Abhisit: Govt holds key to stability
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Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva has urged the government to remember that it will play a decisive role in how the political situation unfolds next year.
“Many are concerned about the eruption of political violence next year, and only the government can positively or negatively influence political stability,” he said.
Should the government opt to serve the public, Abhisit said, the country will be spared a new round of political turmoil. If the government pushes divisive issues – possibly sugar-coated in a term like “reconciliation” – then political conflict will be unavoidable, he said.
The effect of the expected resumption of political activities by 111 barred party executives following the end of their five-year bans in May will hinge on how the government charts its course, since the 111 are coalition supporters, he said.
He urged the government to look beyond fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, otherwise the social divisions will persist due to the conflicting views on the fate of one man. Should the government stop pushing for issues related to, or in favour of, Thaksin, this would lead to stability, allowing the government to get its job done without being distracted, he said.
Attempts to help Thaksin evade his legal problems and to change the lese majeste law will further drive a wedge in society, he said.
Abhisit said his New Year wish was to see the prime minister devote full attention to improving people’s livelihoods, the Cabinet stop serving vested interests and the red shirts disbanded in order to end the war of political colours.
