Corruption still flourishing

Corruption is rising not only in the political arena but also in other fields in Nepal. This is because of the lack of political commitment. Moreover, our social norms regarding wealth and property are also responsible for fuelling corruption as wealth has been used as the yardstick of determining one’s status, regardless of how it has been acquired. Every successive government formed after the restoration of democracy emphasised a crackdown on corruption and good governance. But ironically the more the leaders assured good governance the more they were involved in corrupt activities. So much so the political parties and their leaders gave protection to those who were corrupt, including party workers, social workers and even bureaucrats. Corruption flourished under the patronage of political parties.

For some time the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has taken some steps against official malpractices and corruption. But this body has often been a subject of criticism for being slow. Instead, people want to see prompt decisions so that they can feel that things are moving in the right direction. Perhaps this drawback of the CIAA has been the reason why a separate anti-corruption commission has now been formed. This commission aims to provide prompt services and unbiased decisions. Many Nepalis tormented by the corrupt political culture are expecting this high-powered body to make them feel that it has indeed worked for the welfare of the country.

Ambika Pandey, Chitwan

Spare Ason

Lately, political parties have been staging their demonstrations at Ason. Almost everyday, there is a picture of some activist being arrested from there in the newspapers. I am amazed that these people always choose this part of the city to protest. Kathmandu is a large city; there are other places they could use. Ason is already overcrowded.

Bhai Kaji, via e-mail

Cricket

Nepal was defeated by Fiji in the Cricket World Cup 2007 qualifying tournament. It has serious

implications for the sport’s well-being in Nepal and for the Nepali cricket players. We lost because we lacked consistent batsmen. So it is necessary that the Cricket Association of Nepal conduct three-day matches in different parts of the country frequently. That will improve our batting within a reasonable time-frame. It is through such exercises that good players can be picked up as well as trained. There is a need to plug the loopholes in order to perform better in the future.

Hemant Bhatt, via e-mail

No choice

This is in reference to the article “Sri Lanka lacks good leaders” published in THT on March 17. Even though Sri Lankan businessman Rienzie T Wijetilleke’s proposal to let world leaders take charge of Sri Lankan affairs as mentioned in the write-up will attract a lot of flak from various parties, in my opinion it is not a shock for the general public as most of them are fed up with party politics in Sri Lanka. Many Sri Lankans have misgivings about the way the government rules and about the independence factor in the first place as even after 1948 Sri Lanka has not gained much and has remained engaged to the hilt nursing a civil war. It is unfortunate that Sri Lanka lacks honest leaders. And if this is true, we have no option but to seek help from outside.

Daminda Sudu, Canada