In remembrance of Dasho Zillnon Dorji Wangchuck

It was reported that the car he drove went off the highway near Ganglakha in the early morning of 18^th April, 2013. This stretch of Phuentsholing Thimphu highway between Sorchen and Jumdra area is prone to foggy weather. There could be many reasons for the fatal accident like fast driving which most young people do without such fatal consequences. It could, however, very well be low visibility in the early hour fog.

Dasho is the son of Her Royal Highness Princess Dechen Wangmo Wangchuck and Dasho Thinley Dorji. But a straight forward short cut comprehension of who he really is would be to simply state that Dasho Zillnon Dorji Wangchuck is the 1^st grandchild of their Majesties King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (the 3^rd King of Bhutan) and Her Majesty Queen Kesang Choeden Wangchuck. By Bhutan’s strict official definition he is not a royalty but royal blood definitely gave birth to him. This paradox of birth - being neither royal nor commoner can be as confounding and difficult to adjust as would be an unprepared person of a tropical region teleported suddenly to a hostile tundra region. Dasho being the 1^st grandchild, he was old enough to remember the grand old days but not mature enough to cope with the social changes in status that came about in the 1990’s. For anyone, I feel, it is a tragedy to have to travel through a no-man land. And it is much more difficult if one had never been prepared for such a trek.

 I met Dasho in person few years back, lean, handsome and charmingly soft spoken. Dasho’s resemblance to the 4^th King amazed me. By then he had his share of life’s joy and sorrow, love, wives and children. I believe he had on occasion darker moods but generally a gregarious personality of immense goodwill and passionate character so I am told.

I wondered what kind of funeral it would be that day on Thursday the 25^th of April, 2013 at Thimphu crematorium. It was a sobering day not much sun and no rain but it was a royal funeral. Thankfully and rightfully, blood triumphed over official dictates. His Holiness Thrulku Jigme Choedra, the 70^th Jhe Khenpo led the Mitruk prayers with the venerable Lopons and monks of Central Monastic Body. Life after death could be anyone’s guess but it is generally believed that when Mitruk prayer is offered by such a holy lam as His Holiness Jhe Khenpo, the deceased does make a brief appearance. If so Dasho Zillnon would have appreciated the royal honour offered in death. Along with his immediate family members, almost all members of four generations of the royal families were present led by His Majesty the 4^th King. They were all soberly dressed as befitting bereaved families.

Unlike the royal bereaved members, I was dressed differently like few other attendees. It was an important day for me. The Kings have been gracious to me and as a senior Bhutanese citizen and subject of the Kings, I wanted to be properly attired to be presentable when making the final adieu to the royal grandson, royal nephew and royal cousin of the Kings of Bhutan. I took my bath, wore my ancient bura gho, and purified a note of 100, 10 and 5 ngultrums with incense smoke and holy water from the bumpa. If an occasion presented, I intended to pay my respects before the make shift alter customarily placed in front of every funeral pyre. If not I decided to make the offering to the Thimphu river flowing nearby. After all, the ash from the pyre ultimately would have to be immersed in a River.

But an occasion did present itself. I approached the alter decked with offerings, and Dasho’s photo so alive and noble looking placed on the top-most choetri. I bowed, lowered my kabney till the frills touched the sacred ground, offered the Nu: 100 note in lieu of a khaddar and wished Dasho a less complicated and more comforting next life. Then I approached the already lit funeral pyre and offered the NU: 15 as part of Dasho’s offering (chhan-jay) to the next world Lam who will guide his path.

Much later, I had the honour and privilege of being graciously hugged by His Majesty the 4^th King. I wanted to say how sorry I was but the air was already heavy with sorrow and loss. Instead I held the royal person in embrace a second longer than correct protocol. But protocol was far away from the scene of a royal life cruelly felled mid-way and now within a burning pyre.

No outsider can fathom the pain of bereavement. But still I hope as time goes by, it becomes bearable for those near and dear ones left behind so suddenly. I hope Dasho’s children successfully go through school and college so that they would be prepared to fend for themselves along with other citizens of their age. When one is neither royal nor a commoner, the most advisable approach would be to get a good education, mingle with the crowd and learn the ways of both societies. The nobleness will remain within the blood regardless of official definition and practical experiences, education and exposures would provide the required impetus to cope with both the world of the royal and the citizen society of Bhutan.

I humbly offer my prayers to the bereaved royal members especially to Her Highness the royal mother and Her Majesty the Queen Grandmother of Dasho Zillnon. Her Majesty, Grand Queen Mother Kesang Choeden Wangchuck has sacrificed so much and borne so much pain for the Nation, the royal families and now this personal tragedy. I hope the royal mother and the royal grandmother will find solace and comprehension of life in the Buddhist scriptures and prayers.

Hear, Hear ye all whoever care to hear!

Occasionally all so unexpectedly, one is so deeply exposed to another person’s thought and emotion. Many years back, I saw a televised event wherein the present Emperor of Japan was remembering his late father Emperor. The Emperor poetically mourned the absence of his father though the four seasons of Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn appeared as usual. This experience, I feel sure, added an extra dimension to my love and reverence for my parents.

Today I was quite overcome by the Bishop of London, His Eminence Richard Chartres. The Bishop was remembering ‘Iron Lady’ Margaret Thatcher, former Prime Minister of Britain, during her funeral service.

Margaret Thatcher is considered to be a most controversial and polarizing politician who dominated British and to some extent international politics for over a decade. She overcame prejudices against, “women especially women with children”. However, when she got the top job, she was mother of arrogance to many of her colleagues who finally ganged up and sent her packing to retirement. And for the next 2 decades or so, she led a near reclusive life especially after suffering a stroke in early 1990’s and then loss of her beloved husband Denis Thatcher. Fate is a mixture of sweet and sour soap.

In death ( April 8^th ) the international media again racked up old wounds but today at St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Bishop of London called upon the gathering of dignitaries, politicians, family members, friends and political adversaries to let it be. “It is not a memorial service, it is a simple funeral service as requested by her”, he said. “The time is for compassion and not political difference,” he implored.  

The cathedral housed more than 2000 mourners headed by Her Majesty Queen of England and Duke of Edinburgh. There were family members, Prime Ministers of Britain, past and present, Head of governments and representatives of over 170 Countries. Henry Kissinger was also there. The Archbishop of Canterbury was there to offer prayers. It was impressive and it was a state funeral in all sense. The Britons really know how to come together and showcase memorable historical events.

To this august gathering of mourners, the Bishop of London admitted that Thatcher was a controversial and polarizing figure but she did successfully serve Britain and the British when it mattered. This same sentiment was also expressed by Prime Minister Cameron a few days earlier, “She was there when our country needed most”.

The Bishop offered his condolences to the family members ( children and grandchildren ) and dedicated friends of the late Prime Minister especially to those “who stood by her side in later years”.

