Deputy President and Minister of Culture and Religion Karma Gelek speaks during a press conference at his office in Dharamshala, India, on 9 November 2017. Tibet Sun/Lobsang Wangyal
By Lobsang Wangyal
McLEOD GANJ, India, 9 November 2017
The Deputy President of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) Karma Gelek convened a press conference concerning the dismissal of the current Representative of the Dalai Lama to North America, but didn’t provide any information about it.
Kashag (the Exile Tibetan Cabinet) has asked Penpa Tsering to leave the post at the end of this month. The current Education Minister of CTA Ngodup Tsering will take charge in his place.
Gelek’s dissembling press conference created more confusion than clarity as to why Penpa Tsering has been relieved of his duties.
He said that Penpa Tsering had been served three warning notices asking him to mend his ways regarding the performance of his duties. He refused to give any details what the warnings were about, saying that it was an internal matter.
This reporter requested Gelek to take two questions, but he said that journalists were to ask only one question each, and that the press conference had to be finished in ten minutes.
As this story would remain incomplete without getting answers to the two questions, this reporter walked out to express dissatisfaction with Gelek’s overbearing manner.
On Tuesday CTA President Lobsang Sangay had no comments when journalists asked him questions after Penpa Tsering’s ouster was announced.
During the elections last year, differences between Lobsang Sangay and Penpa Tsering, the two contenders for the post of Sikyong (President of the Central Tibetan Administration), led to discord in the exile Tibetan community.
The Dalai Lama, who has retired as the political leader of exile Tibetans, but still remains as the head of state of the Tibetan people, gave a dressing-down to both the men for their aggressive election campaigning, causing disharmony in the exile Tibetan community.
It is believed that at the suggestion of the Dalai Lama, Lobsang Sangay appointed Penpa Tsering as the Representative of North America to pacify the divided exile Tibetan community.
It seems that Penpa Tsering has now been dismissed in a continuation of election grudges.
There are rumours on the Internet that Penpa Tsering faced this retribution after they engaged in a squabble during a meeting of the Representatives of the various Offices of Tibet after the 5/50 Conference in Dharamshala a month ago.
Penpa Tsering is said to have raised the issue at the meeting of a loan taken for purchase of a new building to house the Office of Tibet in Washington DC. A loan of 1.5 million dollars was taken from Tibet Fund is not being shown in any Office of Tibet’s records for remittance. The purchase was made during the term of Tsering’s predecessor Kaydor Aukatsang, who is a close friend of Sangay.
One of the questions this reporter intended to ask was concerning this issue.
There is growing call for the Kashag to reveal the reasons for Penpa Tsering’s dismissal. Due to the Kashag’s unaccountable behaviour, there are more questions than answers.
The points in this opinion article regarding Kalden Lodoe La’s replies and the questions from His Holiness is in itself new to me. How did the writer of this article knew of this exchange between Kalden Lodoe La and His Holiness. i want to ask the media that there was an audio clip interview from RFA tibetan asking about the tibetan people’s reaction to the Penpa Tsering La’s dismissal, in which Mr Penpa Tsering La while answering question to the media anchor he talked about the posibilities of reasons of his dismissal,i.e 1)his nature of straight forward attitude in calling out the mistakes on the other side directly, 2) reporting of the discrepency in accounts to the discipline committee (sic). I can not find the The audio clip interview of RFA tibetan about the tibetan peoples reaction to the Penpa Tsering La’s dismissal. Can somebody provide the link here ?. Mr Penpa Tsering said he has no response regarding the dismissal at this stage ( so may be after the handing over of his duties as a respectful servicemen of Tibetan Administration i.e after Nov 30?).. Also will he file a grievance case against the Kashag at the Tibetan Judiciary? one more request here i want to know from the Media if Penpa Tsering La is posted at the recommendation of His Holiness or by Sikyong Lobsang Sangay La. I request the three bodies of tibetan democracy Legislature Executive and Judiciary to check and balance each other’s power and with the help of media give awareness to the public about the incidence. Right now the picture seems like the Kashag is knowingly not disclosing the fault of Penpa Tsering la for which he is dismissed or on the basis of insubordination as reason told by Ven Karma Yuthok La (acting Sikyong), on the other hand Penpa Tsering La might be holding on his response till the smooth transfer of the post of representative in the greater interest of tibetan cause, and resigning silently as a respectful obedient servicemen as contrary to the accusation of insubordination levied by Kashag during the brief 12-13 minute press briefing.
Lobsang Sangay’s Kashag (which stubbornly retained Health Minister Tsering Wangchuk for the whole term even after His Holiness openly expressed his dissatisfaction over severe lapses in providing healthcare) ousted Penpa Tsering from his post citing no specific reasons. And I am more worried about Kashag’s refusal to give reasons for sacking Penpa Tsering. Such leadership practices could only be seen in totalitarian states like CCP. The sooner Lobsang Sangay comes out with a clear explanation for ousting Penpa Tsering, the better it is for Tibetan unity and democracy.
I am not worried about LS or about PT, I am afraid of the effect it might have on His Holiness. I feel sorry that He has to see all these in his lifetime at this age. He still travels around representing Tibet while we fight over petty issues. How can PT adamantly cling to his Chair even when it is clear that the one he represents doesn’t trust him any more, with or without proper reason.
Make way for the next representative and stand for Sikyong during the next election. I am sure you will win.
U-tsang cholka is riddled with unemployed people who stay on wechat, and find every excuse to denigrate Lobsang Sangay who hails from Kham Lithang. This case of inciting so-called ‘ Peaceful demonstrations against Lobsang Sangay’ is started by U-tsangs who allied with Amdos. Mila Ranzing who wrote that pathetic article about civil-disobedience movement against an autocratic CTA is a well-known old regionalist who always supported Utsang or Amdo candidates. Show me a single Khampa he spoke/wrote approvingly of?
