“The Constitution of Kingdom of Bhutan Article 7, section 2. Fundamental rights, states that, “A Bhutanese citizen shall have the right to freedom of speech, opinion and expression.” Based on the valid state law of the kingdom of Bhutan, I would like to state about recent debate and argument of making PM as the GNH Ambassador for Life,” writes Honorable Opposition Leader in his blog.

The Honorable Opposition Leader (or as the blogger) attempts to argue that the proposal made by Parliament (or the Speaker) to make the Prime Minister as GNH Ambassador for Life was indeed unconstitutional. I was not disheartened and not even agitated to know when Opposition leader had justified his reasons by quoting the Constitution of Kingdom of Bhutan that reads; “The Druk Gyalpo, in exercise of His Royal Prerogatives, may award titles, decorations, dar for Lhengye and Nyi-Kyelma in accordance with tradition and custom.”

Yes, I truly agree this provision of our Mother of all laws and I strongly respect his justifications. A vibrant democracy is not just about winning elections. It is about moral leadership, accountability, augmenting and improving our changeable systems, being transparent and most importantly respecting the law both in letter and spirit. This is what democracy is all about!

Nevertheless, there are other sections and other directions to look upon when arguing because views and arguments matter in a democracy.

Honorable Opposition Leader argues:

First, the Parliament did not follow due process: Yes, parliament did not follow due process but what is the use of procedure as long as Prime Minister deserves the title. Prime Minister had rendered meritorious and dedicated service to the Tsa-wa-Sum and played a vital role  in furthering GNH philosophy. From the Ulan Bator Declaration in Mongolia in 2009 to MDG in 2011 and Rio20+ in 2012, GNH was streamlined and instilled for the benefit of whole world. That is why Bhutan is no more Shangri-La now.

Second, no one knows what “GNH Ambassador for Life” entails – what it means, and how much it will cost: I cannot say that no one knows what “GNH Ambassador for Life” entails. It is a lifetime title for rendering praiseworthy services to the nation and rest of the world. The whole world sees him not simply as GNH Ambassador for Life but wholeheartedly respect him for all the work he has put into GNH for benefit of everyone on this earth. He is not just a democratic leader of Bhutan but also a world leader of GNH.

Third, the nominee is a serving member of the Parliament – such titles should be reserved for past members only, if at all, and only after they’ve proven themselves: This could not be the most invalid reasons because it encompasses both sides of arguments. But if our democracy is about giving titles only to the past members who served the country already, then don’t you think that it is still a Monarchy? Past means past and our leaders have learnt a lesson, and PM himself has proven why actually  he deserve the title.

Fourth, the nominee is currently under investigation for the Gyelpozhing land scam case: Everyone knows that in the land scam of Gyelpozhing, even PM’s name was scripted. But how can our opposition leader argue that PM is guilty of ACC, when Anti-Corruption has not proven at all? Do we want to trust our jubilant media for cooking up stories to bring its downfall of government?

Fifth, it is outside the scope of the Parliament’s authority: Parliament doesn’t possess such rights to bestow the title but liberal interpretation of Constitution will be made possible to award so.

So, in vindicating my reasons by pointing directly to the gun, I may be wrong but am pretty sure that our Lyonchen needs to be recognized as the “Ambassador of GNH for Life”. I am also proud to say and blessed to born in Bhutan under the beloved King and strong leadership of Prime Minister.

Sometimes I wonder why our Opposition argues every single action taken by government because I believe that Opposition Leader sometime do need to appreciate what the ruling party is doing (nearly 1%). As long as the PM deserves the title of “GNH Ambassador of Life “and his destiny prevails for such title, no one can stop. Let the nation decide!

But again I am worried what does it mean to be a GNH Ambassador for life? What does the title entail and what benefits?

One Response to “Should PM be GNH Ambassador for Life?”