Dear Editor,
Even Covid-19 could not stop the return of normalcy of the carnival for politicians (Budget debates) after being disrupted by the “no confidence motion” since 2018. If anyone expected the traditional mudslinging and gyrating of the so called representatives of the people to be a dying cultural extravaganza – they should think again! I am not inclined to think that the British intended budget debates to descend to this subliminal level when they instituted it into our constitution.
There seems to be no glimmer of hope for change or improvement on the horizon for this detestable tradition, paid for by the taxpayers. If you think this is a bad tradition, the reality is worse – wallowing in this national mudslinging carnival is the toughest one-time job for most MP’s in a calendar year. It is the only time for the entire year most of them will ever “hold the floor”, (be asked to speak) except for an occasional “yes” or “no” for the political convenience of their respective parties. These MPs are expected to obey their masters (political parties) or be kicked into oblivion if they should ever attempt to have a mind of their own. Like “wolves in sheep clothing”, the list system has cloaked the party representatives into the people’s representatives. We need CR to address this.
The budget will invariably be passed given the configuration of the numbers (33-31-1) and why not? The governing party presented its estimates to run the country for the year. The people are satisfied that no new taxes will be implemented on them to raise the monies required. Why waste 10 million per day to host this hate show in the name of participatory democracy? “If you do not listen you will never learn”, is a meritorious statement from time immemorial. “Thanks” was offered by the minister of finance to budget staff, presumably some of whom were of the opposition camp, apparently a couple of opposition MPs lack the ability to listen. The fact that they keep asking for something as trivial as a “thank you” while they “hold the floor” is a clear indication that they had nothing of substance to contribute to the debate. Some were attacking others’ personality, sexuality and even sexual prowess whilst they held “the floor”. Are these people insane?
The debate is festered upon comparative statistics of failure and success between the opposition and government for the various ministries – statistics that the general public does not understand. The bigger picture of corruption that has plagued this nation is relegated to the back burner. 383.1 billion is a lot of money, which could do wonders for the people and economy if spent in a manner where the public can have value for their dollar. I have not heard an inkling of that been mentioned by any of the MPs – not that I expected to hear of that from any of the governing MPs, less it be their last appearance at the ACCC as MP, via being recalled for conflict of interest. What about the opposition MPs? It seems that they, having so many skeletons protruding out of their closets thanks to the last five years in office – skeletons that could put some of them behind bars – any talk of corruption by them would be ludicrous. This debate is a waste of time and money.
Sincerely,
Rudolph Singh