We should be careful of old skool guys like Mila Rangzen. Next year, he might write to Amnesty International alleging grave violations of human right by Lithangpa Lobsang Sangay. Remember he supported Tethong in 2011 election who’s an Utsangpa. This guy called Mila is a very, very dirty guy.
All this hullabaloo was started by Thinley Kelsang and Mila Rangzen who are always trying to create controversies, and divide us. There’s no need for protest against Tibetan government. Khampa people are silent in this controversy because they think penpa tsering was no good, and was always drunk which affected his ability to work effectively. Dalai Lama has very strongly came against consuming alcohol. His Holiness said, ‘ Drinking alcohol might give you a temporary pleasure. No one will say you are great because you drink alcohol. People will make fun of you. So, you should NEVER ever drink alcohol.’ But look at those people making a big issue of pt’s dismissal.
every single one of them are utsangs/amdos. Not a single khampa. So what picture do you get?
According to Karma gelek’s press conference and media interview and answered by Penpa Tsering (PT) it appears now there seemed to be rift between Sikyong Lobsang Sangay (LS) la and former chief representative CTA in DC office Penpa Tsering la. Now here comes about loyalty to chain of command in any government or private business. If subordinate does not remain loyal to his/her boss, then there is always problem which effect function of organisation smoothly. It could be, PT might have behaved challenging attitude to his boss (Sikyong) LS and not adhering to his direction, opposing to Sikyong’s direction. It will be unacceptable to any leader. That appears to be what has come out. Sikyong don’t have to reveal each and everything about disrespectful attitudes of PT which will be bad taste for Sikyong if he reveals. But to my surprise and amazing why Tibetan people are out cry for dismissal of a staff member who is not loyal and disrespectful to Sikyong. This is usual and normal practice in any government. I am certainly not surprised about removal of PT from his post. PT may have in his mind that he is untouchable because his appointment was recommended by HHDL and has his backing. But that was his wrong assumption. I have seen through electronic media, couple of occasions during Sikyong’s visit in US. In one of dinner table, PT was sitting next to Sikyong round the table. PT was sitting facing other way and showing his back to Sikyong which I felt that’s disrespect and rude to Sikyong. Second occasion was LS visit to Tibetan community hall construction site, PT was not accompanying LS and PT was walking far away from LS not leading Sikyong’s visitation. In any country in the world when their Prime Minister/President visit other country, their ambassador will help walk along with his leader with respect and cheering manner but PT’s behaviour was opposite which is totally disrespectful to your own leader. PT appears to be still in mood of election campaign and he has negative attitude towards LS. PT must realise that he is not even a minister in Kashag. Never play with your boss.
[Comment shortened for space and clarity] — Web admin
From the Royal Kingdom of Gangchen Kyishong, Czar Lobsang Sengey makes following proclamations to his subjects:
– Place my photo on altar with the Buddha and His Holiness
– Always stand ready with notepad and pen to note down my pearls of wisdom
– Greet me with Khata and incense but hands in Namaste style
– Keep one feet and 3 inches distance from me while walking together
– Keep 17.3 inches distance on both side while taking photo
– Always, always remember to smile and shriek in excitement around me
– Stick out your tongue once before speaking and once at the end
– Those who do more gets bonus point and possibly posts of HH rep, secretary and Kalon
This reminds me olden culture back in tibet when Tibet was sovereign country. How kudrak and ruler of Tibet use to treat people of Tibet. It also reminds me when I was working under CTA until 1986 the culture of kudrak ringlug exist until then.
My father was one of the biggest tax payers in his region and I heard all stories of past Zongpon (governor) and his goons how they treat people. They were not allowed to see their face, one has to remain bend down only to see ground and not allowed to look at the feet of Tibetan officials (drungor and Tsedrung) remain rolled out your tongue.
Dhasa Phosa’s comment was almost practised and it was culture that ruled since from the formation of exile government in Dharamsala until year 2010. We must accept the fact that certainly this kind of working culture exist in the past Tibet government and between ruler of tibet and common public like master and slaves. As a result that is what exactly Chinese regime is claiming now. But having said that china has no justification of invading Tibet.
Then Samdhong (KYE GURI) ruled for 10 years until 2010. After Samdhong first ever experienced by tibetan people after thousands of years although it was too late, should have democratic system 100 years ago in Tibet. But at least we common people got something lastly.
I saw it was biggest mistake by appointing Samdhong as Kalon Tripa.
Due to his monk oriented mentality and narrow minded, he destroyed every commercial establishment under CTA, the hard work of kalon Tsewang Tamding who had put his lungs and liver and had to swang his head and all his limbs to establish these commercial to create income for exile govenment and for the future of young educated tibetans can be provided job.
Samdhong did not realise that due to his bankrupted idea to run business when it went into losses he blamed local workers at various business establishments across India and some in western countries.
Any government or business organisation when it goes wrong its the head to be blamed and will be pointed finger at. It was his responsible to bring a system that stops loop holes and running into losses. But he is monk and not fit into that job. Its like in our sayings” putting square peg into round hole where it will not fit.
I am sure the current Sikyong will not repeat this mistake and we all must support and united with CTA. Let’s don’t forget CTA is voicing for all tibetans especially our brothers and sisters who are right now experiencing inhuman treat under the Chinese regime for last 60 years and continuing sufferings. CTA is basis of preservation of our culture, race, literature, languages that are systematically destroying by Chinese regime. Please let us be positive with CTA under current Sikyong.
