Penpa Tsering in an undated file photo. Photographer unknown
By Lobsang Wangyal
ON THE WEB, 19 November 2017
Penpa Tsering refused to accept the Cabinet’s ten charges against him, and said he will challenge all of them after he leaves office on 30 November.
He also hinted at filing a case in the exile Tibetan Supreme Justice, saying the charges are unacceptable as he hasn’t committed any mistake.
In a clear demonstration of the power of the people, the Cabinet of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) finally issued a clarification as to why Penpa Tsering had been terminated of his duties as North America Representative. Ten reasons were given, but each would surely be scrutinised and analysed.
Details of warnings remain unclear
Penpa Tsering’s sacking was announced on 7 November. As the news shocked the Tibetan world, the demand for reasons of the ousting mounted on the Cabinet. Questions asked by journalists received no comments from the Cabinet and the President of the Central Tibetan Administration.
Due to popular demand from the press and the public, a press conference was convened after two days. At the conference, the officiating President of CTA Karma Gelek said that Penpa Tsering was sacked due to “dereliction of duty”, and stated that three warnings had been sent to him in the last one year, with the last one being sent in July. Gelek refused to say what the warnings were about.
On 18 November, CTA President Lobsang Sangay during his visit to Norway said, without giving any details, that the revelation would paint a bad image. He added that it was not required for the Cabinet to reveal the reasons for the ouster, as it was the Cabinet’s prerogative to appoint and suspend any staff subordinate to it.
As pressure from the public mounted, Kashag came out with the ten-point explanation. However, the ten reasons given didn’t seem to support the severe picture painted by Sangay.
The nature of the warnings still remained unclear, as well as the specific rules Penpa Tsering was supposed to have violated.
Penpa Tsering clarifies his stand
When contacted for explanation about the ten points, Penpa Tsering said that the Kashag has hacked together these ten points so they could say that there were ten reasons to dismiss him.
Sticking to his claim of not having committed any mistake, he said, “I still stand by my earlier statement that I haven’t committed any mistake, and I do not accept any wrongdoing. But I am leaving office because that’s what Kashag (Cabinet) has ordered.”
“I cannot publicly discuss the issue now as I am still bound by the rules. I will be free to speak after 30 November, and I will challenge all the ten points one by one,” he said by phone.
He claimed that he received only one letter from the Cabinet that was stated as “the last warning” in July, which concerned the information that the USD 1.5 million dollars from Tibet Fund used to purchase DC office building was a loan.
He said that as reported in Tibet Sun, the issue of the 1.5 million dollars came up during the meeting of the representatives after the 5/50 Conference. “There is no truth in how Kashag has framed the charges, but I will explain about the details after leaving the office.”
“I didn’t get any other warning letters. And the letter that said ‘last warning’ only mentioned about the loan issue. And now there are ten points accusing me of dereliction of duties. All the points they have mentioned were events that happened before the ‘last warning’ they sent.”
However, he said that he did receive two letters from the Department of Information of the International Relations, but they were not warning letters.
“One was about the appointment of Chinese liaison officer Kunga Tashi at the Office of Tibet in Washington, DC. I clarified that he would be appointed upon approval from Kashag, rather than I announce him as having appointed.
“Let alone any warning about that issue after I clarified, there was no follow up on that.”
With regard to the second letter, he said, “The other letter that I received from the Department was about a group of Shugden followers welcoming President Xi Jinping to the US in April. I was questioned about not sending a report about that. I replied to that, and if I clarify, it takes time to find out the details about who the people. But we send a report after we got all the information we could gather.”
Has the protest started yet at Dharamsala against the Kashag?
Please do facebook live if that happens.
This episode is a direct outcome of the political system of the Tibetan Government in Exile, which is based on democratic concepts but non-democratic reality: A medieval society that has been bonded by feudal loyalty, narrow regionalism, and religious factions. The essence of democracy, such as an ideology-based party system and rational way of thinking, is completely absent from the current representation in Dharamshala.
To the question about the 1.5 million dollars:
United States tax law imposes restrictions upon activities and grants of NGOs such as Tibet Fund. One provision of the legislation requires grants/loans to be made subject to a written agreement between grantor and grantee. The funds must be directly transferred from the grantor to the grantee. Any funds, entire or partial, must be exclusively used for the purposes stated.
It is uncertain if the entire 1.5 million dollars from the Tibet Fund were exclusively used for the purchase of the office space in Washington by the Tibet Office, but it is very clear that the 1.5 million dollars were not transferred to the bank account of the Tibet Office. Now, the questions are: Where did the money go? And how was the money spent?
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Looks like Sikyong and Kaydor have a lot of answering to do for the Tibetan people. They can’t run away any more and fire PT for their own misdeeds.
I am a well wisher if Kungoe Penpa la but after reading Kashag’s clarification I can understand the reasons. But I wish Kungoe Penpa la the very best. But at the sane time I see that Sikyong Lobsang Sangay and Dhardon Sharling are doing great work for CTA and they make us proud. So I wish both of them the very best.
May be I am late to post this comment. I am a well wisher of Pena Tsering. Those who are protesting against Kashag tomorrow for dismissing PT from his post are either biggest fools or heartless extremists like Dolgyyal followers. Decision to appoint or dismiss a Representative cannot be made by Kashag alone. Hence the target of their protest would NOT be against Kashag alone. It was clear that they were NOT ignorant of that fact. Still, it would be great if someone could stop them from the self-destroying act.
Unless PT is proven guilty by an independent judiciary, he is innocent. Till now, we have some charges by Kashag, but they may be not true. Let the two parties bring the case to an independent court to decide it fairly. We can’t rely on Tibetan Supreme Justice in Dharamshala, for their verdict would be biased towards Kashag, the justices jobs are provided by Kashag, and it works under the same CTA system and not an independent one. Either an Indian court or a US may serve the purpose.
This unfortunate episode began with Lobsang Sangay so he had to take all the responsibility to the Tibetan public. This wine or chang brewed by Lobsang Sangay had to be tasted by him only and whether he likes it or not for that matter it is sweet or bitter.
DS: Honey, how can we make PT damaged good?
LS: I am Sangay the King. All you have to do is to say is PT did “He said, She said”
DS: I will become first female Tibetan Sikyong and make my MPs Uncle Kalon. I can officially photograph sideways with heavy mascara eyes.
LS: Ari Doncho post or some VIP post for me and my BFF Kaydor. Cover any trail of malpractices…
DS: I will make you King but I worry about my Secretary post.
LS: You be my Education Kalon. First let me take care of PT. He is a nuisance for both of us. He will expose me just as he has exposed that sleazy Lama Tenzin Dhonden.
After a long tiring walk in the wood, they had warm pizza and looked at the setting sun with promises of togetherness in both good times and the bad.
Both LS and DS did stand together in both good and bad times on multiple occasions. They can be the Romeo and Juliet of our times. This is modern day Tibetan love story unfolding right in front of our eyes.
