President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has given an interview to republican newspaper Ana tili (Mother tongue).
In the interview, the Head of State touched upon the most relevant problems, including the situation with the coronavirus infection, the status of the Kazakh language, and the place of Kazakhstan on the international map amid the coronavirus pandemic.
President Tokayev also spoke about the new law on peaceful gatherings, the outcomes of the first year of his presidency as well as the role of moral and national values amid the ongoing globalization.
By Kazinform
Time is coming for reason, science, knowledge, work - Tokayev gave interview
- The epidemic that worries the whole world today, unfortunately, has swept our country. As you know, since the beginning of the pandemic, the state under your leadership has taken a number of socio-economic measures. About two months in the country there was a state of emergency. Quarantine activities are ongoing.
However, recently, despite quarantine measures, the spread of the virus has accelerated. Already, the number of infected is about 20 thousand. More than a hundred people died from this disease. This is very worrying for people. The epidemic touched representatives of the authorities at various levels. Talk is current that "the Government has ceased to control the spread of the epidemic, there are not enough hospital beds." What can you say about this? Are we losing the battle against the infection?
- Indeed, the pandemic has changed the usual way of life not only of our compatriots, but of all mankind. We have witnessed that even the most developed states were helpless in the face of the serious illness. The leading European countries, the United States, Asian giants - China, Japan, South Korea, and many others found themselves in an extremely difficult situation.
I consider the argument that “we are losing in the fight against the epidemic, and the Government has lost control over the situation,” incorrect. As you know, in Nur-Sultan, Almaty and Shymkent three infectious hospitals were quickly built. Clinics in other regions were equipped. Our doctors have the necessary knowledge to treat patients. Doctors are selflessly fighting the pandemic day and night. For its part, the state allocated the necessary funds.
Speaking on this subject, we must remember that those who are in power are the same people as all of us. Responsible persons, due to their duties, need to meet with citizens, so they go on business trips around the country and they can become infected. Indeed, they are ill and undergo the necessary treatment. About 15 people from among the heads of various authorities have fallen ill.
According to current statistics, the number of people infected with the virus in the country has reached about 20 000. Most of them are ordinary citizens. It is not a question of who got infected. It is necessary to create conditions so that our citizens could soon recover and not get complications. You cannot divide the sick into officials and ordinary people. As the saying goes, "we are all on the same boat."
We are all in the same country, breathing the same air, living the same problems, so no one can fully defend themselves against this disease. We are on the same planet, so you can’t sit back thinking that the disease from other countries will not come to us. A pandemic does not recognize boundaries. Only taking care of ourselves and our loved ones will we be able to protect ourselves from the disease. Therefore, I urge citizens to strictly observe the quarantine regime and to carefully consider sanitary and hygienic requirements. This is a passing phenomenon, temporary difficulties. We must pay special attention to the question of how we will develop, what we will do after the end of the pandemic and the economic crisis.
-Yes, society does not stand still, it should develop. Taking this opportunity, I would like to raise a number of questions that have emerged lately that concern our future. In your first state-of-the-nation Address, you specifically focused on expanding the scope of the Kazakh language. As you know, the national publication Ana Tili, which turns 30 this year, covers all issues related to the mother tongue from its first issues. In your opinion, what steps should be taken to make our state language the language of interethnic communication?
- The newspaper Ana Tili invariably raises the topic of strengthening the status of the Kazakh language in our society. And it does this consistently defending national interests, with concern for the future of the language. For this, I am sincerely grateful to the journalists working in the newspaper, writers and scientists involved in the discussion.
It would be wrong to say that nothing has changed in the Kazakh language in thirty years. There are positive changes, of course. This is noted by outside observers. True, some of them are not always happy with this trend, because they understand that it has become irreversible.
Indeed, the linguistic problem has great political significance and, if improperly handled, can lead to irreparable consequences for the statehood and security of citizens of the country. We witnessed the example of Ukraine. A frontal attack with the aim of increasing the status of the state language and forcibly expanding the range of its application is counterproductive, since it can provoke destabilization of interethnic relations. In addition, we should take into account the geopolitical background, in which the world's longest land border with Russia stands apart. Geography is an important factor in geopolitics too.