DENPA NYI GYALO, TRUTH WILL PREVAIL
Me too. Not a fan of SR as well as any sort of excessive pomposity in our exile community in any form.
Hope Czar LS maintains peace and harmony in Gangchen Kyishong Kingdom.
I agree that one should accord respect to our top leader. Does Tibetan constitution has clear rules and regulations on how and where HH rep should sit, talk and walk in front of our honorable President Dr. Sangay? Otherwise citing random protocols from free countries that is not even written in our rules and regulations nor made customary through practice is confusing.
I am to sure not written any where in tibetan constitution how to sit/talk/walk in front of honourable president in the free country as you claimed.
Don’t we call word, NORMS, MANNERS, APPROPRIATE, RIGHT, WRONG, PROFESSIONALISM,
I am not sure whether it is in the tibetan constitution but sure it should be in guide line or policy under staff code of conduct.
Any country in the world the president of its country visits foreign country and wouldn’t its ambassador behave above mentioned words.
Will ambassador behave what ever suits to him in free country because not written in constitutuon as you claimed. I am positive these are in guide line and policy which comes under employee code of conduct.
Please don’t be so small-minded about such trivial issues. We are in exile struggling to get freedom from China. Do we even have such standard protocol for our lifelong root guru His Holiness? The more I hear of such small issues, the more it convinces me that our Sikyong is egoistic and full of himself. I have voted for him but now I am getting tired of his actions and thoughts. Remember that Sikyong post is not forever. Be humble and realistic.
They are not small-minded and trivial issues. If an important position of staff who represents Kashag and Sikyong in a foreign country undermines his boss and Kashag’s position, and doesn’t carry out Kashag and Sikyong’s direction, it becomes serious and dysfunctional which cannot afford to go free.
After all Penpa Tsering was representing Kashag and CTA, not functioning on his own accord and with his own authority. He was authorised by Kashag, therefore he must adhere to Kashag and Sikyong’s direction. That’s how it is and that’s what it should be. As I mentioned earlier, any country or private firm has chain of command and has its own policy and procedures that must be followed by its employees.
To get freedom first we have to set internal functioning properly, not with chaos. Do you believe this state of representatives of Kashag and CTA can help run government?
This is the future of power hungry and regionalist Tibetans when His Holiness is no more. Unless the question relates to our core issue, let us not be an obstacle to the functioning of our elected government. Let Chithue take this matter up. Don’t make it an issue to be decided on the streets and tea shops. Please stay united. Don’t give sleepless nights to His Holiness at this age. Please!
This issue has no opportunity for fair judgement in parliament because Sikyong LS has support from khampa chithus, cholug chithus and chithus from the West. Our judiciary is weak as well. Mimang power is the only way now. Why did Sikyong and his kashag not worry about all these unnecessary problems in the community and sleepless nights to His Holiness before making the decision in the first place? People are only reacting to the decision.
Dear Pema la, two wrongs doesn’t make a right. If one side had not bothered to think about the effect it might have on His Holiness as you allege, it is wrong on the other party to think why should we worry about His Holiness. No individual is higher than the issues surrounding Tibet and no one is so important as to let it cause discomfort to His Holiness. Let somebody take this matter to Tibetan Supreme Justice and Chithue and let us trust them to do the job. Don’t take it to the streets.
I see no difference between taking to the street or taking the matter to Tibetan Supreme Justice and the Parliament. Both are allowed in a functioning democracy. I am confused as to why only peaceful street protest is looked upon as causing worry to His Holiness.
This incidence caused by the change of representative in the States is being dragged into unnecessary controversy. The Kashag doesn’t have to come out with any clarification and it is their magnanimity that they did.
Being a representative of the Kashag and being appointed by the Kashag, they Kashag needs to be comfortable working with someone working as Kashag’s representative. How can someone be one’s representative when one doesn’t feel comfortable working with the so called representative? One has the full authority to remove one’s representative whether there is any reason behind it or not.
By opposing the change of a person under CTA, we are setting a very bad precedent. Then every such changes will be questioned by the public making it difficult for Kashag to function. But then the question is will these so called supporters of PT raise even an eyebrow if the person in question is someone other than PT.
He has already caused enough friction in the public during the campaign for Sikyong, let there be no such thing again.
Please resign graciously without causing anymore chaos and if you feel that you have so much support, stand for Sikyong again. I for one will definitely support you and let’s see how many more do.
Don’t cling to a position. We are unnecessarily undermining the next appointee.
Be magnanimous and welcome your successor with open arms.
I agree to this comment and it is very true.
“How can someone be one’s representative when one doesn’t feel comfortable working with the so called representative? One has the full authority to remove one’s representative whether there is any reason behind it or not.”
Wow, what a Kim-jong-unish and Trumpish statement! For the greater good of the Tibetan community and cause, one must have the greatness and the ability to work with someone who one “doesn’t feel comfortable”. Being a democratically elected leader, Sikyong Lobsang Sangay has absolute authority to remove anyone in CTA, but the exercise of that authority or right must be based on valid reason followed by proper accountability. Or else CTA might slowly turn into Trump Organization with Kim-jong-unish style of governance in North Korea.
