Suthep ready to call it quits if impeached
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Democrat MP Suthep Thaugsuban said yesterday that he would concede to the outcome of his looming impeachment ban and would exit politics if penalised for violating the charter.
“I am 64 now and will turn 69 in five years. Hence, I should end my political career and stay at home to look after my grandchildren,” he said, alluding to the fact that he would quit if he is removed from office and put under a five-year political ban.
The National Anti-Corruption Commission has found cause to suspect that Suthep violated the Constitution’s Article 268 when, as deputy prime minister, he ordered that 19 Democrat MPs be moved to the Culture Ministry.
The provision, detailed in Article 266 paragraph one, bans Cabinet members and lawmakers from interfering with the work of civil servants.
NACC validated the impeachment motion against Suthep and under legislative proceedings the Senate is obliged to hold the trial. A three-fifths vote or 90 out of 150 senators will decide Suthep’s impeachment.
Even though the defendant is no longer part of the Cabinet, his impeachment will have a bearing on whether he is qualified to hold his House seat.
Under Article 102, a lawmaker who has previously undergone impeachment proceedings will be barred from holding a legislative seat for five years. If impeached for past offences as deputy prime minister, Suthep will face mandatory removal from the House.
Commenting on the issue, Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said he sympathised with Suthep’s predicament, adding that he expected the impeachment trial to take place next month.
“He is entitled to present his defence at the trial, but everything will hinge on the discretion of the senators,” he said.
Abhisit added that the Democrats, especially the defendant, were prepared to abide by the trial outcome, adding that he believed Suthep had a fighting chance to survive the impeachment trial because he did not intentionally violate the charter.
The 19 MPs were not really seconded to the Culture Ministry because Suthep cancelled his instructions after being made aware of the fact that it went against the Constitution, he said.
Yet, the NACC decided to rule on the case on grounds that Suthep had already committed an offence before changing his mind, he added.
Abhisit went on to say that Suthep’s case would not tarnish the party’s reputation, arguing that his party would, in fact, emerge stronger because the Democrats were determined to play by the rules.
“The Pheu Thai Party has always refused to accept any unfavourable rulings and keeps threatening to overhaul the checks and balances,” he said.
Acting Senate Speaker Nikom Wairatpanij said that once he receives NACC’s ruling he will duly put the motion on the docket of the upper chamber, paving the way for a trial.
Upon commencement, Suthep will be given a chance to submit his defence, while the NACC will be in charge of outlining prosecution arguments. The presiding senators will then pose relevant questions to both sides.
After both sides submit their respective closing statements, the Senate will cast secret ballots on the verdict within three days. The trial should take about a month.
