27 th day of the 10 th Month of Earth Male Rat Year 24/12/2008 ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF THE PROCEEDINGS AND RESOLUTIONS OF 2 ND SESSION OF THE FIRST OF

0900 AM I. OPENING CEREMONY The 2 nd Session of the First commenced on the 27 th Day of the 10 th Month of Earth Male Rat Year corresponding to December 24, 2008. In accordance with tradition, His Majesty the was received by the Members of Parliament and escorted to the Assembly Hall in a Chipdrel and Serdang procession followed by elaborate Zhugdrel Phuensum Tshogpai Tendrel .

II. ADDRESS OF HIS MAJESTY THE KING In His Royal Address to the opening ceremony of the 2 nd Session of Parliament, His Majesty the Druk Gyalpo, said that, although not much time has lapsed after instituting Constitutional Democratic System in our country, it appeared that we have been practicing democratic system for many years, which is evident from the manner in which everyone shouldered their responsibilities while serving the nation.

I am not only personally very happy but also appreciative of all the Members of Parliament gathered here today. We instituted a democratic system with ardent hope and

1 27 th day of the 10 th Month of Earth Male Rat Year 24/12/2008 prayers to ensure that our country grows from strength to strength and fulfills the needs and aspirations of our people with enhanced peace and prosperity.

It is clear to all of us that while instituting a democratic system, we have witnessed commendable results beyond our expectations within a short span of time. However, if the democratic system is to entail sustained benefit to the country and people, we have much work ahead of us. Therefore, it is crucial that every one of us strive to serve to the best of our abilities and shoulder greater responsibilities.

Although, there are twenty Dzongkhags and Gewogs and Constituencies, we share a single common goal. It is crucial that we protect our country and work in the interest of our people like a family under the same roof with support and cooperation. As Members of Parliament, you all bear great responsibilities and are gathered here in the Gyelyong Tshokhang to deliberate on significant national issues and it is of paramount importance that the Members engage in substantive deliberations in the long term interest of the country and people. I extend Tashi Delek to the Members of Parliament and hope and pray that the Members would actively participate in the successful deliberations.

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III. OPENING SPEECH OF THE SPEAKER 1. At the outset, I, on behalf of National Assembly of Bhutan and on my own behalf, would like to extend a warm welcome, to His Majesty the King, Members of Royal Family, Prime Minister, Chairman of the National Council, Opposition Leader, Cabinet Ministers, Members of both the Houses, senior government officials, foreign dignitaries, representatives of various organizations, other guests who have come to witness the session, media personnel and all those who are witnessing the session live on TV and Radio, to the opening ceremony of second session of the parliament on this auspicious day of 24 th December 2008 coinciding with 17 th Day of 10 th Month of Male Earth Rat Year. 2. On behalf of all the Members of the Houses and on my own behalf, I would like to take this opportunity to express our happiness for having enthroned His Majesty the King, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck as the Fifth Hereditary King of Bhutan on 6 th November 2008 after receiving Dhar Ney Nga as a symbol of empowerment as the Head of State from Machen at Puna Dewa Chenmoi Phodrang on 1st November 2008. It is our privilege to re-dedicate ourselves and offer our prayers for long life of His Majesty the King. 3. Bhutan and its people have always been blessed with