Commentary on Shangrila’s Leaders by apwangdrugay initially appeared in http://www.bhutantimes.com put there by akudruk with commentary by Lhagello.

Apwangdrugay writes:
He is an arrogant self serving chap who cloaks his ambition in words of loyalty to Caesar and parades around the country talking in this way. He hitches himself to the national slogan of “happiness for all” and parades around the world helping only himself – he is his own man when he is successful and he is the caesar’s man when he is down - who is he?

Answer and commentary by Lhagello: The Home Minister, Lyonpo Jigme Thinley.
I am a strong supporter of Lyonpo and have nothing bad to say about him except that his way of doing things are a little outdated…

My analysis
Lyonpo Jigme Thinley is more than outdated, Lhagello. He thinks he is joining politics to answer the call of the nation. Apwangdrugay correctly points out that he is only there to serve himself, to remain in power, nothing else. He is known in some quarters to have some integrity, I say that is a BULL. Where does Babesa expressway end up?  His backyard, of course and he was the main backer of this failed project.  Is he the home minister or GNH professor? He is always seen to be traveling around the world speaking on GNH and what did he really do and achieve as a home minister? He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth and he will never see the real problems of real people dotting the villages of Bhutan. He has always stood on a throne and seen people bow to him in awe and respect. Did he travel to any district (let alone remote gewogs) in the country to see what people really want besides his tours to six eastern districts two or three months ago? Of course that was only to garner support for his political ambitions. Until now, he has been saying he is not interested in politics and now he is saying he has been pressured into joining by people. All these are bull.  He is autocratic and feudalistic, not to mention that he feigns patriotism when he is only out there to protect his own interests. You don’t have to look deep to see his art of nepotism. Talking of sand quarries, he owns certain shares in sand quarries in Mendregang. He can deliver great speeches that are often quoted in academic circles, but does he really deliver? Does he practice what he preaches? 

Apwangdrugay writes:
he is a quiet man with little to show but the rosary in his hand and the aura of integrity and common man charms but he is known for his skills in strategy - placing relatives and in-laws in important posts. He is also known for never pushing through any government work in the fear that it might ruin his relations with anyone - believing in the maxim ‘if you don’t do anything it cant harm anyone’ - who is he?

Answer and commentary by Lhagello:
The Trade Minister, Lyonpo Yeshey Zimba....also known as Jangchup Sempa. An intelligent, visionary leader but lacks the will to ensure that orders are carried out...or maybe he is too trusting with his officers...rumour is...there is a burgeoning relationship developing between the current Industry Boss and himself like the ones in the Health Ministry in the early 2000s.

My analysis
LYJ makes a lot of promises and but never delivers. He is a “yes man” and not a “doer”.  He is an expert in the art of nepotism and as finance minister, wrote off all financial misappropriations of his brother. See which people are prospering in MTI and you will know this. Who has funded his children’s education in US?  Go to Kamichu and you will see stonemines there and who owns them? LYJ’s sister-in-law.. Can such a man lead Bhutan into the new era?

Apwangdrugay writes:
he is a balding man of immense ambition (can the correlation be studied for psychology purposes?), little tact and average intelligence. his connections to the past caesar’s family has held him in good stead but like a child who has been carried on the backs of servants on long journeys, he is finding the going difficult alone – who will carry him now and who is he?

Answer and commentary by Lhagello: The Agriculture Minister, Lyonpo Sangay Ngedrup. Maybe he should keep a low profile for a while instead of popularizing himself continuously....people may like him if he does not try too hard.

My analysis
LSN is the best man to lead Bhutan into the new era. He is dynamic, he is a doer and he is a people-centred leader. He knows people’s problems and genuinely sees their issues.  He was not born into a rich family and he has lived normal lives like most of us.  He can feel the pulse of the nation. He has visited every nook and corner of the country. May be he is not perfect, but nobody else is, but he is the man best suited to lead our country at this critical juncture. Leaving aside our King, I genuinely believe that he is the best man to become Bhutan’s first prime minister. 

Apwangdrugay writes:
he is a quiet kind man which in politics translates into ‘spineless, weak and useless either to friends or foe’. he is attaining dan quayle/george bush like infamy because of his propensity to mis-pronounce or mal-appropriate dzongkha words - who is he?