Few days later…
LS: We need to complain about PT to His Holiness and need access to Gaden Phodrang to do that.
(In comes villain Kalden Lodoe with a group of RFA people to Dharamsala at the opportune time. Friends with corrupt Lama Dhonden)
DS: My mentor Tseten Samdup Chokyappa in Gaden Phodrang has made appointment for my partner in crime Kalden Lodoe and his RFA group with His Holiness. All is taken care of now, my King LS!
LS: (chuckling with a cigar dangling from the side of his mouth and pacing the Sikyong cabin furiously)
Good job, my darling. Your road to Sikyong 2021 is clear. PT can never bounce back now. We should maximize the propaganda effort in DIIR news by featuring more stories and picture of me and you. I am the King and you will be Sikyong.
Red velvet curtain closes…
It is very disrespectul of Penpa Tsering to conspire against Sikyong Lobsang Sangay and that too in his attempt to do so with Dhardon Sharling, who was already nominated as Kalon. I always hugely admired Dhardon Sharling for her leadership and this time she showed her courage by supporting Sikyong and standing by truth. She is one individual who will not bow under public pressure but will stand her ground. I am hearing that Sikyong and Dhardon Sharling share a great work relationship and it is benefiting DIIR for which she is Secretary and Sikyong is Kalon and the Central Tibetan Administration. I would not be surprised if Dhardon Sharling will contest the 2021 Sikyong election and even less surprised if she wins it.
Many people here are of the opinion that Sikyong threw Dhardon Sharling (nicknamed “Ani Nyemo of Gangkyi”) under the bus.
I think that LS advice was: I am going to get rid of PT and make him into damaged goods, and one person who will benefit most will be someone like you who dreams of becoming next female Sikyong. I think he would have said: “Do the math, with my direct or indirect endorsement, all Aro Khampa votes plus your Ngari votes, you have better chances of winning over PT come next election.”
And she would have said, I need to take a walk into the woods to think this through. Sikyong said, I will join you. Hence the widely circulated portrait of two taking walk in the forest. Sikyong impressed her some more and she bit the bullet and gave him a loving kiss. And this is how, I am quite sure, this wily female politician became the story.
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I have been a huge fan of Dhardon la. I have always looked up to her and have always said praises for her among friends. I am a young student and we are a bunch of girls who held her as inspiration.
Dhardon la should redeem herself. She should either let us know if she really had to put up to PT for four hours!! If PT really made disparaging remarks about Sikyong. If this four-hour-long conversation was actually one-sided or if she also participated wholeheartedly. She was in a real sense a critique of Sikyong and his administration then. We all voted her for those remarks and her honesty. It has been such a big letdown that now we have to doubt her integrity. Why did you have to connive with LS to get Kalon’s or that meager Secretary’s post? You had far more respect as elected MP!! You were our leader!! We girls had a say in the Parliament affairs. We are hurt and we feel betrayed as you didn’t respect our votes by rejecting chithue position and with greed ran for Kalon post with lies and then for Secretary’s post.
In retrospect, despite much huffing and puffing at the Kashag’s decision to relieve PT of his post, the verdict is a fait accompli willy nilly, I believe.
The majority of the 1.5 lac Tibetans support Lobsang Sangay. So Penpa Tsering stands no chance, even if 20,000 come out to protest against LS, 60 percent of the eligible voters will support him.
The government is more important than an individual. We have to look at the big picture.
By his refusal to accept Kashag’s clarification, Penpa Tsering is indirectly questioning the legitimacy and authority of the exile CTA. He is setting a precedent where the Tibetan president — even after LS’s departure — may have to stand in constant fear of public backlash if they take action against underperforming officials if the latter has some history of service in CTA.
Penpa Tsering’s action, in all honesty, points to a disrespect for Kashag. He even appears to deny the legitimacy of CTA itself, and instead sees Gaden Phodrang as his political superiors. He never once acknowledged kashag’s authority. in the statements he released, he repeatedly rerfered to 1. Dalai Lama and 2. Law. He should have mentioned number 3. Tibetan President/Kashag, but he didn’t.
I am very ashamed. Very.
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Dear Tenzin Kelsang la, I am happy and thank you very much for your support to our own Kashag and CTA and its authority. If we Tibetans don’t respect our own kashag/sikyong and CTA than who will respect, it is our own future government of Tibet. I am sad and ashamed some misguided people wrote such allegation against Kashag and Sikyong, Now these allegations by some of our morons, were used by Dhoegyal followers and Chinese regime. I am sure they were laughing at tibetans/us.
I once again thank you for your supportive comment and I wish to see more of these supportive comments in social media.
To be precise, LS’s vote share in 2016 was 33,876 votes (57.08 % of the total vote share) as against the 24,864 votes (41.89% of the total vote share) in the name of PT. So, 20,000 is quite a big number!!
Not to mention, LS got the above vote share by violating electoral regulations; For example:
“An incumbent Sikyong, cannot use his/her good offices and the staff of Central Tibetan Administration or official visits, for personal electoral benefits or to influence voters in their favour.” Violating this regulation, LS’s best friend used his office to campaign and influence voters in North America.
Also by misleading public on 1.5 million USD ‘grant/loan’ and what not. He calls himself ‘legal expert’, I pray he and his friends over drinks have not flouted US law.
Kashag is nothing but LS. He has the main say! Unlike before all the kalons are “YES Minister” ‘cause LS appointed them.
Yes Kashag is led by Sikyong who was elected by the Tibetan people, and the people has given him the mandate and power to lead Kashag. Every minister had to be loyal to its Prime Minister to function smoothly. It is Lobsang Sangay’s administration and Prime Minister chooses his minister.
How did you prove that LS lobsang Sangye has violated electoral regulation?
He clearly mentioned during his visit to where ever. I am not here for election campaign but official visit.
If any Tibetan thinks they can do better than LS at this stage, then please prepare from now for the next Sikyong election. Come out and demonstrate yourself to people, and no need to denounce LS and bark in the social media.
LS declared the 1.5 million dollars was donated by Tibet Fund and that is spent on DC Tibet House. LS don’t need to show bills for every cement bags, bricks and labour as every organisation and every department in CTA has its own account and auditor general office who takes care of it. So Tibetans don’t need to worry about it.
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Phurbu Tsering Dhungso Tsang, you may not need to, but Tibetans do need to worry, because pretty soon the IRS and FBI will ask the Tibet Office to present not only the bills for “every cement bags, bricks and labour” but every penny spent from the 1.5 million dollars. Moreover, Tibetans have to worry because the Tibet Office not only represents HH the Dalai Lama, but also the Tibetan peoplem and the Tibet Fund works for the benefit of the Tibetan people. We do not want and cannot see any litigation against these offices.
Phurbu la, I feel you need to read the comments better. LS’s best friend flouted the electoral regulations by using OOT and by him being LS’s “best friend” and CTA staff, also because he was manipulating voters for LS, latter violated the regulations. That’s for one.