Seeing all these comments from various Tibetan individuals and Tibetan media as well, it has let me to believe that they are just for gossips and jumping into their own conclusions and making judgments. I don’t know the reason for sacking of Penpa Tsering from US office. Under any government or business organisation, there is chain of command to function. I believe Penpa Tsering’s dismissal must have reason and I believe it is not by one man’s decision. Any organisation or government there is certain expectation from its staff to perform, and also adhere to code of conduct. I don’t believe PT’s dismissal is something to do with political revenge. There could be reason not to reveal every thing out. It appears that, this Mila Rangzen is not a professional media and not being accountable, responsible and not holding dignity as media, but just bunch of gossip mongers and dividing Tibetan people. I believe PT’s dismissal is not regionality, not political grudge and not due to individual animosity.(between LS and PT) I believe PT’s enemy is alcohol and nothing else. Alcohol ruins functionality of human brain.
It could be due to his alcoholic behaviour as a result failed and did not meet expected performance of that high office in DC especially representing Tibetan exile government and HHDL. Staff who hold high position will not be dismissed without any reasons and also without any internal investigation. If PT believes his dismissal is not reasonable, then he can appeal to our exile government justice system whom may re-investigate. Why we people out cry for a dismissal of a staff member and causing division which is work of Chinese regime. It is very usual in any government or private business will dismiss staff who are under performance that includes his code of conduct. I saw an interview during Sikyong’s election campaign, PT admitted that he cannot give up alcohol and he was reasoning that it is his right. But he was not realising under the influence of alcohol can he perform high office duties? Can we accept in his position come into office in drunken state? Can we accept he represent us in drunken state? Can we accept him represent HHDL in drunken state in DC office? Let us be realistic, I voted for LS not as a person but his ability and performances that he demonstrated. Some due to ignorant comment comparing N Korea’ despot leader Kim J Un to LS. Does it make any sense where we are, what status we have as Tibetans, we are refugees and stateless second class citizen among people of world, that is thankful to our past government when Tibet was sovereign country. We have only one enemy that is who occupied our country as result we are scattered around the world as stateless people and our fellow country men back in Tibet who are languishing in inhuman atrocities under Chinese regime. Our exile government is established to voice for our fellow Tibetans suffering in Tibet. Our exile government is not corrupted institution and its office is representing Tibetan people. I appeal to all our fellow Tibetans please do not politicise this issue and do not divide Tibetan unity. If any one wanted protest, go to Chinese embassy in respective country for our cause. Bhoe Gyalo, Tashi Delek.
Many know that PT has given up drinking. Even if he drinks, I am sure he drinks during personal time and works soberly and effectively during official hours. He wouldn’t be elected Parliament speaker for nothing by our honorably elected and lion-hearted MPs (who are our best elocutors with sharpest brains in our Tibetan society) if they see his drinking as the problem.
As long as his performance as Ari Dhoncho is not affected, I don’t see any problem for our officials to have little fun on the side. After all, they are humans too. I even did not find it outrageous at all to see our dashing Sikyong grooving so well to our popular phur song among many pretty young girls in Australia. Even then I stood against haters saying that Sikyong can have little fun as long as he did a good job representing Tibet which I thought he did well that time. I understand many felt let down that Sikyong danced and rejoiced during an inappropriate time of mourning for two self-immolations, one right under Sikyong’s nose in Varanasi and another in his base Dharamsala.
PT’s alcoholism being cited as a problem is a lame excuse. I believe Kashag wouldn’t appoint him as Ari Dhoncho in the first place knowing fully well from the 2016 election that PT loves to drink. If it is the case,then Kashag is as much at fault as PT in this whole fiasco.
Also Sikyong’s clarification in Europe said that “Penpa Tsering has accepted it”. What I understood from PT’s VOA interview is that he has accepted the Kashag’s order to terminate his services but he would have to clarify “if and when any charges are specified against” him that would in any way tarnish his reputation or image. If Kashag makes clear any charges against PT rather than general hints and insinuations, I am sure PT will respond well in due course of time. Until then, I believe PT’s so-called acceptance only relates to Kashag’s order but not the unspecified and secretive official charges against him from the Kashag.
Adicted to alcohol is called alcoholic, not enjoying alcohol but one’s habit demanded by leaving all other priority in their life there by ruining one’s own life. Enjoying alcohol drink is not alcoholic, simply tasting good during gathering or with friends. These are two different. Penpa Tsering la’s is alcoholic.
Penpa Tsering did not meet the expectation of Kashag on his job and Kashag has authority to terminate his service. And Kashag is not required to answer to media or to public about normal procedure which somes time require to take action on staff not meeting up to the task that entrusted to him/her. In its policies and under staff code of conduct not meeting the expectation of Kashag, it provides authority to dismiss staff from his/her service. CTA’s policy itself is explanatory, there fore under any circumstances CTA is not required to answer any further.
No one is questioning the right or authority of the Kashag to dismiss staff from CTA. The real question or the concern is 1) the validity of the reason behind the decision 2)responsibility and accountability of Sikyong LS and his kashag towards the concerned Tibetan public on an issue that has the potential to destablize our small community.
Similar to the mixed messages from Kashag on this issue, the previous so-called charges of “dereliction of duty” in conformity with the CTA’s rules and regulations against Penpa Tsering is now being explained as “not meeting the expectation of Kashag” based on “its policies and under the staff code of conduct”.
Are we to then understand that PT effectively performed and represented as His Holiness’ representative but his so-called less-than-expected performance relates only to his role in the capacity of Kashag’s representative? What was Kashag’s expectation of HH rep Penpa Tsering? In which area and on what issues has PT failed to live up to Kashag’s expectation?
I am Tibetan, no want to say I’m khampa or amdo or Utsang but pure Tibetan, but need clarification from Kashag. Otherwise, people will lose their trust in kashag.
His Holiness has on numerous occasions asked people not to create regionalism based on three province or religious sect. So people, please let’s not attach any of these with this issue. Some people are stroking more fire by giving regionalism edge on this.
