“Govt. doesn’t have a clear vision”

United National Party (UNP) strongman and Former Media Minister Imthiyaz Bakeer Marker, who was away from active politics for years, is back in the picture. Vowing that he will keep his promise and will never contest an election, he claims it is his responsibility to be with the UNP at this critical time of the party and that he therefore decided to re-enter active politics.

Bakeer Marker says the UNP should be grateful to Sajith Premadasa for his wise decision not to rush for power. He notes that Premadasa’s decision not to act according to a personal agenda, which would have damaged the unity of the party, clearly shows his maturity as a politician.

Pointing out similarities between American President Barack Obama and President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Bakeer Markar says the two leaders who were believed to be successful have proved they are nothing more than big failures. Following are excerpts from the interview:

Q: What do you have to say about the recently-concluded provincial council elections?

A: Before this election the UNP contested along with the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress and several Tamil parties. But at the recently-held provincial council election we contested alone. And we are happy to say that the UNP has achieved a higher percentage than the previous times.

We all knew that this wasn’t an election that would topple governments. But we are happy about our progress. In Beruwala, polling agents were harassed and chased away from polling booths. The leader of the UNP group was not allowed to cast his vote. On the previous day, the Police went to the houses of 15 polling agents and nine were taken into custody. The house of the group leader was also surrounded by the Police to take him into custody. Therefore, the group leader was in hiding and as a result couldn’t cast his vote.

Our people were not allowed to visit counting centres. Our vehicles were damaged and members were harassed. This is what happened in my area and it was the same in other places where the election was held. The Elections Commissioner himself said that he regrets there was misuse of State media and State property. The President and the Government used their power in every possible way. Amidst all that and especially at a time when the UNP was having an internal crisis, we are very happy about the progress we achieved at the provincial council elections.

Q: The opposition urged the people in this country to make this election an opportunity to show their dislike towards the Government. Although you make claims about dictatorship, lack of democracy, high cost of living and so on, the people have once again given a clear mandate to the Rajapaksa administration. Does this mean people approve of this Government and its work?

A: I don’t agree with that. The Government has not secured the votes that it had in previous times. This shows that the popularity of the President and his Government has decreased. On the other hand, the UNP has shown notable progress. Considering these factors, I don’t think the Government has performed well in this election. Like I said, this wasn’t an election that would topple governments, but statistics prove that the Government’s popularity has dropped. Isn’t it more than enough evidence that people don’t approve of everything that Government does?

Q: The entire country talks about the reappointment of Ranil Wickremesinghe as the Leader of the UNP. Tell us what actually happened at the much-talked-about decisive meeting to solve the leadership crisis?

A: Sajith Premadasa, who is an attractive young politician loved and respected by the entire country, took a sensible and wise decision that would ensure the unity of the UNP. I believe that the entire UNP should appreciate what Sajith did, especially to safeguard the unity of the party.

He didn’t work according to a personal agenda and didn’t rush for power. Being a young politician we have to appreciate his decision not to go for a vote or a clash. This clearly proves his maturity as a politician. And all this was done to strengthen the party. Meanwhile, we also have to be grateful that Ranil Wickremesinghe was flexible enough to listen to the membership when we raised our voice. He has now agreed to share his powers in order to safeguard the unity of the party.

Q: Is it true that Sajith Premadasa had to give up his battle for leadership and settle for a consensus due to the lack of votes in case of an election?

A: Please don’t underestimate the intellect of the Working Committee. It comprises intellectuals and academics who truly care about the party. Therefore, we shouldn’t question or prejudge their decisions and actions. The Working Committee clearly has an understanding about the thoughts and requirements of party members. Therefore, whatever decisions they make are done to strengthen and safeguard the party. Meanwhile, Sajith Premadasa acted wisely and prevented a division within the party. The UNP will always be grateful to him for his decision to ensure unity in the party.

Q: But the struggle urging internal democracy and change of party constitution was to go for a vote and not for a consensus?

A: No, please don’t misinterpret! We were not aiming for a vote. All we wanted was to restore and strengthen internal democracy. There was a lot of pressure and debate to strengthen internal democracy in the UNP and as a result we lost many members such as Sarath Amunugama, Wijepala Mendis, Gamini Lokuge, Lakshman Yapa and P.B. Dayarathna.

Members who had been with the UNP from the beginning, members who joined us later and members who were brought to politics by Ranil Wickremesinghe; they all left the party from time to time due to the lack of internal democracy. Whatever struggles we had over the past were to stop this situation and restore internal democracy. Whatever actions and decisions made were to strengthen the party and not done based on personal agendas.

