Penpa Tsering in undated photo. Office of Tibet
Kashag | CTA
DHARAMSHALA, India, 18 November 2017
Kashag announced the termination of Penpa Tsering as the representative of his Holiness the Dalai Lama, in Washington DC on 7 November 2017. Following this, the Tibetan public demanded clarification from Kashag concerning the reason for relieving Penpa Tsering of his duties. A clarification was finally issued on 18 November.
Full text as released by Kashag:
Despite Kashag’s explanation made on 9 November to not provide further clarification on the replacement of North America Representative, the general public including those with high regard for CTA requested the need for more clarification on Kashag’s decision.
In the case of a permanent civil servant of CTA, there is no such precedent to provide any explanation. But given Representative Penpa Tsering’s profile as a public figure and by the virtue of him not being a permanent civil servant of CTA, the Kashag following further deliberation decided to provide the following points for transparency and accountability purposes.
- At the time of his appointment as the North America Representative, Penpa Tsering said he doesn’t hold any grievances against Sikyong Lobsang Sangay and that the election phase was over. He also said now that Sikyong had placed trust in him, he would deliver his best and fulfil the objectives of Kashag. Unfortunately Representative Penpa Tsering was unable to transition from an elected representative to serving as a representative of the Central Tibetan Administration. This created a relationship characterized by lack of confidence and trust between him and the Kashag. The Kashag therefore made the decision to replace him based on three reasons: a growing trust deficit, under-performance, and insubordination.
- During Representative Penpa Tsering’s term as the North America Representative, particularly between August 2016 to April 2017, many important developments occurred in the US, especially in light of Donald Trump’s election victory, forming of the new Government in the United States, President Trump’s first meeting with President Xi Jinping, etc. However contrary to what is customary, there were no submissions of formal reports, confidential or otherwise from the DC office to the DIIR office on these major developments. This is a case of under-performance.
- In October 2016 Representative Penpa Tsering publicly announced Kunga Tashi will be posted in New York as the Chinese Liaison Officer and Coordinator. He did not consult or seek the approval of the Kashag or DIIR. This is in violation of CTA rules and regulations, and a clear case of insubordination to Kashag and DIIR. After this incident, the Kashag issued the first advisory through DIIR in October 2016 recommending that the Representative properly abide by CTA protocols and procedures.
- When the Chinese President Xi Jinping met with President Trump in April 2017 in Florida, Dolgyal groups organized a welcome reception. This caused concern for Kashag as His Holiness’s visit to US was scheduled in June. But the Representative didn’t provide any information and the Kashag instead learnt of the development from other sources. For not following DIIR’s mandatory standing order to report on Dolgyal-related activities pertaining to His Holiness’s security and for his under performance in this aspect, the Kashag had to serve a second advisory to Representative Penpa Tsering in April 2017.
- One of the primary purposes of relocating the Office of Tibet from New York to Washington, DC, was to build a direct relationship with the US Congress and the US Administration. Despite providing advance notice ahead of Sikyong’s DC visit to schedule meetings with the Speaker of the House, or the Majority Leader of the Senate, or even with members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, the Representative was unable to schedule any such meetings for Sikyong. This has been a case of performance deficit by the Representative.
- When news reports of a proposed 2018 White House budget zeroing out key funding programs for Tibetans surfaced in May 2017, the Representative had already completed nine months in office. According to a standing directive by Kashag issued to Offices of Tibet, raising funds is one of the key responsibilities of the OoT Representatives. Demonstrating indifference and negligence, the current Representative had stated that tracking of US government budget was not the Representative’s main responsibility and that it was the responsibility of the International Campaign for Tibet (ICT) to handle the issue.This response alarmed the Kashag and raised questions on whether Representative Penpa Tsering was deliberately disengaged and thereby undermining CTA’s efforts to raise funds from the US government. Such funding cuts could have significant negative impacts by placing major projects that are already implemented in India and Nepal in jeopardy. Moreover, it would send a major negative political message around the world.