It is purely departmental crisis and I am sure that Kashag will clear this issue when Sikyong will return to Dharamsala. Don’t get carried away by Mila Rangzen article.
Clarification we need from kashag is in the hearts and minds of every Tibetan people. Avoidance of further clarification on dismissal of PT by Kashag is aimed to fire protesters by saying the decision of dismissing PT from his post made with approval of HH the Dalai Lama.
Tibetan exiles have faith in Lobsang Sangay who elected him for the second term. Majority of Tibetans voicing for the victory of Sangay means they don’t like to see the opponent in any public post. This current scenario would not have erupted had Mr PT was left to decide on his own fate after his dramatic defeat in the election. In the name of unity & peace amongst the exile Tibetans under which PT was given the post, sadly Mr PT has not lived up to the expectations of the Kashag as per the latest circular issued by the officiating exile President. I don’t see the need of explanation in greater detail than already made public. Hope this is his last public post as Mr PT himself doubted in his video statement.
Lo and behold, a protest is being organized by infamous firebrand called Thinley Kelsang from USA on 27/11/2017 in Dharamsala. It is not against Xi Jinping but against Lobsang Sangay. Logistics are in the process of discussion in a wechat group called “Tsadhonling” which boasts 500 jobless Tibetans who have decided to use their free time for political activities. But Khampa people are not taking part, as Khampas are quite happy about PT’s downfall. Khampa de facto leader Ugyen Topgyal Rinpoche has even called Penpa Tsering the “worst ever Tibetan man in Tibetan history”.
This will be historic. No such protest had ever taken place in exile by the exiles against the exile rulers.
Indian police will have to give permission to the protest as India is a democracy. Slogans like “Lobsang Sangay stop lying” “we want human right’ and ‘Long live Penpa Tsering” etc.
Respected Elders,
In recent time government employee from the head of department to the lowest rank staff in the CTA are directly or indirectly creating misconception among the people. We are the witness to many incidents. There are loose walls in every corners of the departments. There may be some obligation. We cannot simply blame the kashag. We saw the videos and I do believe we understand what it tells. There is no reliable source. No one will come forward and tell I know it and I know the truth with date ,time and name. I am not defending Kashag nor Am telling Penpa la is wrong. Dont drag my innocent grandparents, innocent parents, innocent younger generations in the assumptions and reliable sources assumption stories. Let the river takes its course. And I did listen to Tsogsur Penpa las video. He will defend and would talk again.
With respect.
It’s sad to see such community disharmony, old clans resentment resurfacing at a time when Tibet needs unity. Dividing to better conquer is an old long time war favourite and this will not serve the Tibetan cause by any means.
Mr Sangay is very questionable in his role as leader, and I can’t see any outstanding progress for the Tibetan cause since his first election.
What does he bring from all these years living in a democratic country like the USA to the Tibetans? The arrogance of the current leader?
The politics game that Lobsang Sangay playing is more cruel and dirty than what we see with Indian politician. I don’t understand what exactly he is thinking of himself??? For first term he spend all years just telling about his achievements of law degree from Harvard and then in second term he trying how to disunity among us. They have been many question why HH and Ganden Phodhang not coming up for recent decision by Kashag? LS is so confident about what he planned and did that he know Ganden phodrang or Dalai Lama will not interfere. The reason is he put Dalai Lama in situation that if Dalai Lama interfere in this matter then it would be totally opposite to what HH kept saying about his position of fully retired. He know that Dalai Lama will not touch on this matter that’s why he is using these kind of tools to use his power of position. If somehow HH and Ganden phodrang interfere against his decision then he will surely say HH have still power besides given full authority to people’s elected Sikyong. Eventually he will disunite our small community by using is dirty law knowledge. This is time for we Tibetans to stand against him when he is on North America and Europe tour. Boycott grand reception everywhere he go and demand him for clear and genuine answer for all the question that public ask. He always joke with smile and avoid question and get spare. But not this time please…. we all have to be united to protest against him.. If we let him go this time then we can’t never be united again. Tibetans around the world wake up .. its high time with this modern bureaucracy….
On 9 November, Dalai Lama said “these two have my full trust. They know my thinking, either of them can act as my representative or emissary.” That effective means that from now onwards, Samdhong Rinpoche and LS will have significantly more power. Almost as if they are Dalai Lamas.
So this is big. At 83, Dalai Lama won’t waste time on petty things, but save his time to prepare a return to Tibet to bring closure.
This means two things. 1. Both DL and SR are with LS in dismissing Penpa Tsering. 2. The use of word “emissary” for LS and SR speaks to kusho Tenzin Dhonden that he is also jilted from the emissary position.
Now the question is – how is Penpa Tsering’s ousted liked to kusho Dhonden’s suspension from Dalai Lama trust. Did Dhonden say something bad about Penpa Tsering? Remember that PT lashed at Dhonden’s excesses in parliament in 2015. Those is a question will remain unresolved unless Lobsang Sangay give a clearer explanations to this baffling twin of events.
Many could imagine Samdhong Rinpoche being His Holiness’ emissary but President LS? Nope.
It is intriguing that how Penpa Tsering’s ouster came right after Kusho Dhonden’s controversial suspension. Is that Kusho in any way related to Youdon Dhonden, who is President’s long-time friend? Penpa Tsering’s blasting off Kusho Dhonden in the Parliament when he was a speaker was interesting to watch. As Lobsang Wangyal points out in this article, other reason could be PT’s fearless and relentless expose of the alleged shady dealing of or missing 1.5 million loan under Kaydor Aukatsang tenureship, another Sikyong’s friend.