His Eminence Richard Chartres looks much younger than Mrs. Thatcher but it seems they were good personal friends and confidants. He talked of Margaret Thatcher’s view of individual and religion. He recounted that Margaret Thatcher said that Christianity did not provide political and economic solutions and that she had also said “Happiness and Salvation cannot be achieved in isolation but only as part of a society”.

I feel fortunate and enriched by experiencing this live telecast from the St. Paul’s Cathedral, London. And I reverently salute the Bishop of London, a religious personality with immense political knowledge and great eloquence that brought about a healing touch to the living and a memorial tribute to Baroness Margaret Thatcher. Perhaps in his memorial address, he succeeded in bringing about the personal side of the former Prime Minister without alienating her political adversaries and providing a much needed conciliatory gesture to enable a great nation to remember an extraordinary woman. Sometimes it is a great relief to find a person of such nature who uses extraordinary talent and humanness to bring dignity to a society often torn apart by political differences.

The Gyalpozhing Land Case.

The trial court in Mongar passed its verdict. It seems neither side was satisfied. Critics thought it was too lenient and the penalized people thought it was unfair. The cases are under appeal in High Court. And now it’s the turn of the four High Court Drangpons to centre stage the nation.

                                                          

The cases are between two sets of authorities: The Committee for Land allotment and the Anti Corruption Commission. The former is accused of high jacking the “Kasho” and the latter whose commissioners are now in their 7^th or 8^th year of supreme reign against the constitutional 5 year tenure is accused of high jacking legitimacy. And out in the open air, we the public spectators are ever ready to swing with the wind and also enjoy pot-shots.

The appeal courts - High Court and Supreme Court, may now need to examine just more than what accusers and the accused have stated in the trial court.

The basic question is why was the committee formed? If it was simply to allot plots as per the command then there was no need to set up a committee. The Dzongda, as representative of the King, was there to implement straight forward directives.

Were the committee members paid sitting fee like Board Directors of a corporation? If so, it was an additional responsibility with additional pay, therefore, each member is accountable. If no fee were paid, then the work of the committee was an additional burden and is it reasonable or fair to demand that a beast of burden carry more than its share of baggage?

I have heard a saying something like ‘Justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done’ It validates the essentialities of general perception. A widely held perception is a law unto itself. It influences people’s thoughts and actions and paves way for general acceptance.

Presently the national land commission holds sway over all private land holding in urban and rural areas. However a few years back, it was not so. The Town Committees allotted land and the Town administrations registered or deregistered plots in urban areas. There existed unquestionable general perception that Town Committees had the necessary authority over urban plot allotment and registration.

If the plots are to be allotted only to the original land owners then the very land should have been left in the possession of original owners. The Government could have developed the plots and charged the costs to the land owners or in lieu take possession of the part of the land holding as development cost. And if the plots were to be allotted only to business license holders, how does that benefit the original land holders? And anyways who really are the license holders? These people are not necessarily original inhabitants from the locality. Most are fast track people with financial means and acquired knowledge to complete the required formalities to possess business license, in time to get plots. Therefore, should the so called influential people or cousins be less eligible than shrewd businessman or an alerted acquaintance who acquired timely business license.

The indisputable facts are:

1. The original land holders lost out in all the declared modern urban areas from Gyalpozhing to Khuruthang to Bajothang and countless other urban areas. The law and administrators just chose to pay minimum compensation and take away the land. After that whether a minister got a plot or a mistress got a plot or a business man got a plot, it really does not impact the life of the original land owner.
2.  Those who have the financial means and necessary connections bought plots through allotments and maybe few could have got plots without payment through Kidu process.
3. The accepted norm in the past for acquiring plots in declared urban areas was to apply to the Town committee. Everyone high, middle or low followed the procedure because general perception was that the Town Committee was the authority for plot allotments.

Whatever “Kasho” or even letter of Zonal Administrator that are being cited in the ongoing case were not available in public domain. Therefore only three authorities were and are equipped to interpret these documents - the two issuing authorities and one implementing authority.

Like other lay men, I am impressed with legal jargons used by lawyers fighting the case but Drangpons from same schools as that of prosecuting and defending lawyers might not so easily be impressed or stupefied.

The crux of the debates between opposing lawyers are the interpretation of Kasho and zonal administrator’s letter. Did these documents empower the committee? Did the committee error?

Now will the High Court provide the interpretation of the nuances of the Kasho and that of the zonal order? Would the judicial interpretation be in line with the thought and intent of the originators of the Kasho and zonal letter? Is it necessary or advisable for sake of delivering Justice to seek views of the originators before any Agency or Court goes ahead in its interpretation of the implied meanings / nuances of the documents especially when the accused parties are disputing the opinions of the prosecuting Agency?

Precedence: In Judiciary, past verdicts on similar cases does matter. Prior to this Land committee case, there was a construction committee case. Not just any construction committee, it was the committee for Supreme Court construction.

A drangpon of the then highest Court of the Land (High Court) was a member of the committee. According to media report, Supreme Court’s verdict was that the committee erred and in fact manipulated to award the contract to a particular construction firm. The Supreme Court directed High Court to order concerned Ministry (Work and Human Settlement) to take disciplinary action against committee members. The matter ended with that Ministry issuing a reprimand note to those committee members still under civil service. Upon legal complaint by another aggrieved party, the tender was cancelled and recalled and the contract given to other parties. Likewise in Gyalpozhing case, it is possible to revert back the allotted plots to government ownership if there were compromise of norms. Thus in both cases lasting damage is prevented / preventable.

In terms of monetary value, the Supreme Court construction could well exceed the total proceeds that Government received from the allotment of Gyalpozhing plots. A Government Committee is a committee whether of land or construction. If the Land committees erred, can the penalty be different from that of the construction committee that had erred and compromised norms.

In a court of Law, the standard of process and basis for Justice should hold true and same for both a doorman or a cabinet minister or a committee. Equal Justice under Law cannot remain a decorative plaque heeded only occasionally nor is it fair on one’s part to demand leniency for some and harsh penalty for some because before the law, it is assumed that all are equal.

Sangey of Haa Wangcha 

An appraisal of the 1st Democratic Government led by Prime Minister Jigmi Yoezer Thinley (April, 2008 – April, 2013).

I am impressed by the 3 hour presentation of the 5 years report. The ability to create a feeling of one to one conversation to a 3 hour long address may be what keeps the Prime Minister connected to the persons on the dusty farm roads.