Q: It has been asserted that the continuous defeat of the UNP at every election was a result of the weak leadership. With much struggle the members finally had an opportunity to change that situation. But the struggle to solve the leadership crisis has ended in disappointment. Does this mean that until it gets vacant, there will never be a change in the UNP leadership?

A: No, unlike in the past or what happens in other political parties, the leadership of the UNP will be changed annually. The five main positions of the party will be changed every year according to the wish of the party membership. Meanwhile, a young inspiring politician like Sajith Premadasa has been able to secure a place among the first three leaders of the party.

Just like Gordon Brown took a step back and gave an opportunity to a popular personality like Tony Blair or William Haig giving an opportunity to James Cameron, we have brought Sajith Premadasa among the first three leaders of the party. That is clearly a positive sign.

Q: What would the future of UNP be?

A: We as a party will work to ensure a better future for this country.

Q: Don’t you think that rather than being another ‘nationalist,’ Sajith Premadasa should concentrate on building his own identity?

A: I don’t see anything like that. I can clearly see that Sajith Premadasa has all the qualities required to be the Leader of the UNP. When Ranasinghe Premadasa was to come into power, there were various rumours that he mistreated the minor ethnic groups. But it was not the case. He was one of the greatest leaders in this country. Take Dudley Senanayake, he was well-respected by the Buddhist clergy. At the same time he was loved by Catholic priests and Muslim leaders.

When a new UNP leader is to come in to power, other political parties spread numerous rumours that are harmful to the party and damaging to the reputation of that leader. It has happened in the past. It is happening in the present and it will be the case in future too. But we shouldn’t be fearful. Those parties are doing that merely to gain political mileage. I urge people in this country, especially supporters of the UNP, not to get carried away by such baseless rumours.

I don’t think Sajith Premadasa is engaged in any activity that would bring discredit to the UNP or himself. He has openly identified himself as a ‘social democrat’. It’s a positive sign and the best commitment for which a politician can vouch. Just like his father, late Ranasinghe Premadasa, Sajith is on a journey that has won the hearts of Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims in this country. That’s a notable achievement.

Q: What is your role within the UNP?

A: I am a Vice President and a Member of the Working Committee.

Q: You earlier announced that you would quit active politics. But today we see you engaging in politics once again. Don’t you think this will damage the image you have earned for years as a clean and honest politician?

A: I never said that I would quit politics. In 1994 when I assumed office as the Project Minister, I was felicitated by the people in Beruwala. At that function I thanked those people and said that they had been voting and supporting my father since 1946 and then me. I thought it was unfair on others that it was one family that always came to power from Beruwala. There were young educated people aspiring to get into politics. I thought it was the time to give them some opportunity. So on that day during the felicitation ceremony I told my supporters that once I become a Member of Cabinet, I would no longer contest an election.

Unfortunately President Chandrika Kumaratunga didn’t let us remain in power. But I kept my promise; I didn’t contest in any of the elections after I made that promise to the people. However, it is my belief that the best economic policies for country is in the UNP. The best programmes to build up harmony among diverse ethnic groups are in the hands of the UNP. It is the only party that has a vision for this country. Therefore, I felt that I had to help the party at this critical time to rise once again. It is my responsibility to be with the party at this time. I will never contest. I will keep my promise. But I will engage in active politics once again to strengthen the UNP for the betterment of the party.

Q: You once criticised the party leadership and even supported the Government. Can you justify such acts?

A: I have never supported the Rajapaksa administration. I never criticised the party leadership on a personal level. But I did engage in every act to strengthen internal democracy of the party. At certain times we had heated debates over certain issues. In such instances I very clearly expressed my views. I have always remained in that position.

I am happy to say that we have now realised what we wanted. At the last Party Convention, it was agreed to make those changes we wanted. This clearly proves that there is live democracy inside our party. That is why we can criticise our leadership; it is why we can urge for amendments to the party constitution.

Can any member of the UPFA criticise Mahinda Rajapaksa? Or even point a finger at him and say ‘what you’re doing is wrong’? Nobody is able to do that. It is simply because there is no internal democracy in that party.

Certain UNP members who didn’t have a proper mechanism to face such critical times left the party. I would like to call them to join us once again. The door is open. Come work with us. We can make that change happen. We have to make that change happen and rescue the people of this country from this corrupt dictatorship administration.

Q: What do you have to say about the rising cost of living in the country?

A: I am not an economist and therefore I am unable to give an in-depth analysis about the present situation in the country. But I do know the suffering of the people. I know the difficulties people go through just to make sure that they can have three meals a day. Look at the price of the essential goods. Look at the price of vegetables. A coconut is over Rs. 60, how can people afford to have three meals a day?

