He's a PUP Minister, but Kareem Musa today complimented yesterday's UDP protest - sort of. He said that it's indicative of a healthy democracy, but more than that, he called the UDP's crowd - those that stormed BTL - a "decent flex."
But while he supported the act of protest against the proposed acquisition, does he support the deal? Various sectors have opposed it, but the Cabinet has reserved announcement of its position - even as the Prime Minister has publicly endorsed the acquisition - in even going so far as to characterize it as an emergency for BTL.
But despite that PM's public eagerness to close a deal from which his family stands to benefit substantially, Musa kept up appearances and held the cabinet line: that they're waiting until the end of the consultations.
Kareem Musa, Minister of Immigration
"I think it was a good demonstration of a healthy democracy. I think it was primarily led by the United Democratic Party and some participation from some of the unions. I think it was a decent flex, so to speak. But again, it demonstrates a healthy democracy to have, dissenting, opposing views and of course, doing so in a respectful manner, in a peaceful manner. So, you know, not completely peaceful, but, I think overall it went well for them."
Courtney Menzies:
"And so it's not just a UDP it, it's the NTUCB, BCCI, independent senators, they've all expressed their dissent. Why is it that you know cabinet is silent. Do you guys not believe that there should have been more consultation?"
Kareem Musa, Minister of Immigration
"No I think it is important to note because certain media houses have been stating that in effect, the Prime Minister is influencing the decisions of the board. And I think it is very important that cabinet at this time, since it will not be the ones to make the decision, but rather the board that they do not in any way try to interfere or influence the decision of board members. If it is that cabinet says yes or no, that might have some impact. Or at least the media might say that the cabinet is trying to intervene in the decision making process. And so and so that is why cabinet made the decision that it will actually announce its position after consultations have concluded."
Reporter:
"As a member of Cabinet and a politician at what point do you believe the government should take into consideration that the public clearly does not want this and, the Prime Minister is calling it a business deal, but policy wise it will impact the entire industry."
Kareem Musa, Minister of Immigration
"Like I said previously, I think that we are going to have healthy competition regardless, albeit it's going to be in the form of international service providers. But when it comes to this decision, it is going to be made by the board of directors. And I think that they must consider all of the angles, all of the different views, even though they are dissenting views that have been expressed, like you said, from the Chamber of Commerce, from the NTUCB, in coming to their final decision, it cannot just be that you hear just be BTL's perspective or what they think will be profitable for the country or better for the consumers of the country. We must also factor in all of these dissenting views as well in coming to a decision."
But will BTL wait until those consultations are over or even consider them? They were preparing to vote for a provisional approval of the acquisition yesterday despite the Social Security directors - who represent a 33% holding - not yet taking a position. And, also despite the fact that the PUC has made no public announcement that it approves of the acquisition. So what does Musa think about the government appointed board members essentially trying to make an end-run around the regulator and civil society?:
Kareem Musa, Minister of Immigration
"I think you're perfectly right that the consultation has to be comprehensive, thorough, and it can, take into consideration all of these various perspectives, including the Chamber of Commerce. I know that the media has been reporting on about a provisional approval that was coming. I don't know anything about that, but, at least I am grateful that it was initially put off, because this is a deal that should have been concluded some 2 to 3 weeks ago. I don't think that would have been good. I think that it's good to know that they're having this consultation process with all the stakeholders. And so I don't know anything about the provisional approval, but I just know and I think that the best way forward is to have that consultation be thorough."
Reporter:
"How concerned are you all about the, implications of this entire situation, politically, popularity, voters and, give it I know elections is a good while away, but if you look at history, you wouldn't want history to repeat itself where it a 2008 election is concerned."
Kareem Musa, Minister of Immigration
"Yeah, that's a reality that we have to consider, as politicians going, this is our first year into our second, term. And so that is something that definitely weighs on every politicians mind, right now in this critical juncture. Again, it's not going to be a decision that will be made up to the politicians, but rather the board. And so we have to voice our concerns, moving forward with a deal like this, given all of the pushback, so to speak, that we have been seeing."
