[EDITORIALS]Where is the opposition?

The governing Uri Party, going against public opinion, has decided to pass laws on such matters as media reform, National Security Law abolition and private school reform. It presented the bills to the National Assembly yesterday for deliberation. In response, the Grand National Party announced belatedly that it would also introduce 11 bills in this session ― five to rivive the economy and six to safeguard free democratic system. But there has been no real activity on the part of the opposition Grand National Party, as the political scene is dominated by the governing party.
More than 70 percent of the public is opposed to the idea of abolishing the National Security Law and reinforcing the criminal code in its place. But the opposition party has failed to represent the public interest in this matter. It should have produced a bill that would revise the security law, as a rational counter to the governing party’s proposal to abolish it. But the party failed to present a concrete proposal on the revision, even after yesterday’s announcement. All the party has produced so far is the party chairwoman’s remark, “There will be an end to the politics of reconciliation if the governing party forces its bill.”
As the governing party released four major bills in four consecutive days, the opposition responded with an announcement in a hurry. But it is doubtful whether the contents of the bills passed due deliberation by the party.
Uri Party members have shown confidence and latitude of mind, asking the opposition party for negotiation and dialogue. They are confident even though their bill has the support of only 20 to 30 percent of the public. But the Grand National Party is silent, and shows no strategy. Civic groups and social elders have held rallies protesting the abolition of the security law, and there are some dissenting voices within the governing party, but the Grand Nationals have failed to exploit those resources. Indeed, it is a “party without politics.” It is losing both political cause and public support. The party’s forum only reiterates what has appeared in newspapers. After all, it has hidden behind the press and public opinion, and only makes an effort when it comes to trying to garner votes without being criticized. The arrogance of the governing party angers the public, but so does the opportunism of the opposition. When will we have a real opposition party?