Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) has officially announced the former Director of the Royal Institute of Hospitality and Tourism, Kama Thinley, as their electoral candidate for Khaling-Wamrong constituency in Trashigang.
The 45-year old is a Sherubtse College graduate, who began his career as a principal of a higher secondary school in Haa.
Later, he moved to the ministry, where he served in various capacities, as Education Monitoring officer, Senior Program Officer, Deputy Chief of Quality Assurance & Accreditation Division, before resigning from the civil service as the Director of the Royal Institute of Hospitality and Tourism.
This is not his first brush with politics. In fact, prior to 2013 national elections, when he was offered a political platform by Bhutan Kuen-Nyam Party, he took extraordinary leave from the office to help draft the party’s charter and manifesto.
However, he could not take part in the electoral process, owing to his civil servant status, which he gave up in response to what he calls ‘the national call’.
Talking to Business Bhutan, Karma Thinley pointed out that politicians should be pragmatic and responsive to the needs of the community, and the nation at large.
“Politics should not just happen, one must have strong disposition, and passion for working with people. It is a 24/7 job, if you really commit to it,” he said. ”So, it didn’t just happen to me, various social concerns, over time, drew me further into public service.”
Asked why DPT, he said due to the party’s close connection with the people at the grassroots level, both in rural and urban areas.
“But I don’t claim that DPT is perfect,” he clarified.
Further, talking about his political goals, he said drawing youth into politics will be crucial, hence, it will be his primary pursuit.
“Politics should inspire them, just like music, art and fashion, inspire them,” he said, hinting that without involving the younger generation, democracy would not succeed.
One of his top priorities will be to address the poverty issue in his constituency by working closely with the community people to find a workable solution that would prop-up the local economy and raise the living standard of the people.
“I claim to be people’s person and I am receptive to other people’s need. I can keep my feet on the ground, while we explore the sky. They know me, I am in for good, I am in for them,” he said with a firm conviction when asked why people in his constituency should vote for him.
Further, he pointed out that politics should be pursued by genuinely good and compassionate people, otherwise there is no true joy in the pursuit.
“And I believe I am a good person,” he said, adding that in Bhutan people can still pursue politics without big money or political clout.
Till date, DPT has introduced six candidates and Karma Thinley being their latest nominee.
Chencho Dema from Thimphu
