The title of an article in a morning newspaper that read “We do not work with suspects nor convicts” did not leave any doubts about the political party PAR in 2016. The party, at that time, of course referred to a Member of Parliament of another party who was a suspect and who later disappeared in prison.

But that was in 2016. Now, 2020 the same party no only will work with a suspect, but the suspect will represent the “party against working with suspects” in parliament. This is the same person that had to resign as a minister due to her suspect status, but who will now become a representative of the people.

We should not forget that in our parliamentary democracy, parliament is the institution with more power. With this major hypocrisy, even a child can understand. Besides, just like what happened with the screening law which was “good for others but not for me”.

With the coalition partners and representatives of the private sector, church, social organizations (which were so enthusiastic in writing a complaint letter to The Hague) being so quiet, reminds me of Beijing’s foreign politics: “I will not criticize your mistakes, because I do not want you to criticize mine”. With all the discussions going on about autonomy, we do not realize that it is exactly this type of behavior that undermines our autonomy, our moral authority, and our trustworthiness.

Alex David Rosaria (53) is a freelance consultant active in Asia & Pacific. He is a former Member of Parliament, Minister of Economic Affairs, State Secretary of Finance and UN Implementation Officer in Africa and Central America. He’s from Curaçao and has a MBA from the University of Iowa. (USA).