Re-1.5 million USD. By LS’s account it was indeed a donation/grant but it is declared as loan in Tibet Fund’s financial statement!! Is Tibet Fund misrepresenting the fact to US government. By LS’s admission, it was planned and agreed between him and his ‘friends’!! He is supposedly ‘legal expert’!! I just hope he did not kill the golden goose just like shoving Dhardon under the bus and killing her political career
Tibetan Buddhists are the carriers of ancient Indian knowledge of mind. Scientists are beginning to walk into the territory of human values and ideas of compassion through scientific findings through the Mind and Life institute, and also Sikyong is going around proclaiming to the world that the Tibet issue is a Litmus test (a laboratory chemical test to differentiate between acidity and alkalinity) for morality for the world reaction to Tibet Issue.
But isn’t lack of transparency in the transactions between the Tibet Fund and Office of Tibet going against Sikyong’s own words? And why was the transfer of Office of Tibet responsibilities from Kaydor Aukatsang happening? Why was Penpa Tsering la not informed about the backdoor dealing transaction of a huge amount of money which has the risk of closing Tibet Fund if a lawsuit is filed by the pro-Chinese advocates?
If Sikyong is involved in such kind of secret backdoor illegal deals, rather than Sikyong’s “state secret dealings” with regard to Tibet-China peaceful dialogue initiative, it is a serious matter of concern for the Tibetan people. Their only hope for the future is the CTA, a democratic setup which is a gift from the vision of His Holiness and sustained by hard work of Tibetan masses in exile under the guidance of His Holiness. If the Tibet Fund is cut from CTA due to illegal dealing allegation by either honest US advocates (which they have right to do as law of the land) or ill-minded pro-Chinese advocates, then it is the responsibility of the Sikyong. He is the one who initiated such illegal dealings, as he has told in public clarification in Toronto, whereas Penpa Tsering is just the whistle-blower calling for help from the Auditor General regarding the discrepancy in the account. No mention is made of a loan from Tibet Fund, as opposed to Tibet Fund account reports, and for this act of questioning for transparency for the sake of CTA, PT has been fired.
I urge the Tibetans to think about the very purpose of our struggle: It is to preserve our culture and religion, which is mainly about good human values for the good of the world. Do we really want to take the help of illegal backdoor dealings to fight for those Tibetan values and culture, by disrespecting the law of the host land on which property of Office of Tibet DC is purchased?
The question here is, is it legal for The Tibet fund to carry it as a loan in there audited account, when it’s actually not a loan? Where are the Tibet Fund’s board members, what do they have to say and are they aware of it?
Your are absolutely right, that is called smart thinking
Dear Topgyal la,
I hope you are in good sense, but it appears to many of us that you need immediate diagnosis to find out whether the common sense part of your brain is functioning or not. How dare you say that the communist party or Xi is the best to rule or guide us. If you believe what communist party did in Tibet is right, then you better leave Dharamshala or the United States and go elsewhere to start your new life.
Please don’t misuse your democratic right and say whatever comes to your mind. I understand there is serious misunderstanding between LS and PT over many issues including the US $1.5 million, but you can’t blame entire Tibetan people for the corruption or misappropriation of public money or grants meant to assist refugee by officials. People are demanding clear explanation from all the people involved in this shady dealing. They should tell us where the money is now and who is using them.
LS is not the king and he can’t behave like medieval feudal lords.
Please respect the sentiment of common Tibetans who are basically very honest and hard working.
So our President is saying that the present Kashag and Tibet Fund mutually agreed to show the gift money as loan just to avoid taxes? What if in 2043, the then Tibet fund director demands CTA to return the money saying it is in their account as loan? Would Sikyong and present Tibet Fund director be available at that time to clarify things if the situation requires? The present Kashag is going to leave CTA in a big “possible debt”.
First loan, then gift. Now gift which is made to look like a loan.
Kuch to gadbad hai.
Your points are very valid.
This gadbad and the whole truth about loan/grant, so-called verbal dealings with Tibet Fund Director, and other issues will hopefully be made clear through PT’s clarification. This loan issue is one of the 10 reasons for PT’s unfair termination and he has promised to challenge each one of them.
We all have seen and heard Kashag’s side of the story, and people are still waiting for PT’s clarification. It is only logical for any other parties mentioned in the termination reason, like Tibet Fund, Dhardon Sharling, and unnamed entities who informed Sikyong about PT making disparaging remarks in DC area and others, to hold back their side of the story before clarifications are already made from both LS and PT.
So, a delayed response or action from all these actors on the matter may not exactly mean agreement with whatever LS has clarified so far. But these are just my assumptions.
It’s a laughable story that the Tibet Fund director from an organization based in the US could make a verbal agreement on the $1.5-million loan with Sikyong and Kaydor. US is a land of laws where legality, transparency, and accountability on financial matters is deemed paramount. The Director is a former Finance Minister in the CTA. The amount being discussed here is not $100 or $200 and not even $5000 but $1.5 million. In CTA also, there is a spending amount limit on how much even a department secretary can authorize. H I don’t believe the Director would be foolish to enter into such verbal agreement with anyone.
I seriously doubt our Sikyong’s version if he really said something like this in the Toronto talk. I am sure Tibet Fund has all the proper documentation to prove their part of the story or to disprove what Sikyong reportedly said about verbal agreement with the Director if clarification becomes necessary even after PT’s clarification.
Dear Xi Jingping —
Today I would like to you send something personally.
Now I have come to believe that you Communists are the best way to guide Tibetans. If your government hadn’t kept Tibet, now the Tibetan people would have become wild animals.
See, in USA, Europe, and Asian countries there are many Tibetans fighting and bullying. Nobody cares about their own discipline or culture. Just they want money any use to culture and religion. Unfortunately they don’t have unity or respect for each other.
Now I realise the Chinese government controls their people as a good guide for them, otherwise they can’t survive themselves because they don’t agree with each other’s ideas or expression.
So today I will send this letter to the embassies in the USA.
Thanks and regards,
Tobgyal
USA
I doubt if this Tobgyal is a real Tibetan. He/she may a Chinese trying to creating division among the Tibetans. We normally spell Tobgyal as TOPGYAL. If this piece was written by a real Tibetan, it’s a shame and disgraceful.
We should all remember that no individual is indispensable to an institution. Instead of adding fodder to fire and and creating divisions among ourselves we should wait till things are clear after Mr. Penpa Tsering gives his version after Nov. 30, instead of commenting on he said she said stuff.
If there are wrong doings from either side we should write to the concerned individual or institution in place of the social media which only creates divisions among our small community.
Thanks for your attention.
Ugyen Tsering
I don’t know if i am appalled at or ashamed by your comment. A controversy in our exile admin and you seem so quick to hail Xi jinping and the communist Chinese who are responsible for wreaking havoc on our land, people and culture. Democracy is not something that is bestowed and you expect it to function perfectly on its own. It has to be sustained and maintained and calls for our constant vigilance and participation. You take the freedom that you enjoy for granted and undermining the suffering, pain and the lack of freedom that many of our brave and courageous brother and sisters are subject to.