But this does not mean that work should be frozen. It must be continued, and done without noise, self-aggrandizement. A good example is the experience of Uzbekistan. With the tact and courtesy inherent in the Uzbeks, without making loud statements, they completely solved the language problem, willingly resorting to the Russian language when necessary. To my surprise, Russian language is still used in the state bodies of Uzbekistan; in it is the whole pragmatism of this nation. Avoiding politicization of public relations, Uzbeks managed to become the largest ethnic group in Central Asia. Therefore, the prophetic words of the great Abay about the Uzbek people do not lose relevance in our technological era. This country is not rallying now, but is building.
Learning from history, we are obliged to think about the well-being of the Kazakh people in the new era, where technology and robots will play a dominant role. The world is on the verge of a cardinal transformation. Therefore, in no case should one slide into the archaism, go in cycles in linguistic culturology. Honoring our own history, keeping traditions, at the same time, we must strive forward.
Constant lamentation over the defective state of the state language is perplexing abroad, especially in Central Asian states. This is the case when you need to talk less, do more. Otherwise, in the eyes of the international community, we will look like a flawed nation.
So what is needed and can be done?
Firstly, the Kazakh language should become prestigious, in demand in our society. When appointing to government posts, especially those associated with public communications, preference should be given to those who, along with professional qualities, are fluent in the Kazakh language. Civil servants who do not know how to conduct discussion and dialogue in the state language in Parliament or at press conferences should become an anachronism.
Secondly, we should support and encourage people of other ethnic groups who are fluent in the Kazakh language, elect them to the Parliament and representative bodies, appoint them to high posts in the public service system, and mark them with state awards. Such people will help raise the Kazakh language to the level of the language of interethnic communication.
Thirdly, we must show tolerance and understanding to those of our compatriots who make phonetic and spelling mistakes when using the Kazakh language. You cannot laugh at those who seek to speak Kazakh, on the contrary, we must support them.
Fourth, there is work to be done to improve the content of television and radio broadcasts. They must become the center of gravity,and not copy Russian analogues. There should be no longer cheap entertainment shows, but programs that serve the national idea that turn to the root sources of our being.
The experience of our Central Asian neighbors, as it seems to me, may be useful to us. Cinema plays an important role in popularizing the Kazakh language. We need quality products for both historical and modern issues. Kyrgyz cinematographers managed to make an interesting, informative film “Kurmanzhan Datka” with a budget of only $ 1.5 million. Our filmmakers are asking for much larger budgets, but the quality of the films is not always high. Unfortunately, now the film making has plunged into internal strife, which hinders productive creativity.
But you should not sprinkle ash on your head either. I am glad that the political blogosphere is shifting towards the Kazakh language. Another thing, we should not slip into the position of thoughtless nationalism and radicalism.
Further. Strengthening the position of the Kazakh language, one should not infringe on the status of the Russian language. As I said above, language is a big policy, so haste and chest-thumping can harm our statehood. In practical terms, the teaching of exact sciences at universities can be left in Russian. Here, the experience of Malaysia is useful for us, where at first it was decided to abandon the English language, but then it was restored in universities and as a means of diplomatic communication.
Our younger generation, along with the Kazakh, should be fluent in Russian. It is the time imperative. In primary schools, priority should be given to the Kazakh language. It is also necessary to teach the Russian language. And you can start learning English from grades 5-6.
Demography is developing in favor of the Kazakh language, which means we will certainly achieve our goal. Let's not get ahead of ourselves. Haste is a poor companion on this difficult path that still has many pitfalls. But we will not hope for a favorable trend either. One must act wisely, with a full understanding of historical responsibility. Only in a civilized way can we turn the Kazakh language into the language of science.
- The Kazakhs say: "bread earned by labor is sweet." From the stories of the older generation, we know that they had special respect for work and for people of work. At present, on your instructions, the Government has developed and successfully implements a number of programs aimed at building a labor society. What new steps should be taken to ensure that our work serves the good of our people, our land?
