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Showing posts with label parliament. Show all posts
Showing posts with label parliament. Show all posts

Jul 31, 2009

News: End of Bhutan 3rd Session of Parliament

His Majesty the King, Prime Minister and National Assembly Speaker

His Majesty the King commended the Druk Phuensum Tshogpa, the Opposition party and the National Council for their contribution to the successful democratic process, while addressing the concluding ceremony of the third session of the first parliament yesterday.

“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,” said His Majesty.

His Majesty said that the opposition, though comprised of only two members, through diligence and commitment, has fulfilled the important duties of the Opposition party enshrined in the Constitution.

His Majesty also assured his support to the National Council and said that the members of the 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.”

His Majesty also commended the media for their role in ensuring a vibrant democracy and said that he would, through the exercise of Royal Prerogative of Kidu, strengthen media agencies, so that they may carry out their duties, without fear or favour, in the interest of democracy. (for details see special supplement of His Majesty’s address)

The Speaker of the National Assembly, Jigme Tshultrim, informed the parliament that the joint sitting could not pass two “urgent bills, the local government bill and the civil service bill, 2009, although it was deliberated and debated extensively. “However, they’ll be passed during a special session, which will be convened soon with an approval from His Majesty the King.”

The Speaker also informed that the parliament’s summer session would be held in May and June, while the winter session would be in November and December every year.

The prime minister, the opposition leader and the chairman of the National Council expressed their gratitude to His Majesty for appreciating their performance and providing continuous guidance.

Prime Minister Lyonchhen Jigmi Y Thinley thanked His Majesty for providing Kidu through Her Royal Highness Ashi Dechen Yangzom to the families of the seven students, who were washed away by the Wangchu.

He said that an investigation would be carried out on the unfortunate accident. “This was a national tragedy and, in order for this kind of disaster to not happen again, the government will now look at various policies and means to prevent these kinds of incidents. We’ll also come up with ways to help people stuck in such disasters,” said the prime minister.

The prime minister thanked His Majesty for his appreciation and support on the successful working of the democratic system. He said that, as the first government and Parliament in the democratic system, they had an extra responsibility to ensure its success. He said the Parliament had successfully made many laws (Police Act, Prison Act, Waste Management Act and Livestock Act) to be put up to His Majesty.

On the two urgent bills, the prime minister said that he was both disappointed and happy to see the bills not passed.

“I’m disappointed because we couldn’t pass the bills and happy because it wasn’t the Opposition or the National Council, but all MPs, who worked on the laws and decided in the end, that the laws were not yet satisfactory or good for the country.” He said that, in a democracy, laws are most important and, if there are good laws, they will bring about equity and justice.

The opposition leader Tshering Tobgay said that the laws could be passed, based on the constitution and by consultation between MPs. The chairperson of the National Council, Namgay Penjore said that the joint sitting had a successful discussion. “The two bills would have immense implication in the long run and quality deliberations and discussions were needed. However, the bills won’t be prolonged and we’ll endorse it very soon,” he said.

The session concluded with the offering of Tashi Moenlam, a tradition that symbolises the fidelity between the Druk Gyalpo, government and the people of Bhutan. Gathered around the Golden Throne, the members of parliament also offered prayers for the health and long life of His Majesty the King, for peace and prosperity in the country, and for the well being of the Bhutanese people.

Source: Kuenselonline