All posts in the topic Newham's Ambassador to Bangladesh? (Short link)
Summary
- There are 6 posts — by 3 authors — in this topic.
- Latest post made by Banti Singh at Oct 08 15:49 UTC
I'm interested to know what others think about Cllr Ayub Ali's efforts to
become an MP in Bangladesh.
I understand from articles in the Newham Recorder that he has spent a good deal
of time there trying to get selected. His absence from his role as an elected
representative of the people of Manor Park ward was explained away by a Labour
Party spokesperson thus: "Ayub feels that whilst some have the expertise to
rebuild the country’s infrastructure, the contribution he can make to a part of
the world he feels very strongly about is to support the efforts to
re-establish democracy in Bangladesh." What about the people of Manor Park?
An interesting fact: although the spokesperson stated that Cllr Ali stopped
claiming his special responsibility allowance since 31st July (say's a lot
about the Mayor's grip on those he dishes out SRAs to!), when he was getting
his SRA his total income from the council was 78.6 times the average annual
income of a Bangladeshi citizen - even without the SRA he's getting 46 times
the national average... and that's without taking into consideration what he
must be earning as Tower Hamlets' Out of School Hours Learning Advisor!
The Labour Party rank and file must be very proud of the fact that they've
selected an individual who is so committed to his role as a LOCAL elected
representative.
You really couldn't make this stuff up...
On the day the immigrant settler says, "I live here, I work here; this is
the land that clothes me, feeds me and nourishes my family. The land of my
forefathers is just that - my forefathers', not mine. THIS is mine." only
then will he be the citizen and patriot this country needs.
Holding an elected public position, voted in by people who expect to be
represented is an honour and a priviledge, requiring a degree of loyalty to
the nation no politician should take lightly.
I took a solemn oath when I became a British citizen. I thought it was
serious.
Khyberman
2008/10/6 Mike Law <mikelaw_per@yahoo.co.uk>
Crikes, surely this is not the same Ayub Korom Ali that pipped one Michael Law to the post in the 2006 Newham local elections for Manor Park Ward was it ? Source: http://www.newham.gov.uk/Services/votingandelections/AboutUs/resultscouncillorsmanorpark.htm? Given the choice it seems the good people of Manor Park ward saw preference to having a man who would go on to spend considerable time re-establishing democracy in Bangladesh, rather than electing a Tory to represent them ! On a more serious note, and if I was still a resident in Manor Park, I would be calling on Councillor Ali to make a choice - and good luck to him whatever he decides to do.
Lane,
You're right, I did lose in Manor Park (even you beat me!) I'm not too sure of
the "humorous" point you are making here... I think you may be commenting on
the fact that I stood as a Tory - tell me how funny that is again when you have
to pick up your ID card.
I stood on a Conservative platform, you stood on a George Galloway Appreciation
Society platform (sorry, I mean a Respect platform). The one thing I am fairly
confident about is that you and I (and, I imagine, most of the other non-Labour
candidates) had we won, would be doing our utmost to effectively represent the
people of the ward we had the good fortune to get elected to.
Banti's hit the nail squarely on the head. This is from the Home Office
web-site:
Citizenship ceremonies
Oath of allegiance
I (name) swear by Almighty God that on becoming a British citizen, I will be
faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second,
her Heirs and Successors, according to law.
Affirmation of allegiance
I (name) do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm that on becoming a
British citizen, I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty
Queen Elizabeth the Second, her Heirs and Successors, according to law.
Pledge
I will give my loyalty to the United Kingdom and respect its rights and
freedoms. I will uphold its democratic values. I will observe its laws
faithfully and fulfil my duties and obligations as a British citizen.
Cllr Ali has abused his position. He should stand down.
Mike and All
I think ID Cards for Newham residents is a whole topic on its own and we may
well have a lot in common on that one whatever the political spectrum. Alas, I
stood on the left hand side (though never a member of the SWP) of the 'George
Galloway Appreciation Society platform' and got ceremoniously dumped like the
rest of the comrades. In more recent weeks I have gone 'Green' - I'm not quite
sure whose appreciation club that is, George Monbiot perhaps ?
Main point taken, though I dont sign up to Citizenship ceremonies which always
comes across as nationalistic clap trap to me, just look at where blind
nationalism has lead the USA in recent years, ID cards aint the half of it ! It
always seems crazy that I as a 'British Subject' can call for the abolishon of
the monarchy, call for the downthrow of the government, not give two hoots
about the law, not pay taxes or cheat the ones I do pay etc etc, and some poor
guy from overseas who just wants to be a mere 'British Citizen' and earn enough
to survive and bring up a family in peace has to pledge to monarch, government,
country , laws and every other obligation the government can think of, and when
they have said it, and presumably meant it, still get spit on as they walk down
the street.
All that said if you represent someone and have been elected to represent
someone, then I do feel one has more that a passing obligation to do just that.
As I said before, I would not go as far as saying councillor Ali has abused his
position, but I do feel he needs to make a choice and make it quickly and with
honour.
1. Patriotism and the American brand of nationalism are two very different
things.
2. I took my affirmation of allegiance seriously and I see nothing wrong
with it. In fact I champion it.
3. Turned to plain black and white, you'll find that green and red look
remarkably similar. Add some champagne and you don't even have to render
them B&W.
4. As for Galloway, I will forever remember him wearing a red catsuit,
lapping milk out of an imaginary bowl. Total respect man!
5. 'Honour'? What a quaint little concept!
6. With an 36.21% electoral turnout, I think there is a stronger case
for efforts to promote democracy in Manor Park!
In any case, Cllr Ali will be letting only 1402 people down. A mere 5.6% of
the eligible voters in Manor Park. I wouldn't call that abuse of a position.
I wouldn't even call it a position.