Nattawut puts critics on notice
Play
New Deputy Education Minister Nattawut Saikua, who is also a co-leader of the red-shirt movement, said he would let his performance provide the justification for his appointment, adding that most of the criticism that he is not qualified for the job had c
The charismatic red shirt said it was too early to say whether his presence in the new Cabinet would invite more criticism of the Yingluck Shinawatra government, adding that he did not intend to respond to any attacks at this stage.
Nattawut is one of two new Cabinet members opposed by the green political group led by former People’s Alliance for Democracy spokesman Suriyasai Katasila. Suriyasai yesterday petitioned the parliamentary ombudsman claiming Nattawut is not qualified for the Cabinet post because as a red-shirt leader he fomented political unrest and may not be considered an ethical person.
Ombudsman Pravit Ratanapian said his office would take two months to consider the petition.
Nattawut said his relationship with the red-shirt movement was unchanged, and the ties among red shirts were above considerations of political positions because of what they fought for together. He said he would be very pleased if red-shirt co-leaders such as Jatuporn Promphan received Cabinet portfolios as well. Nattawut denied his appointment was the result of a discussion between him and any specific person.
Nattawut urged the public to give the committee set up to heal divisions stemming from the deadly protests of April-May 2010 time to do its work and not jump to any conclusions. The government’s decision to compensate protesters who were injured and families of those killed can be criticised under a democracy, but all compensation should be geared towards national reconciliation, he said.