First, president Bush senior’s apology for inappropriately touching a lady’s behind from his wheelchair, and then Charlie Rose’s eviction from CBS for sexual misconduct, et al. This is classic Hollywood mishmash in the land of the free lot and the home of the melting pot.
Dejavu, we too have our share of controversy in diaspora that is nilly willy but far from being loosey goosey, to say the least.
Come December there will be more talk the talk. But it’s doubly crucial that we walk the walk for our ultimate liberation. To me both LS and PT have proven to be indefatigable public servants. So the simmering bickering is most unfortunate.
Anyway, happy Thanksgiving.
Election Fraud
This means Sikyong Lobsang Sangay lied to the public to get votes during election. He said he had already bought the Washington building in US with money he himself collected, and is planning to buy more buildings in Japan, etc etc. He said if Tibetans elected him again he has more things to do. People elected him.
Now things are becoming clear how he lied and how he actually got the money. The Washington building, according to LS’s own speech in Canada, was bought with donation from His Holiness and loan from Tibet Fund, which was already doing so many things for Tibetan refugees all over the world. No fund was raised by LS or his friend Kaydor.
After Penpa raised the issue in Brussels in a confidential meeting, he got out the ‘donation’ story.
It is now in the hands of the Tibetan Election Commission (TEC) to charge LS for lying to the public during election to get votes. Last time TEC pardoned Kaydor and LS, after they misused their offices by openly campaigning for LS. Now, TEC should take action and show that it is not an office that has only teeth that cannot bite.
This is basically how Donald Trump handles his issues. You listen to him or you are fired or he just tries to mock you on Twitter. Same thing here, they are trying to completely ruin the career of PT because he is questioning decisions made by LS. He kept saying my friends Kaydor I called him back, you appointed your friend, who had no experience in being a representative in the US. He completely sucked at his job and you had to call him back. So you made it look as if you made the sacrifice.
Actually there is no yardstick in CTA to measure the performance. It’s up to the secretaries to define how one’s staff members perform in their annual evaluation sheet. Why is PT only in the lenses of LS? How is Sikyong measuring other Donchoe’s performances? Meeting senators and government officials is easy, if given appointments and take some picture and upload on tibet.net like most of the dochoes do.
Unfortunately, Trump declared (he cannot decide until Congress approves) to cut down on its USAID’s and other US government funded programs overseas, which included the receivable funds for the CTA for the next 4 years. LS claims that PT is not working on that, how can he say that when PT is approaching/lobbying with senators and congressmen. Everyone knows it’s not easy for Trump to cut budgets. Congress has to pass the rules like we do. Why is LS forgetting this! Results won’t come in seconds, please.
One name that keeps popping up who is not a professional politician is Kalden Lodoe. If even part of what is written here about him is true, it is highly unprofessional. If he is a journalist working for any network in US, however powerful he may be, that journo will not tick on the job even for a day, except he is Sann Hannity.
Radio Free Asia and VOA are overseen by Broadcasting Board of Governers (BBG). People should complain about Kalden Lodoe to BBG.
I googled Broadcasting board of Governors and found this address.
Contact the BBG:
The Broadcasting Board of Governors,
330 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20237
(202) 203-4000
[email protected]
Nobody is more important than Tibet’s cause and nobody is as important as His Holiness the Great 14th, not even close to equal and replace HH’s name in a song of tribute!!
It is not about who is more important between LS and PT. It is about the functioning of the elected leaders in a nascent democracy. It is about credibility of the leadership and the community. It is about dirty and partisan politics. It is about regionalism taking precedence over nationalism. It is about accountability and responsibility of unity, peace and upholding truth. It is about fighting lies and misrepresentations. It is about someone being utterly unreasonable and authoritarian. It is about safeguarding norms and values.
After all and above everything it is about calling out lie for a lie, and criticising anything that hurts unity, peace and our cause.
LS and Dhardon Sharling have caused a great harm to the credibility that was built over many many years and by many generations. I am so sad and hurt.
Yigala you nailed it! Amen.
Appeal Letters to His Holiness, CTA Staff and NGOS
This time the public — Utsang, Amdo, and Khampa — have all stood up in arms, and Tsadon Ling had sent petitions to His Holiness, CTA Staff, and NGOS about the misdoings of Sikyong Lobsang Sangay.
Democracy gives the public the right to elect a person to a post, and it gives the same right to kick-the-hell outta that person if he behaves like the Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un and forgest he is after all the people’s servant.
Last time, when Tenzin Choenyi and Pasang Dhondup self-immolated, Sikyong danced with ladies to the tune of PHUR. We Tibetans were disappointed. I think, if Sikyong still has some moves left, he can dance now. Tibetans won’t object this time.
During Sikyong Lobsang Sangay’s visit to Toronto on 19 Nov, he said loud and clear that the US $1.5 M is not a loan from Tibet Fund but a grant towards buying an office building in Washington DC.
All monetary decisions of Tibet Fund are made by the Board of Directors, and decisions are documented. We all can see from the Tibet Fund website that the US $1.5 M is clearly a loan for Office of Tibet. It is not a grant.
I think Penpa Tsering la knows that it is a loan, and that is why he keeps insisting it as a loan from Tibet Fund. I beleive Sikyong Lobsang Sangay feels very uncomfortable with Penpa Tsering regarding this issue and felt the need to get rid of him before it became a very big issue.
During the 2016 Sikyong election, Sikyong Lobsang Sangay claimed many achievements during his first Sikyong tenure, one of them being that he moved Office of Tibet to Washington DC and made full payment for the building.
Now we know that he had not made full payment; actually, there is a loan of US $1.5 M from Tibet Fund for Office of Tibet building in Washington DC.
I think Penpa Tsering la is right to have Audit office put US $1.5 M as a loan in the audit report of Office of Tibet, Washington DC.
The most shocking thing is why Sikyong Lobsang Sangay is lying to public openly about the US $1.5 M loan. The million dollar question is why can’t Sikyong Lobsang Sangay accept it as a loan as stated on the Tibet Fund website?
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If sangay lies down, will change to dog. The way of Sikyong’s doing is exactly same as Xi Jin Ping. Sikyong is a cunning politician and he is trying to play his dirty game in this critical time. The ten points given by Kashag is not strong and clear enough to let PT down. From this year, I am not going to pay for green book, because i want transparency.
We stand by kashag’s decision. Because of PT, US govt proposed zero aid to tibetans.
This is ridiculous. Penpa should stop whining. The case is over.
The Tibetan people need to understand the working and leadership of Lobsang Sangay without supporting him blindly. He is paving a clear pathway for his likeminded as well as Khampa candidate for next Sikyong by picturing Penpa Tsering and Dhardon Sharling like traitors and untrustworthy in the eyes of the public. Look how he played with Sharling. Lobsang Sangay, who always describes things in numbers played the number game with Sharling. Sangay not only managed to remove Sharling from Chitue (highest voted U-tsang candidates) but also gave her two-day Kalon lollipop and made her Dhobi-ka-kutta. Even if we agree that Sharling was given wrong advises by Penpa Tsering, the event happened before Penpa was appointed as representative. Moreover, it is unprofessional to reveal such conversation officially which will not only create misunderstanding between the Secretary of DIIR and NA representative but division among U-Tsang and Domey as Sharling and Penpa belongs to these two provinces.