All in all, it seems like the past election grudges coupled with PT’s outspokenness cost him his current job as HH rep. Still, more details need to be clear to solve this greatest puzzle in the exile Tibetan community at the moment.
Yodon Dhonden’s brother-in-law Tseten Samdup Chokyapa in Gaden Phodrang was hanging out much with Kusho Dhonden in California before. Could he be a piece in this puzzle?
That definately means powerful Tenzin Dhonden has a role in Penpa Tsering’s removal. PT dissed and exposed Tenzin dhonden of Dalai Lama trust in 2015.
I am in big doubt whether the current decision is unanimous of the kashag. It’s one man decision followed by other Kalons. That’s very clear from acting sikyong’s explanation. He has fear of facing the press. It’s finished in 10 minutes. This is shortest press meet of CTA.
Members of exiled Tibetan parliament and cabinet ministers should avoid playing dirty politics to settle old scores as they are doing disservice to our people. Every major decision at the highest level of CTA should be collective and transparent in every possible way. The practice of cronyism and favoritism appears to be deeply rooted and common today and this has greatly shame all the honest and law abiding Tibetans.
It is the right of every Tibetan people to question the concerned authority, with regard to sudden termination of Penpa Tsering from his service. If he had been found of any wrong doing then it should be exposed to the fullest extent and punished him as per rules. Otherwise, those responsible for taking this decision needs to give clear explanation to people and resign themselves for being so dishonest.
I do not like constant attack on Gandhen Phodrang by handful of misguided people and unnecessarily drag the His Holiness into this controversy. Why blame the institution who has served the Tibetan nation and people for many years. Lobsang Sangay can’t pretend for not having any knowledge about this present issue. Perpahs, he may have pulled the string behind curtain.
Kashag’s historic press conference of less than 10 minutes by Kalon Karma Gelek Yuthok showed CTA’s disregard for public opinion, accountability, rule of law and moral rectitude. Lobsang Wangyal did right by staging a walkout while other members of the press corp also did grill the Kalon within the limitation and constraint imposed on both time and questions. Kalon managed to act busy and even let out a panicky shout to keep the door open.
During the press conference, term “phogyur” (transfer) was used when Ari Donchoe Penpa Tsering was slapped with “Neyung” (termination). It was uncomfortable to hear Kalon Gelek, a scion of the classy Yuthok family and a senior etiquette-conscious Dharamsala bureaucrat, used “kho rang” when addressing Penpa Tsering who is not just an ordinary Tibetan but a respectable former speaker with decades of service to the Tibetan community.
Rather than setting the record straight on the termination notice, the Kashag’s overall message seems to convey that the punishment justifies the cause even though every body is still left in the dark as to the cause that resulted in the punishment.
Kashag’s decision and the subsequent “clarification” only substantiates the overwhelming concern that the process was a typical example of a sentence without trial where a person is punished without any opportunity for proving his innocence. Such vague clarification on an important decision that centers on “dereliction of duty” makes one wonder whether “transparency” really was one of the guiding principles or manifesto of LS-headed Kashag.
To a query from a press on setting up an inquiry commission before the notice, Kalon replied that such commissions are set up only when public express their disappointment. Since thousands of Tibetans are shocked and saddened by the Kashag’s decision to terminate Penpa Tsering’s service, does Kashag have any plan to set up an independent commission to probe Sikyong’s decision?
In a nutshell, what Sikyong did in the case of Ari Donchoe Penpa Tsering is very un-sikyongly act. Sikyong is basically a small man on a high chair with unbridled authority at his disposal.
From recently source, it was leaked that the Lobsang Sangay will be replacing Dhadon Sharling as new education minister. So Lobsang Sangay is playing game of killing two birds with one stone. On one hand he fired Penpa Tsering, replace Ngodup Tsering for Usa dhonchoe and on other hand he appoint Dhadon sharling for Sherig Kalon. It was his first priorities after 2016 election but both were unsuccessful because of the reason that we all know. So LS had been planning and working so hard to make that mission success which he applied this time. Let’s see now where it will land as they are so many views and disagree with this decision. Let the best win..
How will chithue accept her when she is rejected before? Keep dreaming in your palace Dardon Sharling.
You mess up big time with your greed for power which everybody see when you lie about age and when you accept kalon post from Sikyong. Now she is complaining she faced so many problems in life. All these problems are create by you only. You and your greedy nature. Has anybody put gun on your head and force you to say yes to kalon post when your age is not right? You did yourself. Why you blame chithues who do their job in fair manner. Not everybody will give special treatment to you like your friend B Tsering who give you job in TWA and new friend Sikyong.
There are more capable Tibetan ladies in our community but they don’t do peley and shameless like you. So, be happy and satisfy with whatever Sikyong give you as present, the secretary post. After Sikyong gone in few years, bye-bye.
Before becoming education kalon, Dhardon sharling needs good education on how age is counted and what are the rules of our Tibetan charter and CTA system. She needs education on Japhunon dritsuk from Sikyong because she always think she is special and do and say many special things when she is still in CTA post. Even how she get the secretary post is special. No more special and VIP treatment for anybody. We are all equal under His Holiness and Tibetan charter, ok.
Dhardon Sharling’s age is always a mystery. Just as her political standpoint and personal integrity is not reliable, her age is prone to fluctuations based on need of the hour. When she was MP, she harped on being the youngest MP (actually Tencho la was the youngest MP ever at 25 and right now Lhagyari Namgyal Dolkar from the current lot) till it reached the point where she became suddenly 35 before time for the Kalonship. After she lost the post through media investigation and parliamentary rejection of her candidacy, she once again is now back to claiming as the youngest and the only female secretary in CTA. What a sad state of affairs to have only such kind of pathetic and self-serving candidates in our midst for important political positions?
