MP Azat Peruashev has commented on criticism from President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev regarding his use of the term 'Fine-stan'. He stated that he regrets using this expression and believes that official language should be used in parliament.
WHAT AZAT PERUASHEV SAID
Azat Peruashev noted that his previous statement was not understood by everyone in the same way, reports Ulysmedia.kz.
According to him, when he spoke in parliament, he was making the point that Kazakhstan is not a 'Fine-stan' but is, in fact, a civilised state. However, the MP acknowledged that using such a term was a mistake.
"I regret that I once used such a term in parliament. After all, in parliament, one should speak in official language," he emphasised.
WHY THE TERM PROVOKED A NEGATIVE REACTION
In Azat Peruashev's view, the President's negative reaction to this expression is linked to his perception of state policy and his own many years of experience in public service.
The MP noted that Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has dedicated his career to building a fair and civilised state; therefore, such a dismissive expression could have been taken sensitively.
CONTEXT
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev previously stated that the use of the terms 'Fine-stan' and 'Penalty-stan' in relation to Kazakhstan was unacceptable, considering it a sign of a dismissive attitude towards the country and the 'Law and Order' policy being pursued.
One of the first to use this term from the parliamentary rostrum was Azat Peruashev himself, during a discussion of amendments to the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Administrative Offences (CAO) in December 2024.
"I am ashamed of you, gentlemen from the ministries of justice, trade, health, and other ministries. Just once, step out of your warm offices and put yourselves in the shoes of entrepreneurs, or of consumers. You are building some kind of Fine-stan, while the 'Ak Zhol' faction proposes building a normal and balanced market economy," added Azat Peruashev.
Furthermore, other MPs have also raised the topic of the so-called 'Fine-stan'. For example, Mazhilis MP Askhat Aimagambetov, speaking about the need to reform the system of administrative fines, noted that an emotionally charged neologism, 'Fine-stan', had emerged in society. According to him, some citizens use this term to express dissatisfaction with a situation where fines are perceived as unfair or primarily aimed at filling the budget.