service of the nation. Henceforth, for a vibrant and successful democracy, we must continue to support and strengthen these institutions.

Media - newspapers, television, radio and the Internet – must play a very important role. I appreciate that while some of the media agencies are young and lack adequate resources they have strived to perform their duties with complete commitment. Hereafter, media will be vital in keeping people well informed and in encouraging debate and participation - key to a vibrant democracy. Therefore, I have decided that through the exercise of my Royal Prerogative of Kidu, to strengthen media agencies so that they may carry out their duties, without fear or favour, in the interest of democracy.

Today, whenever there is time, I travel across the country to the villages. It is when I sit in the houses of my people, eat our meals together and discuss the lives and aspirations of each family, that I am most content. And while I am there I try, in small ways, to help them with their most pressing problems. Nothing is as rewarding as knowing that I have made their lives a little more comfortable, a little more secure and happier.

There is no substitute for being able to see the problems of the people personally. For when I carry out my duties, I shall remember the faces of the people whom I must serve and I will know the ways in which I can serve them best.

It is also while I am in the villages that I come across so many people serving the country in such important ways, but who are rarely recognized and acknowledged. There is the civil servant, teacher, health worker and local government staff working in remote places and serving their country well. Our development projects are supported by the hard work of the daily-wage worker and those in the national work force. There is the small entrepreneur or the farmer working hard to feed his or her family. Such people are the backbone of our nation.

I have said before that the future is what we make of it. What work we do with our two hands today, and the sacrifices we make will shape the future of our nation. To each and every loyal, hardworking and law-abiding citizen I offer my deepest gratitude.

Now, I always say that when we work together we must be frank and forthright. Today, everywhere people are concerned about the disagreements between important institutions of government. I want to tell my people that when such disagreements arise, there is no need to worry. It means that the members of these institutions have embraced their duties wholeheartedly. However, we must be careful not to defer problems but resolve them as soon as they arise.

It is not the disagreements that our people should be concerned about; it is the manner in which they are resolved. Frankly, these disagreements have given us a great opportunity to set the right precedent for future politicians, governments and people. If the institutions in question can sit together, keeping national interest above all else, and resolve their problems, it will be an auspicious sign that democracy has a great future in Bhutan.

As King I have the sacred duty to look beyond the next one or two, or even five or ten years. It is my duty to serve the People such that, for generation after generation, era upon era our nation becomes stronger, more prosperous and happier. Therefore, from where I stand, I do not see different players such as the National Assembly, National Council, Cabinet or Bureaucracy.

What do I see?

I see our small landlocked country. I see our small Bhutanese family. Then I see this immense world in which we have the challenge and responsibility to stand on our own feet and build a nation into which our future generations will always feel proud, secure and happy to be born.

This is what I see.

I truly believe that we have a special, unique and strong nation because of our People – the jewel of Bhutan. Throughout history our people have always worked as One Nation with One Vision. So, today, it is my hope that you will uphold this unity of spirit and purpose and resolve all disagreements in the interest of our People and Country, now and in the future.

Tashi Delek

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Dreams are not always true

When resettlement started in February 2008, most exiled Bhutanese had expected their life to be luxurious with clear destiny in the new homes they are flying to in the western countries. Though offer for resettlement initially brought some irksome response from the refugee community, in later days, it was whole heartedly welcomed.

In a recent survey conducted by a team of repatriation advocates also revealed that only less than 20 percent of those in camps wish to get back to country. It is in fact the reflection of the distraction of willingness for return by the tough conditions unveiled by the Joint Verification Team in Khudubanari some years back, not just luring to western life.

The life in west, primarily in United States has not been well, as reported, though there are complains in terms of other countries as well. In the last few months, resettled Bhutanese in US were attacked, robbed or misbehaved. In many instances, news are not written by individual reports say the resettling agencies even threaten to leave providing support to those who fail to get job in three or four months.