When Sangay could engage in blatant nepotistic appointments so far, he will likely go to any length to purge his potential rivals of the past, present and future. Even if Penpa Tsering followed the “Ja-pu-non” system to the T, still he has no chance of escaping from this eviction. I was told that Sangay’s grudge holding nature is legendary.
My assumption is that Gaden Phodrang is as shocked as us by this whole turn of events. What definitely boosted Sangay’s over-confidence this time is the favorable expressions from His Holiness on his leadership in recent times. His kashag members would definitely stand behind any of Sangay’s decision as he has picked all Yes-men in his cabinet. This is also one of the reasons why Sangay is not getting reality check.
People’s dismay and outrage this time stems primarily from three factors. One is the revival of the simmering sentiments from our infamous disunity and discord from 2016 election. Second factor is that any sort of bullying approach to an administrative decision where power asymmetry between two rivals is apparent strikes a human chord in every human heart for the victim. This is evident from Sangay loosing many of his own supporters and independent voters to Penpa through this dramatic event which many view and sense as unfair and unjust. Third factor is that Penpa Tsering seemed to have made a positive impression through good works during his short tenure as Ari Dhonchoe on majority of the Tibetans in North America and Canada.
I don’t think Lobsang Sangay would act this high handed without the go ahead from higher up. The fact that the whole Kashag is behind him speaks of that. Lobsang Sangay may not be that intelligent but he is very smart not to do such a thing. Who knows Penpa Tsering may have been overstepping boundaries in his current position and getting carried away.
I was surprised to learn that Dhardon Sharling who is secretary equivalent is managing Lobsang Sangay’s personal facebook page. Is that a job responsibility of a Department secretary? People have been commenting about how she has been recently changing all the photos of Lobsang Sangay facebook page into ones where Sikyong is with His Holiness. Also, she has been repeatedly posting the recent video where His Holiness spoke favorably on Samdhong Rinpoche and Lobsang Sangay. Remember her own personal page Tenzin Dhardon Sharling where she had also posted His Holiness opinion on Lobsang Sangay. Don’t be fooled by the number of likes there. 50 percent of those are non-Tibetans. She is trying to outsmart us with play of images. But we see through your designs. Height of women empowerment is [buttering up] Lobsang Sangay to stay in position.
I would consider Lukar Jam’s analysis as mere speculations or rather personal assumptions. One cannot say whether it is true or not unless confirmed by verifiable and official sources.
Another angle that is always coming to light with regard to any controversies of President LS is somehow or the other related to his friend Kaydor Aukatsang. Beginning from his special appointment as Ari Donchoe to Kaydor campaigning for LS during election campaign in the capacity of His Holiness’ rep, huge outcry in the parliament and public domain over usurping of His Holiness’ photo with that of Sikyong in Washington DC, his advisory role in the now controversial “first ever” Women’s Empowerment Conference and the even more secretive 5/50 conference and now the list of financial irregularities associated with Kaydor from flight cost to huge loan money.
Maybe it is high time Sikyong needs to re-assess and re-evaluate his so-called friends and advisors. There might still be little time left to steer the sinking ship and embark on a whole new set of political journey. But it seems too late with only three more years to go. The recklessness and shortsightedness still being exhibited in Sikyong’s political and administrative decisions at the ill-advise of his vindictive coterie might shorten Sikyong’s political leadership before three years.
Thank you Kelsang la for posting Lukar Jam’s thoughts. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MQO6mZgyGc
Great insight from Lukar Jam!
And I agree with Sonam Tsering from Dharamshala. Let us not jump to conclusions without sound evidence.
Is this a news of an article or an opinion of an individual news writer? If the former, then it should be presented as it is without trying to present your opinion as a news just as Phayul did. If it is an opinion, then it should be presented as one. My gut feeling is that Mr. Lobsang Wangyal who has been openly supporting the candidature of Mr. Penpa Tsering for Sikyong is trying to influence public opinion by trying to present assumptions as a fact. If Mr. Penpa Tsering has done nothing wrong as he claim, challenge the allegation regarding the dereliction of duty as claimed by Kashag and then Kashag will have to make the wrongdoings public. If he doesn’t then, he sure had something to hide. Till such a time, let’s not jump to any conclusion.
It is not Penpa Tsering’s responsibility at the moment to answer any. Kashag did not make any clarifications as to why he was fired. Once that’s been clarified I am sure PT will respond. Right now ball is in Kashag’s court and they need and have responsibility to clarify it to Public. Explain each and every reason. There is no need to hide anything from Public who they are supposed to be representing. If they are not responding and making clarifications then we can infer that they are making up reasons why he got fired. This is a very serious issue. This decision will make or break our community. Let kashag explain everything clearly without bringing HH the Dalai Lama’s name as he has retired from Tibetan Politics. Do not hide behind him and use him as a towel to cover up.
Lukar Jam’s take on Penpa Tsering’s fall from grace. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MQO6mZgyGc
This all internal fight and argument is happening all becoz of our current CTA leadership and it’s totally unprecedented while over 1.2 lakhs of Tibetan are struggling in exile and majority of Tibetan brothers and sisters inside Tibet under CCP – I feel it’s like kinda communal unrest and thanks to one and only Lobsang Sangay and his effort to bring unrest within Tibetans spread across the globe, struggling every now and then trying to adjust new environment and language and culture at the same time on their way to preserve ones identity and culture… LS you can run for a while but cannot hide and escape from what you have done… There is something called Law of karma and we the responsible Tibetans will not let you continue to put questions on issues that concerns the very interest of Tibetans, at larger context. These things will go down deep in the history of Tibetan politics as one of the ugliest games and controversies of a CTA leadership and governance. Mark my word!
