Govt aims to curb checks on its power: Democrats
The Democrat Party has voiced suspicion that the government is moving to curb the political system of checks and balances by limiting the mandate of the judiciary and independent organisations to counterbalance the executive's power.
"Ukrit's integrity as a legal scholar is not in question, but the government's [possible] ulterior motive is being questioned," he said.
He said his main opposition party suspected the Ukrit commission might be a pretext for the government to amend the charter in order to rein in the courts and independent organisations set up by organic laws.
The commission's mandate ensuring the rule of law and ending double standards seems reasonable, but there remains a concern that the government might exploit the commission to meddle with checks and balances, he said.
He also reminded the government that the downfall of the Thaksin Shinawatra administration happened because it tried to dominate the independent organisations.
Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra denied an allegation the commission was set up for the benefit of one person, her brother Thaksin.
Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung said the commission would reform all unfair laws but would not rein in the courts.
