Secretaries of DIIR Mr Tashi Phuntsok and Mr Sonam Norbu Dagpo with Secretary of Kashag Mr Ven Karma Gelek Yuthok
The postponement of the Kalachakra from January 2016 to January 2017 has become the target of speculation on social media, with people questioning the reasons for the postponement.
The Kashang (Cabinet) of the Tibetan Government-in-exile has addressed this in a statement.
Mr Tashi Phuntsok, Secretary of the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR) and spokesperson for the Tibetan Government-in-exile read the statement at a press conference on February 5, in the presence of Ven Karma Gelek Yuthok, Secretary of Kashag (Cabinet) and Mr Sonam Norbu Dagpo, Secretary of the DIIR:
“In the lead up to the elections of Sikyong and the 16th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, debates, discussions and review of the Tibetan movement are intensive in the general Tibetan populace. In light of such events, it has emerged in social media and other mass communication channels that a Sikyong candidate has been making baseless allegations and criticism regarding the activities of the 14th Kashag.”
The Kashag reiterated that there was no further reason than those given in August last year when the decision was made to postpone the Kalachakra, ie, concern for His Holiness’s health and need to rest, as advised by his doctors. The statement also mentioned that His Holiness himself has said publicly that his doctors have advised rest and medical check-ups.
Mr Penpa Tsering, current Speaker and PM Candidate speaking to media on Feb 5. Photo: Contact/Lha
There has been speculation on social media platforms about why the Kalachakra has been postponed. Penpa Tsering, Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament and a candidate for the post Sikyong (Prime Minister) in the forthcoming election, said during his campaign talk in Minnesota last month indicated that there are reasons other than those that were made public by the Kashag; this has apparently further fueled speculation on the issue.
The Kashag’s statement said that Penpa Tsering’s comments were “not only just fabrication, but also a dereliction of duty on the part of the individual towards the public and the administration.” Penpa Tsering’s response was that his intention was not to disrespect the Kashag or to seek personal gain: “I said what I knew and had the authorities told me the main reasons in details, such incidents wouldn’t happen”.
You can read the Kashag’s full statement at: Tibet.net
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