- In June 2017, Representative Penpa Tsering forwarded an urgent communication to Kashag reporting a notice served by the bank in DC on immediate closure of five accounts of DC Office of Tibet. The Representative recommended that the office funds be withdrawn immediately as there was risk of deposits being frozen. Accordingly, the funds were dispersed. It was later learnt that prior to making the recommendation, Representative Penpa Tsering had never approached the bank authorities and when he belatedly approached the Assistant General Manager of the bank, the bank agreed to keep the accounts active. However the damage was done. The Representative’s negligence and failure to conduct the simplest of due diligence caused unnecessary hassle and complications.
- At the meeting of the Representatives of the Offices of Tibet held in Brussels in September 2016, Representative Penpa Tsering asked whether USD 1.5 million dollars from Tibet Fund used to purchase DC office building was a loan. In the presence of all other Representatives, Sikyong clearly explained that it was not a loan, but an amount that Tibet Fund had contributed and did not expect to be paid back. Despite Sikyong’s clarification and without consulting and seeking guidance and approval from Kashag and DIIR, Representative Penpa Tsering reported to CTA auditors that a loan payment for OoT DC office was outstanding. All the funds received and spent towards the purchase of the Office of Tibet building in Washington, DC is clearly documented, audited and fully accounted. CTA has all the relevant documents. This incident again demonstrates Representative Penpa Tsering’s lack of trust in Kashag’s leadership and led the Kashag to serve the final advisory in July 2017.
- Despite Representative Penpa Tsering’s assurance to the public that he doesn’t hold any grievances against Sikyong Lobsang Sangay, his actions unfortunately have been the contrary. It later came to light that during the CTA diplomacy training in July 2016 in which Penpa Tsering took part as the Representative designate, he tried hard to convince a female Kalon nominee against working with Sikyong stating that doing so would jeopardize the individual’s career. The individual had to put up with a four-hour session of Representative Penpa Tsering making disparaging remarks about Sikyong and trying to foil Sikyong’s attempts to appoint the only female Kalon. It also became increasingly apparent that making disparaging remarks about Sikyong and the Kashag had become a routine not only in DC area, but in many places where he travelled. This was viewed as unbecoming of a Representative who is expected to positively support and advocate for the initiatives of the Kashag. Such conduct caused a trust deficit between Kashag and the North America Representative.
- No one incident triggered the Kashag’s decision. However, within a very short period of time, there were multiple lapses and an erosion of trust and confidence. The Office of Tibet in Washington, DC is one of the most important offices of CTA. The CTA’s and the collective interest of the Tibetan people demands that this important office be led by someone that has the trust and confidence of the Tibetan leadership. The Kashag, after careful deliberation and successive meetings unanimously decided to replace the Representative because of the three reasons: growing trust deficit, under performance and insubordination. Like at the time of Penpa Tsering’s appointment as the Representative, the Kashag again followed similar procedure to replace him as per the provisions in Article 1 (iii) of the Tibetan Charter.
Given the urgency of the situation, the timing of replacement was also carefully considered. The US Congress will work on approving the 2018 budget in December. President Trump’s post China visit will have crucial implications for US’ Tibet and China policy. The appointment of Special Coordinator for Tibetans has been pending for almost a year. Also, the Kashag is planning several important initiatives in 2018 where the participation and support of Tibetans and our friends in North America will be critical.
We hope everyone will now have a better understanding and appreciation of the Kashag’s decision. The challenges confronting the Sikyong and the Kashag to realizing the aspirations of the Tibetan people are formidable. CTA officials holding important responsibilities like leading the Office of Tibet in Washington, DC must have the confidence and trust of the Kashag so that the Tibetan leadership can be successful.
Issued by Kashag, Central Tibetan Administration
After kashag’s ten point clarification to public, especially regarding $ 1.5 million loan from Tibet Fund to ari donchoe office. Now media must ask question to first of all the auditor general’s office, if possible to the concerned auditor who did the auditing. And to the accountant of Tibet Fund if there is anyone.