Earlier, the Government said the cost of living was due to the war. People believed that. They stomached all the difficulties because they believed that once the war was over they would have better living conditions. But what has happened today? People in this country know very well that they have been fooled by this Government.

Lack of management strategies and not being responsive to the grievances of the people are the major weaknesses of this Government. It is apparent that this Government doesn’t have a clear vision for this country. As and when a situation occurs they try to find solutions, but as a whole they don’t have any concrete programmes for the betterment of this country.

I am not trying to be an opportunist. I am not trying to discredit the Government merely to gain political mileage. What I want to point out is that it is the responsibility of the Government to have a long term vision for this country. The Government claims the global economy is in crisis, but look at other countries. They too face same difficulties. But the difference is they have plans and strategies to face those challenges.

Our neighbouring country India is a classic example. From this year’s budget they have spent 37 per cent to fulfil social needs of the people in the country and that is a 17 per cent increase from the previous year. Indian President Manmohan Singh made a statement saying that people in his country have suffered enough from poverty; their children have suffered malnutrition for years. He said now it is time to stop all the suffering. It is the time they ensure that people enjoy better living conditions.

If a country like India can believe that it could do away with poverty and hunger, why can’t we think positively? We can learn lessons about management and long term policies from India itself. With such a vast population, they are doing wonders. Why can’t we be like them?

Q: If the UNP was in power, do you think the situation would be better than this?

A: Let me give you a simple example to prove how the leaders of the UNP have overcome such difficult periods in the past. When late Ranasinghe Premadasa became President in 1989, the country was facing one of the worst time periods in its history. There was a war in north and clashes in the south. President Premadasa himself said that it was like taking over a torch that was burning at both ends. But he was a big success.

He is the one who started to provide free uniform material to children, school children were given breakfast for free of charge, he initiated the ‘Janasaviya’ programme. It was for the first time in the country’s political history that a leader had taken such measures to irradiate poverty.

Meanwhile, Dudley Senanayake during his five year tenure as the Premier provided the poor of this country with many benefits. He had pressure from the World Bank and IMF but he continued with the concessions he had initiated for the poor.

What is the use of development if it is only about putting up buildings? What is the purpose of achieving development if people are in hunger? What development are we talking about when half of the children suffer from malnutrition? The UNP has always believed that development cannot be achieved through the suffering of the people. During our times people didn’t suffer from hunger. People come first; this is the vision of our party.

This Government has nice fancy words. They talk about the past and they talk about the future but nothing about the present. The ‘Mahinda Chinthana’ is full of those useless and empty fancy words and promises. The President is only concerned about his family and a handful of people who are his ‘yes men’. Other than that he cares nothing about this country. This is a pathetic situation.

This Government was given an amazing opportunity. They could have led this country towards a golden era after it ended the war. We no longer fear terrorism, which once disturbed our lives. Now we have the opportunity to take the maximum out of this freedom and work extra to achieve what we missed for almost three decades. But are we doing that?

After the war we expected the President to join hands with other parties and work together under a common agenda for the betterment of the country. But instead of that, he is burdening the people of this country more, creating new troubles.

The hullabaloo over singing the national anthem in Tamil is the best example. In the north, children have been singing the national anthem in their mother tongue, Tamil, for over four decades. It was the practice in the north. But all of a sudden there is a controversy over that. Are these our priorities? Is this what we should worry about? Don’t we have bigger issues in this country to be concerned about? What are we trying to tell the world?

It is sad that how some top ministers of the Government try to aggravate ethnic clashes among the people. When I read some of the newspaper reports, I worry that people might believe these baseless arguments and start hating people of other ethnicities.

I see a big similarity in US President Barack Obama and President Mahinda Rajapaksa. When Obama became the President of United States it was a turning point in the American history. Obama achieved what Martin Luther King was unable to accomplish. It was a revolutionary move.

The entire country believed that Obama would take the country towards a golden era. He won the acclamation of the international community. The entire world had faith in this one single man. But today he has failed. The man who was believed to be a big success has ended up in failure. Obama is nothing more than a hostage of the extremists of American society.

Money will be the only factor that will lead the Senate and Congress elections that will be held in 2012. American politicians have become hostages of weapon manufacturing companies and lobbying groups with Israel interest. Due to their protest and influence, Obama has failed to fulfil most of the promises he has made.

Mahinda Rajapaksa is no different than Obama. Mahinda’s victory is very similar to Obama’s triumph. Maithripala Sirisena, T.B. Ilangarathne and C.P. de Silva all failed to become the leader of the SLFP. It was due to the feudal thinking of the party. They all believed that party leadership was a heritance fathers handed down to their sons and daughters. This is why ordinary people like Maithripala or Ilangarathne couldn’t become the leader of SLFP. But Mahinda Rajapaksa won that challenge. This was more than enough for the people of this country to have faith in him.

But today where is SLFP leading towards? Can Maithripala be the next leader of the SLFP? Can Nimal Siripala or Susil Premajayanth become the next leader of the SLFP? Or they might have to wait till Chamal Rajapaksa or Basil Rajapaksa or Gotabaya Rajapaksa or Shashendra Rajapaksa or Namal Rajapaksa becomes the leader of this country. They know that until these Rajapaksas finish their terms, no one else in the party would get an opportunity to become the leader of SLFP. This is the sad truth of SLFP. The country is gradually heading towards feudalism once again.

Q: Can you point fingers at the Government as the only cause of the country’s crisis situation when there are other factors such as natural disasters, world oil prices and international economic policies that have had a negative impact on country’s economy?

A: I am not trying to be an extremist. I know there are many factors that can influence our economy that cannot be controlled by us. But we also have to keep in mind that the present Government didn’t come to power yesterday. They have been in power for some time. And don’t forget that it is the SLFP that has been ruling the country for almost a decade. If they had proper agricultural policies, we needn’t be complaining about high vegetable prices. If there was no corruption and malpractice or if they had practiced proper management strategies, the country wouldn’t be in such deep crisis situation.

In 1979 Deng Shiao Ping sent a Chinese delegation to Sri Lanka to study about setting up free trade zones. They learnt lessons from us. They opened their economy much later than Sri Lanka initiated open economic policies. Look at China today, they are doing wonders. China, India they all have faced issues such as the world economic crisis or world oil prices. But with correct leadership and clear vision, they have been able to face those challenges. It is because we don’t have the correct leadership or a vision for the future we keep going from one crisis to another.

Look at Turkey, when the present Government came to power Turkey was the 23rd economy in the world but today it has come to number 16 and they say by 2023 it will be among the 10 best economies in the world. They have a target, a vision. And they work to achieve those targets. They too have to face many issues and challenges. And see how they balance and maintain their European identity and Islamic identity. These countries value democracy.

But do we have anything like that in our country? What will happen if someone talks about the cost of living, lack of democracy or misconduct of the Government? See how they handle the university students. We hear that they have got down new equipment to control university students.

Q: You say the Rajapaksa administration lacks management strategies and a vision for the future but the Government claims the UNP is responsible for the present coconut crisis. They say that if the UNP didn’t allow coconut cultivation lands to be divided into plots and sold decades ago, coconuts would not be in short supply today. Your comments?

A: This is exactly why I said the Government is trying to fool the people by bringing excuses from the past and future. They have been in power for more than 20 years. Isn’t that time more than sufficient to take some action if they foresaw this crisis? Even if it was created by the UNP, didn’t they have nearly two decades to think of a good remedy? I will agree that the UNP had its lapses and today we are paying for those mistakes. But what was the present administration doing all these years?

When the people in this country are suffering in hunger, they can’t put the blame on the UNP any longer and say it was because of the UNP that the people are in hunger. They have to find some way to come out of this crisis. In fact this is the time they should prove their abilities; this is the time they should be showing the results of their two-decade-long administration.

Q: What do you think about the people’s uprising in Middle East and African countries?

A: We have to learn from Egypt. It has a 7,500-year-old history. But they used new technology to rise against the injustice. It was through the internet and mobile phones that they coordinated such a massive uprising. When they were tortured and harassed by the rulers, they didn’t give up their struggle; nor did they wchoose cruelty as a weapon. We have to learn from these incidents. The Government too should now be alert that people will not tolerate a dictatorship forever. One day they will rise against this suppression.

I feel that the reaction of the Election Commissioner during the last general election was the best example. I still remember how devastated he looked on the day the election results were announced. He himself said that he was stressed out. Look at the Police. They were efficient, well respected and the best Police in Asia. But the Police is nothing more than a joke today. If they wanted they could have easily captured the murderers of Lasantha Wickrematunge or find out what actually happened to Pradeep Ekneligoda or who assaulted Poddala Jayantha and Keith Noyahr.

We have tolerated more than enough. Now it is the time to rise and raise a voice against the wrongdoings of the Government. We are not calling the people to kill others or damage State property. What we are trying to say is that this is best time to have a social uprising in a peaceful manner and tell this Government that we no longer tolerate its dictatorship and corrupt ruling.

Just like political parties, civil society too has a responsibility here. Civil society has be on alert and be aware of what is happening in the society.