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His
Majesty the King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck- The 5th Druk Gyalpo
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Bhutan
Politics: The King |
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Bhutan
Politics: The King |
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His
Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck becomes the fifth Druk Gyalpo
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| December
14, 2006 |
| The
fourth Druk Gyalpo, His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, has handed over
his responsibilities as the Monarch and head of state of Bhutan to the
Crown Prince Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck who now assumes the full responsibilities
of head of state as the fifth Druk Gyalpo. |
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The
time has now come for me to hand over my responsibilities to Trongsa Penlop
Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck," said
His Majesty in a kasho issued on December 9, the 20th day of the 10th
Bhutanese month. "I am confident that a very bright future lies ahead
for Bhutan with the leadership of a new King and a democratic system of
government that is best suited for our country as enshrined under the Constitution.
I have every confidence that there will be unprecedented progress and prosperity
for our nation in the reign of our fifth King."
His
Majesty explained that Bhutan could not hope for a better time for such
an important transition. Today, the country enjoyed peace and stability,
and its security and sovereignty was ensured. After phenomenal development
and progress the country was closer than ever to the goal of economic self
reliance. Bhutan's relations with its closest neighbour and friend, India,
had reached new heights. International organisations and bilateral development
partners were ready to support Bhutan's development efforts and political
transformation.
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the transition was formally announced on December 14, the 24th day of
the 10th Bhutanese month, the day was charged with emotion, and a special
sitting of the Cabinet in Tashichhodzong was unable to articulate
a comprehensive discussion.
Cabinet
members and special guests that included the chief justice, the speaker
of the National Assembly, and the chief election commissioner were overcome
by emotion and sat in a long and stunned silence after His Majesty the
King's announcement. |
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His
Majesty said that Bhutan was extremely fortunate to have been able to face
and overcome many challenges over the past 34 years, even those that many
people thought were not possible. While countries around the world were
suffering from political unrest and economic woes the Bhutanese leadership
and people now had the opportunity to look ahead and plan for the future.
"Such
an opportunity will not come again," His Majesty said.
His
Majesty also pointed out that, as parliamentary democracy was established,
the country would enjoy peace and stability for several years and that
would be a good period for the fifth Druk Gyalpo and the new government
to gain exposure and political experience.
His
Majesty said that, as long as he himself continued to be King, the Crown
Prince would not gain the actual experience of dealing with issues and
carrying out the responsibilities of a head of state. With parliamentary
democracy to be established in 2008 there was much to be done so it was
necessary that he gained this valuable experience.
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| His
Majesty said that he had mentioned to the Crown Prince that he would have
the opportunity to develop the necessary skills to prepare him for his
responsibilities as King. His Majesty expressed his confidence that the
fifth Druk Gyalpo was fully capable of carrying out his responsibilities.
Judging by his performance as Crown Prince, his thinking, and his principles,
His Majesty said he had no doubt that the fifth Druk Gyalpo would serve
his nation with selfless dedication. His Majesty said that if the Crown
Prince was not worthy, he would not have handed over his responsibilties
just because the Crown Prince was his own son. |
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His
Majesty himself had taken over the reigns of governance at the age of 16
years and he had no doubt that the fifth Druk Gyalpo, who was now 26 years
old, would dedicate his service to the interests of the nation. By the
time he retired at the age of 65 years he would have served for 38 years.
His Majesty expressed his hope and prayer that the fifth Druk Gyalpo will
achieve national objectives that were important to the country and fulfill
the aspirations of the Bhutanese people.
Although
Bhutan had achieved unprecedented development in the past 34 years, it
was more important now to think of the future. His Majesty said that he
had made the decision to abdicate because it was in the best interest of
the nation.
His
Majesty the King expressed his sincere appreciation to the ministers and
senior officials with whom he had worked closely over the past 34 years.
His Majesty said that he had valued their unfailing loyalty and service.
The
prime minister, Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk, submitted to the meeting that he
and the other members of the lhengye zhungtsho had been aware of His Majesty's
wishes but they were at a complete loss when they actually heard the royal
command and received the royal kasho.
It
was not possible to list the phenomenal successes of His Majesty the King's
reign that allowed Bhutan to stand proud in the comity of nations. The
Bhutanese people enjoyed a better quality of life than ever before, the
security and sovereignty of the country was assured, and the world admired
Bhutan's enlightened policies that helped preserve its unique traditions
including the pristine environment, rich culture, and principle of Gross
National Happiness. There could never be a more fortunate generation of
people, he said.
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| Tashichhodzong |
The
agriculture minister, Lyonpo Sangay Ngedup, said that His Majesty the King
had been a true parent of the people of Palden Drukpa who now felt like
children whose umbilical cord had been cut.
The
people, he said, were profoundly sad after being severed from a parent
who had nourished them for 34 years. |
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The
home minister, Lyonpo Jigmi Thinley, said that everything that His Majesty
had envisioned had become a reality although many people, including himself,
had believed that some of them were not possible.
He
said that they were still unable to comprehend the wisdom of such achievements
that had assured the sovereignty of the nation and happiness of the people.
The
minister for trade and industry, Lyonpo Yeshey Zimba, said that, at a time
when world leaders promised power to the people but never meant it, His
Majesty the King had devolved all authority to the people despite their
repeated pleas against it. The people would never forget that what Bhutan
is today is the achievement of His Majesty the King.
The
zhung kalyon, Dasho Rinzin Gyeltshen, said that, in the past 34 years,
His Majesty the King had brought the Bhutanese people from darkness into
light, from the forests into civilisation, and had shown them the true
path when they were lost. It was His Majesty the King who had led them
to unprecedented socio-economic and political achievement and ensured the
security of the country.
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| Tashichhodzong |
The
speaker of the National Assembly, Dasho Ugyen Dorje, said that His Majesty's
announcement was like darkness setting in on a bright day.
His
Majesty's achievements were known to the world and international leaders
these days even advised other leaders to look to His Majesty as an example
and for inspiration. |
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The
chief justice, Lyonpo Sonam Tobgye, expressed the deep gratitude of the
Bhutanese people to His Majesty the King for giving them the identity that
they were so proud of. The Bhutanese populace had been poor and down-trodden
in the past but now looked into the future with confidence and pride.
Government
ministers, the kalyon, the chief justice, and the speaker of the National
Assembly also pledged their allegiance to His Majesty the fifth Druk
Gyalpo, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, who also attended the meeting.
The
prime minister and the lhengye zhungtsho members said that the government
and people of Bhutan would serve His Majesty with dedication and loyalty.
The ministers expressed their full faith and confidence in their new King
and their support for the period during which His Majesty would gain experience
to guide the political developments in the future.
Even
as the members of the lhengye zhungtsho and special invitees to His Majesty
Jigme Singye Wangchuck's last appearance in the Cabinet room submitted
their sentiments and views their strongest message came in the deep quiet
that hung in the air throughout the meeting. The royal heir and all members
of the lhengye zhungtsho were moved to stunned silence by his final act
of trust in the Bhutanese people.
| This
article was contributed by Kuensel, Bhutan's national newspaper, 2006 |
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| Tashichhodzong |
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