The National Councils morning sitting ended early today. We have an afternoon sitting. So I found some time to witness on TV proceedings of National Assembly concerning the Amendment Bill of Attorney Generals Act which was passed by National Council in the last session. Two opinions expressed by two honble members in NA need to be qualified. One, it was argued that the government should have been first approved by Lhengye Zhungtshog. Except for Money Bills, the National Council can constitutionally originate any bill. Therefore, the argument that this should have been first approved by Lhengye Zhungtshog is misplaced. NC does not seek approval of Lhengye Zhungtshog to initiate new or amendment bills. It can and it has initiated amendments of many Bills. Two, the National Council conducts thorough consultations before a bill is tabled in the House for discussion. I saw a member informing the NA that the Office of Attorney General has just been asked for their views. We have done far more than that! NC has decided to initiate the amendment of the Bill. But we have solicited OAG offices engagement even in drafting important sections of the Amendment Bill. Besides, OAG presented the draft Bill to NC two or three times and had a thorough discussion before it was even tabled in NC. So it was not just asking them for a view on the Bill, and bulldozing it through the House. I post this for the benefit of those of you who may be following parliamentary debates!
Posted on: Wed, 19 Nov 2014 05:52:53 +0000
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