Speaker Penpa Tsering decides not to resign

DHARAMSALA, Mar 20: A day after the Speaker of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile announced his resignation from the post amid murder allegations, in the beginning of the proceedings on the 5th day of the 9th session of the 15th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, Speaker Penpa Tsering decided not to resign from the post.

Speaker Tsering cited suggestions and requests made by the Kashag (the Tibetan cabinet) and Deputy Speaker, Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, on behalf of the Tibetan Parliamentarians, not to resign as well as similar requests made through phone calls by Tibetans living in exile as well as Tibet.

“Considering the grave situation prevailing inside Tibet and the message that this issue will convey to the Tibetans inside Tibet, I retract my earlier decision,” Speaker Tsering said.

“The issue might create disharmony among Tibetans in exile and this being a budget session of the Parliament for the fiscal year 2015-16, if it hampers the approval of the budget, the Kashag will not be able to carry out their work for the coming year,” he added deciding not to resign.