- We, Kazakhs, are known to the whole world for generosity of our souls, ability to perceive the universe with a truly broad philosophical view. Patience and compassion are inherent in us. The first Western travelers who visited the Great Steppe identified these very qualities of our people. At the same time, we also know our shortcomings, which in a concentrated form are reflected in the immortal creation of Abay, “Kara sozder”.
Unfortunately, there are many among us who are skeptical of creative work. This cannot but upset me. We must fundamentally revise the attitude of society towards workers. Every work should be held in high esteem. Therefore, I established a new state award “Khalyk Algysy” and expanded the list of merits for promotion with the order “Enbek Danky”.
Last year, we invited to Akorda ordinary workers of enterprises, villages and awarded them with orders. We must create a kind of aura of respect and even adoration around such people, so that our young compatriots understand that public recognition can be achieved not only at prestigious positions in the public service, but also with simple labor.
The government, on my instructions, developed an employment map. Up to 1 trillion tenge is allocated for its implementation. Recently, I criticized the Government and akims for the fact that few permanent jobs are created, seasonal work is preferred. We have about 2 million self-employed, rather large unemployment. It is a serious social problem that must be quickly addressed.
I believe that the ideology of labor should occupy a leading place in the works and speeches of authoritative representatives of the intelligentsia. Now is not the time to admire the traditions of holding feasts. In the technological era, we must leave in the past idle talk, self-praise. Even at the present time of pandemic threatening the world, some citizens in their letters ask me to allow holding them. The era of self-survival of states has come, and labor as a way of life should come to the fore. Time of feasts is running out. The time is coming for reason, science, knowledge, labor.
- The world has changed. In any case, we cannot remain on the sidelines of globalization, locking ourselves. As a specialist who is well versed in interstate relations, could tell what place the Kazakhs with their unique worldview and lifestyle can take in the colorful mosaic of the peoples of the world?
-The world has really changed.” It would seem that the unshakable globalization, under the influence of the pandemic, has lost ground in favor of self-isolation and self-survival of states. There is an increased demand for nationalism in international relations. I predicted this trend in 2008, but my conclusion was not supported by politicians and scientists. Even a vaccine against coronavirus is developed outside international cooperation on the principle of "each for himself."
In a pandemic, the voice of the United Nations as a non-alternative, unique international organization sounds weaker. Confrontation between the major powers is escalating, regional conflicts are escalating. For Kazakhstan, as a regional state, it is an unfavorable trend.
From the sanctions wars and political confrontation, our economy suffers losses. Our country has consistently demonstrated its peacefulness and readiness to make a constructive contribution to global and regional security. Over the years of Independence, much has been done to strengthen it. The most important thing is the inviolability of our state border. The legal registration, delimitation of the border of Kazakhstan with Russia, China, and the states of Central Asia has a truly historical significance. We see the irreparable consequences of the lack of agreements on the border.
Kazakhstan has always had its understanding of a safe world, its distinctive style in international diplomacy. Our First President N. Nazarbayev relied on a multi-vector, balanced foreign policy with emphasis on strategic partnership, cooperation with Russia and regional integration. It was the right choice. But the situation in the world is changing, the geopolitical aspirations of the leading powers are changing too. In these conditions, Kazakhstan is obliged to take care of its national interests. That is why at the EAEU summit on May 19, I stated that integration will be supported by us until it damages the sovereignty of Kazakhstan.
- We cannot omit the issue of maintaining public order. As they say, "fist freedom ends where my face begins." How will the issues of maintaining public order and personal security of citizens going out to peaceful processions be regulated?
- Participation in peaceful assemblies and rallies is the constitutional right of citizens of Kazakhstan. In my last year’s Address, I clearly said that, as a guarantor of the Constitution, I see my duty in fully ensuring this right.