Sangay is playing the number game again with $1.5 million phantom transaction to frame Penpa as someone who is against the CTA and Kashag.
The motive behind all these drama is nothing else other than to pave a clear way for one of Sangay’s candidate for next Sikyong.
All these songs which are composed for His Holiness are now sung in praise of Sangay. Like, Khewang Lobsang Sangay Norbu Mina Khang Ray… If we are not careful, one day we will end up praying, Cherezigwang Lobsang Sangay Hin, Shapay Sithi Bardu Tenpar Shok.
I agree with everything that was written about PT and LS in the above comment. As for Dhardon Sharling, she has been a smooth politician for all these years and our public has been lapping up her political tricks and gimmicks on the social media time and again. But this time she got exposed publicly by King LS to whom she betrayed her friend PT.PT stood for truth at the cost of his job but Dhardon Sharling sold herself for her current job.
I totally agree with you. When Dhardon first came she did some nice job, but because of her political ambition, which she considered more important than standing by truth, she forgot that it is the general public who voted for her made her what she is today.
By the way how did she became secretary of DIIR? Person who lied to the very sacred chatrim of exile government. (Is it LS?) A liar she was before and now changing her colour every time to retain her post. So sad and lots of enthusiastic sincere youngsters who are more qualified than her are working under her command, which is command of LS because she has no brain of her own — that’s why she is not CHAMCHAGiRI. U can lie about anything but not your DOB To reach at a post like DIIR secretary to a humble civil servant is very hard. But there is shortcut to that which is chamchagiri and that is what exactly she is doing. She is now aiming for kalon, which she could not get with her lies. But bad news Dhardon Sharling, your big dreams are over. Truth will prevail.
A lady who will be remembered in modern Tibetan history for causing greater rift between LS-PT and current disharmony in exile. Both LS and Dhardon are mega-ambitious, power-hungry, and lack moral strength. Getting sick of their political affairs!
When people don’t believe the reasons given for PT’s terminate, now somebody is pulling everyone of his acquaintances in the mess. Dhardon Sharling’s reputation is a gone case, thanks to our Sikyong. Next might be those who attended the 5-50 conference in Dharamsala. He is a selfish leader and will not think twice to even kill somebody to prove himself innocent and to get what he wants. He said that PT is a friend. Is this how you treat a friend? He also said Dhardon Sharling is future Sikyong but now she will not even get a chithu because of him.
If the information below posted by Tenzin Sonam USA was truly obtained after filing a FERA form with the US Govt, it will raise a question on Kashag’s charges of “inefficiency” and “insubordination” on Penpa Tsering.
Dear Kashag, Check Your Numbers.
Just because ten is a serious sounding number for a list of misdeeds, doesn’t mean that you can just make up things to reach that number.
After the $1.5M matter with Tibet Fund, the next level of accusations against Rep. Penpa Tsering in Kashag’s 10 point list is the fact that he wasn’t doing enough and not engaging sufficiently with the US government.
Of course the list fails to mention all the many things that he was doing exceedingly well, including what was apparent to see for all Tibetans living in North America. The fact that he was traveling more and working harder than any representative in the last 25 years. He was meeting with supporters, Tibetan groups, and Buddhist centers across the US and Canada to unify, grow, and energize Tibet movement.
But getting back to Kashag’s complaint #5, which states that Penpa Tsering was not sufficiently engaging with the US government, a quick glance at The Foreign Agent Registration Act’s filing with US Department of Justice shows that the allegation is simply not the truth.
Penpa Tsering had succeeded in getting and holding more (142) reported meetings with Congress & Administration in his first year in Washington DC than his predecessor had reported (69) in 3 years.
If we want the CTA to be a just administration that treats its civil servants and diplomats fairly, we cannot support the mistreatment and character defamation that Tsoktso Penpa Tsering la and his family are undergoing today.
The numbers clearly show how hard PT has worked as Ari Doncho more than his predecessor in maintaining contact with the US administration within a short time. As for some questioning the outcome of such meetings, the same question could also be raised against LS who has been on a constant world tour to solve the Tibet problem. As hundreds of international trips by LS for more than six years have not brought China to the negotiating table, it is unfair and too much to expect PT to bring tangible results from the Donald Trump administration within one year of his service. But his record number of meetings within such a short time of service is exemplary and praiseworthy. Wonderful work, PT la!
We must do a detailed and proper investigation of this whole loan issue from Tibet Fund and CTA Audit Office to know everything. Being a registered organization in the US functioning under a vigilant Board of Directors, neither President Rinchen Dharlo nor Executive Director Lobsang Nyendak could manage to do anything fishy here. Their financial statement online shows everything in a transparent manner. I think the problem is in the CTA side of the financial report.
In the world of democracy, the cabinet voted by people have the right to decide to make space to go ahead for the service.
All who are replaced, removed, etc, should accept as the truth is they can not work better for the cause.
There is no excuse when it comes to duty, all have to do their job, no emotional is allowed as it is not a private business. The court is open. by the way, one should question oneself if you are being honest, do you know in details, because little knowledge is dangerous. I hope you don’t want to create problems to our small community in exile.
If justice is not done, then as you say court is open. Since this issue deals with 2 organisations in USA and one breaking the rules of cooking the books which is against the law of the land.. Court in USA can make a very swift decision.
This fiasco created by the Kashag is killing my holiday mood here in Goa. Instead of strolling around sea beach, I am hooked here on my computer pounding forcefully on the keypad to vent my frustration for creating all the mess. If Kashag sees there is a possible backlash from the US government in revealing truth about their “$1.5M” transaction done ‘hush hush’ among their friend circle, quashing any evidence at the office of Tibet, then why would Kashag dwell on this at the very first act. To be honest I didn’t hear even a word on $1.5M coming from PT. Wish i didn’t vote for LS, I know my one vote wouldn’t make any difference yet, somewhere down in my heart there is a guilt feeling that I will have to live with. Poor Me!
I fail to understand whether we are talking about $1.5M personal deal between Kaydor, LS and Lobsang Nyendak or is this money something to do with the CTA? If it is about CTA then there are bound to have some sort of documentation whether approving or disapproving about the loan/contribution. I feel sad how some people play with such huge money like it is their family inheritance. Though I may not agree with PT on many issues, however, I salute his guts to stand up for truth. Such malpractices need to be checked before it is too late.
It now makes sense to go back to what we kept hearing about the fact that LS assertively said Kaydor would continue to handle all the US fund related work when PT was appointed. WHAT’S UP! Freaking Crazy!
