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My son studying in the US assists me voluntarily: Ali Sabry
Foreign Minister Ali Sabry, in his response to the public outcry on his son’s presence at UN events with him, said, “Having seen the concerns raised on social media, on the presence of my son at a couple of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the UNGA, I would like to place the following facts.
In addition to my responsibilities in assisting H.E. the President with his high-level engagements, as the Foreign Minister I maintain a demanding schedule during my visits to the UNGA and Washington D.C. This itinerary comprises delivering ten interventions and speeches, engaging in three public events, and participating in numerous bilateral and multilateral meetings.
The extensive workload necessitates thorough research, writing, and meticulous preparations. To support Ministers in fulfilling their respective duties, each of us benefits from a Minister's bureau, comprising both paid and voluntary contributors. My son has assisted me as a research assistant and a draft writer on an ad hoc, voluntary basis at my request for a period of time.
During the UNGA, as he currently pursues his studies in the United States, he volunteered to join to contribute his time and expertise for a few days. I am pleased to acknowledge that his contributions assisted me in preparing me for these crucial engagements. Importantly, neither the Foreign Ministry nor the Government of Sri Lanka has expended a single rupee on his behalf, either for his involvement in these engagements or at any other time.
His contribution has been entirely voluntary, entailing zero cost to the taxpayer. I firmly believe that the public has every right to seek accountability from their representatives, and I am committed to providing the facts for your informed judgement.”
Comments - 76
Comments - My son studying in the US assists me voluntarily: Ali Sabry
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KD Saturday, 23 September 2023 07:34 AM
Seems perfectly reasonable
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Indika Amarnath Saturday, 23 September 2023 12:41 PM
This guy could have kept quiet without making himself a fool with this funny justification.
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ceylonese Saturday, 23 September 2023 07:41 AM
After all he's a lawyer.
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Dillan Saturday, 23 September 2023 07:42 AM
When Emasider come to qatar he bring assistance,driver . But you are not allowed to get this from Government. Don't lie
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ANTON Saturday, 23 September 2023 07:48 AM
WE ARE WAITING UNTIL 2048 TO SEND OUR CHIDREN TO THE US FOR STUDIES.
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Terrence K Saturday, 23 September 2023 07:57 AM
Whilst your son is assisting you in his personal capacity do not try to mix official matters with what is done in your son's personal capacity. You are a strategist trying to pave the way for your son's career where he will be recognized and rewarded in the future whilst brilliant students may miss this opportunity as depicted in the photograph being part of the entrourage that is spearheading the Sri Lankan economic progress consequent to bankcruptcy.
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Proud Boy Saturday, 23 September 2023 07:59 AM
It’s amazing how all you politicians do the same thing over and over again and all of you have the same answers to be given to the public. Btw no previous politician who has done this previously has ever said he took public funds to support such intrusions into an official meeting by family members. Please don’t abuse the positions that have been given (in this instance gifted to you ). You and RW need to appreciate this more because you'll were never elected by the public. You are only there in these positions for deviously supporting a criminal corrupt man, a wholly corrupt family and a corrupt regime that has driven this country to bankruptcy.
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Cugan Saturday, 23 September 2023 08:09 AM
That's why we follow family politics if father is busy son could take over or split the jobs.so he allowed to handle govnt matters ,does he allowed/qualified to do the govnt confidential or is it Ali
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A nizam Saturday, 23 September 2023 08:10 AM
Lol… yeah right!! What is your sons qualifications to assist you in your work. So there is no one in your staff who knows how to draft letters? No wonder our govt service is unprofessional - full of nepotism, crooks and idiots trying to somehow abuse power and make a quick buck.
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Sudath K Saturday, 23 September 2023 08:16 AM
Minister Ali Sabri is a gentleman politician. We know his Son is studying in the US. It’s clear that no public funds were used for him to assist his Father during the UNGA. We can remember during the yahapalanaya , President Sirisena brought his Son to US while spending public funds to attend the UNGA.
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Joshua Saturday, 23 September 2023 10:15 PM
Seems like you are sabry's second son
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Tharmar k Monday, 25 September 2023 08:38 AM
What a stupid comment, validating the stupid and unprofessional actions of controversial Ali Sabry. Exactly correct in saying the second son of Ali could only write such a comment.
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The citizen Saturday, 23 September 2023 08:24 AM
Does this mean that the foreign ministry and the diplomatic service do not have adequately trained, experienced and qualified staff to assist the minister in such a high profile engagement? Did the ministry, diplomatic service or the political authority accept such inadequacy and made this recommendation as a remedy? It's a responsibility of them to explain why this act should not be considered as an abuse of power to gain financial or other benefits like recognition.
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Udaya Saturday, 23 September 2023 08:28 AM
Finally your son got publicity with zero cost, which denied to many other fellow citizens. You brought him to public for his service, how that could be zero cost then?
