Addressing the parliament at the closing of the 10th Session of the Second Parliament on Friday, His Majesty The King reminded the parliament of its scared duties.
“The duties and functions of parliament are sacred, and of immense significance and importance,” said His Majesty The King.
His Majesty added that the mandate and responsibilities of parliament are grave and that noble thoughts and good intent are not enough. His Majesty said intelligence and skill are required to fulfill such a role. “Above all, we need the sincerity and dedication that comes from true patriotism to serve the nation.”
Parliamentary discussions, His Majesty said, covered numerous and diverse issues in the interests of the nation and the people and that the discussions and debate are not meant to settle individual or political differences. “They go far beyond personal intentions, benefits, and motives.”
His Majesty also said that in the process of debate on issues of grave national importance, it is inevitable that there will be differences of views, disagreements, and heated exchanges. “But it is through such discourse- sharing of ideas and knowledge- that collective wisdom will emerge to serve the interests of the nation and the people,” His Majesty said.
His Majesty said the parliament has the important function to ensure adequate checks and balances. In shouldering this responsibility, His Majesty said, the members of parliament have worked diligently to ensure that oversights are corrected and challenges are addressed in a timely manner through parliamentary process.
His Majesty reminded that the parliament is also the institution that is responsible for the important task of balancing present needs and future goals. “In the present context, we must serve to the best of our abilities. For the future, the parliament must ensure that we frame the best goals, policies, and plans.”
His Majesty said as we navigate an ever complex and changing world, the path ahead is neither clear nor easy. “As we reach the cross-roads, in the process of nation building, our parliament has played an important role in steering our nation on a path that fulfills our collective aspirations of attaining national self reliance, peace, happiness and prosperity for our people.”
His Majesty The King also congratulated and commended the National Council, government and the Opposition for shouldering their respective roles and responsibilities.
The National Council, His Majesty said, has greatly improved the standard of parliamentary proceedings, and raised the quality of political dialogue. “I have personally observed that the National Council has taken our national discourse far beyond rhetoric and mere eloquence, and contributed valuable ideas for the long term interest of the nation. I would like to congratulate Thrizin Sonam Kinga for his dedication in shouldering his responsibilities,” His Majesty said.
Commending the Opposition Leader Pema Gyamtsho and members of the opposition party, His Majesty said the opposition provided a healthy opposition by not just opposing and being confrontational, but being supportive when required and providing the balance and broader perspective on governance.
Thanking the government for its success at home and abroad, His Majesty said Bhutan has achieved commendable domestic socio-economic development, and is a nation well respected in the global arena. “I express my satisfaction and appreciation to Lyochhoen Tshering Tobgay who has been selfless and tireless in serving the nation,” His Majesty said.
His Majesty also said that Bhutan’s experience as a parliamentary democracy has been short but the country has achieved a standard of governance and political maturity that could have taken many years. “I hope and pray that that the strengthening of democracy brings greater unity, harmony, and prosperity to our nation, and fulfills the aspirations of our people,” His Majesty said in conclusion.