If there is any personal deal on 1.5M, it could have happened only between LS and Kaydor. Who knows what else these two have been doing with CTA finances? CTA totally under their control and Kaydor appointed as the Director of SARD which is the office in India through which all foreign funds to CTA lands or go through. There should be thorough investigation in that area too just to be sure there are no malpractices going there.
I too salute PT! He is the only truth warrior that stood up to our despotic Sikyong Sangay and opened the eyes of many Tibetans to the loopholes in our Tibetan democracy.
What LS is doing will actually come back and harm the Tibet issue more than ever. He just proved and validated how he and his friends (Kaydor and Lobsang Nyendak) committed fraud!! Tibet Fund misrepresented the grant as loan in its financial statement misleading US. Trump and US administration now have perfect alibi to de-register Tibet Fund and cut fundings.
LS have always hurt the Tibetan Leadership’s credibility and international standing; first telling lies during his campaign be it over his employment at Harvard, him receiving salary from Taiwan, over question of OCN / his visit to China, lying that Lhasang la also visited China and what not. Now lying (legally or not) to the community and US government. In the latter, of course Tibet Fund being complicit to the misrepresentation.
LS’s elevation have hurt the Tibet’s cause more than ever. Somebody rightly said by making Tibet Fund complicit have actually killed the golden goose.
Also this ugly episode have brought Dhardon Showling’s untrustworthiness out into open. I am sorry but she now can’t be trusted with private communications and all the more never with state secrets.
As a registered and transparent organization in the US that is managed perfectly and strictly under its strong Board of Directors, there is no room and absolutely no need for complicity in any sort of illegal dealing from Tibet Fund’s President Rinchen Dharlo and Executive Director Lobsang Nyendak for anyone. Misleading our innocent public in this whole issue by presenting Rinchen Dharlo as family and Lobsang Nyendak as friend is not only unfortunate but untrue.
Where did Rinchen Dharlo appear in the above posts? I see only four names here; Lobsang Nyendak, Kaydor Auda-Tsang, and Dhardon Sharling.
If you are active on social media forums, you will know. Many commented in facebook and We-chat that Rinchen Dharlo was related to Sikyong and involved in some sort of secret dealings with LS and Kaydor in buying Office of Tibet in Washington DC to keep for themselves. After all, Rinchen Dharlo has been the President of Tibet Fund for many many years and Lobsang Nyendak has been in Tibet Fund for only few years. We know that people are dragging the names of Rinchen Dharlo and Lobsang Nyendak by making false stories. It is not fair and not right. Hope truth prevails soon.
That’s a classical Trump – Comey case. Public will grill LS about the so called “grant” or rather and correctly loan. And in march the chitues’ turn to grill him. This money lie will haunt him and finally lead to his downfall.
It makes sense not to accept Kashag’s cooked up charges of ten non virtuous action against Penpa Tsering: Most of those charges are trivial..but one on $1.5 million and charge #5 are biggy: Both of these charges can be challenged by documentation support. Here is one that i saw in facebook:
Dear Kashag, Check Your Numbers.
Just because ten is a serious sounding number for a list of misdeeds, doesn’t mean that you can just make up things to reach that number.
After the $1.5M matter with Tibet Fund, the next level of accusations against Rep. Penpa Tsering in Kashag’s 10 point list is the fact that he wasn’t doing enough and not engaging sufficiently with the US government.
Of course the list fails to mention all the many things that he was doing exceedingly well, including what was apparent to see for all Tibetans living in North America….the fact that he was traveling more and working harder than any representative in the last 25 years. He was meeting with supporters, Tibetan groups, and Buddhist centers across the US and Canada to unify, grow, and energize Tibet movement.
But getting back to Kashag’s complaint #5, which states that Penpa Tsering was not sufficiently engaging with the US government, a quick glance at The Foreign Agent Registration Act’s filing with US Department of Justice shows that the allegation is simply not the truth.
Penpa Tsering had succeeded in getting and holding more (142) reported meetings with Congress & Administration in his first year in Washington DC than his predecessor had reported (69) in 3 years.
If we want the CTA to be a just administration that treats its civil servants and diplomats fairly, we cannot support the mistreatment and character defamation that Tsoktso Penpa Tsering la and his family are undergoing today.
Numbers clearly shows how hard PT has worked as Ari Doncho more than his predecessor in maintaining contact with the US administration within a short time. As for some questioning the outcome of such meetings, the same question could also be raised against LS who has been on a constant world tour to solve Tibet problem. As hundreds of international trips by LS for more than six years has not brought China onto the negotiating table, it is unfair and too much to expect PT to bring tangible results from Donald Trump administration within one year of his service. But his record number of meetings within such a short time of service is exemplary and praiseworthy. Wonderful work, PT la!
On internet, wechat and various social media platforms, there are so many Tibetans talking about the recent firing of Penpa Tsering la by Sikyong Lobsang Sangay. Majority of them are saying that Penpa Tsering la got fired because he questioned Sikyong about the mysterious US $1.5 Million that is showing as a loan to Office of Tibet, DC, in Tibet Fund account. During Sikyong Lobsang Sangay la’s visit to Toronto on Nov 19, he explained in detail about that US $1.5 million.
I am very satisfied with his explanation about the US $1.5 million. To me it is very clear that it was written as a loan in Tibet Fund account because of legal requirement but it is not really a loan. I have no doubt that he did nothing wrong with the US $1.5 million.
However, I do have one big problem with his explanation. If you listen to his explanation carefully he stated that he is a very good friend of Kador la (then Office of Tibet Representative) and Lobsang Nyendak la (Director of Tibet Fund) and that all of them verbally agreed to have Tibet Fund give US $1.5 Million to Office of Tibet to help towards buying an office space in Washington DC. It may be that three friends got together to make this monetary transaction verbally. But how come this verbal agreement was not put in writing. Tibet Fund and Office of Tibet are under CTA. Every government monetary transactions should have a supporting document.
There is nothing wrong with Penpa Tsering la asking Sikyong about the $1.5 million since he is now the head of the Office of Tibet. I would have done the same if I am in Penpa Tsering la’s shoe.
The problem with verbal agreement made between friends is if one of the friend leaves the post, then the issue will come to surface. I think it is good that Penpa Tsering la raised this issue.
If Lobsang Nyendak la has to leave the Tibet Fund post, what more mystery will surface. God knows how many verbal agreement has been made between friends.
Somebody has been falsely presenting Lobsang Nyendak as Sikyong LS’s friend, and how LS and Kaydor had some sort of verbal agreement with Lobsang Nyendak on the 1.5-million-USD loan. People must be careful with such misleading information and misrepresentation. Not only has Tibet Fund received the Gold Seal of Transparency in 2017 for their works, but their financial statement is available on their website for all to see and verify.
Another cooked up story about Lobsang Nyendak being friends with LS and how the three friends LS, Lobsang Nyendak and Kaydor Aukatsang made the verbal agreement. In LS’ whole life, only Kaydor seems to be his only friend.