Answer and commentary by Lhagello: The Labour Minister, Lyonpo Ugen Tshering
The quietest of all and the only thing I know about him is that he is very bright (intelligence).

My analysis
I do not know LUT to comment. I hear that while he is a good man he is not an effective leader. Without leadership abilities, can he be our man?

Tenzin D. Norbu - 01 July 2007 07:53 PM

Commentary on Shangrila’s Leaders by apwangdrugay initially appeared in http://www.bhutantimes.com put there by akudruk with commentary by Lhagello.

My analysis
Lyonpo Jigme Thinley is more than outdated, Lhagello. He thinks he is joining politics to answer the call of the nation. Apwangdrugay correctly points out that he is only there to serve himself, to remain in power, nothing else. He is known in some quarters to have some integrity, I say that is a BULL. Where does Babesa expressway end up?  His backyard, of course and he was the main backer of this failed project.  Is he the home minister or GNH professor? He is always seen to be traveling around the world speaking on GNH and what did he really do and achieve as a home minister? He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth and he will never see the real problems of real people dotting the villages of Bhutan. He has always stood on a throne and seen people bow to him in awe and respect. Did he travel to any district (let alone remote gewogs) in the country to see what people really want besides his tours to six eastern districts two or three months ago? Of course that was only to garner support for his political ambitions. Until now, he has been saying he is not interested in politics and now he is saying he has been pressured into joining by people. All these are bull.  He is autocratic and feudalistic, not to mention that he feigns patriotism when he is only out there to protect his own interests. You don’t have to look deep to see his art of nepotism. Talking of sand quarries, he owns certain shares in sand quarries in Mendregang. He can deliver great speeches that are often quoted in academic circles, but does he really deliver? Does he practice what he preaches? 

I would definitely regard LJT getting into politics as answering the call of the nation. On the issue of the Babesa Expressway, you are giving us the bull, the expressway makes no difference to LJYT’s house which is on top of the hill and besides even if it does make a little difference to him, compare this to huge scarring of the road above YHS leading to LSN’s land on the plateau.... I think you should dig more into to your hero’s doings than in the opponents. As gar as GNH is concerned, you are not only criticizing the Development Philosophy of Bhutan but also criticizing the decision taken by our beloved 4th Druk Gyalpo in entrusting the task of popularizing GNH to LJT. If LJT is as selfish as you think he is, do you think HM the 4th King would have honored him with the task as well as have him in the highest regard? Think about it. I agree with you that his style of management borders on autocracy and that is something I would like to see changed. He would still be my favorite leader to take Bhutan into the new democratic era. We would still choose to be led and guided by principles(JYT and gang) than by masquerades (LSN).

Tenzin D. Norbu - 01 July 2007 07:53 PM

Commentary on Shangrila’s Leaders by apwangdrugay initially appeared in http://www.bhutantimes.com put there by akudruk with commentary by Lhagello.

Apwangdrugay writes:
he is a quiet man with little to show but the rosary in his hand and the aura of integrity and common man charms but he is known for his skills in strategy - placing relatives and in-laws in important posts. He is also known for never pushing through any government work in the fear that it might ruin his relations with anyone - believing in the maxim ‘if you don’t do anything it cant harm anyone’ - who is he?

Answer and commentary by Lhagello:
The Trade Minister, Lyonpo Yeshey Zimba....also known as Jangchup Sempa. An intelligent, visionary leader but lacks the will to ensure that orders are carried out...or maybe he is too trusting with his officers...rumour is...there is a burgeoning relationship developing between the current Industry Boss and himself like the ones in the Health Ministry in the early 2000s.

My analysis
LYJ makes a lot of promises and but never delivers. He is a “yes man” and not a “doer”.  He is an expert in the art of nepotism and as finance minister, wrote off all financial misappropriations of his brother. See which people are prospering in MTI and you will know this. Who has funded his children’s education in US?  Go to Kamichu and you will see stonemines there and who owns them? LYJ’s sister-in-law.. Can such a man lead Bhutan into the new era?

Apwangdrugay writes:
he is a balding man of immense ambition (can the correlation be studied for psychology purposes?), little tact and average intelligence. his connections to the past caesar’s family has held him in good stead but like a child who has been carried on the backs of servants on long journeys, he is finding the going difficult alone – who will carry him now and who is he?

Answer and commentary by Lhagello: The Agriculture Minister, Lyonpo Sangay Ngedrup. Maybe he should keep a low profile for a while instead of popularizing himself continuously....people may like him if he does not try too hard.

