In pursuit of justice with truth!
View(s):Today is Day Nine. And there are miles to go before the emerging Republic can say it sleeps. And that the polity it represents can sleep soundly. Because, appearances notwithstanding, the erstwhile regime certainly does not sleep with the fishes. Days gone by have demonstrated that there’s life in the Old Order (even if it is making conciliatory gestures now) – and it’s not over till the fat lady sings. Je suis très désolé.
That the reality of realpolitik will knock with a vengeance at the door of the seemingly sea-green incorruptible incumbent is indubitable. Some people just won’t take NO for an answer, and want in – no matter what the will of the people. So the ins and outs of Cabinet-making! Horse-trading, however, and all its less than palatable repercussions and undesirable ramifications, may be the least of the Coalition’s concerns. By the yardstick of honesty, integrity, and sincerity of purpose – the bait with which they hooked more than half the electorate – By the same token that we first gauged CBK and then MR, we need to get back to basics. We need to look a little more closely at the content of the 100-Day Plan, before we consider its do-ability.
The grist for my mill is less than a consummation devoutly to be wished. True, there’s much in it by way of reform of process, reconstruction of systems, rehabilitation of people. That said, it’s short on ‘justice with peace’ that must go with the ‘peace with justice’ that is characteristic under the rule of men entirely – well, aspiring to goodness (if not greatness).
A case in point is that the National Government’s 100-Day Plan makes no mention whatsoever of if, how, when, where, and why it will bring to book the culprits of the most egregious crimes committed under a crooked and corrupt administration. It does not say, for example, what it plans or proposes to do to ensure that justice is done – and is seen to be done – for Lasantha, Keith, Prageeth, and a host of other unnamed journalists, watchdogs, and solid citizens… all of whom paid a heavy price for the ideals of media freedom. And yet the Coalition invites us to critique its agenda and its actions? Here goes… Trust that these folks at least mean it – at least in the early euphoric era of their rule and reign and representation of the people – when they say: “Lay it upon us!”
At first, I refused to peruse the 100-Day Plan. I didn’t believe the emerging powers-who-want-to-be were as sincere as genuine republicans would wish. And I couldn’t be bothered to suspend disbelief willingly. But a small committed passionate coterie of family and friends persuaded me to scan the document. So I did. And was pleasantly surprised by the ideas and the ideals! But my initials reservations persisted.
Why were some of these latter-day defenders of the faith suddenly interested in good governance? How would they act, and be able to guarantee – and deliver – the transformation they promised? Would this be a change for the better, with a democracy of seemingly clear minds and stout hearts triumphing over the dark but capable tyranny of the recent past? Or would the house of cards collapse soon enough? Would the cloven hoof pop out soon enough, and our apparently sea-green incorruptibles be shown up for who they really were… mere men, just like the rest – the other lot – and no less craven, potentially corrupt and power-seeking? And susceptible to bowing to the demands of realpolitik?
Well – I must admit that the first few days of the iconic 100 were a pleasant enough surprise. Minor quibbles over slightly wobbly timing apart, the ship of state was beginning to correct its course. And it was sending out all the right signals. A. Genuine demonstrated concern for the polity that had voted it in. B. Out, out, damned spot… as far as the more egregious hangers-on from the previous regime went. C. Sincerity of manner and speech, especially by the Prez: sharp, short, succinct statements of purpose and intent. D. Lack of ostentation at state ceremonies.
However, a sense of unease persisted; bolstered by nagging rumours. (Really dears, we do need a new media culture – and it is up to you and us to ensure that it is helped on its way by clear communication of policy and intentions from you.) And an albeit superficial skimming over the 100-Day Plan revealed what was bothering my subconscious. There was nothing in it about bringing to book the culprits of a spate of brutal murders – of journalists, dissident politicians, sundry defenders of the faith.
Sure enough, we are told that “In order to strengthen democracy, a National Advisory Council will be set up inclusive of representatives of parties represented in Parliament as well as Civil Society organisations.” (That, BTW, at the time of going to press, was still pending.) We are told that “Independence Day will be celebrated with re-establishment of Democracy and Good Governance and the Sovereignty of the People.” (Scheduled for Wednesday, 4th February.) That “Special Commissions will be appointed to investigate allegations of massive corruption in the preceding period.” (By Thursday, 4th February.) That “a Bill to implement the National Drugs Policy will be tabled, following adoption of the policy by Cabinet.” (Friday, 6th February.) That “Independent Commissions will be established and required appointments made.” (Wednesday, 18th February.) That “the Right to Information Bill will be introduced and passed within three weeks” – around Friday, 20th February.
That said, sincerity must be made of sterner stuff than sweeping statements. For the devil is in the details.
We hear that the investigation into the murder of the late editor of The Sunday Leader has been opened. We are told by the powers that be that a new media culture is in, and that we may proceed to critique the incumbent authorities. We are taking you at face value, and doing so now, in the hope that keeping you accountable to promises made – and keeping you open to new potential to pursue truth with justice – will reap some not so meagre dividends for our nascent new society.
The incumbent executive once said: “The nation is suffering from authoritarianism, and decisions taken by a few family members with no consultation of or care for the people. The destruction of ethical and socio-cultural values has led to grave suffering, through massive waste and abuse and corruption and absolute impunity. We need therefore to provide immediate relief to those who are oppressed, and embark on social and economic reforms that will restore normalcy and lead to prosperity for all.” Well sirs, you also need to pursue truth with justice for those who were oppressed – and obliterated – in the past… and it must be done as a matter of policy, not political expediency.
No more “L’etat, c’est moi!” Instead: “Je suis Prageeth.” “Je suis Keith.” “Je suis Lasantha.”