The Royal Society in England runs a very interesting program called the MP Scientist Pairing Scheme. According to the program website (http://royalsociety.org/page.asp?id=6998) it aims to "build bridges between some of the best research workers in the country and members of the UK parliament". Under the program a scientist and an MP is paired and involves them attending workshops and seminars on each others work. Most importantly it includes reciprocal visits whereby the scientist visits the MPs office and attends meetings on local issues and the MP in return visit and spend a day in the facilities where the scientist is based.
Wouldn't this be a great idea for us?
Throughout the years, several commentators have identified that the gap between constituents and MPs are widening in the Maldives. Various constituents regularly say that their MP's are out of touch!
As a small solution, why not device an MP-Constituent Pairing Scheme? The MP will spend a working day (not a relaxing weekend) with a constituent at his work place whereever that may be and help him and contribute to his work. In return the constituent will visit the MP for a day in Male' and attend which ever parliamentary sessions or meetings that the MP may attend.
Not only will such a scheme assist in 'bridging the gap' but will also help MPs and constituents understand each other better. The reality is that there is a vast different in the lifestyle and quality of life herein Male', where MPs are based and in the outer regions. Such a scheme would make the MPs more empathetic towards the plight of their constituents and perhaps also give a chance for MP's to justify the massive salaries and benefits that 'they give themselves'
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5 comments:
Good article!!
Great idea.
I am particularly concerned with the science angle. I believe that because there is a basic lack of interest created in our youth as to what science is really about, they remain superstitious and no wonder some of them are going towards religious extremism.
A basic understanding and appreciation of science (human observations of how and why things work in the pattern they do in this universe or reality or whatever we may call it) will help to enlighten us all and for once settle "differences" between people and help us learn to appreciate these differences and live together a peaceful life.
A system like this works if everyone concerned is geniuine in pushing the country's needs forward. Unfortunately our MPs are a very selfish bunch and they are in there just to push their own agendas. Take an example, how many of our MPs really attend the special comittees where important matters are discussed. They dont simply care unless they have a personal interst in the matter. Besides there are very few MPs who has an appreciation to science and therefore it will be very difficult to get their attention on such things. UK is different in many respects because UK is a knowledge economy and therefore research and innovation is a key priority for them.
Actually I was not suggesting that we create a paring scheme to promote science. I agree with your comment that it will be very difficult get attention to issues such as this.
What I was suggesting is that MPs pair with the ordinary folk within their constituency. They could pair with teachers and spend a day at a school or with a civil servant and spend a day at their office or a fisherman and spend a day at the sea etc.
Simply said, I just want MPs to be more in touch with their constituents.
While it is a really good suggestion, I dont think that our members have that genuine curiosity or interest to listen to their "ordinary constituents"... most of them are simply too proud and egoistic and believes that they know everything... It'll take a change in mindset for this system to work.. but I think the idea itself is a really promising one.. lets see if they listen to you Shahdy..
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