And to the unnamed only female candidate for kalon post if the reality is to be made known to public. And question must be raised for all the person whose name is raised in all the process of firing of Penpa Tsering. Well done media for bringing issue and making Kashag aware that there is no escape.
All ten points drive home the major point that is ‘trust deficit’. How can Penpa Tsering use Dhardon Sharling and abuse Lobsang Sangay for four hours. Maybe he underestimated Dhardon Sharling and what she could stand for. I always looked up to her and even respect her more for being willing to speak up and not remain shy in this episode. It’s very clear now. Dhardon Sharling will be a strong contender for Sikyong 2021.
Yes Sikyong la, just clear the present problem in our society and do negotiation with China. Do not dictate to us who should be our next Sikyong. As we are not in North Korea and Communist China, the public will decide who they want for Sikyong in 2021.
Good to know that Dhardon Sharling has a stand and that she could speak. We can now convincingly vouch for her speaking abilities, but can’t say the same about the standing part. Hope she does not do a PT on you as she has done a PT on the Tibetan people so far. Good Luck!
Kind of sad PT dug his own political grave. I won’t say it’s a trap set up by the people in power, but it was wrong on the part of PT to act like the last man on the sea trying to save a sinking ship without conducting some preliminary investigations.
Sikyong Sangay won election twice. He claimed to have a graceful exit strategy in the event if the result was opposite. PT lost election twice and yet he doesn’t seem to have a graceful exit strategy, and that might be the sole reason why we don’t see even a dim light at the end of his tunnel.
PT still has a high chance to win the next election if he keeps his spirits high and marches forward positively; however we never know who will surprise us in 2021.
As someone who voted for Sikyong in both the elections, I confess that this is not a very smart move by my Sikyong. My advice to Sikyong is to think carefully with proper reason and don’t trust too much on fake friends and emotional supporters. Even our Buddha His Holiness can make mistake but it is a bigger mistake to make more mistakes on that mistake. War can only lead to more war.
Nobody cares who come to Sikyong in the future. Old style politics has no place in our society now as Tibetans become more smart in democracy. More important is the present situation.
Good luck Penpa Tsering with your explanation after resignation from your post. The last phrase is important: “After resignation.” The way Tibetan society at large, and Tibetan politics specifically works, your words will carry no weight the moment you leave office. Come December 1, you are an unemployed man! Who will listen to you?
I sincerely doubt if you have anything left to defend yourself. But if you do have something up your sleeves, now (before resigning) is the time to come forth with those. If you can’t or have nothing to say, you should hold peace forever. The rules that you have broken and for which you are dismissed are published publicly. Why can’t you refute then publicly? Because you can’t refute them, you are keeping quiet. But the moment you cease being the Dhonchoe, you want to speak. But I am sure you want to speak on matters not related to your firing from job. The topics that you wish to bring up in the future is just for your revenge, without consideration for its adverse impact on Tibet.
Good luck wherever you land, if the community you land happen to be generous.
The trust-deficit factor, as one of the official reasons cited for PT’s termination, began from the acrimonious 2016 Sikyong election. By simply appointing PT as NA rep allegedly at the recommendation of His Holiness could not have magically removed the residue of trust deficit from both the parties. If the alleged Sharling’s event was the beginning of concern in trust-deficit, LS could have and should have cancelled the appointment then and there or any thoughts about appointing PT under his team if the appointment was not already done. As the unfolding of the events show, LS does seem to have the authority to remove PT despite alleged recommendation from His Holiness. Was this a blunder on the part of the management?
What was the common yardstick to gauge performance standard for NA rep, Kashag and the parliament? Was there micro-management? Were there proper communication, timely directives and 100% trust from LS and his Kashag to PT during his time as NA rep? How does Japhunon system in the CTA demarcate the line between insubordination versus freedom of expression based on responsibility and accountability?
Did PT really went too far in the 1.5 million loan issue or was there something that we all don’t know? Were the official reasons serious enough for the termination and the secrecy maintained around the issue damaging enough for PT’s reputation? Has LS and Kashag followed all the proper procedures under CTA law in the handling of PT’s termination process? Does PT fail to represent His Holiness and the Kashag any less than Kaydor Aukatsang and Ngodup Tsering?