1. The 10^th Five Year Plan

A whole lot of Government Agencies, Corporations, delivery systems, administrative wings, Private Sectors, the people themselves worked in unison under the Cabinet team to successfully implement the most ambitious 5 year Plan in the 52 years of planned development. His Majesty the King provided the inspiration and the guiding light including clear timely advises as acknowledged by a grateful Prime Minister. The armed forces especially the Royal Bhutan Army bore the brunt of various successive natural calamities of flood, fire, windstorms and earthquakes whilst His Holiness, the Dratsang and many religious institutes and Lams offered prayers successfully for the nation to overcome the difficulties. And NGOs headed by their Majesties the Queen Mothers made important much needed social contributions. DHI was there to value add the income generations of government corporations. The Nation has much to thank India and other developing partners for the success of the 10^th Plan.

It seems according to media stories that critics of DPT Party are attempting to separate or disassociate the tasks performed by implementing agencies, delivery systems, administrative apparatus from the cabinet team. It is, I believe, a futile effort to divert performance credit away from the DPT Leadership. The reason behind such an attempt could be two kinds. a)  It may be difficult to find fault with the overall success of the 1^st democratic government of royal Bhutan. b) The lack of self experience in the art of governance, the absence of insights and broader perceptions, all of which are must qualities if one must go for the jugular of any Ruling Party which seemingly is in comfortable command.

The cabinet and all the associated governance apparatus be that local government, law agencies, government corporations, administrative wings or implementing agencies are together as a wholesome body called the Government. For the historic 1^st 5 year of democracy in Bhutan, the people installed DPT Party at the helm and provide the necessary leadership in governance. Therefore both the success and failures must be attributed to the political party that is in charge of the national governance irrespective of whether that party in leadership chair was directly, indirectly or by way side involved in the success or failure for the given period.

2. The hall marks of the 1^st government of royal democracy of Bhutan

The accomplishments during the 5 years are astounding. However, the success does in no way be-little what were achieved pre-2008 years. The multiplying effect is always more dramatic. It’s like population explosion. Nevertheless, the Hon’ble Prime Minister Jigmi Yoezer Thinley led government has genuine demonstrated reasons to report great strides in most aspects of national development that ranges deep and wide from education, health, agriculture, communication link ups, new roads, media proliferation, enhanced private sector participation, playing leading roles in the international arena especially on gifting to the world at large the GNH approach and establishing more diplomatic ties.

3. Controversies of McKinsey, Tobacco law, green Tuesdays and rupee shortage

a) McKinsey contract

I have always maintained that it was fundamentally wrong for DPT formed royal government to hire McKinsey as the overall advisor for national governance. In my perception, the fee of Nu: 430 million is irrelevant whether it is adjudged to be more, less or recoverable. The disagreeable act is bringing in an outside pathfinder when the people of Bhutan overwhelmingly voted for Druk Phuensum Tshogpa to be the first ever pathfinder of royal democratic government of Bhutan. It took Bhutan several decades to do away with various advisors from India. The last advisor post that we finally managed to abolish was that of the police advisor from India.

It is my sincere belief that only the true sons and daughters of the soil can craft the required national statesmanship that can serve the Bhutanese national interests. I have always had absolute faith in the ways of our Kings and the Bhutanese statesmen who have led the nation. A nation is like a child and the best guardian for nurturing the child is the birth parents who have inexhaustible love and concern and are totally selfless when it comes to the wellbeing of the child.

A foreign consultancy firm could be used as a sounding board for specific project, idea or policy but never as overall path finder of national administration. As most who should know Bhutanese are aware, the CEO of McKinsey has been convicted with jail term by an American Court for criminal corporate fraud of the lowest kind, insider trading (a corporate crime equivalent to selling the soul of the mother). I feel that the very presence of McKinsey not just with their fingers in all our pies, is a defilement of the home of GNH, the two-way allegiance between the King and his subjects, the trust between the government leadership and the voters, the extended family system and the open character and religious sentiments of the Bhutanese and our youths the promise of the nation.

I am not just against McKinsey. I am against any foreigner holding executive post in the royal government of Bhutan. That’s why I was aghast 3 years back when I realized that the Director of Royal Education Council was a foreigner (now replaced) and on the spur of the moment I made my feeling known in an article. Only much later, a thoughtful reader of the article told me that the foreign director was a royal tutor. So I guess professionally he was qualified but the issue was nationality not professional capacity. And likewise, I am in no position to be-little the technical capacity of McKinsey. They must be efficient because others have availed their services.

However, the McKinsey factor kept nagging my conscience and I was forced to analyze the issue for peace of my mind. Whether I hit the bull’s eye or not, I stopped worrying about McKinsey once I arrived at the following rationality. Like the whole Kingdom, DPT leadership must been equally bewildered by the kingdom shaking land slide election victory. Whilst the inexperienced underlings and supporters rejoiced with glee, the thoughtful senior leadership of DPT especially Lyonchoen Jigmi Y Thinley must have been relieved but also perplexed by the result. What could have been so totally different between DPT and PDP?  At the leadership level ofcourse the Representatives of the people in the National Assembly always preferred Lyonchoen Jigmi Y Thinley but between the other candidates of the two political parties, how could the choice be so startling? A thoughtful leader had reasons to be jittery. Were the people of Bhutan looking for more drastic change in the substance of national governance that was beyond the past experiences and knowledge that the nation had at hand?  Maybe that made the otherwise most talented and confident Prime Minister seek the arm rest of a highly recommended foreign consultancy firm to guide his government.

Fortunately for Bhutan and luckily for DPT, the Prime Minister recouped his wits early on and quickly gained mastery of the national rudder. By then the McKinsey contract was signed and sealed. So McKinsey limped along with few publicity stunts like compact agreements and what is touted as major management innovation ( though the software is already available in the market ) the online governance . It is actually similar to ATM except ATM is far more reliable and speedy. The Government did not need McKinsey to introduce this system. However there is no denying the novelty of the G2C. It is at cradle stage now but if nurtured to full potential with the same sincerity as shown by DPT led government, it will do wonders for equality and efficiency.

b) Tobacco Law

It was National Council baby fertilized by Health Ministry and supported by majority of MPs of the National Assembly. His Majesty gave Royal Assent to the Tobacco Bill, possibly out of political compulsion rather than belief in the goodness of the Law. Just imagine what the Monarchy detractors of modern world would have said if His Majesty returned the devilish Bill conceived by National Council and backed by almost all parliamentarians and its draconian claws obscured by the silhouette of better health and social goodness screens.

But from henceforth, I pray that His Majesty the People’s King never again sign a Prohibition Bill on socially acceptable vice like tobacco, doma or alcohol into law because such laws do little good and causes major social despair, acrimony and fear. It makes the otherwise decent people into criminals and the King appear to assume the role of devil‘s advocate seeking to make saints out of his citizens. Saints are God’s angles not the King’s subjects. Discourage social vices but not jail! The tobacco hunting teams discovered tobacco goods of humble value at the home of a single mother of 3 children. The mother was arrested, tried and jailed. The eldest son was taken off schooling to look after the two siblings and manage home. Would that single mother and her doomed 3 children believe that they have a People’s King and a social conscious Prime Minister?