This is a panic, the US government and the resettling agency must understand. Exiled Bhutanese had not gone to the US under black route, nor did they first appeal for resettlement.

The first statement that US government said while proposing resettlement was ‘on humanitarian ground’. Leaving people without any support is not a humanitarian act. When the country faces history’s highest rate of unemployment, it is natural that new people unknown of the new society and practices find hard to get job in the prescribed time.

The latest news is murder of a young man – Hari Lal Adhikari. What can I do more than expressing my condolences to the departed soul? It is the local authority in Florida who should ensure security to this newly resettled folks and lend hand to them to adjust with new circumstances.

This is all for the US matter. In other countries like Denmark, Netherlands, New Zealand and Norway, lives are going well. There have not been any reports of untoward incidents or any such complaints. People have complaints on Australia and Canada. These two countries have delayed the resettlement process in such a way that some nearly turned psychologically unsound. There are people who waited one and half years after facing the interview – which they called the final one.

The discrimination UNHCR staffs in Kathmandu and Jhapa do while selecting case is other hindrance in resettlement of illiterate or simple refugees. There are reports and open talk how the IOM staffs get bribed for speeding up the case. IOM has not taken by initiative towards solving this issue. There is urgent need to launch campaign in camps telling the refugees facing interviews not to bribe any officials for resettlement. And UNHCR should act fairly in forwarding the case to countries for resettlement. There are reports that initial commitments for first come first service are not perfectly implemented. Let it come to true.

Sorry, I deviated from my position where I started his blog. I intended that life in west is not always well and resettlement process is not only a chance to each and live a respected life but possible trap into death. I heard Texas, Florida, New York, Arizona, Los Angeles are most dangerous places to go in terms of being attacked by armed men without reasons.

I wrote this piece in just 10 minutes and is not seen twice. Forgive me if there are minor errors.

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Misconception of democracy in Bhutan

This is how the democracy in this newest democracy is functioning – if you read the recent statement by Prime Minister Jigmi Y. Thinley at the National Council gathering in Thimphu.

According to him, no laws have mentioned that ministers have to attend question-answer hour at the upper house. This is ridiculous, I think. In a democracy, parliament has the highest authority and has the right to interrogate ministers or any other government officials.

It is not surprising that Bhutan has no laws making it mandatory that ministers attend the upper house debates or present at its call. As a new entrant to an accountable-government system of politics, Bhutan not only lacks this kind of law but laws on many fronts which people expect to get formulated through the parliament they elected.

In a democracy, both the Houses have equal weigh in decision making and legislation formulation. The statement by the PM is grave ignorance of the spirit of democracy and disrespect of its values.

Despite several calls, as planned well before the parliament session begun and furnished to ministers to arrange their schedule, the ministers failed to turn up to the National Council for question hour. This has disrupted few meeting of the House.

PM but mentioned that government wish to harmonise relation between the government and the parliament that has turned quite bitter – in fact seriously bitter. This bitterness between the executive and the legislator wings is a reflection of rivalry seen within the parliament. Since the first session of the first election parliament, the two Houses failed to see each other eye to eye on important national issues. Thus was the result of the political parties ignoring upper house where they have no influences. National Assembly avoiding debates at the upper house on some of the important issues like budget has further widened the gap within the legislature.

The symptom is injurious for new born democracy. The ministers and the prime minister have obligation, by the principle of natural law, to attend the legislative session and answer questions. As per the constitution and laws, the upper house is review body for government functioning and if government ministers fail to answer what government is doing to compare with what National Council members observed in their localities, review of government functioning is impossible. Failure of one house to deliver its duty is failure of the democracy. This is where the political leadership of Bhutan is taking this country to.

The layman observation implies that Bhutanese politicians are yet to embrace the democratic culture or have not understood the core norms and values of democracy. This is reflected in a recent debate in BBS TV as well.

