Imthiaz’s Parliamentary speeches - a reflection of the man, his politics, and his principles

Imthiaz Bakeer Markar’s latest publication Hardha Sakshiya is a collection of his speeches made in Parliament over the years on diverse topics ranging from democracy, media, governance and so on.

- BY JAVID YUSUF

His passionate espousal of the Palestinian cause too is very well reflected in his Parliamentary contributions.

What distinguishes him from many other politicians however, is not just his political role but the integrity and consistency with which he has upheld democratic values, pluralism, and civility in public discourse, often in contrast to the prevailing political culture. Additionally in his political conduct he has striven to successfully reflect the values and principles he has espoused in his Parliamentary Speeches unlike many of his contemporaries.

Born into a politically engaged family— his father M.A. Bakeer Markar rose to Cabinet rank, was the Speaker of Parliament and later Governor - he took to politics like a duck taking to water.

Imthiaz’s political journey reflects a rare commitment to conscience over convenience. His early political involvement was within the United National Party (UNP), where he rose to become Minister of Media and Parliamentary Affairs during the Ranil Wickremesinghe administration (2001-2004). He also served as Deputy Minister of Housing and as a long-serving Parliamentarian representing Kalutara District.

However, even within the UNP, he consistently spoke out against authoritarianism, erosion of democratic institutions and the subversion of principled politics. In pursuit of such actions he has not hesitated to differ even with the Party Leadership whenever he deemed it necessary. One such instance was when he offered his resignation from the position of Media Minister to Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe during the 2001 to 2004 period.

More recently he stepped down from the position of Chairman of the Samagi Jana Balavegayas over differences he had with Opposition Leader Sajit Premadasa over the way the SJB should be reorganised following the SJB’s poor showing at the Presidential and Parliamentary Elections.