The Tyranny Of The Minority
By Mass L. Usuf –December 18, 2015
Mass L. Usuf
“The political machine triumphs because it is a united minority acting against a divided majority” – Will Durant.
When the history of contemporary Sri Lankan politics is written, the current period will be recorded as a crucial era of its political landscape. Firstly, the uniqueness of the 8th Parliament, a national government, under the stewardship of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe; Secondly, the constant threat and evil foreboding from those outside the government. The salvos from the arsenal of the Joint Opposition against the government are unraveling itself in its multifaceted form each time. Its ultimate goal is to install a UPFA government. Obviously, the objective etched in their strategies is far from the greater interest of the nation and its people. Referring to the duties of the Opposition, the Universal Declaration on Democracy of the Inter-Parliamentary Union states in Article 11: “The opposition in parliament must show itself to be responsible and be able to act in a statesmanlike manner. It must engage in constructive and responsible opposition by making counter-proposals. In its action, the opposition must not seek to hinder pointlessly the action of the government but rather endeavour to encourage it to improve such action in the general interest”.
Compare this duty with the direct appeal of Dullas Alahapperuma, UPFA MP, to those who partnered with the national government to vote against the budget on the 19th of December. He did not mince his words and honestly said, “If you want a UPFA government”. It is said that in one’s life you either need inspiration or desperation. It seems that the joint opposition always gets the wrong inspiration which only helps in increasing its desperation. Who else would make such a plea after witnessing the second reading sailing through with a majority of 107 votes?
There are no long term friendships in politics. It will not be surprising to see the partners of the government jettisoning at the first sign of the ship becoming unseaworthy. All are just marking time like the proverbial make hay while the sun shines. Between the optimism and desperation of the government and the joint opposition are the people. They helplessly continue to watch each episode of the political dramatization being played out.
Generally, it is the majority that is known to be tyrannical exceptionally, the role has reversed. The so called joint opposition in the minority has never been so united before. They are well aware of the fragile nature of the unique partnership, first time in the political history of this country. The fluidity of the status quo is such that a united minority may triumph over a divided majority. If not machinations to create a crack is being conspired, one is certain that there is at least a watchful anticipation of a schism in the Maithri-Ranil partnership.
Criticise
Those who could not successfully make into the national government had to content themselves as partners in a so called joint opposition. It seems they have generously mandated themselves with one thing which can be described in one word, criticise. Read More