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Kps Saturday, 23 September 2023 08:37 AM
When did an accused admitted to a guilt
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Citizens Saturday, 23 September 2023 08:46 AM
Whatever excuses or reasons you give to justify what you did, you should NOT allow your son, voluntarily or involuntarily, get involved in anything that you do as the foreign minister! If your workload is too much and you can't handle it, then take a qualified person following the correct procedures at all times, to assist you. Hope that the president will have the backbone to take action against what you did!! You are the foreign minister, you are not a teenager not to know what's right and wrong in the important position you hold in the country. Selfish people like you bring only more disgrace to this country!
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Ram Saturday, 23 September 2023 08:48 AM
Is it legal to engage in government job by non government staff especially on foreign policy matter.
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kudson Saturday, 23 September 2023 08:56 AM
dont see any reason for your presence let alone your kid.
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Dharma Saturday, 23 September 2023 09:06 AM
Hon.Minister, your explanation of assisting to you is all right.Given the criticism mounted against family bonds in state affairs,your son with the official delegation could damage your clean image.
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Asanga Saturday, 23 September 2023 09:12 AM
In what capacity that the son has served? IS he an official representative of Foreign Ministry? My son is also in USA, can he be a part of your delegation next time?
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Voter Saturday, 23 September 2023 09:13 AM
Yes…like his brother helping him as the chairman petroleum corporation (building up personal wealth)…nepotism is an old word and it doesn’t exist in present dictionary…
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Game bayya Saturday, 23 September 2023 09:20 AM
Ha ha haa! good for you Mr. Minister. Never knew that a yongster studying in a different country could contribute to high level discussions on Sri Lankan foreign relations. Thank you for educating us....
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Thomas Dharmachandra Saturday, 23 September 2023 09:34 AM
The foreign is talking as if he does not know the subject of Foreign Affairs and he has to seek his son's advice how to prepare his speech , with facts. Ayo Ali
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Trevor Perera Saturday, 23 September 2023 09:43 AM
Sabry, regardless where your son lives or what he does, he is not part of the Government delegation, and has no moral right to be present at these official meeting where highly confidential matters could be discussed. You being a lawyer should know this. Do not try to justify your actions. Be a man, admit you made a blunder and lets move on. Even though you claim not a cent of Government funds were used, how do the citizens of the country know when there is so much corruption amongst the 224 MP's in Parliament. All you 224 are parasites.
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ravin Saturday, 23 September 2023 09:58 AM
This explanatory could be acceptable to all if all other Sri Lankan members of UN mission as well as SL mission in USA also appeared in the same photograph. In other words what he says is non of the Sri Lankan members of UN and embassy staff support or assist in his endeavours. Pathetic situation?
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Imtias Saturday, 23 September 2023 10:06 AM
Whatever the role he played in your business it completely unacceptable for him to present himself with the official delegation. You simply demonstrate your irresponsibility and incapability in attending to foreign affairs.
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Tinpot president and his sleazy friends Saturday, 23 September 2023 10:13 AM
There are far more diserving people in Sri Lanka that would be been beneficial to the the country with such an experience, not a brat that is enjoying a good life with stolen money.
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Chicoo Saturday, 23 September 2023 10:14 AM
You arrogant good for nothing clown. How come yours son is advising you what to say and what not to say on Srilanka. No wonder we are all doomed! Stop wasting my tax money and return back. Period!
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Y. L. GANESEN Saturday, 23 September 2023 10:30 AM
Having said all that. I think people in power representing the Common person should make it a point to keep family members out of politics and involvement in public affairs no matter what. Otherwise it creates a bad precedence and opens one to all sorts of interpretations. He should know better.
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Tia Maria Saturday, 23 September 2023 10:34 AM
He is lying. He is making the maximum advantage of the government !
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Minister Ali Sabry or MP Ali Sabry Raheem both crooked in different ways Saturday, 23 September 2023 12:52 PM
Minister Ali Sabry is like SLC Executive in his talk. Oh my son benefit the country, but never put out about how much the effort will help his son career as his son will never say he help father, but Sri Lankan delegation to UNGA.
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Spartacus Saturday, 23 September 2023 11:03 AM
Remember this fellow is a crook and was bought it by Gota for that purpose. Under him, all the court cases including Thajudeen were nullified. He stayed like a wimp while covid burial issue was denied to muslims despite holding a Senior position in the Rajapakse Govt. Therefore this fellow is a deal maker waiting to pounce on any opportunity to improve his personal life. Typically his explanation is stupidity at it's best and typically expected from a Sri Lankan yakko perspective. Utter shame but still he will continue to grin and have a straight face.