I have never met the mother or the 3 children but facts can be ascertained from Thimphu Judiciary Court or Police. Yes I did make online protests in an effort to draw royal attention to find ways to protect his subjects from such draconian laws. A moderation came about from the law makers but to what extent? Maybe His Majesty the King could grant pardons to all prevailing and future victims of the draconian laws until the MPs learn to tamper law making with social decency.

c). The green walk of Tuesdays.

Thankfully this has been lifted or should I say modified. I do not question the goodness behind the green walk especially because it was so publicly championed from Lungtenzampa by the cycling King and walking Prime Minister.

The national green walk in the urban centers is philosophically sound like Lord Buddha’s Teaching of abstenism but confronted with hard realities of everyday earthly family life, who and how many have luxury of both time and energy to walk for walking sake. The over-burdened working parents, helpless single mothers, hard pressed Teachers juggling early morning hours between home and school chores, the humble salaried workers bereft of taxi fares or additional fuel expenses for winding detour car routes and many others who simply cannot even take morning or evening walks to prolong their lives, for various domestic and economic reasons.

In a way, it is regrettable that green walk just could not be sustained by the inadequate urban masses. However if carbon emission control was the goal, that is being easily achieved albeit in a less palatable way. High inflation figures, escalating fuel prices and the continuous downturn of world economy will also affect our economy. There will be less industrial and commercial venture carbon emission, due to lesser activities. A downturn in economy translates to less carbon emission as well as more oxygen for health and less money for pockets.

d) The Rupee Shortage

The popularly known and widely felt rupee crunch is actually a shortage of foreign currency in the national exchequer. If we had dollar, pound or euro in sufficient quantity, rupee shortage is easily overcome. But we do not have. An underdeveloped nation like ours does suffer from this economic malaise because our needs are more than our output. The export is far less in value than import. And acute shortage of rupee is particularly felt because we need to import everything from India. If India had insisted on hard currency like dollars for payment Bhutan would be facing dollar crunch not rupee crunch.

In the last 10 years, the per capita income has jumped and Bhutanese are in position to enjoy the fruit of the success of our past economic policy. For example, at one time majority of Bhutanese parents struggled to provide uniforms to our school going kids in Bhutanese schools. Today Bhutanese parents including many in rural Bhutan are funding education of their children at colleges in India. Our enhanced ngultrum prosperity outstrips the national rupee inflow. When we purchase goods or services from India using ngultrum through banks or shops in Jaigoan or Siliguri, ultimately the government has to provide the rupee counter value for ngultrum we spend.  Unlike rupee status in Bhutan, our Bhutanese ngultrum is not a legal tender in India. Thus the main culprit if one can so name it behind rupee shortage is the new found prosperity of individual families and private sector of Bhutan.

Therefore the DPT cannot be solely blamed for the rupee shortage. Yes RMA and Finance Ministry could have done a better job at managing the crisis. In a political musical chair game, the National Council heaped the blame for rupee crisis upon Finance Ministry and RMA.  It is a political charade.  It was National Council that vetted the RMA Act that gave sweeping monetary powers to RMA not Finance Ministry. Moreover the proposal of Finance Ministry for tax hikes on certain imported goods like vehicles were watered down by the parliamentarians. Dasho Rinzin Rinzin of National Council states that the Finance Ministry’s tax increases were not convincing enough. At the way the ngultrum economy was bulging, foreign currency crisis (especially rupee) had to happen. When a naked person is standing in the front, is it really necessary for someone else to again reiterate that the naked person has no clothes on?

There is another fundamental flaw in the resolution of National Council directing Cabinet Secretary to take punitive action against RMA and Finance Ministry after the term of the 1^st Parliament. The members of the Parliament must be held accountable along with RMA Governor. Why should other officials of the two agencies be disciplined? And any way the Constitution has the Chief Justice of Bhutan as the Head of interim government not the Cabinet Secretary. Many members of the National Council have performed with great dedication till then. How could it suddenly play cheap politics on its last day of the session?

And another thing, National Council wanted the Entitlement Act amended but when it was handed over to them on a platter by the National Assembly who initially had blocked the same; the National Council could feel the past hurt ego but not sense the legislative victory. They could have had the cake and eat it too. The disparity between the MPs of the two Houses could have been nullified forever. It makes me wonder if a deal to suit the NC members had been secretly hatched somewhere before the NA proposal.

4. Major achievements of the government : hydro-projects, roads and communication, the historic Meeting between Bhutan and China.

a) The Hydro-Projects

His Majesty King Jigme Singye Wangchuck emphasized on the two pillars of economic policy: 1) The education of Bhutanese children 2) The development of hydro-power. The King referred to the water resources of Bhutan as the liquid white gold. The King’s nature conservation policy has much to do with preserving water resources as it does with preservation of eco-system. That’s my hindsight intelligence. Quite some time back, I decided to strengthen my faith in the ways of the Bhutanese Monarchs on major royal policies because it was proving to be quite an unimaginable task to clearly comprehend the broader designs of a royal decree at the time such is issued.

The 1^st democratic government of Bhutan under Prime Minister Jigmi Y Thinley is not the originator of hydro-power projects. But the zeal and commitment by this government to 10,000 MW of hydro-power is admirable and their efforts laudable.

I am also most impressed and grateful that for the first time in the history of Bhutanese development era of 52 years, the victims of progress have been given a share in the fruit of progress. I am referring to the 10,000 units of electricity per acre of land sacrificed for hydro-projects for the life of projects. To my national conscience, I appreciate the significance of the symbolism that this gesture represents. It warms the heart, assuages the sentiment and most importantly the gesture acknowledges the obligation of the nation to the victims of progress in concrete and tangible manner.

The hydro-projects are a boon to Bhutan as envisaged by the Monarch. And even if we have 6000 instead of 10,000 MW by 2020, the other 4000 MW will come by 2022 and definitely Bhutan will reap dividends. I do not think that our economy will reach so bountiful a stage by 2020 or 2025 whereby we would be hard pressed to utilize the rupee earned from hydro projects. I am referring to Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk’s response to Dasho Damchoe of Opposition Party who expressed his misgivings of economic impacts of hydro projects beginning from Chukha and Tala projects executed under direct administration of the King to the ongoing hydro projects. Lyonpo Khandu was understandingly reacting in the necessary manner to douse the ill intended fire of criticism. On a lighter note, it was amusing to hear someone other than victims of hydro project land acquisitions bemoan the ‘ills’ and another painting a rupee utopia in times of rupee crunch. That in a way is parliamentarian flair for political non-sense and humour.

b) Roads and Communication. 

The 1^st democratic government truly has nurtured the seed of democracy introduced by the Monarch. And hence forth freedom of speech, movement of people and freight, information exchange, people interaction will blossom due to mobile telephones, internet, TV, radio and newspapers and above all road connectivity extending to the extreme rugged interiors.