I also felt the exact same sentiment as Jigme Ugen la on the handling of this whole unfortunate episode. This kashag under Sikyong LS seems to be known more for hiring his friends and supporters through hook and crook and expelling and punishing his rivals and non-supporters through every given opportunity. In the last seven years, kashag has done minimally to move forward our Tibetan struggle movement but rather engage in petty internal politics and creating more division and disharmony in our already polarized community. Sangay’s leadership style and dictatorial functioning is not all healthy and inspiring now resulting in loss of public faith in the CTA. His public rhetoric and personal conduct does not match as in the case of maintaining unity within the community and enforcing transparency and fair dealings. Hope truth really reigns supreme in the end. Everyone must remember that power is temporary but our Tibetan struggle movement is the bigger picture and more critical deserving of our every energy and potential than anything else.
Samdhong Rinpoche and Dalai Lama wasn’t happy with Penpa Tsering anymore. So they asked Sangay to fire him, according to Lukar Jam’s speculation. He says it is unlikely that Sangay has such power to himself without Gaden Phodrang’s approval.
Jigme Ugen, a Tibetan activist and American union leader based in the United States says, “Nobody needs to re-live the outrageous political division and communal chaos we experienced then. Personally, I cannot comment on the Kashag’s decision, but I remain largely uncomfortable by the under-handedness and borderline-disrespectful approach to a publicized termination of a long serving and reputed political leader from his employment status.”
“The excessive suspense and the secrecy created by the Kashag around the termination of Penpa Tsering la is extremely unhealthy for the community, and it’s clearly opening up old wounds and giving rise to unsettled tensions rooting back to the Sikyong’s election,” he lamented.
Back to square 1 in the election row. Well done Sikyong. Is of unity you produce division. Shame. I thought you were a great leader. Seems we have to revise that. In the long run our community will suffer immense damage.
Sikyong Bossang Sangay is arrogant, lacks trusts and infamous for holding grudges. I am sure he and his coterie have no proof of any wrongdoings of Penpa la. Sikyong should be held accountable and must be pushed for clarity. He deserves no confidence of the community.
now lobsang sangay took the revenge, he is happy now. let see what is his next step.
KASHAG is bunch of rubbishes. Lobsang Sangay is hand in glove in this controversy. This time he hides in name of KASHAG. It’s new visual for Tibetan people. How many corrupted people we have seen, have ever KASHAG took action. Have they ever bother about ordinary Tibetans. I am from Bhutan. We had and have been getting step motherly treatment from Exile Govt. Have ever they bothered. We are only Tibetans in Exile even without a travel document. Those in KASHAG and so called parliamantrains have all kinds of papers. When in 1970’s and 1990’s when Bhutan king was willing to offer us passport, our Exile Govt was not happy. Now they are silent when they got chance to go west. What a paradox. Are our KASHAG is in position to talk to China. I doubt if they are booked down on local politics.
Whether it is Dr. Lobsang Sangay or Penpa Tesering, the fundamental problem is rooted in the Gadhen Phodrang’s political complexity laid to the Tibetan people right from the beginning. Any designated representative of Tibetan people in any where in the world is titled as “representative of HH Dalai Lama”, not as CTA representative. Why Gadhen Phodrang needed sooo much power in our community. Do we still exist in a feudalistic community where change is impossible to our people?
Unless we do not resolve this complexity, china will never be ready to compromise our demand.
I have heard from a reliable source that it was HHDL who personally wanted Lobsang Sangay to appoint Penpa Tsering as the personal representative of the north America.
Lobsang Sangay never would have appointed him to the post himself. He had a score to settle with him. Thus he was waiting for some excuse. Unless Penpa Tsering has commited a high crime, a seasoned politician wouldn’t have taken this step.
Now he will face the ire of HHDL. I watched the whole segment of the VOA clarification made by Penpa Tsering and I think the longer kashag sleeps with this decision, the more rumors are going to brew in the social media thereby dividing the small society.
Trust me, I voted for Lobsang Sangay but he is playing with fire. I used to like this guy but he now, seems so arrogant and full of EGO. May be this is what he learned from these Indian politicians.
I also think that he used the Religious Kalon Karma Gelek to stage the 10 minute press conference which made the matter even murkier. The timing of his Europe trip was well planned ahead of time so he can avoid questions. If he has nothing to hide, just call the spade, a spade and face the public. This sure sounds like Trump’s firing of FBI chief James Comey by blaming him for something unrelated and paying the price dearly later. He only can compare himself with Trump, not Barack Obama.
Hello brother Wangyal lak, I fully respect your thoughts. But now the ball is in Penpa Tsering lak’s court. Isn’t this the game we are playing or waiting for? Just kidding.
If he is innocent as your article say, we want him to come up and speak like he did before. Peace!!!
I am not a big fan of Penpa Tsering La and didn’t support him during the election but, this decision of Kashag smells FISH to me.
It is incumbent upon Kashag to come out clear how he was derelict of his duty? It seems so pre planned, the timing of his firing and Sikyong’s long trip to European countries. If Kashag has nothing to hide, why this secrecy? This is akin to Trump’s firing of the FDI’s chief which back fired him and he trying to cover up even now. For which Trump is in a deep trouble.
I thought Sikyong was a well rounded individual but I am beginning to sense he is too arrogant and egotistical.
There is a thin line between arrogance and self confidence. And Sikyong has the more of the former. Let’s wait till Penpa Tsering La has the opportunity to present his side. Thanks.