You ask, We answer
30 June 2008
The Opposition Leader on party, politics and policies
Q. Well into the first session, what is your opinion of how the ruling party perceives you?
A. I don’t dwell on how the ruling party perceives me. Instead, I am more concerned about doing my job well and serving the tsa-wa-sum meaningfully.
Q. Is every issue deliberated keeping the interest of the nation up front or is it partisan?
A. I believe that deliberation on most issues is considered keeping in mind the national interest. Discussions on some issues, however, were obviously partisan.
Q. Does the two-member opposition actually have any say in matters discussed and deliberated?
A. Yes, we do have the opportunity to articulate our views and concerns in parliament. Whether these views are taken seriously is another matter.
Q. Are you taken seriously by the ruling party?
A. It’s not for me to demand that the opposition be taken seriously. However, an effective opposition is always necessary for democracy to succeed. Otherwise, we risk creating autocrats and dictators.
Q. What do you have to say about His Majesty the King conferring the Orange Scarf on you?
A. I feel honoured. But the honour is not mine alone – His Majesty the King has, in effect, bestowed this award to all of the 33% of voters who supported the PDP. The “dar” also represents the importance of an effective opposition in a democratic government. I believe the royal message to the nation is that democracy cannot fail. And that failure due to a weak opposition is not an option.
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Druk Air’s new Chief of Operations, Tandin Jamso on the new direction that the airline intends to take.
Q. You come in as the CEO at perhaps the most challenging times for airlines. What is your game plan to overcome the fuel hike while at the same time maintaining the profit level that has been generated thus far?
A. Currently, we have reduced operations on certain sectors after studying the trend of sales and passenger traffic for the season. We are also evaluating an increase in fuel surcharge.
Q. Management has been weak, with low staff morale and rigid functioning, what do you plan to do to change this?
A. Human resource planning has been missing from our organizational plans. We need to closely integrate it with our corporate plans. First and foremost we need to right-size manpower based on our organization needs. Then revamp the HR functions to deliver succession planning and an intensified performance management approach that recognizes the top employees.
Q. A major problem plaguing Druk Air is the brain drain of pilots and engineers. How do you plan to stanch this drain?
A. With the growth in Low cost Airlines and foreign airlines offering big money to become expatriate fliers,most airline companies are in a similar situation. This situation may change with the grounding of some airlines due to high operating cost thereby leading to availability of pilots in the markets. As of now, our operations are meeting our flight schedules.
Q. There has been a huge increase in the salaries of pilots and engineers. This is causing a lot of disgruntlement with managerial staff who feel that they are contributing as much to the corporation. What is your opinion on this?
A. In the aviation industry, the pilots and engineers have always enjoyed a larger pay packet. Our pilots and engineers too enjoy a salary in close par within the region. We are also working on the salary revision for the other staff as mentioned earlier the HR functions will be revamped to deliver a performance management system that will recognize and reward the top employees.
Q. Druk Air, policy-wise, has been run on a day-to-day basis, do you think there is the need to have a long-term strategy, and also the need to monitor policy?
A. Of course, every body needs a vision. We need to dream beyond what is possible. For this we need to have long term strategies and a monitoring policy too. That way we would have a sound understanding of our operations. The vision of Druk Air Is “Serve as the national flag carrier in pursuit of excellence in providing service with safety, professionalism and economy befitting the image of the Kingdom of Bhutan.”
Q. How do you perceive the road ahead, Ok, difficult, very difficult?
A. I have worked in Druk Air for over 20 years and served in various capacities. I am aware and familiar with the various divisions and their problems. It will no doubt be challenging, but it will also be an opportunity to bring about significant changes for best effect. Each country is recognized by its anthem, by its flag, and by its airline company. And everything we do must be designed to promote national growth and development.
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My sincere congratulationsto you, Tandin Jamso. You seem to be very capable, and experienced to be the MD of Druk Air. We look forward to bask in the sun and drink from the brook of your capabelities. It is Bhutanese like you who can contribute in your own small ways to bring good reputation to our beloved Menjong Druklung Karmo. I have full faith that Druk Air can promote the significance of our National Flag at a time when an insensitive international company had the gut to print it on the shoes. I was very hurt by their sacrilege. I think we must take revenge against that company by first of all asking the government of the country in which that factory is located to take strong action against that firm and then immediately producing our own shoes with the national flag of that country if that country refuses to take any action.