R-003: Resolution of Censure against Mr. Yakim Beg

[Alfonso Velez]

Madam Speaker,

The Government does not take the tabling of this resolution lightly. It is unfortunate that such a resolution had to be made and take up valuable space on the Government docket--but nevertheless it is important that this Parliament take a stand against improper and, at times, racially charged remarks that were uttered in this chamber last week by the Leader of the Opposition. We can and we must hold all members of this Parliament to account and discipline those members who would violate the decorum of this chamber and use the august platform of this body to try to utter such racially-charged remarks.

Madam Speaker, we are a Republic made of up citizens from a variety of different cultural and national backgrounds. This Republic and this Government embraces this diversity. We are made stronger by citizens with a variety of different nationalities, cultures, and background--not weakened by them. While we should never forget our past and our cultures, this chamber must recognize this important truth: we are not Alexandrian, Euran, Wechu, Babkhi, Caputian, etc--we are all Aldurians. We are one nation united together, and in this unity we will stand together to build this great Republic into a nation that serves all of its citizens.

While the Leader of the Opposition's personal attacks against me were inappropriate, what should be far more concerning to this Parliament and is disturbing to his Government is his rhetoric of divisiveness that seeks to drive wedges between citizens rather than build bridges. This resolution has been tabled for one simple reason: this Parliament must make clear that such rhetoric has no place in this Parliament--and no place in this Republic. We are one nation, one people--and in this unity we must come together to censure the Leader of the Opposition for his racially charged comments that undermines this unity and common decency.