The DPT spokesperson and member of the parliament from Bji-Katsho-Uesu constituency in Paro Ugen Tenzin said parliament of a democracy means joint sitting of the two Houses. In other sense, when the two houses are sitting separately, it isn’t called ‘parliament in session’. If it was his interpretation of parliament session, it is held only four days in a year – opening and closing of summer and winter sessions which are generally observed in joint sitting.

In the same discussion, minister for health Zangley Dukpa defined government to be the bureaucratic as an effort on his part to avoid inquiry from public who were questioning through phones why ministers failed to turn up the National Assembly call. He called those callers on the phone criticising the government for ignoring NC to be members of some interest groups but failed clarify what that interest group is. And he added demand for public holiday on Nyenpa Guzon, a Buddhist festival. Who is the authority to determine public holidays and meet demands of a minister?

The interviewer Dawa seemed to be quizzing less than needed, a fear that still exist in Bhutanese journalists to interrogate political leaders. The threat prime minister gave to journalists last year for questioning him is still ruling the nation.

The sheer ignorance of the upper house by the government is because of absence of political influence or representation there. If the logic of prime minister was to believe, there are also no laws where ministers and prime ministers should attend the calls from people and answer them in a public forum. This won’t be a democracy, democratic culture.

There seems to be serious flaws on concept and thought about Bhutanese political leadership regarding the democracy and its values. Should there be any orientation on this……

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Army officers promoted

His Majesty on July 22 promoted to the rank of Brigadier (left to right) Chencho Dorji (RBG), Kesang Dorjee, Sangay Penjor and Singi Dorji (RBA).

Brigadier Chencho Dorji was commissioned as an officer in 1975 and selected into the Royal Body Guards in 1985. He was promoted the rank of Colonel in November 2005 and is a recipient of the highest military award, Druk Yulgyel, and also the Drakpoi Thuksey.

Brigadier Singi Dorji from Chang, Thimphu, was commissioned in 1973, and appointed Lt. Colonel in 1990. In 2005, he was promoted to the rank of Colonel and is also a recipient of the prestigious Drakpoi Wangyel, Drakpoi Thuksey and Drakpoi Khorlo .

Brigadier Kesang Dorjee from Kanglung, Trashigang, was commissioned into the Royal Bhutan Army as 2nd Lieutenant in 1974. He is a recipient of the Drakpoi Thuksey and Drakpoi Khorlo. He was appointed Lt. Colonel in 1993 and in 2005 was promoted to the rank of Colonel.

Brigadier Sangay Penjor from Tang, Bumthang was commissioned into the Royal Bhutan Army as 2nd Lieutenant in 1971. He was appointed Lt. Colonel in 1984 and promoted to the rank of Colonel in 1997.

He is a recipient of the Drapoi Wangyel and he previously served as the Deputy Army Chief (Q) and the Commandant of the Military Training Center at Tencholing.

(Kuensel)

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Bhutan got the Swine Flu

The worldwide panic Swine Flu, which has spread over 135 countries, has finally entered this tiny kingdom, as per the health officials in Thimphu.

According to reports, the A H1N1 virus has been detected in four Bhutanese, who were tested positive – two of them detected within the country.

The two cases detected on Monday are a three-year-old girl and a 38-year-old woman, both residents of Thimphu but from different families.

Official suspect that the women got it from someone who returned or came from abroad and express fear that the pandemic might have already spread more. It is reported, they have started recovering.

A 38-year-old man, pursuing his master’s in Bangkok, was the first Bhutanese to be infected by the flu. He had left Bhutan on June 4, fell ill on June 12 and 13 and by June 16 tested positive. Doctors said he got the flu in Bankok itself.

The other Bhutanese to get the flu was one of eight students, who were in Japan on a study tour. She was treated and recovered in Japan.

Bhutan started surveillance for all kinds of flu in Paro, Thimphu and Punakha from August last year. Samples of people travelling in and out of the country were collected and sent to Bangkok for testing. The last batch of samples was sent on July 10, Kuensel says.