Parliament adopted a new law on peaceful assembly that passed public examination. It is a big step forward in promoting democracy in our country. Now, to hold peaceful assemblies, it is only necessary to notify local authorities in five days without asking them for permission. The rally organizers are required not to disturb the public order and peace of citizens, not to come up with unconstitutional slogans, and not incite ethnic and social discord. And this is quite natural, especially given the recent events in the United States and other developed countries.
But some of our fellow citizens, receiving grants from international human rights organizations, have made unjustified criticisms of the law. In their opinion, the principle: “When I want, with whom I want, where I want” ought to be applied in Kazakhstan, that is, full permissiveness. I was particularly outraged by their demands to allow foreign citizens and minor children to participate in rallies. The idea is obvious. They need unrest and destabilization, and we need a rapidly developing, prosperous and sovereign Kazakhstan.
At the same time, the state is obliged to “hear” the legitimate demands of its citizens, to meet them within the framework of the existing financial and legal capabilities. Social elevators need be created for young people. Errors in public administration and the ideological sphere should be corrected in time. If this enters into practice, then justice will certainly triumph, as I said in my election platform. And then there will be no need for numerous rallies.
"Rallying" is mostly imposed by provocative slogans from the outside. This puts Kazakhstan at a disadvantage in the international arena, where serious competition at the regional level is escalating. In Central Asia, the main states are Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Large-scale cooperation is developing between us, which does not exclude economic competition. We should never forget about it. Kazakhstan is obliged to maintain its leading position. And for this, our country must be stable. As for our internal culture, stability should not be ensured by power structures, but first of all by the population itself.
- And in the pandemic, and at another time, people listen to the voice of the intelligentsia. People follow personalities not only in times of difficulty. Do you think that the intelligentsia is now worthily fulfilling its mission? What role do you think it plays in modern society?
- Indeed, the opinion of the advanced intelligentsia, especially during periods of social tension, is important. People listen to the voice of the reason, learn useful lessons and make conclusions. This is especially true for our society, whose traditions go centuries back. I am grateful to all representatives of the intelligentsia, in particular, Academician Toregeldy Sharmanov, for their useful contribution to the implementation of state policy in the conditions of the pandemic.
I believe that our famous writers could be more actively involved in contemporary events, pass on their life experience to youth, acting as a kind of guidebook.
Now, when the whole world is faced with the consequences of the pandemic, when the global economy is collapsing, when a whole new way of life comes to the fore, the younger generation is interested in the opinion of our moral authorities. After all, all of us, especially young people, ask the question: “How do we live on?” And here our views, our being must correspond to new realities. Speculations on historical topics should be replaced by updated values. We need conclusions that are adequate to the challenges of modern times.
With the advent of the era of cutting-edge technologies, robots, artificial intelligence, the concept of morality becomes particularly relevant. Will such human qualities as honor, dignity, and conscience be claimed in the new era? In my opinion, this is a big philosophical topic, worthy of an interesting discussion among the intelligentsia. Indeed, without moral guidelines, without national values, we will be lost in the world of machines and robots. And the works of our great writers will also lose their relevance. This would be an extremely undesirable development of events, therefore, our intelligentsia could now reflect on issues of future being.
- Leadership of the country is a huge responsibility. Only a year has passed. However, the famous political scientist Nurlan Seydin, called it “the year of trust and trials”. In this regard, what gives you, the leader of the country, confidence in its future?
- The past year of the presidency was really not easy. We can say that it was the year of overcoming trials. But I always felt people’s support, and it gave me strength and confidence in the ultimate success in such a complex matter as presidency. During the year, many reforms were carried out in the political and economic fields. This policy will be continued, I have ideas about the further modernization of our country.
We must go ahead not to slide into stagnation with all the consequences for statehood. We must never forget the simple truth that in this complex, multidimensional world, no one needs us, Kazakhs, by and large. Our own country alone needs us. Moreover, ill-wishers in the person of politicians and even states that are not happy about the progress of Kazakhstan, remain. In other words, the development and prosperity of Kazakhstan is exclusively in our hands. We have no right to make mistakes, because the fate of the Kazakh people is on the scales of history.
Interviewed by Zhanarbek ASHIMZHAN