My analysis
LSN is the best man to lead Bhutan into the new era. He is dynamic, he is a doer and he is a people-centred leader. He knows people’s problems and genuinely sees their issues.  He was not born into a rich family and he has lived normal lives like most of us.  He can feel the pulse of the nation. He has visited every nook and corner of the country. May be he is not perfect, but nobody else is, but he is the man best suited to lead our country at this critical juncture. Leaving aside our King, I genuinely believe that he is the best man to become Bhutan’s first prime minister. 

I am going to combine LYZ and LSN in the following lines.

LYZ
I totally agree with you that Lyonpo yeshey Zimba is a dreamer, in other words a visionist. The role of the leader is sometimes more to show his vision of Bhutan than of actually going to the field to get that vision translated into action, otherwise we would have no use for the thousands of civil servants paid by government. The leader should set the goals and then direct the rest of the team to get the work done. A very exceptional football coach will not enter the pitch and score the goals, he would make the strategies of the game and direct his players. Man ur view of the Kamichu stone and sand is totally twisted...the stone quarries and chip factories are registered to and managed by Damchen stone and sand, headquarters in Khuruthang....get your facts straight before accusing others, if we at all have to blame anyone, we have to blame LSn and the Singye Group.

LSN
LSN is the best man to lead Bhutan if Bhutan is in a play or a movie which unfortunately we are not. LSN has travelled every nook and corner of the country but that does not make him an expert. That way, an American Tourist who does the snowman trek in Bhutan would be an expert in our high altitude life....as far as I am concerned, LSN is an actor, you can make that out from his speeches and BBS coverage masterminded by his chamcha Mingboo.... lets just say if he was the only candidate in the elections, I would rather abstain from voting all together to keep my conscience clear.

Lhagello writes:

“As gar as GNH is concerned, you are not only criticizing the Development Philosophy of Bhutan but also criticizing the decision taken by our beloved 4th Druk Gyalpo in entrusting the task of popularizing GNH to LJT. If LJT is as selfish as you think he is, do you think HM the 4th King would have honored him with the task as well as have him in the highest regard? Think about it. I agree with you that his style of management borders on autocracy and that is something I would like to see changed. He would still be my favorite leader to take Bhutan into the new democratic era. We would still choose to be led and guided by principles(JYT and gang) than by masquerades (LSN).”

I am not critisizing the development philosophy of Bhutan. I am a great believer and supporter of GNH as envisioned by His Majesty the Fourth King. All I said was as a minister entrusted with home affairs, his main duty station is in Bhutan and not posh cities of foreign countries. GNH is not original thinking, ask Dasho Karma Ura and his CBS staff what they think of this. Profile his frequency of travels abroad and see it for yourself. Open your eyes and do not see through preconceived notions and prejudiced mind. I have nothing against hi personally or for his frequent travels abroad - afterall his expenses are paid by the government and not me, through the taxes raised from our poor people in the villages and not through my savings in the bank or...... You can idolize your hero, Lhagello, but spare me and all others who do not think like you, your lectures on us for having twisted minds. Live and let live, and be happy!

Very interesting analysis, Tenzin D. Norbu. I think you have presented a balanced article. Lhagello and Akudruk’s commentaries are funny and interesting too. Thank you guys.

let us watch and see

The message is clear - if APP wins nothing new will happen. Same old wine in new bottle. If PDP wins, the leadership is youth and we can expect new things. Lyonpo Sangay is the most dynamic leader on Bhutan’s political horizon. It seems all PDP candidates are from late 30s to mid forties except for Lyonpo Sangay and Lyonpo Jigme who can be seem to be catalysis to ignite the fire in our young leaders. APP/BPUP?BNP - 5 old lyonpos who have served for ten years as ministers and 3-5 odd dashos (redscarf officers), rumoured to be none other than the likes of dasho dr. sonam tenzin, dasho zangley dukpa, dasho jigme Tshultrim, penjorwe Dorji, Sigay Dorji, where is the role for new faces/leaders? I like the faces of PDP leaders - youth, dynamism and commitment. They come from diverse professional backgrounds and I like them to win. Afterall, who wants same old solution to new and diverse problems of today? We want injection of new ideas, different views and professional looks from the top. APP? same old stuff....PDP? promise of a new day, dynamism and youth.