We also heard Sikyong LS talk in great detail about his friendship with PT at the Toronto talk. This was done to prove he has no personal hatred to PT. Now this cooked information of Lobsang Nyendak being friends with LS and involved in some sort of verbal dealing is nothing but to fool the people with lies. But our people are much smarter than before.
Didn’t LS say it was a verbal understanding reached between three: Ari Dhonchoe, LS, and Tibet Fund? Ari Dhonchoe was LS’s best friend Kaydor, and at the helm of Tibet Fund is Lobsang Nyendak! So nobody cooked anything but these three did cook a lot of things; grant as loan, loan in financial statement, grant in verbal understanding, best friend as Ari Dhonchoe, best friend as Special Adviser, a weasel as DIIR secretary, and what not!
Who cooked with whom and who will be cooked will become clear in PT’s clarification. Till that time, cooking stories seems to be the hobby of our Sikyong and Kaydor, beginning from the reasons given in PT’s firing and subsequent cooked up stories of verbal agreement with Lobsang Nyendak.
It would be fine with verbal agreement between friends if it involved their personal savings. When it comes to institution, you go by the books and governing law of the land, USA. My head scratcher is that Sikyong Lobsang Sangay laid out explicitly, how they wanted to defraud the taxation of non-profit organization by cooking the books. This would certainly put both Tibet Fund and OofT, in a precarious situation with IRS.
My $1.5M question is, is it PT’s fault for questioning something that’s going just fine? OR is it LS’s fault for putting TF and OofT at risk of losing non profit status/fine by way of his explanation of transaction agreement?
OMG 😯 😯 😯 what about the New York property, where is the money $$$$$ 🏢 Why didn’t they use that money for the new building OOT in DC? Does anyone know in whose name the property title is registered?
I think the same story is repeating. Funds received by Tibet fund is a grant for Tibetan people in Exile I don’t think it is just to keep in the Tibet Fund account and people suffer in exile without proper infrastructure. Be careful LS and teams. Too much dirty politics is not good. Better to resign from the post. Long Live His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.
This article clearly says that Tibet Fund is managed and governed under Board of Directors.
Please see the link here:
http://www.tenzinyeshi.com/2017/11/was-penpa-tsering-wrong-to-see-15.html
I was scratching my head when LS was saying that the 1.5-Million-dollar amount from Tibet Fund was an internal understanding between Tibet Fund and Donchoe khang. Loan documents clearly show that the money is payable back to Tibet Fund in 2040. If Tibet Fund come back and ask to repay the money, then what? By that time our current Sikyong will be nowhere to answer this dilemma. This is a huge misstep from Kashag and will be haunting us for long time.
Also if Kashag informs PT about this understanding documents when he was appointed to Ari Representative, then it would not drag this to ugly ending. This is confidential stuff and should be kept confidential within the realm of CTA.
Thank God for democracy that we have Lobsang Sangay, and thank god we have a Penpa Tsering when we have a Lobsang Sangay, and thank god there is a Lukar Jam when there is a Penpa Tsering. Lets be thankful.
I feel that Penpa Tsering has become a sort of dinosaur in the Parliament. He has spent 20+ years which makes him an ‘establishment candidate’, and thus counts as a weakness. A political person should work in the society in other roles such as academician, business man, sportsman, etc, to gain real experience of life. But I think PT is a typical career politician, and we know career politicians lack real-world experience.
Anyways, PT is also reportedly a morally corrupt man, as a colleague in the Parliament reveals. Here, Ugyen Topgyal Rinpoche from Bir convincingly exposes Penpa Tsering’s dark soul, watch here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYMcPNFl-I0
Who is right and who is wrong! Really confused issues.
Sikyong supporters like Lithangpa and Tehor Khampas (same phayul as his advisor Pema Chinjor) changed our song for His Holiness to song for Sikyong. They sing – So ya la Khevang Lobsang Sangay Norbu mena gangrey.. Please you write 1000000 songs to praise Sikyong as the best leader and sing in your kyidhuk party. But please don’t steal our precious song for our true leader His Holiness.
I think media should take initiative and ask the person whoever names comes in this tibetan political scenario to get the real story. Moreover we should have RTI act in all the departments to know what is happening in CTA and others important institutions.
Is this a love triangle between PT, LS and Dhardon Sharling? and Kalden Lodoe is the supporting actor?
And Lukar Jam is main villain
Who is Kalden Lodoe?
Kalden Lodoe is the one who fired Ngapo Jigme from RFA some years back. Some people say he is involved in this recent firing of Penpa Tsering from his job too because he wants to prevent facing the same fate as corrupt Lama Tenzin Dhonden who got fired from his high-sounding job as special emissary of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in the US.
Kalden Lodoe has been acting as emissary of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in the DC area for some years now. He too is corrupt and an ego maniac and a great havoc. Both Lama Tenzin Dhonden and Kalden Lodoe were from Namgyal monastery and they are former students of Lobsang Gawa in Gaden Podang. This Lobsang Gawa is a personal attendant of His Holiness and is very influential to His Holiness, and they exploit him or for that matter misinform His Holiness thru Lobsang Gawa and consequently some of their perceived enemies are sent to hell.
Furthermore, I came to know from a knowledgeable person in DC area that only a few in RFA talk to Kalden Lodoe; so he has not an ounce of respect except for same in India or Nepal who don’t know his character and heard him talk on radio or video. Remember when Ngapo Jigme was fired from his job some years back, almost all the Tibetan staff backed him to stay on the job. So this time too many Tibetans want Penpa Tsering on his present job. So you know that Kalden Lodoe is on the wrong side every time there is a big scandal, and he is one of the main protagonists. So people in Gaden Podang beware of this cunning fox; in the future one of you or others may lose their jobs as well.
I totally agree people have seen him on radio and tv. In reality he is afraid of Penpa Tsering. What has he himself has done for Tibetan society except playing dirty politics.
And about Dhardon Sharling she don’t know where she is going. She already damaged her image because of Sikyong. Now again she want to jump into fire telling things that happened when she was supporting PT. Now may be she is hoping for some kalon post as her lied aged number is now eligible. Beware people there are more of people like Kaden Lodoe who can do anything to achieve there post and hide their real face. That’s why he is afraid of PT’s straight forwardness and courage.
The reason for PT firing is because he was straight forward and this did not go well with Gaden Podrang.
First he exposed Lama Tenzin for misusing HH the Dalai Lama’s name and finally the fake lama was suspended but until now there was no official press release from Gaden Podrang on this issue. Why?? they want to cover him up as he is a chamcha and chela of one monk Lobsang Gawa, to whom every one is scared of going anything against his wish. This Lobsang Gawa monk relays all misinformation to HH the Dalai Lama. This Lobsang Gawa alongwith his bacha like Kalden Lodeo and Lama Tenzin needs to be exposed and watched carefully in future.
Secondly, Lobsang Sangay knows that Gaden Podrang is not happy with PT for exposing Fake monk Lama Tenzin and therefore took full advantange of bringing up those allegations against PT. That is how PT was fired.
