Party discipline is important if Government wants to set an example

Darmitha

BEHAVIOUR: For too long, political parties have ignored discipline within the parties for the benefit of their party leaders who wish to continue holding onto their reigns. Indecency and indiscipline amounting to hooliganism & thuggery have become the accepted norm in this country.

The voters who bring certain politicians into power have been watching helplessly and in utter horror the manner in which politicians are behaving both outside Parliament and during Parliamentary sittings.

We wonder whether the country can ever improve if we are to condone the behaviour of politicians who violate Parliamentary privileges and promote indiscipline during sessions, during internal party discussions, during Parliamentary debates, as well as outside in their own electorates.

Surrounded by rings of “bouncers” these politicians have become petty warlords and become a law unto themselves. This was certainly not the politics our citizens were used to during “pre-1977” era in this country.

“Servants of the people” were given undue perks including pensions after a mere five years as a Parliamentarian by the Constitution of the late JR Jayawardene and an outgoing Executive President was to be provided with security, housing, office facilities plus vehicles for the rest of their lives after retirement- what luxury for a poor country like Sri Lanka!

Just as much as the governing party, the Opposition parties are also expected to conduct themselves with decency and decorum- this is not asking too much of politicians unless they know no better behaviour!

During the last 12 years we have seen how Parliamentarians create mayhem inside the chambers of the Parliament and the first thing they do - is run away with the Mace! It is both hilarious but at the same time horrendous, that Parliamentarians should resort to this kind of behaviour.

Why is it so difficult for our Parliamentarians to conduct debates and discussions in a civilized manner devoid of personal vendettas? Why cannot one politician listen patiently while another speaks in Parliament and wait his turn, to express his/her opinions?

Why is it difficult for a politician to use exemplary decent language while speaking during the sessions? Why is it difficult for politicians to refrain from physical abuse - after all, it is the August House of Parliament and not an open-air theatre for conducting wrestling matches!

Party leaders have the onerous task of instilling discipline and also setting the examples for members to follow. Absolute discipline, sincerity, honesty, confidentiality and efficiency in administration must be followed if we ever hope to see a Sri Lankan society that respects the law of this land (not the law of thugs).

During the past month, we have seen two Government ministers being dismissed from their posts by the leader of the SLFP who is also leader of Sri Lanka. Reasons for taking such stringent action must certainly be worthwhile or justified.

Once punishment has been meted out, we have seen all media channels giving undue coverage to these two individuals who have truly exhibited their true calibre of unworthiness to hold ministerial posts.

Whatever matters discussed at ministerial levels during the period one holds a portfolio, must not be divulged to the public once a person is out of favour-that is the basics of confidentiality and governance the public expects.

If one thinks that playing to the “public gallery” and hurling insults at one’s leader is going to bring results or, that by filing a Human Rights case either locally or internationally will show us how powerful he or she is, then such persons are behaving in a childish manner and not suited to parties to governance in this country.

A politician is appointed to a ministerial post, by the leader of one’s party and the Executive President of this country- not by the Human Rights Commission orCourt of Law.

If such a person fails in his duties and responsibilities, then it is upto the leader of the party and the Executive President to call for necessary disciplinary action to punish such miscreants. Accordingly, there are decent and accepted ways in which to solve disputes through negotiations, explanations and impartial enquiries must be conducted where applicable.

No politician should think that he is above the Sri Lankan law and that he has a free hand to behave in any which way he wishes and get away with it.

Ministerial positions for party members must be given purely on one’s track record of loyalty to the party and the unbroken party membership which shows a person’s allegiance during times of prosperity and adversity- not for personal “connections” or inheritance as some think is their right.

“Dogs bark but caravans move on” - let the caravan move and reach the desired destination despite “hiccups and coughs” from disgruntled politicians.