A country with fewer health experts and unhygienic social customs, Bhutan is likely to be affected by the pandemic faster.

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The egos and me

Nature that individuals have differs and this nature determines what the person does. Character is contributing factor but not the final decider. In fact nature character moulds one’s character.

Many of my friends said, I have an ego. I have never felt to be so. Here are few examples. It was when I was in grade V. Class top in examinations was my performance but not intention. I never wished that I have to win others. Winning is what I lack in my heart. In grade VI, one of my friends went ahead of me in academic performance though he was a lower middle performer in previous years. I was happy with friends doing their performances better.

One other friend asked why I become second in class. I didn’t care. My interests were on literary writings. But he said, it was because of my ego. I had never heard of it before. I don’t remember doing so, but that friend told the story behind other friend’s success. I learnt he started hard work after I refused to tell him answer of a question during an exam. I said best of luck.

By the time I reached grade IX, this good performer again declined. During college days, we were best friends. When I reminded him of the incident, I told him it was his ego not mine. He admitted, I have fewer egos and wish to do what is correct.

A new friend from Panchaoti school had similar experiences with me. When I had some tussle with teachers regarding school discipline, this boy had publicly said, I had so much ego. As a good student in junior classes, he planned that he must win me to burst my ego, though he did not in first term. As I learnt his plans, I let him win in successive exams. By the time we appeared SLC, he admitted my nature was not symbols of ego.

Similar stories are created by formation of Bhutan Youth Literary Forum, Rose Class, begining of The Shangrila Sandesh or establishment of Bhutan Press Union. If fact, BPU was the initiation of me and Tejman Rayaka, but now no one knows it. There are many such instances I observed in the last 12 years when I started working as social activist. All instances have taught me that it is my strict nature which is seem by friends as ego.

I know I have strict nature, very strict. When I say, it has to be but if I am convinced what I proposed is not good, I withdraw it. I always wish to be junior in team and contribute but circumstances forced me to take lead. And if anyone is not satisfied with what I do, the only thing I wish to do is let me leave the forum. I notion is: this will help give continuity to what is initiated. But unfortunately, all projects I started but left later have vanished.

My strict nature and speaking frankly what is fact are rather termed in some instances as ago. I am publicity shy and remain behind the curtain to let members in the team get publicity. I do table works, rather to call it as computer works for this age. The only thing I wish is, let public also know who did which work. Labor without credit or recognition is not at all the wish a person keeps for ever.

Reading my latest post in blog, TP vai furiously said I have ego. I have no idea on what ground, he came to that conclusion within minutes but I am sure, not certain, he will later know it was not my ego. I had only intended that let other friends contribute more, not alone vidhya and me. The post was the exhaustion of my, along with vidhya, tireless work without credits, despite investment from pocket.

Anger is natural in young age. Let TP not repent for his quick decision. I had faced such in the past.

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Service and its return

It has almost been nine years that I started serving community on selfless foot, which started with the initiation of The Shangrila Sandesh monthly newspaper. Even before that as a child rights activists and HIV AIDS awareness campaign volunteers, my service to the community continued for four years. Subtracting one year of overlapping my service at TSS and HIV AIDS volunteerism, I have received not a penny in the last 12 years.

In contrast, had I summed up my monetary expenditures, it will cross well over 200,000 in Nepalese currency. Family pressure to leave the work and health damage all through these years are never taken into consideration. Can anyone believe how malnourished had I gone in my early days of these services? When I passed my secondary level, my weight was 36 kg.

It was my tryst to get organized for social cause – public awareness. My involvement in awareness campaign for child rights gave me impetus on importance of media for public awareness on any issues. Well before me and my nearest friend Tej Man Magar (now in Germany) began publication of TSS, we had attempted similar publication through the formation of Bhutanese Youth Literary Forum but failed due to fund crunch. My tryst with TSS was rather quite successful until I remained in Jhapa but I am very much panicked when I heard the closure of the paper whose whole responsibility was handed over to C. N. Timsina and Indra Timsina yet I appreciate their effort to keep it alive.

