Wednesday, July 26, 2006

Taking it personally

It is okay to discuss matters of public concern in the National Assembly, but the problem arises when the person raising the issue, or the one responding, puts a personal undertone to the issue.
In Bhutan, it is very common to see bosses and colleagues take it personally if you raise an issue of common concern that has some connection to them. It is an old habit and old habits die hard.
We have not yet learnt to separate our official and private lives. As a minister or representative, it is his or her duty to speak for the people and debate on important matters; and in doing so, all those engaged in the debate should understand that they are arguing in their official capacities, but personally they should harbor no hard feelings.
For instance, the debate on the allotment of vehicles to ministers' spouses is an issue that demands public discussion, but it could have been conducted in a more cordial manner.
When personal ill-will rides on the public issue, debates and discussion do not achieve their intended results.
It is a sign of oncoming changes that people expressed their views more openly. How much better it would be if our esteemed NA members also learn to speak with 'malice towards none' and listen without prejudices!

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