By Noor Nizam – Peace and Political Activist, Political Communication Researcher and SLFP/SLPP Stalwart since 1969, 31.08.2020.

Sabry asks MPs to abhor Machiavelli type behaviour

Hon. Justice Minister Ali Sabry.

The above news item about your presentation in parliament on the debate on vote on account, is woderfull though the full speech had not been published due to space management – https://island.lk/sabry-asks-mps-to-abhor-machiavelli-type-behaviour/. But, in my opinion as a Political Communication Researcher and a student of Communication Studies, your speech to educate your member of parliament colleagues on that day was like a “beautiful melody sung in the wilderness” of parliament. 

Looking at the TV report on that speech on TV, I found ONLY just a handful of the 225 MP’s present/seated in the parliament well. The MP’s, 90%, both from the Government and the Opposition were “NOT PRESENT” to listen to your wonderful speech please. Therefore, I most kindly request/appeal to you to do something, with notice to HE. the President, the PM and the Speaker to bring in parliamentary procedures that will make it compulsory for all MP’s to be present during parliamentary sittings and debates in the future. MP’s failing to do so must be subject to heavy penalties. This may not be your in your purview, but it will be a great service to the nation and our “MAATHRUBOOMIYA”.

YOU ARE THE ONLY MP/MINISTER WHO CAN ACCOMPLISH THAT TASK SUCCESSFULLY. 

The MP’s are elected by the people to be present in parliament to “LISTEN, THINK, PONDER, CONTEMPALTE and UNDERSTAND” issues and act accordingly for the benefit of the “PEOPLE”. They are NOT ELECTED to collect “pocket money and perks” at the end of every month and galavant around the country doing “NOTHING” at the taxpayers of the masses but staging “DRAMAS” for the media and TV broadcasters.