Parliament and politics
From the beginning, the activities of ninth parliament have been paralysed on one ground or the other. Initially, the opposition stalled the proceedings over the issue of controversial attitude of the ruling party or the speaker. The hallmark of an effective parliamentarian now seems to be the ability to shout and disrupt proceedings. The practice is to completely paralyse any discussion in parliament if the opposition is agitated about any particular subject. The practice of repeatedly obstructing the proceedings in parliament is most regrettable and defeats the very purpose for which the legislature exists.
Under our constitution, the three pillars of the government are the Legislature, the Executive, and the Judiciary. The Legislature is perhaps the most important branch; it makes laws and guides the destiny of the country. The Executive implements the laws, while the Judiciary interprets them. Badly drafted laws lead to administrative chaos and generate avoidable litigation. It is vitally necessary that important enactments are discussed in detail before they become the laws of the country. Similarly, government policy, howsoever controversial, requires dispassionate debate and cold facts, and logic must prevail over emotional rhetoric.
The leaders of the respective political parties are squarely to blame for the pathetic state of affairs. If they want to make the coming session of Parliament, beginning on August 16, a meaningful one, they must completely prohibit walkouts, shouting or any disruption of the House proceedings. Paralysing parliamentary proceedings does not solve any problem In the long run, it will only affect the credibility of parliament as an institution.
It is also high time that the Speaker exercises his power to suspend unruly members so that some dignity and decorum is restored. The running of parliament casts a heavy burden on the taxpayer. The legislators must conduct themselves in a responsible manner and discharge their constitutional obligations. It is fervently hoped that the coming session will be a witness to a new era where skilful debates and meaningful discussions replace the shouting and walkouts that marred the earlier session this year. The Speaker should ensure that members of parliament maintain the dignity and decorum expected of them. The legislators must also conduct themselves in a responsible manner and discharge their constitutional obligations. Looking at the parliamentary proceedings of present times, it appears that our parliamentarians believe in the principle of `survival of the loudest.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments