Citizens will not tolerate ‘Mugabe rule’ for long – Bakeer Markar

Saturday, 7 October 2023 00:47 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Accuses Govt. of refusing to accept suggestions from professionals to curb brain drain
Says Govt. has demonstrated reluctance to act on recommendations
Warns of imminent collapse of health, education and other sectors as a result
Cautions that failing to be sensitive to needs of people will lead to public dissent

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Imthiaz Bakeer Markar yesterday cautioned the Government that the people of the country will not tolerate a ‘Mugabe style’ rule for an extended period and may instead take action against such a dictatorial regime in the future.

Addressing the Parliament, Bakeer Markar underscored the detrimental consequences of the brain drain on the nation, attributing it to the impending deterioration of critical sectors such as healthcare, education, and others in the country.

“The Sri Lankan people are at risk of facing an extremely unfortunate situation in vital areas that concern human lives, including free healthcare and the education system that impacts the future of our next generation,” he said.

However, according to the MP, instead of giving due consideration to proposals presented by professionals to address the problem, the Government has taken a high-handed approach and demonstrated its reluctance to act on these recommendations.

“If the Government persists with this Mugabe-style governance without addressing the people’s concerns, the public may no longer endure it, and they will take action against this dictatorial rule in the future,” Bakeer Markar said.

“A familiar political strategy of deceit and delay, which includes curbing judicial independence, press freedom, delaying elections, avoiding referendums, and appearing to follow the path of Zimbabwe’s Mugabe, is evident in the bills continually presented to parliament and the attempts to manipulate the legislature. If the Government opts for a Mugabe-style regime without showing sensitivity to the needs of the people and solely focusing on its own survival, the country’s citizens may refuse to tolerate such a path,” he added.