MPs abstained from voting due to dictatorial manner of govt-MR
Posted on October 28th, 2016
Nimal Algewatta-Habaraduwa Courtesy The Daily Mirror
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Thursday charged that many Parliamentarians, even those who were within government ranks, had abstained from voting for the VAT Bill on Wednesday (27), as this ‘Yahapalanaya’ government was not listening to anyone but doing things in a dictatorial manner.
It is clear that there are concerns even from the government ranks. These members are afraid to vote against this bill in Parliament, fearing they would be punished by the party’s hierarchy if they do,” the former President said in reply to a question from media posed to him as he emerged from a meeting in Galle.
Speaking further, the former President remarked by now everyone knows who the guilty parties are in the CB bond scam after the release of the COPE report. Even the UNP members have accepted the report now that it has been proved. The company responsible may be charged for this act. He referred to the VAT bill and said that even the health services had not been spared. They could have taken over the millions they proclaim I have stashed away and avoided this VAT Amendment Bill. This government has no humanitarian values. They do not understand the people’s difficulties and their wants. We have been saying for a long time that National security should be strengthened. In order to do this they have to activate intelligence units, establish army camps and also strengthen the police and the security aparatus.( )
October 28th, 2016 at 3:19 pm
However, that is no excuse for JO MPs not to vote against the VAT bill. This is not the first time Mahinda has abstained from voting – budget, no confidence motion against the finance minister, no confidence demand against him, OMP debate are other nationally crucial events when the MP was not even found in parliament. Unfortunately people don’t take these kindly. People seek leaders who can stand up to them come what may.
This was why SLFP could not win power for 17 years despite horrendous blunders by the UNP. Sirima, Anura and Kobbekaduwa didn’t stand up to UNP terror boldly. State terror and punishments are no excuse. People also suffered these. Things changed when Chandrika took over the reigns of the PA and turned the misfortunes of the SLFP boldly blaming the UNP government and blocking it every step of its way despite the UNP killing her father and husband and removing civic rights of her mother. Compared to that, nothing has happened to JO MPs. But some are still scared.
If MPs are afraid to go against the UNP regime, what protection do people have? They are even more powerless. MPs have massive parliamentary privileges. Those MPs who cannot vote against crucial events should resign and give the place to those who can.
I’m sure we will hear this same excuse when the federal constitution is presented. UNP threatened us so we abstained from voting. We badly need a new set of bold leaders that can stand up to the UNP. Others don’t deserve to be reelected to power. Even if they are reelected, they will say the international community is hunting them and they are too scared to protect the nation.
October 28th, 2016 at 5:05 pm
Agree with Dilrook, that Yahapalanaya attitude should not be offered as an EXCUSE for the JO to avoid voting on it.
On the CONTRARY, it should be MORE REASON to express your opposition. That is why they were voted into office, to VOTE in the best interest of the nation; not to duck the issue at the critical moment.
Are they MICE or MEN?