I am concerned as well as curious to know PT’s clarification after Nov 30, 2017.
USD 1.5 MILLION may convert into grant TO OFFICE OF TIBET in near future is written in audit report
That was not the case when the loan was made in 2014. OMG even more discrepancies… Does it ever stop with these people?
That was not the case when the loan was made in 2014. OMG even more discrepancies… Does it ever stop with these people?
Anti-money laundering manuals all over the world in fact list such multiple accounts as one of the major red flags for money laundering. For instance, the US Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) in its manual “Money Laundering Red Flags: Deposit Accounts” listed as top warning signs of such criminal schemes:
• “4. Customers with multiple accounts. A customer maintains multiple accounts at a bank or at different banks for no apparent legitimate reason. The accounts may be in the same names or in different names with different signature authorities. Inter-account transfers are evidence of common control.
All ten points are strong reasons for Kashang to not work with Penpa Tsering. Badmouthing Sikong became Penpa Tsering’s jon after the elections. I am very proud to see my role model Dhardon Sharling again take the risk to stand up and speak up as she has done since she was a Chithue. Hats off to her courage. You are my next Sikyong for sure.
In Tibet Fund’s account statements it clearly shows the amount of $1.5 million was a loan. In Kashag or for that matter Lobsang Sangay’s clarification, it says it was a contribution and doesn’t need to be repaid.
So we can see publicly and clearly, Lobsang Sangay or Kashag is lying outright.There is a clear motive to embezzle this money from the part of Lobsang Sangay or Kashag otherwise why do they have to lie. On this matter alone, Kashag must resign. We don’t want a corrupt Kashag. Corrupt Kashag is almost equal to living under Communist China.
Ls must b impeached 4 misuse of his office n coverin misuse of funds!
Impeach ls
I think the matter is very simple. Mr. PT doesn’t have the trust of the Kashag with or without proper reason. So trust is quintessential requirement to work as someone’s representative. So he has to make way for his replacement gracefully. What happens thereafter is for Mr. PT to decide and he is more than capable of defending himself if there has been no wrongdoing on his part. Let Kashag and PT sort it out without making attempt to divide the community into two. Trust our judiciary and parliament to do the needful.
As a non Tibetan but supporter of His Holiness and His’ life work for more than 20 years I can only say that I have the HIGHEST regard for Penpa Tsering la. In my long and resolve filled effort to bring Tenzin Dhonden to account for his actions many Tibetan lay people were of great help. Many “leaders” turned a blind eye to the possible misconduct of this monk over the past many years This is not the case with Penpa Tsering la. He did not turn a blind eye to the many charges of misconduct on the part of this monk.
To be outspoken in the cause of kindness and justice is much better than hiding behind a political ruse to one’s own benefit. I remain a strong defender of women and men like Penpa Tsering la and urge that the self serving political ambitions of individuals and the Kashag move more in line with the true nature of His Holiness’ desire for a more harmonious, just and peaceful planet.
All the charges against Penpa Tsering la do not deserve replacement and such controversy. I am very sad about the whole situation and especially disappointed with Dhardon Sharling la who I considered as a role model until now. Is there any way Sikyong could make Penpa Tsering la representative again? Please everyone, think positively.
In 2015, Office of Tibet under former Ari Dhonchoe Kaydor Aukatsang reportedly took 1.5 million loan from Rinchen Dharlo, President of Tibet Fund, to buy the Washington Office of Tibet building.
During 2016 Sikyong election campaign, Sikyong announced that he bought the Washington House without informing the Tibetans that a loan amount of 1.5 million from the TibFund was used to purchase the building. Kaydor reportedly lost, misplaced or concealed the loan document which the CTA Audit Commission later demanded a copy.
While Sikyong said he bought the Washington House himself, TibFund account showed 1.5 million dollars as outstanding loan since 2015.