My efforts for bigger media campaign could not be materialized through the formation of Bhutan Press Union. As a young boy, my repeated appeals for regular activities were turned down by BPU seniors though it was me and Tej Man who coined the need for such an organization. The only option for me to put my plans into action was formation of APFA.

With the formation of APFA, media in exile took a magic turn, in fact, I say it proudly. Most of my earnings in Kathmandu have been invested in APFA activities but I never came to public as APFA executive. I had experiences of living several hungry nights and days as I invested all my earning to APFA. In one instance, I even failed to get Rs 500 credit from my nearest neighbor whom in promised to pay in week’s time. That’s how APFA came to surface but I never. I remain hid and many of the reporters working with us did not know who I am.

I wished to work as backbone, which now I think has turned to be bad for me. It was my compulsion and still is. Fruits of my hard work were being reaped away. There are rare people who know of my contributions and efforts. The more I worked, more I became panicked, miserable. My economic conditions further worsened and my health continued deteriorating.

Of late, I began to feel being sidelined and ignored, which has exhausted my energy for additional social service. Rejection of my proposals for good works, lack of cooperation and support from whom I seek are some of the reasons I remain quite desperate and silent these days. Most reports that I prepared over the last few years had to be a personal toil. I think, it is due to differences on how an advocacy is done. I believe in production of reports, based on fact, not at least surfacail, and then countering the facts produced by the Bhutan government. Whether I am wrong or my approaches, I only face rejection to my missions. Yet I don’t get suggestions on them. Most reports produced in APFA’s name have to be finalized with my single efforts. It is my claim that more than 75 percent of the news produced from APFAnews and BNS are my creations, yet I get little credits for all those efforts and far less support.

I fell now that time has come to see for personal future as well. 12 years of service, not only physical but with personal investments, yielded less fruits for me. I promoted many from who I received nothing, not even thanks. Hopes have all gone, and likely that they will be regain only for personal benefits.

One thing I learnt by this time is: work is not how people are recognized. The more you talk, people pull you to the top of the list even with little contribution. I lack skills to talk and thus is why I am sidelined.

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Bandh culture - as seen in Itahari

Bandh - it’s culture now in Nepal. For one section it is best alternatives for earning, for others amusement and for a larger mass it is panic and torture. Administration and political groups care little on it, which has worsened people’s faith on them.

Biratnagar was not closed on Wednesday when I landed there. But as passenger buses were less than usual, these overloaded bus conductors were still luring passengers standing on the highway saying there is likely to be strike shortly. No one seems to be asking who will announce bandh but seen hurried to catch the one at their hand to get to the destinations at the earliest.

Fewer buses plying on the road turned out to be an opportunity for private van owners for earning. A van stopped at the airport gate agreeing to drop me at Damak with just Rs 80 charge. The van plying without number plate received four passengers for Damak. I boarded it and the murky journey started.

For this van, Rs 100 was enough to escape the grip of traffic police near Duhabi who were checking licenses and blue books. Every vehicle driver had a green note on hand waiting for the police to ask for license.

An unexpected bandh at eastern side of Itahari ended my journey on van. Interestingly, there were less than a dozen people blocking the highway. Two young men having grey colour-hair, with a mobike parked at the middle of the road and some others shouting for closure, normal transportation along the highway halted all of a sudden. The policemen on the scene could do nothing but to walk along with the youths shouting for closure. The passengers and the passersby were unknown about the cause yet no one dared to ask for it.

In around two kilometer stretch of the highway blocked all of a sudden, rickshaw pullers have a hay day. People worry of their travel, cursing political parties and local authorities, had no alternatives but to pay whatever rickshaw pullers demand. As few wished to walk to get a bus on the other end of the strike, rumours had already filled that blocked distance was around 10 km. For 2 km, they paid as high as 100 per head.

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