Deputy Criticizes Officials’ Remarks and Government’s Handling of Public Concerns

AMANAT faction deputy Yelnur Beisenbayev expressed concern over the language officials periodically use, Orda.kz reports.

He stated that, in his view, the Kazakh government as a whole is not prepared for constructive dialogue with citizens.

What undermines public trust in government? A prime example was the situation with the adoption of the Tax Code. The government ignored parliamentary warnings about its risks, promising to conduct extensive explanatory work. But the situation escalated. Only the intervention of the head of state led to the freezing of some regulations. The government once again hid behind the president, covering up its mistakes with the head of state's decision,
 the deputy said, reading from his inquiry.

He added that some officials’ remarks have already turned into memes.

One example he cited was the deputy minister of trade advising residents to rely on “their wallets and their desires” when discussing the cost of a New Year’s table.

Furthermore, unethical and thoughtless statements by officials, demonstrating their disconnect from the people, have become veritable memes. The Defense Minister's ironic response to suicides in the army also goes beyond the bounds of basic human ethics and compassion. Because even residents of rural areas are now concerned about hazing and suicides in the army. Our party and members of parliament are receiving numerous appeals and complaints regarding this,
 the deputy added.

According to him, over the past three and a half years, 281 people have died within Kazakhstan’s military service system.

As a reminder, on November 20, Defense Minister Dauren Kosanov commented on deaths in the army and protests by soldiers’ mothers while speaking to journalists in the Senate. Reporters asked what measures the ministry intended to take in response to the number of service members dying in the army, with several deaths recorded each month. The minister appeared surprised by the question.

What are you talking about? Soldiers? What are you talking about?
 the minister asked.

He said deaths are not as frequent now and that the mothers who attended the protest were referring to cases from previous years.

Original Author: Ilya Astakhov