I was never worried about mobile, TV, internet connectivity. These will have to come about by force of global modernization in such fields but that we now have it so soon is glorious. My desire or dream was to have a national circular road that connects the Dzongkhag centers through our own line of control. A road through Samtse to Phuentsholing, Lhamoizingkha, Manas, Nganglam, Pema Gatshel in the south and Gasa, Laya, Lingshi, Soe, Drugyel Dzong through Haa to Samtse. I think the 1^st democratic government has made that dream a sure reality. And my other dream is to store excess monsoon water for lean season to run hydro plants. I hope that the next government will lay concrete foundation for such a goal starting with proposed Bunakha reservoir.

c) Indo-Bhutan and Sino-Bhutan relationships

His Majesty the King profoundly dwelt upon Indo-Bhutan friendship but made no mention of China or any other nations during his sobering address marking the end of 1^st parliament of Bhutan.

In his 5 year report, the Prime Minister devoted considerable time to emphasize on the importance and goodness of Indo-Bhutan friendships. He said one line on Sino-Bhutan relation. He was aware of opposing views but Sino-Bhutan relation can be only good for Bhutan, he said. Maybe national leaders are sometimes in priestly silence never in position to say aloud their inner thoughts. However, the Prime Minister did meet Chinese premier and that speaks volumes of Bhutanese aspirations.

Bhutanese can never discount the importance and goodness of Indo-Bhutan Friendship. India is a friend, major developing partner and socially and culturally the closest. There is very close link between the people of India and Bhutan. Both Lord Buddha and Guru Rinpoche originated from India. The successive leaders of India beginning from Nehru and the People of India have enriched the People and the Kingdom of Bhutan. And Kings of Bhutan have always held dearly the Indo-Bhutan friendship. I reiterate all these to demonstrate that the people of Bhutan will always remain grateful friend of India and her people.

However, Sino-Bhutan relation must take more concrete forms. In early 1960s Bhutan ended its isolation to embark on modern development plans. In the 21^st Century, the Kingdom of Bhutan cannot afford to isolate itself from China. China is economically and politically one of the most powerful players in the world. Bhutan is the closet neighbour and the only neighbour that does not have diplomatic ties with China? Why is Bhutan being the Keeper of Post 1962 Sino-Indo Frost? And can past, present or future Butanese leaders deny that sovereignty of Bhutan lies intact inspite of the fate of Tibet and Sikkim because of our geo-physical proximity to the vital interests of both India and China.

It may be a fact that India does not wish for closer relations between China and Bhutan. But India’s animosity or distrust has more to do with China. Also India might suspect that China may surreptitiously takeover Bhutan and therefore endanger the whole of north east frontier states of India. It is, I feel, a hypothetical concern. It is for China to reassure India on such accounts. Personally, I feel that India need not feel the Chinese jitters from Sino-Bhutan diplomatic and economic ties.  The Indian foot print in Bhutanese history of development and sovereignty is unshakable by any other power. 

The Kings of Bhutan never ignored China though they have established closer ties with British India and then Independent India. His Majesty King Jigme Singye Wangchuck signed a Border Treaty on co-operation and mutual respect with China. And the reigning King His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck has to have the core interest of his Kingdom and people to the depth of his self existence. For sake of Bhutan and Bhutanese, His Majesty cannot ignore China and her leaders. Therefore, the road ahead is to gradually develop diplomatic and economic relations with China and never ever dilute in any way our strong bonds with India. We must draw India’s trust upon decades of Indo-Bhutan friendship so that our most reliable and benevolent friend is not deterred by friendly Sino-Bhutan prospects that will increase Bhutan’s international prominence and provide broader economic impetus.

The political parties of Bhutan can play politics all the way. But they must refrain from compromising the future sovereignty interest of Bhutan for short term political gains.  The diplomatic inroads accomplished by the 1^st democratic government must be appreciated and it will bring fruitful national dividend if the next government formed by DPT or another political party keeps the long term interest of the Nation at heart and forge ahead in developing better international ties particularly with China. The competition and animosity between political parties must not overshadow the raw and genuine national interests. It would be self defeating to be-little national strides achieved by DPT government in foreign relations. 

5. His Majesty the anchor and guiding light of Bhutanese democracy 

Democracy was gifted by His Majesty King Jigme Singye Wangchuck and King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck took over the mantle of leading and nurturing democracy from the initial faltering national steps. The success of the 1^st 5 year of democracy is beholden to the guiding light of the young King. I feel that the 4^th King would have good reasons to celebrate his royal decision to enthrone the next in line.

Many Politicians of the present world would give anything to have the looks, the height, the charm and gift of oratory skills and public interaction that are part of inborn qualities of the Bhutanese King.  It seems that somehow the Wangchuck Dynasty always managed to nurture forth a King especially adapted to the changing needs of Bhutanese history. His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck is the chosen one to lead and supervise the democratic aspirations of Bhutan. If any grandpas of my age are worried about future of their grandchildren, maybe we could afford a break and let it be in the care of the dynamic King. 

The most important thing for a small nation is to have great Leaders who are able to interact with the populace in their natural environ and who can develop international rapport by virtue of their own personality rather than the wealth or power of the country which Bhutan lacks. And those qualities, our people’s King has in abundance. The people of Bhutan have come to accept the young King as a confidant of their family. It is also most heartening to see the near adulation responses of the citizens of India, Thailand, Singapore and Japan when our King and Queen visited those countries after the royal marriage.

In Bhutan, the highlight of each session of the parliament is the event when the King addresses the nation from the august Hall. It has become a very important tradition and this must be maintained. Whether the King is happy with the government or not, whether he is happy with MPs or not, it should not matter. The Hall of the Parliament belongs to his people and as their leader and ultimate refuge, the King must reassure the people from the seat of the parliament that he is there for them standing vigilant from amongst all the MPs, Ministers, judges, police or local leaders of the nation.

The People’s King of Wangchuck dynasty and Shabdrung lineage will have much more to offer. We are yet to witness greater enlightenment from the dragon that adorns the spirit of democratic Bhutan. King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck must continue to keep alight the soul of Bhutan’s democracy and stability.

6. My personal appreciation of the government

The successful implementation of 10^th Five Year Plan deserves to be heartily applauded. I compare the achievement to that of Miss Universe, beautiful but not necessarily virgin nor free of flaws. However on the overall, beauty and art does win the crown.

My admiration is over and apart from the 10^th Five Year Plan. I had partially expressed these in a letter to the Minister of Education Lyonpo Thakur S Powdyel when the year of Sherig Century was being launched last year. (Maybe my letter of 4^th May, 2012 better expresses my feeling of that moment)

The DPT led royal government’s successful leadership of unplanned historical events.