During the Brussels meeting with all the representatives, PT asked Sikyong about the outstanding loan who replied that there was no outstanding loan.
Regardless of the existence or non-existence of any other agreement with TibFund, the fact of the matter is that the Office of Tibet in Washington DC was bought with 1.5 million loan from TibFund and their audited financial report as late as of 2017 showed 1.5 million as an outstanding loan.
This issue of 1.5 million loan, which remained an outstanding loan as of now, was misinformed to the public during the 2016 Sikyong election campaign, denied during the Brussel’s Rep meeting in 2017 and changed into “contribution” from TibFund in the Kashag clarification.
Had there been any other explanation or background information on the loan as “contribution” from TibFund, Sikyong should have explained this verbally during the Brussel’s Rep meet or in writing in the Kashag’s Clarification, a query which was raised by PT as a responsible Ari Dhonchoe and by the public in recent times. But there were none.
Rather than the 1.5 million issue being one of the charges for PT’s firing, I am concerned that this could possibly constitute as one of the charges against our honorable Sikyong himself. The issue being raised by the public on whether the misinformation, misrepresentation and concealment of information by Sikyong to influence votes during election as constituting ethical and legal violation of the electoral code of conduct could be damaging to the Kashag, if not addressed properly.
Now Penpa Tsering la, please leave the office with dignity. Kashag has given its clarification.
You have obviously been insubordinate towards Sikyong who trusted by Dalai Lama. 70% of the Tibetans support Lobsang sangay. The silent majority is happy with kashag.
Now vocal minority who make this hue and cry should focus their anger towards Chinese aggressions. Orgnize your protest in front of chinese embassy on 27 november instead of our humble CTA
The Dalai Lama also trusted Tenzin Dhonden. Sometime HHDL is insulated from the truth by his advisors. I do not think HHDL has been properly appraised regarding either Penpa la nor Dhonden.
Penpa Tsering will come out with his rebuttal after Nov 30, 2017. So wait till all truth comes out. Do some reading and listening. Spare few minutes and listen to this. http://www.vot.org/བཀའ་ཤག་གི་གསལ་བཤད་དེ་ད/
Some truths are already coming out. Either Kashag is lying or else worse TibetFund is misleading everybody. Kashag says 1.5 million USD was grant and not loan but Tibet Fund says it is indeed a ‘loan’.
All other allegations are very so petty! Kashag should have concocted something better, it has the heavy and loaded English speaker Dhardon Showling.
Now kashag has made the clarification, how much truth in all theses accusations we will know later. Some people in Kashag is playing more divisive politics assisted by Dhadon Sharling. She has used PT and passed on everything he said to Sikyong to get Kalon seat. But sadly, Sikyong and herself forgot the maths and didn’t succeed. It is all politics that involves Sikyong, Kashag, Tibet Fund, Office of Tibet, office of Auditor General and Penpa Tsering.
Transparency is needed. An independent commission should be set up to heed both side stories. People in committee should be strong and not afraid of repercussions and retribution, not affiliated to any party or regionalism.
It is shame that we are seeing these when His Holiness is here with us. If we don’t clear this sort of things in our system, then I am afraid we will be fighting and squabbling on such things rather than working towards greater goal.
No matter, however convincing may be the clarification issued by Kashag but this sort of incident is very unfortunate and a major setback to our struggle. Tibetans are very unhappy over this widening rift and political vendetta which should have been avoided for the greater interest of Tibet and Tibetans. It seems such sentiment is non existent between two gentlemen after Sikyong election.
If common people have right or say in democratic society, I request Kashag to appoint Ama Jetsun Pema la or one of the clan member of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, to the office of Washington DC. They will serve loyally and protect the interest of our people. Please don’t disappoint His Holiness and Tibetan people with your personal grudges now spilling beyond Dharamsala.
All our resources and energy should be directed to achieve our goal and restore freedom and dignity to millions of Tibetans suffering under Communist China. Quit your position when you become disgrace to our cause.
