Sunday Times 2
Imthiaz’s speeches with substance: Essential reading for politicians and students of politics
View(s):By Erwin Weerakkody
Once upon a time, in the proverbial ‘good old days’, when people like Dudley Senanayake, Bernard Soyza, Dr N.M. Perera, Dr Colvin R. De Silva, T. Sivasiththamparam, J.R. Jayewardene and Pieter Keuneman spoke on the floor of the House, many a lobby correspondent writing for English newspapers would invariably comment, “Members of both sides listened to the honourable member with rapt attention.” Such was the substance, delivery and sincerity with which they spoke.
Whereas such erudition and eloquence were common in years, or rather decades, gone by, parliamentary proceedings of late have been marked by cheap sloganeering, overstretched analogies, splitting of hairs over trivial matters, crude language and a scandalous disregard for substance. Imthiaz Bakeer Marker, even his most strident detractors would no doubt concede, was different.
Honest to the core, possessing the courage of his convictions, and adhering to the highest traditions of parliamentary engagement, Imthiaz always represented the interests of the people to the best of his ability. When he spoke, conscience found a voice.
Courage, humility and fidelity to one’s conscience are, in fact, the qualities that a politician should possess and cultivate. It is these very qualities that are lacking today. This collection of parliamentary speeches—titled Hardaya Sakshiya (Conscience)—not only demonstrates the kind of politician Imthiaz is, whether in parliament or otherwise, but it also offers lessons to novice parliamentarians and those who aspire to enter parliament one day about how people’s representatives ought to conduct themselves. In short, it is essential reading for politicians and students of politics alike. When Imthiaz speaks, everyone, friend and foe alike, listens.
| Book launch The book ‘Harda Sakshiya (conscience)’, containing selected speeches made by veteran politician Imthiaz Bakeer Markar in Parliament, will be launched on Wednesday, June 25, at 4.15 pm at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute, Colombo 7. The event will feature remarks on the book by former Attorney General Palitha Fernando, PC, former Presidential Secretary Austin Fernando and former Bar Association President Saliya Peiris, PC. The publishers, Buddhi Publishers, will sell the book at a discounted price at the launch. | |