1. The forming of the 1^st democratic government and adoption of the Constitution thus laying the foundation   of democracy both in print and practice.
2. Stewardship of the coronation of the 5^th King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and celebration of 100 years of enlightened Wangchuck Dynasty.
3. The hosting of SAARC Summit in Thimphu.
4.  Managing the so called constitutional crisis with political sobriety and national maturity.
5. The Stewardship of the auspicious Royal Nuptial.
6.   GNH at UN- Sharing the royal vision of national hope with the rest of the world.
7.   Celebrating “Sherig Century” the light of intellectual empowerment.
8. The rapprochement with China at the level of Prime Ministers during the ‘The Rio Summit when the great  dragon and little dragon met on the equal level platform’ against the back drop of the gathering of world leaders.

7. The legacy of the 1^st democratic government

Come 20^th April, 2013, Prime Minister Jigmi Y Thinley and his Cabinet hands over a nation not just intact but much enriched by many historical events, a very confident and proven King with a beautiful Khendum as Queen and partner. Bhutan has a prominent place among nations and is at peace within and outside and a vision to further strengthen democratic ventures and above all a model of proud democratic discipline that sets the way forward. Thank you Prime Minister Jigmi Yoezer Thinley. 

8. A prayer for the future

We all have reasons to take pride in the success of the 5 years of Democracy. However, the mission is an ever demanding journey. And the task of such a journey compounds with passing time and multiplies with increasing population. So forward we march after every 5 year interval into the next election and the next government. The advantage for Bhutan is that we have the same anchor in the King of Wangchuck Dynasty and may we remain the same united people albeit our petty differences. By the grace of Triple Gem, may our tryst with democracy be a destiny of good national fortune.

The Doctrine of the King

On 21^st February, 2013, Bhutan celebrates two epic historical Events : the 33^rd Birth Anniversary of the 5^th Wangchuck Dynastic King and finale of the 100 years of Education (Sherig Century) nourished by Five Wangchuck Reigns. The final national tribute to the Sherig Century is held at the Gongzim Ugyen Dorji Higher Secondary School in Haa where it all began 100 years ago under the 1^st Monarch, His Majesty Ugyen Wangchuck. And in all the 20 Dzongkhags, the people of Bhutan will congregate to celebrate the 33^rd Birth Anniversary of His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and the Sherig Century, the most precious gift of the Wangchuck Dynasty.

Since 1907, the Kings of Wangchuck Dynasty have guided the people of Bhutan through many phases of developments and changes. Each King had his goals to achieve and ways to inspire the nation and through their collective wisdom and leadership, Bhutan has come thus far – sovereign and beautiful.

In January this year, His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck the 5^th King of Bhutan outlined his goal, vision and aspiration for the nation in a televised address during the convocation held at Paro for the Teachers who had graduated from Paro and Samtse Colleges of Education.

I felt that the declaration of the 5 goal Doctrine at the convocation of the graduate Teachers in the year of Sherig Century was beautifully timed and a moving inspiration to all of us who have and who will benefit from the most precious gift “Education”.

1.    Ensuring continuous Sovereignty and Security of Bhutan
2.   Fostering national Peace and Unity
3.  Promoting good Management and Administration
4.   Preserving Culture and Tradition
5.   Achieving people’s aspiration and national progress through democratic process

On the occasion of the 33^rd Birthday of His Majesty the King and as a tribute to the Sherig Century, may all of us the people of Bhutan join hearts and effort to fulfill hereafter the visions and aspirations set by our 5^th King for the goodness of this Kingdom.

May His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck reign long and true and May the future generations of Bhutanese usher in the 2^nd Sherig Century in similar national environ of peace and unity under the reign of the Sixth King of Wangchuck Dynasty. 

My take on happiness paradigm

Bhutan and Happiness centered development paradigm, Thimphu, Bhutan.

Bhutan coordinated a conference of Happiness Experts from 30^th January – to - 2^nd February, 2013. They were in search of the elusive path to a new development paradigm that could replace the decades of GDP and GNP centered development goals.  Ordinary Bhutanese had no role but the brief news in the media provided a glimpse of the diversity within ( maybe confusion and turmoil ) of views that prevailed amongst some 40 or more international experts and Bhutanese proponents of Gross National Happiness.  

Is it possible to work out a realistic and practically meaningful framework, for a new development paradigm, centered on human happiness that can be a viable substitute for the decades of GDP guided economy that promoted materialism and consumption? Some experts felt that Bhutan had advocated this business of happiness and therefore Bhutanese should show the way whilst few shared an equal sense of responsibility and still for others it was a forum to expound their individual or organizational agenda on democracy, environment and social affairs.

One thing was clear, the Bhutanese nine domains of happiness was adopted as the basis for conference to work upon because the experts had no pre-prepared proposal nor could they agree on alternate dimensions during the  1^st day of brain storming. And definitely they were hard pressed for time and therefore condescended to work upon these nine domains with an escape clause to add a 10^th domain if called for.

From the few cursory articles in the media and three interviews telecast by BBS, somehow it did not strike to me, that the experts have had a realistic grasp of the task, ‘framing a conception for a new development paradigm that would be focusing on human happiness, post the millennium goal (2015)’. They were hopeful but not at all confident of going about the task at hand. Few even were washing their hands off with such remarks as : “the Bhutanese people should make clear how to go about this” ; “it is Bhutan’s call and it is Bhutan’s show” ; “the report must go under the aegis of Bhutanese government.” (reference: Kuensel)

If only Bhutan had the intellectual capacity and financial resources, to frame a conceptual happiness centered road map (internationally acceptable and workable diagram) for a new development paradigm on our own, the Bhutanese person by now would be in the 7^th heaven. We need outside finance, experiences and intellectual inputs to find a trek-able path to achieve the goal we have set, “being happy”. And if this path is discovered, it will provide the highway for other nations to speed on.

Happiness should have been the very purpose of life beginning from the 1^st life and maybe like many ironies in life, we the human beings realized this purpose only when we reached the end of our lives. By then it’s too little of happiness and too late in time to again revisit our life journey.

However, more than two centuries ago, a founding-father of a nation wrote down his moenlam (prayer) for his nation, “Life, Liberty and pursuit of Happiness…” Whether that nation pursued happiness or domination, one must leave it to experts to debate and squabble and for historians to write the epitaph. But what cannot be disputed is that a Buddha-like-nation-founding-father realized that the happiness of its citizens must be the guiding goal of a great nation.

Several decades ago, a young Buddhist King of a little known Buddhist Kingdom of Bhutan resonated this very theme of happiness, “Being happy is more important than being wealthy”. And this wisdom was fashioned to relate to the acceptable jargon of development concepts such as GDP and GNP. Thus the birth of Gross National Happiness (GNH).

