The Bhutanese Leading the way.
TB: What is your reaction to and assessment of the Speaker election result? Was it a failure of communication and coordination?
PM: The result is a triumph of democracy. The Members exercised their right to vote freely, and I fully respect the outcome. I congratulate the newly elected Speaker and look forward to working with him.
At the same time, it represents a serious failure for the Party. Despite having a clear majority, we lost the election. Just two days before the vote, we held a successful Party meeting at which Members unanimously agreed to support our candidate. However, the result clearly indicates that eight of our own Members did not honour that collective decision and voted for the Opposition candidate.
Therefore, I do not see this merely as a failure of communication or coordination. It raises serious questions about the honour, integrity and collective responsibility of the individuals concerned. This gives us every reason to introspect honestly and seriously as a Party.
TB: There is some speculation over the resignation of the Minister for Energy and Natural Resources. Could you clarify the matter?
PM: I will not respond to speculation. But what I can confirm is that I followed due process in accordance with the Constitution and submitted my recommendation to His Majesty The Druk Gyalpo. His Majesty has graciously accepted the resignation.
TB: Some internal critics say that, since this is your final term, you have become detached from the Party and are less available than during your first term. How do you respond?
PM: Criticism is inevitable in public life, particularly when people disagree with difficult decisions. I always accept such criticism when it is expressed openly and constructively.
However, I disagree with the claim that I have become detached from the Party. My commitment to the Party remains as strong as ever.
Whether or not this is my final term does not lessen that commitment. The Party is bigger than any individual or any single term. Strengthening it and preparing it for the future remain important responsibilities for me.
TB: Some are concerned about the future of the PDP. They point to pledges concerning the RCSC bell-curve system and SDF reforms that have not been implemented, as well as the perceived lack of future leadership development. What is your response?
PM: Our commitment is to deliver all the pledges we made to the people. Many have already been fulfilled, several are underway, and some face legal, constitutional or institutional challenges. The RCSC bell-curve system is one such example, as the matter falls within the constitutional mandate.
If we are unable to fulfil any pledge, we will acknowledge it honestly and clearly explain the reasons to the people. We remain accountable for every commitment we made.
On future leadership, the PDP has capable Ministers and Members of Parliament, many of whom have the potential to lead and perform even better than me. The present transition provides an opportunity to strengthen our Cabinet’s performance while allowing emerging leaders to assume greater responsibility. This will also strengthen the Party and prepare it for the future.
