Vote-scandal hearing postponed
A parliamentary committee investigating the absentee-voting scandal postponed its meeting yesterday because one of the main accusers failed to show up.
Deputy Senate Speaker Nikhom Wairatpanich, who heads the fact-finding committee, said he decided to postpone until Thursday yesterday’s meeting to investigate the scandal after Bangkok Senator Rosana Tositrakul was unable to attend. Nikhom said he also had to chair a Senate meeting yesterday.
Rosana last week showed a photo of an MP she said was voting on behalf of a colleague during a recent debate on constitutional amendment. MP Chuwit Kamolvisit, leader of the Rak Prathet Thai Party, later released several video clips to support his claim that some Pheu Thai MPs voted for absent colleagues.
Critics say that since the voting for other MPs violates the Constitution, if the allegation is proven true, the voting in support of the government's amendment bill may be voided.
Nikhom said the investigation would be considered based on the photos Rosana presented in the Parliament on April 24. However, he stated that the committee would discuss later whether to use Chuwit’s video clips.
Asked why the Bangkok senator did not make a statement over her allegation, Nikhom simply said, “I haven’t received her notification yet.”
Rosana could not be reached by phone for comment yesterday.