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SCRanjithA Saturday, 23 September 2023 11:16 AM
It's quite natural that if one has an opportunity to allow one or two family members to witness the UN session live participation, which is a rare occasion, while in USA, in heir personal capacity. Further Son helping father in matters connected with research area too could be accommodated as it is very common in our day to day life. If it is no-cost to SL there need not be any fuss on the matter. However - in my opinion - posing for an official photograph is not permissible, since he is not in the delegate representing SL.
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Mathan Saturday, 23 September 2023 11:19 AM
How.many research assistants have chance to show thier face in the photos? Secondly research reporting is done in the last minute!
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Fred Saturday, 23 September 2023 11:34 AM
Much ado about nothing if no money was involved. Father wanted to help his son something most parents would do if it was within the rules. Country has more important things to worry about
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Mahila Saturday, 23 September 2023 11:53 PM
NEPOTISM, ONE BIG EVIL; REASON BANKRUPTCY
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Cuzhan Saturday, 23 September 2023 11:35 AM
You protected GR and now protecting RW...Your son will protect NR , YR, RR and the rockets which costed more than USD 300 million
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Be honest to yourself, it s not a crime Saturday, 23 September 2023 11:40 AM
I know those who criticised also would do the same if given an opportunity especially at an event or occasion like this. Taking a photo or giving chance for own son to attend or appear in a photo is not a Crime. Please be true to yourself rather than bamboozling
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Stanley Keerthiratne Saturday, 23 September 2023 11:50 AM
Was our hard earned tax money used to pay for your son’s meals and accomodation in New York?
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Rajiv De Silva Saturday, 23 September 2023 12:35 PM
It looks like the same breed with a different name since the independance.
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Volker Metzger Saturday, 23 September 2023 12:47 PM
Al Sabry clearly justified his son's presence in the photo at the UN General Assembly and explained that his son supported him in his work as a research assistant. This was completely legitimate and speaks for a good father-son relationship! The state budget and taxpayers were not affected! Al Sabry has obviously behaved in the absolutely correct legal manner!!!
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Kumara Saturday, 23 September 2023 01:25 PM
Select voluntary assistants or helpers on competitive basis, not based on corruptive and bias basis as prevalent in Sri Lanka. Give opportunity to under privilege kids too.
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True Lankan Saturday, 23 September 2023 01:39 PM
An intelligent intellectual student or any individual for this matter allowed to contribute to our official matters? or is this exclusively for the nepotism?
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RuwanL Saturday, 23 September 2023 01:54 PM
We have a UN permanent representative Mohan Peiris in the US. You don't have a role in this forum! How can your son contribute without any knowledge in foreign service or the UN? Don't lie go home with your son who is using public money for his education!
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A Diplomat Saturday, 23 September 2023 02:04 PM
Minister of Foreign Affairs has disclosed something that the public always suspected. i.e. he is not being advised and assisted by qualified professionals but by students. God save Sri Lanka.
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A smart US student studying Nuclear Medicine Saturday, 23 September 2023 04:02 PM
Students in the US are smarter than Politicians in Sri Lanka. Didn't you know this?
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US is a good place to study and holiday Saturday, 23 September 2023 02:31 PM
Acceptable explanation. Now, let's move on. No issues with that.
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Adwani Saturday, 23 September 2023 03:24 PM
When US Dollars 7 billion were being stolen away during 2019 to 2020, no one raised a finger and now, Ali Sabry's son issue is more important to them.
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Ahamed Saturday, 23 September 2023 03:40 PM
He can answer legally but citizens cannot?
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Abdullah Marikar Saturday, 23 September 2023 04:18 PM
That is good for your leader - not for public? How did you earn this money? Through supporting Hora GoRa and MaRa! Wait - Wait Wait - the time will come soon - Train him as another Hora Minister!
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rbh Saturday, 23 September 2023 04:19 PM
Your justification none of the others who had high schedules did not do as you have said and managed, by themself when others' ministers will follow in your footsteps do not interfere. this a good example that others also will take their children the same excuse given
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Bernard Jayatilake Saturday, 23 September 2023 04:42 PM
This is no news as all the children of the politicians inside and outside the legislature with political divide study in the Western countries.
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Joy Rider Saturday, 23 September 2023 06:25 PM
That's what you say noh? Unfortunately public has to wait for the auditors report of this outing that may take many years noh.? In this country everything is forgotten in 2 weeks noh?
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Mohammed Saturday, 23 September 2023 06:56 PM
My foot..take this explanation to your so called junior assistants
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Maheepala Saturday, 23 September 2023 07:15 PM
This is not your private property or meeting to accommodate who ever you want, even if it’s voluntary. You prove your Nepotism
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Ruwan Saturday, 23 September 2023 07:59 PM
This fellow Ali Sabry is not an elected MP, hence he does not represent people of Sri Lanka, just like his boss. These fellows are proxies of deposed Rajapaksa family. Hence no wonder he is having his son at the taxpayers expense.