My heart bleeds and I am literally crying to see the state of our Society. Are we mature as a society to have a Sikyong elected by the people? Taking away the election of Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche which was between mature candidates, we have just had two elections and see what has come out of it. Out of the two, the first one had candidates who were more mature and hence the campaign as well as the acceptance of the result were dignified. It has been a bad beginning.
The allegations does not point to any corruptions on the part of PT though they do point towards insubordination. So PT please leave the scene gracefully. There was no need to dig the bin as only dirt will come out. Let’s put an end to these arguments which seems to be dividing the community into two halves. This is what the Chinese and Shughden group wants.
Sikyong, Kalden Lodoe and Lama Tenzin Dhonden, these guys will go to any extend to tarnish the image of this honest, straight-forward, down-to-earth, hard-working official who has nothing in his heart but, utmost faith and respect for His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the institution of Tibetan democracy and love for our motherland -Tibet.
Kungo Penpa Tsering la’s image is being tarnished, which they will never be able to succeed is because he is not like them. When a person refuses to be corrupt, the corrupt and powerful feels a threat from the person and hence to secure their power and privileges, they have to banish or rid the honest man. History is filled with stories like this. Only difference is that this one is happening in front for our own eyes. But times are changing. They can no longer fool the people any more.
People like Kalon Karma Gelek Yuthok, Karma Yeshi and Dhardon Sharling, all handmaids of Sikyong, should be ashamed of themselves.
brother,
no disrespect. what do you mean by “this honest person”? you seem to be well educated and have some common sense discern information facts presented to you.
the Kashag clarity can be summed up as follows:
1. Penpa Tsering lied to the tibetan people and HH when he said I do not hold any grudges agianst Syikyong when he was appointed to the post. But mouthing Syikyong to Dhardon and others is his first lie.
2. He in his response to his firing that he did his duties honestly. He did not. Instead, he spent one year working to find fault about Syikyong. this is another lie after he was fired.
there are many other instances that point to the fact that he lied. I don’t understand why you call him an honest person. It is one thing to stand for someone you truly believe him. but, when you continue to say he his honest even against a mountain of evidence agianst his dishonesty, then it is time to check your conscience my friend.
Thanks, Nyima la. Clearly Tibet’s Donald Trump has issue with truth.
NOTE 7 – LOAN RECEIVABLE
On March 31, 2014 the Fund entered into a $1,500,000 Loan Agreement with The Office of Tibet to purchase a building that will then be partially subleased by the Fund (Note 6). The loan is partially collateralized by a lease agreement between the Fund and The Office of Tibet in an aggregate amount of $425,000. The loan matures on March 31, 2043 at which point the balloon payment of $1,500,000 will be due. The interest rate is 1% and the interest income for the year ended December 31, 2015 was $15,000. The amount outstanding as of December 31, 2014 is $1,500,000.
“In the presence of all other Representatives, Sikyong clearly explained that it was not a loan, but an amount that Tibet Fund had contributed and did not expect to be paid back.” But see: http://tibetfund.org/docs/2015%20Financial%20Statement.pdf?a04e24.
Either the Kashag or Tibet Fund is not telling the truth.
I sincerely hope Penpa la comes out with his part of story now or certainly after Nov 30, 2017 when he will be no longer bond by CTA employee protocol ‘drikshi’.
I understand that he is holding back because he don’t want to appear unrelenting and quashing the employee protocol by speaking out. He has the moral responsibility now, all the more than before to come out clean and speak out as soon as he is relieved of his duties. At least, for himself and his supporters.
Now, the accountability of creating this rift we have in the community is clearly of the Kashag and the way they handled things. The responsibility of maintaining peace and well-being of the community is that of Kashag. They can’t do dirty dancing and shy away from whistles.
It is very funny that we the community members are time and again told that we need to be grateful to CTA for all the things they do! They are doing their job and nothing worthy of being grateful! They get paid to do the job and which they should do without blunders. They are salaried people to work for the people and they should be held accountable for the same.
Whereas, we should be certainly grateful to His Holiness the Great 14th Dalai Lama for everything. CTA staffs including Kashag should remember that they get paid to work.