What example is being set?

THERE are times when local politics and political representation, more specifically, can be disheartening. Oftentimes, the reminder of how disheartening that representation can be, comes when dozens of political representatives congregate and engage each other. And the past week has been fraught with such reminders.

Last Monday, the 2023 budget debate got underway. This is a standard part of assessing the national spending plan after it is presented by the country’s Finance Minister. And it precedes the consideration of the budget estimates- where the budget will be scrutinised in greater detail. Importantly, it is one of the few times when most, if not all, of our Parliamentarians, get the opportunity to speak on a single broad topic (that is, the budget). So, one would expect robust discourse on programmes, projects, plans and alternatives.

In my recent memory, political debates in our National Assembly have not yielded the type of mature, robust debate that informs policy change (or, at the very least, consideration). And any real debate is overshadowed by the cacophony of problematic heckling.

Last Tuesday, however, there was an interesting and instructive exchange.

The Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir, said, publicly, that people following the live stream of the debate were engaging in race-baiting and other disrespectful discourse. He urged viewers to remain civil, stating that they can interact “without being nasty”.

Immediately after the Speaker’s remarks, Education Minister Priya Manickchand went to the podium to begin her presentation. Instead of diving straight into the defence of her ministry’s massive $94.4 billion allocation in the $781.9 billion National Budget for 2023, she wanted to address the Speaker’s remarks.

“Perhaps we should be examining what example we ourselves might be setting?… What is our duty here?” she asked her fellow lawmakers.

She later added, “I think we can agree in this house that certain issues cannot be made a punchline.”

Domestic violence, she said, is one issue that cannot be “made a punchline” and should not be politicised because of the real, devastating impact this issue has on the people affected. That said, she urged fellow lawmakers- not singling out government or opposition parliamentarians- to simply do better.

“Own it yourself and decide that you are not going to make it a punchline,” she said.

If you listen keenly to parliamentary proceedings, you would understand why Manickchand’s call is an important one. Thinly-veiled racist, sexist and/or homophobic remarks are often hurled across the floor of the National Assembly. Even during presentations, it is not uncommon for some Parliamentarians to take jabs at each other.

Shouldn’t we ask ourselves if these are our collective values being espoused by our elected representatives?

The lawmakers in the National Assembly are representatives of people across the country; above all else, they should demonstrate maturity and civility. This isn’t to say that clever innuendos and witty remarks have no place in debates and discussions. But I don’t think hoping for sensitive and sensible speech is a tall task. Otherwise, what example is being set?

This is not the first time concerns have been raised about parliamentary decorum and the need for serious, mature debate. And in response to prior concerns raised, there was talk of parliamentary training. Still, time and time again, we see some lawmakers descend into such ugly engagements.

I cannot accept that abusive, disrespectful speech is an acceptable way of engaging each other. Such discourse, perhaps normalised in various parts of our society, cannot be accepted- especially in the National Assembly, where citizens expect discourse centred on improving their lives and livelihoods. And as the country continues to age and hopefully, matures, I hope our lawmakers and elected representatives can have a deeper appreciation of the example they are required to set.

If you would like to discuss this column or any of my previous work, please contact me via: vish4ragobeer@gmail.com

 

 

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