As simple as this…
Dhardon Sharling has lost all credibility for her unfortunate role in this ugly episode between LS-PT. Dhardon betrayed PT. LS betrayed Dhardon.
1. Isn’t she an empowered feminist and a strong female role model? If so, why did she “put up for four hours” with PT’s conversation? Being a strong woman that she claims to be, she could have easily walked away, stopped the conversation and showed zero tolerance if she was not interested in PT’s talk. The reason she did not walk away shows her complicity and consent in the content of whatever was discussed on LS in the conversation.
2.Who knows what all inside information or disparaging things she could have said about LS to PT? Do you think it is possible for PT to speak for four hours straight without her contributing to and extending the conversation? As she was an open PT supporter till LS offered her the Kalon post and based on their past friendship and alliance from the time of her role as Parliament member and PT as a Parliament Speaker, PT must have trusted her and gave general advices.
3.There is no problem maintaining contact with both PT and LS. If she had been a lady of integrity and an aspiring diplomat, she should not have passed on any disparaging information between LS and PT thus causing much more distrust between the two.
Looks like she has been acting out the role of Information Secretary in real life too. I will find it difficult to trust her with state secrets if she were to hold any high and responsible office.
What a disappointment, Sharling! I had been rooting for you all these time and expected much better than this.
I am just curious as to who is on moral high ground, Dhardon Sharling or Dekyi Choeyang? I had high hopes for both but….#%^*+
I beg to differ. I think Dhardon Sharling again proved that she is courageous leader and can speak up when required. Any other individual would want to hide under the cloak. She is now a bigger inspiration and the road for 2021 female, young, beautiful, intelligent Sikyong is clear now.
I think the difference between Dickyi Choyang and Dhardon Sharling is that the former did not know anything about LS’s work ethics before she joined his cabinet. When she saw and experienced whatever that she felt was unacceptable in the LS administration, she resigned on high moral ground. Sadly, she failed to provide any detailed explanation.
In the case of Sharling, she knew the workings and mindset of LS very well before she joined his team. In both the Sikyong elections, she was an active supporter of LS’s opponents – TN Tethong in the first and PT in the second. Her open support for PT in the second Sikyong election is significant for the fact that she had already witnessed, raised many issues against LS in the hall of parliament and also spoke against LS and his administration, by the virtue of her post as a responsible MP then. Her acceptance of Kalon post from LS and sticking around thereafter on Secretary post is being done with the full knowledge of how LS as Sikyong has performed in his first term.
As for “He said, she said”, I would hold my judgment until PT makes clear whether this really happened or until Sharling herself speak up to clear her name. We also don’t know whether PT really made the disparaging remarks or they had a regular discussion as friends on Sikyong and his administration which was later presented differently. We also cannot guarantee that LS has only sung praises of PT since the election.
What is troubling about this alleged event is the way in which it was used as one of the basis for PT’s removal and also the manner in which LS conveniently and publicly pushed Sharling under the bus. It will be a long, long time before she regains her credibility and standing in the community after this. Despite her experience in politics as a MP, she miscalculated the alleged vindictiveness and ruthlessness of LS as a politician by considering LS and PT on the same level of trustworthiness and loyalty in a friendship.
I find a little sensitivity chip missing in my elected leader in the way PT was removed and how Sharling was publicly humiliated. This should be a wake-up call for Sharling herself.
Sadly, Dhardon never knew that she is shot twice with powerful LS shotgun. U-tsang people voted her with overwhelming numbers, but her greed betrayed and slapped all of them on their faces and instead went cha-cha-cha with LS only to find that: 1. she lost MP post to LS’s brother-in-law’s brother Jamyang. 2. She couldn’t get Kalon post that made her look fraud in the eyes of all her supporters especially her vote bank. 3. This time, she is again kicked from behind by none other than LS who she considered hero-like. Poor Dhardon, I empathize you for all the wrong moves you have made thus far. I had high hopes for you but sorry to say that you turned out to be a mean person. The question is why would LS do this to Dhardon. Simple! Why wouldn’t he, after all he is LS – Singhe is King. He can do anything under the sky. He now has raised four-fold cushions when in Temple and he is nearly there to become ‘Madhe Trulku’ someday soon!
Since the time Dhardon Sharling became friends with LS, it is full downfall. She lost Chithu post, kalon post, US study, and now very shameful reputation and no trust from public. Very sad because she was a popular girl before. She should resign.
I think you should learn CTA chatrim then shout. Try to live above poverty level, focus on improving your monthly pay, because right now you are under poverty earning under $5k/month. Grow that and then come over.
I am poverty level in cash and Sikyong post but very rich in common sense and compassion like a true follower of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Long live his Holiness!
The reasons in the official clarification do not live up to the huge secrecy and reluctance on the part of President Lobsang Sangay to share to save Penpa la’s reputation. In my opinion, this event is not only about Kashag sacking Penpa la. There could be so many implications and symbolisms out of this event that needs closer scrutiny and vigilance of the Tibetan public. Hope everything turns for the better in every way.
I am very proud to see my role model Dhardon Sharling la, stand up and speak up again as she has done over the last many years as Chithue. It requires courage to take such risk and speak out against injustice and sabotage plans. She is my next Sikyong for sure.
Million dollar question is how is Lobsang Sangay able to punk His Holiness the Dalai Lama? When one ask this question, then enters two Rusputin like character in the form of Corrupt Lama Dhondhen and disrobed Namgyal Monk called Kalden Lodoe!
Every concerned Tibetan, especially member of Tibetan parliament should ask from where these two extra-constitutional characters deriving their powers? What is Dhardon Sharling’s role in bringing LS and Kalden Lodoe together? How did the two joined together to destroy PT’s reputation?
We the people have full faith in you and we believe you will challenge all allegations. We also believe that you will fight in and outside court or for that matter at all avenues. It is becoming more and more clear that it was sheer vendetta on the part of LS and his coterie.
It was also very stupid and ungrateful of Dhardon Sharling to have discussed your private counsellings with LS. It wasn’t at all statesman like and have eroded our admiration for her. She is all shows and no work these days.
All 10 reasons are laughable and must have been huddled up as the public was getting impatient and is Kashag’s facesaving attempt, albeit a poor one.
In case Penpa Tsering takes the case to Tibetan Supreme Justice office, I don’t think it would take the case. Even if it takes, it would not decide favorably to Penpa Tsering because the justices at the Tibetan Supreme office jobs are dependent on Sikyong Lobsang Sangay or Kashag and for that matter all the CTA staff. Look how supposedly independent Election Commissioner performed his job during the last elections. So there is no check and balance in the system. Incase it comes up at the Tibetan parliament in the near future, I bet Dothod and Cholug chithus will definitely side with Lobsang Sangay and Utsang and Amdo Chitues will side with Penpa Tsering. So there is no justice. Only the public has to rise up and do the necessary protest demonstrations against any injustices. This is the only way forward.
Don’t think that Tibet is a free nation, and keep in mind that we live on someone’s donation. So lets learn how to live united.