MB Subba

 MP Dorji Wangdi takes over as the new OL

MP Dorji Wangdi takes over as the new OL

Zhemgang’s Panbang MP Dorji Wangdi will lead the sixteen-member Opposition Party as the new Opposition Leader (OL) in the National Assembly for the remaining three years of the tenure.

The party secretariat sought the endorsement of his nomination from the Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) members due to Covid-19 safety protocols, according to officials from the party secretariat. The outgoing OL Pema Gysmtsho (PhD) also officially handed over the office yesterday.

Dorji Wangdi was the lone candidate for the post and it was learnt that there was a consensus among the DPT MPs to appoint him as the OL.

The effectiveness of the Opposition Party to play a constructive role and hold the government accountable largely depends on the leadership of the OL. The Constitution mandates the Opposition Party to ensure that the government and the ruling party function in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution, provide good governance and strive to promote the national interest and fulfill the aspirations of the people.

On his appointment as the OL, Dorji Wangdi said, “I am deeply humbled and honored to be entrusted with the responsibility. My sacred duty will be to steer our party to fulfill the vision of His Majesty The King and aspirations of the people.”

On his resignation, the outgoing OL said that it was his long-held wish to pursue his passion and interests in rural development, environment and natural resources management.

“I would like to pay my humble tribute to His Majesty The King for all the blessings and enlightened guidance that I received over the years,” Pema Gyamtsho said.

He will join the Kathmandu-based International Center for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) as its Director General in mid-October.

Pema Gyamtsho said that he was confident that MP Dorji Wangdi would provide leadership to the party both inside and outside Parliament. He expressed his hope that the party would grow ever stronger to serve the Tsa-wa-sum under the leadership of the new OL, who is a three-time MP and one of the three vice presidents of the party besides being a former labour minister.

Although he has quit active politics, Pema Gyamtsho said he would always be at the service of the nation regardless. “I will continue to strive to do what is best for strengthening of the timeless institution of our Monarchy, the security of our country and the well-being of our people,” he added.

At the handing-taking ceremony at the National Assembly, Speaker Wangchuk Namgyel said that the outgoing OL had demonstrated exemplary leadership both as OL and Member of Parliament in the past 12 years.

He said that the outgoing OL had been a source of guidance and wisdom for Parliament and has contributed immensely to the strengthening of democracy since its establishment.

Advertisement