The PML-N demonstrated behaviour that made the National Assembly look like Mochi Gate, damaging the sanctity
ISLAMABAD: The session of the National Assembly held on November 6 was meant to elect a new speaker of the House. However, it ended in a conceited show by the PML-N, which turned it into a party show. At the start of the session, the PTI demanded election of the speaker, but the deputy speaker replied that first the newly-elected members in the by-polls should take oath. Three members took oath and then entered Ayaz Sadiq, the former speaker. When he entered the House, PML-N members raised slogans “dekho dekho kon aya, sher aya sher aya”, and turned the House into a political rally. Sadiq, instead of showing humility and decency, displayed the hubris his party generally suffers from. He delivered a speech that was filled with self-praise and had contempt for all opposition, devoid of any mark of a person occupying moral high ground.
The PML-N demonstrated behaviour that made the National Assembly look like Mochi Gate, damaging the sanctity of the House. This was the outcome of a session for which the members will draw salaries and perks from the national exchequer. Perhaps, the speaker would be wise to inculcate a sense of decency and respect for the House, instead of appeasing personal feelings of his party members. Such practices are against the norm of good governance. Democracy is not only about winning seats; it also demands modesty, decency, respect for all, and tolerance for diverse opinions. By adhering to these principles, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq can serve democracy better.
Raja Shafaatullah
Published in The Express Tribune, November 17th, 2015.
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