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Karalasingam Sivalingam Saturday, 23 September 2023 08:31 PM
Father has a right to meet his son, if you have son,when you visit a country where your son studies, definitely you would invite him to the place where you stay or engaged with your work, it's not fair to critise Hon. Ali Sabry,he is one of the best Foreign Ministers after late Hon.Lakshman Kadirgamar.
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Doctor Kasun Tharaka Saturday, 23 September 2023 09:51 PM
Agreed, most of the critics just criticise just for the sake of doing so. No real reason to blackguard him. Our people are very much forward in the aspect of criticism, but never help the country way forward. See the number of comments for this matter. It is of course not a crime but normalcy that you and me too would invite own son for an occasion like this.
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He is big liar Saturday, 23 September 2023 09:29 PM
Big liar who believe this cruck
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Citymax Saturday, 23 September 2023 10:22 PM
Parables
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Hemalaya Saturday, 23 September 2023 10:38 PM
Makes total sense for me in a climate where government has frozen new hiring and undergoing tight cost controls, being volunteer to help a father is a true example of how one can be patriotic to his motherland. Also the others should be ashamed that they couldn't make such commitments such as sending their kids for foreign education and helping the country when the need arise.
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melville perera Saturday, 23 September 2023 11:14 PM
The minister has violated his oath of secrecy and would have been fired in another country
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Reza Sunday, 24 September 2023 12:19 AM
Like any dad he is trying to help the Son to build up his CV. Accepted in poor countries of South Asia and Africa. Middle East it’s dictatorship. But in a developed rich country he would have to resign.
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Hussain Sunday, 24 September 2023 12:36 AM
Next he will be appointed in for foreign service. All politicians are the same.All sons and daughters are studying abroad. The locals who appointed them should eat one meal a day due to austerity.
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Jeremy Anthony Holmes Sunday, 24 September 2023 04:23 AM
Its the example we set as senior members of society that influence how the rest of society behaves! Sri Lanka functions today on the examples set by senior cabinet members and citizens of yesteryear where graft and corruption was practiced on a wide scale. It became the norm for how the rest of society functions. It is time for the leaders of society today to set much higher standards and be transparent and totally accountable for their behaviour. A clean government in all respects will in time develop a clean society. Singapore is a prime example of this I.E where its society was in the 1970s and where it is today!
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Kabir Hashim Sunday, 24 September 2023 06:51 AM
Technically, It's not his son. It's the neighbours.
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Ranjan Jayakody Sunday, 24 September 2023 07:18 AM
You have no right what so ever to take your son to represent Sri Lanka Un summit. You can take your son wherever you go not for this event , This is matter of Sri Lanka represent in the UN assembly. Your son not working for Sri Lanka he studies in the US or Angola we don't give DAMN! We dont vote for you or appoint any matter relates to the representing Sri Lanka.
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DillonDP Sunday, 24 September 2023 09:29 AM
Ali, it's a putty majority would be gullible for this nonsense you uttered again
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Maqs Sunday, 24 September 2023 10:49 AM
Hello, hello ... Don't talk NONSENSE man... What the hell the officials of the MOF are doing then? Why are they paid a salary? This is BABA talk. Voluntary or otherwise, the country doesn't need sons and daughters to poke their nose into government matters. Is this what you call good governance??????
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Deepthi Halambage Sunday, 24 September 2023 11:18 AM
If you need help for your meetings and research, use an experienced foreign service employee. That’s what they are paid for.
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A University Lecturer Sunday, 24 September 2023 02:51 PM
Reply to the Guy who studies nuclear medicine in the USA: Students who go to the US to study are those who could not enter SL universities.
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Discard inferiority complex, it s contagious Sunday, 24 September 2023 08:26 PM
If this incident did not consume government money, then what is the issue here. Most people in Srilanka are jealous and hateful. Inferiority complex which was high in jvp those days is now seen in many others also. It s a contagious sick mindset. Dont harbour anger and jealousy like this, people.
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joshua Sunday, 24 September 2023 09:59 PM
It is high time all government servants bring their sons and daughters to office to assist in their "work"
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M, Maniwasakam Monday, 25 September 2023 07:41 AM
Why is he worrying about the public opinion if he is right? He tries to justify his stance it seems!
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Hemantha Monday, 25 September 2023 09:05 AM
Is your Son a Consultant with a PHD in UN affairs?? This is called Nepotism; a serious threat to democracy. We have always been a failed state before UN sessions thanks to people like you. At least learn from me. A UN university fellow here.
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Mohamed Adham Monday, 25 September 2023 10:30 AM
With all the qualified and paid for officers in his ministry, this judicial slave of gota, needs his son to assist him ????? Baiyya talk to put them to sleep.
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