Jurin lists concerns about charter amendment process
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The chief opposition whip voiced serious concerns yesterday over the charter-amendment process, as it was announced that the third session of parliamentary hearings has been scheduled for June 5.
Jurin Laksanawisit said he was very worried about many aspects of the charter amendment.
First, he said, there was a danger that the 22 non-elected expert members of the Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA) – who are to be appointed by Parliament – will all be nominees favoured by the government.
Second, the secret vote by which the 22 members are to be appointed would be vulnerable to fraud.
Third, people might criticise any charter referendum as being held without a proper parliamentary debate.
Fourth, the new constitution may be drawn up to benefit a certain individual.
Fifth, Jurin said, there was no rule prohibiting CDA members from serving as politicians for at least five years after the process was complete. Charter drafters could be tempted to act in anticipation of a political reward from the government, he said.
“I ask everyone to closely observe the charter amendment process,” Jurin said.
Meanwhile, Mahidol University’s Research Centre for Peace Building will organise a series of public discussions aimed at soliciting ideas on charter change, lecturer Gothom Arya said yesterday.
“I don’t expect the new charter to incorporate all of the ideas raised at the discussions, but the people will be given a chance to air their views on what the charter should look like,” he said.
Gothom was speaking after Monday’s completion of the second reading of the charter-amendment bill. The third and final reading on June 5 will pave the way for the formation of the CDA.
He said the public discussions would focus on nine issues to be brought to the attention of charter drafters. The topics include allowing independent candidates to contest general elections, a revamp of the Senate, the work guidelines for independent organisations and the involvement of the legislative branch in vetting the nomination of the Supreme Court president.
He said ideas compiled at the public discussions would be presented to the CDA.