I cant imagine what might have had happened to GNH concept if it was LSN delivering talks instead of LJT. It would have been the world’s best joke of all times. If PDP is to lead the government I see failures especially in foreign affairs/international relations.

?

I agree with Tenzin. The PDP will be the party of the young which is going to make it very progressive. I would like to propose the cabinet as Lynpo Sangay Nidup as Prime Minister, Dr Jigmi Singay as Health Minister, Dr Tobgay Wangchuk as Finance Minister, Jigmi Dukpa as Information Minister, Dasho Ugen Tshechup as Trade & Industry Minister, Tashi Tshering as Foreign Minister, Tshering Tobgay as Education Minister, Sonam Tobgay as Home Minister, Gaseb Tandi Wangchuk as Human Settlement Minister, Tenzin Lekphel as Labour Minister and Rinzin Namgay as Agriculture Minister. This will be my dream cabinet made up of persons of integrity, service, honesty and lastly humble people

Lhagello says:
On the issue of the Babesa Expressway, you are giving us the bull, the expressway makes no difference to LJYT’s house which is on top of the hill and besides even if it does make a little difference to him, compare this to huge scarring of the road above YHS leading to LSN’s land on the plateau.... I think you should dig more into to your hero’s doings than in the opponents.

I would like to clarifiy on the road construction above YHS.  The road had been built by Gup Sonam Dukpa, so what has that got to do with Lyonpo Sangay Ngedup?  Granted, he owns some land in that area along with 35 other landowners. It is said that the permit to build the road took some two years and the road access now aids mitigate traffic congestion for YHS.  Government had granted the permission, so why are you dragging Lyonpo Sangay to this?

To add to Tenzin D. Norbu’s post - 6 years ago the Education Ministry was forced to build a wall and closed the YHS road for a whole month because of an incident in which a group of students and teachers were almost run over by a reckless driver using the school road as a public thoroughfare. The YHS road was the only motor road access to the hotel and the increasing number of houses coming up near the school.  So yes an alternative road had to be constructed. The new road built at no government expense today provides access to 35 households and YHS the school got its privacy.

Why are you’ll looking at the petty things. Look at what LSN has achieved. During his time there has been unprecedented development in the social infrastrthe ucture in Bhutan. LSN also recognizes that the future lies with the young which is why he has inducted all young people in his party. If PDP wins Bhutan is going to fly.

Yes it will fly and get doom. Have you seen how unskilled person flys a kite??? Our country will hit the hardest ground if PDP should lead.
Are you all sure LSN will be with the PDP? A month before I read in KOL that he was quoted as saying “forget being party leader, I am not even a member”. Has he made up his mind now? Please can someone update me on this? Whats happening to those PDP people who were seen forcing the innocent people in Bumthang and Lhuntse? Let me also join PDP and help them rock and roll!!!!!!!!!!!

if u are already PDP member then i don’t have anything to say about it....but for undecided voter like me i think we should wait and see before supporting any party...till now i think it was only PDP who was capaigniing and other party hasn’t started...once they declared formally,lets see their party manifesto,vision, strategy etc for the country......Right now it is too early to jump into conclusion.....

ex-minister Jigme Thinley, “Oxford-educated Pakistani Zamindar” has projected himself to be Bhutan’s saviour. In Bhutan, no one is larger than our 4th King Jigme Singye Wangchuk and yet Bhutan Times has asked a question” if Bhutan is too small a country for him”. From several of his comments and actions, I find lyonpo Jigme Thinley to be petty, small-minded and autocratic. If DPT wins and he becomes the Prime minister ( I really doubt this because Lyonpo Yeshey Zimba has won more votes than him in a recent party leadership voting), we will have more talks on GNH, more travels by ministers to expound on GNH and more philosophical lecturers and more driglam namzha, and no actions. Ministers’ wives will continue to get prados as “a minister’s wife and security personnel can not go in same vehicle” in his own words in the national assembly. He has no faith in youths as his recent interview with Bhutan Times amply proves. Read his interview and ask yourself if he could be the saviour of Bhutan as he believes himself to be. And folks, read his three most important achievements as a minister for the last ten years in Bhutan Times...An average person with good intentions would have done much better. Media and public perception has made this man to be wiser, better and bigger than he really is. Just ask a simple question, what has he really done for Bhutan?