The Hon. Muneer Mulaffer — Deputy Minister of National Integration

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, we debate today about a top official who abused that high office and acted with misconduct. The police emblem on his uniform bears the motto “Dhammō havē rakkhati dhammacārī”—those who abide by the Dhamma are protected by the Dhamma. More than anything, that maxim’s message should guide us. Had he acted by principle without bowing to anyone, he would not have met this fate.

¶ 02 As citizens, we must be alarmed. When a senior official of an institution entrusted with law and order and trusted by the people is involved in such misconduct, citizens are rendered vulnerable.

¶ 03 Members have presented legal and other arguments here. A key point raised is that officials who, under political power, engage in misconduct should never again be allowed to do so in this country. That is our collective wish—and it must become reality. The politics that pushed State officials into such positions has been defeated, yet those involved return here and speak boldly; that is regrettable.

¶ 04 We all know what happened during Aragalaya. The houses of Ministers and MPs were set on fire, primarily because of the brutal attacks on protestors. During that period, the IGP was seen being beaten by the public—a scene that no citizen anywhere should have to witness. It was the wrong politics that led to that. Those who engaged in that politics now come and narrate tales here.

¶ 05 Some Members alleged that in our politics we give posts and perks to family and friends. But those who work with us know we are committed to not repeating old wrong politics, and to correcting the country.

¶ 06 On vehicle misuse, some Members raised issues. We know how former Ministers misused vehicles, distributing them not only to spouses but also to friends. Today we can state clearly that none of our Ministers misuse vehicles in that way.

¶ 07 Yesterday a “tele-video” mentioned another point today: when the President was returning from the Maldives, action was taken against certain PSD officers for wrongdoing. In the past, such incidents occurred but were never brought before the law or punished. Today, this Government is clearly on the right path. Thank you for the opportunity.