 His Majesty King Jigmi Singye Wangchuck experienced what life was, absent of happiness. By destiny he was born to be a King and by fate of life he was pre-maturely crowned the King in 1972 at the age of 16. The young King was faced with the titanic task of healing the agony and the wounds of the broken royal families and at the same time provide anchor to a rudderless nation that was at imminent danger of sovereignty risk. For a long time, happiness and peace of mind was a scarcity beyond the grasp of His Majesty.

In being a King, he had the temporal powers and by Bhutanese’s meager standard, the King could be considered wealthy. But happiness was more elusive to him than to a yak herder in the mountains of his Kingdom. Therefore, when he said, a few years later, that his priority was to secure happiness for his people, he meant it from the bottom of his heart. It was not a statement of political, economic or social definition of his reign. It was what he missed most in his early reign and he did not want his people to be also deprived of the true essence of life, “Being Happy”.

The foundation of happiness at national level is achieving peace and security. And at family level it’s sharing love and pain and at community level (village or world) it is sharing the burden and the privilege. Joy, ecstasy and comfort contribute to sense of being happy but these are not happiness in themselves. To a Caribbean lying on a white sandy beach under a palm tree could be pure joy. A young couple in loving embrace may experience ecstasy and there is comfort for elderly couples in sharing the same bed. Being happy is more than just being religious, having food and shelter or experiencing pleasure. It’s just not restricted to equal opportunity and justice and freedom from fear and aggression. It is attaining the moral height of accepting ownership and onus in equal proportion. It is respecting other’s space without having to fight for one’s right. It is the ability to appreciate the strength of the male and charm of the female ( law of nature ) and the protection of the weak (mother’s instinct) and principles of community co-existence ( sharing the burden and privilege ).

Unlike the fields of economics and science, happiness has no set formulae. It is a conciliatory effort that needs to be constantly energized at different levels and at various stages of life between persons, communities, races and nations to make possible for the rich and the poor, the strong and the weak to attain their level of satisfaction and harmony in life.

Pillars of happiness need to be grounded upon the field of reasonableness. Being reasonable is accepting what belongs to others to be theirs. Therefore it is not proper or decent to demand that the fruits of other’s labour (wealth) be distributed. Rather the call must be for sharing the burden and the privilege. The common desire must be to seek accommodation with and not domination over neighbour, race or nation.   

In co-existence of communities, lies group happiness and in family harmony, lies individual member happiness. At individual level my happiness must not be the root cause of your illness. And at international level, your national supremacy must not subjugate my national aspiration. Only then peace and harmony can prevail and thus provide the foundation of human happiness at world level. Thus the new development paradigm must be based on selfless investments and policies to promote national wellbeing and which fosters individual and community happiness for the present as well as for the future.

GDP and GNP still have relevance to individual and national pursuit of life but no longer in the pivotal way that had been defined in the earlier decades because we now know that wellbeing is one level above the economic comfort of food, shelter, health and education. Happiness cannot be defined but it can be felt and seen. If Bhutanese truly achieve happiness it will be noticed by others without the need of explanations and statistical measurement of dominant scales.

In the far future, when the Nations of the UN Family understand that their aspirations need to be in complementary with that of their fellow neighbours, the seed of happiness would germinate. And the Kingdom of Bhutan would then have truly contributed to the wellbeing of the human being. Until then the Bhutanese leaders, the assorted pool of international experts and UN Agencies need to keep juggling the dominos and weighing the dominant factors in search of the path to the illusive plateau of happiness even after the spring of 2014 that may see at the UN, a detailed and complete report on the new development paradigm.

                                                                                                                                             

A Kuensel –hyped Ugen Tsechup engineered Bhutan Times propaganda

The public of Bhutan have been the victim of an orchestrated smear campaign spear-headed by Kuensel to demonize me at the behest of Dasho Ugen Tsechup Dorji and his fellow accomplices. Now the Royal Securities Exchange has joined the bandwagon.

I did not want a judicial trial let alone a public media trial about the destruction of Bhutan Times Corporation Ltd. because it involves Dasho Ugen Tsechup Dorji, a royal uncle whom I should respect and keep away from. But the smear campaign has gone too far. I therefore lay the facts before the public to reach their own conclusions. Please take the time to go through the OAG charges submitted to the Court; my appeals to the King, the Prime Minister and the Chief Justice; my primary rebuttal of the OAG charges; the OAG appeal to the Court withdrawing its charges and thus the dismissal of the Case. 

The public must be awaiting a response from me after Kuensel has repeatedly published articles distorting facts and engaging in character assassination at the behest of the party of four headed by Dasho Ugen Tsechup Dorji. Well here is my response.

I was a Board Director representing the Minority Shareholders who own 17% of now defunct Bhutan Times Corporation Ltd. not a Cashier clerk who runs errands to Bank to withdraw cheques. How low Kuensel reporters stoop to serve Dasho Ugen Tsechup Dorji and shamelessly declare that I personally withdrew Nu: 3.5 million cash from the Bank.

First it was the Royal Bhutan Police, then the Office of Attorney General and now Kuensel and Royal Securities Exchange (RSEBL) out to demonize Wangcha Sangey and glorify Dasho Ugen Tsechup Dorji and his three accomplices. The judicial trial was over on 23^rd November, 2012 when the Royal Court of Justice dismissed the Case. Now a public trial has begun by the party of four in collusion with Kuensel reporters.

As I had submitted to the Office of Attorney General and the Royal Court of Justice, I would never want to be on the wrong side of the Royalty in Bhutan. But if pushed to the edge, I shall defend the dignity of a human being and the right of an honest, hardworking and responsible Bhutanese. And this I did in a Court of Law. The Attorney General realized that his Office was caught in the wrong footing and withdrew the charges based on my primary rebuttal. And the Thimphu Royal Court of Justice dismissed the case.

I understand that the legal arms of the government, the relevant executive agencies of the government and Kuensel and RSEBL’s rush to stand by Dasho Ugen Tsechup Dorji. No Bhutanese individual, law enforcement personnel, media personnel or bureaucrat would risk doing otherwise.  When the OAG filed the Court Case and the Bench I of Thimphu Royal Court of Justice gagged me, I appealed to His Majesty the King, His Excellency the Hon’ble Prime Minister and the Hon’ble Chief Justice of Bhutan. I did not seek for self help. I asked that the rule of law be permitted to operate. That the Chief of Royal Bhutan Police and the Attorney General of Bhutan need to be restrained from being henchmen of the rich and the socially well placed Dasho Ugen Tsechup Dorji. And the grievances of what-so-ever among Bhutanese citizens are allowed to be processed in a Court of Law, free of implied intimidation.

On behalf of Dasho Ugen Tsechup Dorji and his accomplices, the Office of Attorney General charged me of embezzlement and breach of trust based on self styled police investigation report. 

As required under the law, I submitted my defense (the primary rebuttal). I illustrated the absurdities of the charges against me and filed criminal charges against Dasho Ugen Tsechup Dorji and his 3 accomplices Tenzin Lekphell CEO of IMS, Dago Beda of Etho Metho group and Phub Zam of Yarkay group, based on irrefutable documentary evidences. I had to rely on documentary evidences because no Bhutanese would dare to come forward as witness. Moreover, two key witnesses had already been re-enrolled under the payment of the Party of four.

I submitted to the hon’ble Judge of Thimphu Royal Court of Justice that Judiciary of Bhutan could either deliver Justice or nail shut the coffin of Bhutan’s fragile democracy experience.

Most Bhutanese would be aware of the temporal clouts of Dasho Ugen Tsechup Dorji. I have no such resources. However, I have a deposit of personality merits. Through sheer diligence,      life-long discipline, honesty and personal integrity, I have carved a respectable place in the Bhutanese society. I am not a businessman and yet business society of the nation approached me publicly twice (in days gone by) to lead them. I obliged them the second time as Secretary General of Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry. I am not a student of law but my legal opinions and intuitions are well regarded. I am not a student of political science but it was I who predicted in 1998 the coming of Democracy and in 2008 general election, I foresaw the impact of the educated voter influence. I am not a student of journalism but I was at one time a very successful Chairman cum CEO cum Chief Editor of a news Corporation. By profession I am a management expert in the field of tourism and hotels thanks to my 3 years undergraduate course in India and Japan where I learned the art and skills from professionals from the fields and professors at the Rikkyo University.

His Majesty the 3^rd King of Bhutan granted credence to my political opinion, His Majesty the 4^th King grants credence to my integrity and His Majesty the 5^th King comprehends my allegiance to the Tsa-Wa-Sum. I have earned the gracious regards of His Holiness the Jhe Khenpo, His Excellency the Prime Minister and His Lordship the Chief Justice of Bhutan based on my personal traits of straight forwardness and insights and my dedicated love for the Country, the People, the Kings and the Buddha Dharma.

In October, 2009, Bhutan Times Corporation Ltd. went bankrupt when it was managed by the Promoters Group and both the Chairman and CEO resigned as after effect. The Board begged me, the only, Minority Board Director to take over the management. I took the position of Chairman cum CEO and Chief Editor. And in 9 months (October 2009-June, 2010) I turned the Corporation around and made a profit of Nu: 8.5 million after meeting all operating and management expenses. I decided to leave after the Promoters who own 83% of the Corporation agreed to take over the Corporation and refund my family investment. The decision was made in the 3^rd AGM. The Shareholders at the AGM reached this decision after working out the details over 2 days of discussion (28^th and 29^th May, 2010). A legal document was executed and signed by all Shareholders at the AGM and witnessed by the AGM secretary, making the decision of the takeover legally binding.

Dasho Ugen Tsechup Dorji who is a major Promoter Shareholder took over the Chairmanship after me. He then deferred the implementation of the AGM decision. The deferment is illegal but one is powerless against such a force. However, between October, 2011 and March, 2012, Dasho Ugen Tsechup Dorji and his three Promoter accomplices, surreptitiously took over the two primary assets of the Corporation viz. 1. Bhutan Times Printing Press. 2. Bhutan Times Sunday Paper. Then the Party of four arbitrarily had shut down the Corporation on 31^st March, 2012. They sacked the M.D and all corporate employees with one month notice pay and divided among themselves the remaining assets including 3 vehicles and sold what they did not need to raise fund for their new venture. The hijacking of the Corporation was complete by March, 2012. Then two months later, on 31^st May, 2012, they convened a Board Meeting in the morning and an AGM in the afternoon and the Chairman declared that the Corporation had been shut down 2 months ago and the closing affairs were being managed by a stand-in management till 30^th June, 2012. It was 2 months too late to protest because the Party of four had wiped out the total structure of the Corporation.

For more than 25 days starting 1^st June, 2012, I poured over the records of the defunct Corporation in the one room office used by the stand-in Managing Director and his Deputy. It was clear that Dasho Ugen Tsechup Dorji and his 3 accomplices had formed a new Pvt. Company from the ashes of the Corporation they had burned down. True to their declarations recorded in the past Board Meetings “profit was not a priority”, and the Bhutan Times Sunday Paper must be made a, “political paper”, they had accomplished their goal under the guise of IMS management.

IMS and the people behind it have formed a political party registered as Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa. They have their political paper to voice their propaganda and a Printing Press to produce their campaign materials. However, I cannot be made to fund their political ambition.

I have been apolitical. I felt that it would be enough for a Bhutanese to exercise faith in the Blessings of the Deities, the grace of the Dharma and the wisdom of the Kings, to lead a peaceful quiet life. On that belief, my family did not cast vote in the first General Election. The 3^rd King was incredible and in the 4^th King we have the greatest visionary leader and as for the 5^th, His Majesty has in his royal veins the blood of both Wangchuck dynasty and the Shabdrung. Therefore, I have had genuine factual reasons to feel safe and secure for generations to come. But the antics of Dasho Ugen Tsechup Dorji and his hold over RBP, OAG, Kuensel and now RSEBL have cast doubts in my faith.

Dasho Ugen Tsechup Dorji, Tenzin Lekphell, Dago Beda and Phub Zam who represent the 41 original owners of Bhutan Times (Pvt.) company before it was floated as a public corporation, have re-taken over and made it a Private Company. The details are in my primary rebuttal to the Royal Court of Justice. Read it in the following posts. Bhutan Times Corporation Ltd. has been reverted back to its original status of Bhutan Times (Pvt.) company since 31^st March, 2012.

The investment of my family has been refunded as per the unanimous decision of Shareholders in the 3^rd AGM. Now they need to refund the investment of Nu: 4.06 million that belongs to the 250 Minority Shareholders who had bought the Shares when it was publicly floated. The defunct Corporation then must be de-registered as a public entity by the Company Registrar and automatically it will be delisted from the Stock Exchange.

At this juncture, it is necessary to question this recent public gimmick of Royal Securities Exchange to suspend trading of Bhutan Times Shares on the purported reason that my family investment of Nu: 2.7 million was refunded (as per the unanimous decision of the Shareholders in the AGM). Why was the Share trading not suspended in February, 2012, when the Nu: 4 million Share of Tenzin Rigden was taken over by the Corporation? Was the CEO of RSEBL on extraordinary leave then? And now is he joining the Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa and is demonizing Wangcha Sangey a required pre-requisite credential for him to earn a party ticket.

I repeat that I never wanted this issue to be a subject of public conjecture but this orchestrated demonization has crossed its limits. There is no need to demonize any character because it is said that the only way to deal with the Devil is to be a demon in nature. When devils take over, demons will sprout. I do not think that this nation should be heading in that direction. May the Triple Gyem save us!