Corruption details being saved for censure : Democrats
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Hopes that the opposition Democrat Party may release details of alleged massive corruption by the government when it holds a press conference today to attack the administration aren't high.
Although the Democrats will focus on the Yingluck government’s alleged failures a day before the government announces its “achievements”, the Democrats have said they will save their best information for a censure debate.
Party spokesman Chavanond Intarakomalyasut told reporters yesterday they would not expose alleged corruption just yet, as the party had to save the information for a no-confidence debate.
The press conference will start at 10.30am at the Seni Pramoj Building at the Democrats’ head office with a speech by leader Abhisit Vejjajiva. Democrat shadow Cabinet members will join in to critique the administration for its failures to keep its pre-poll promises, Chavanond said.
He said they would play video clips to show failures in various government projects. The clips will be presented in groups – such as failings in energy projects, failures to shore up commodities’ prices and failings in populist projects.
The speakers would show charts of the government’s performance compared to the Democrat-led administration’s performance and Pheu Thai’s promises given during the election campaign.
After that, Abhisit would make a closing speech to give the complete picture, the spokesman said.
Abhisit said yesterday the party had questioned the government’s performance by highlighting a series of major policies.
He said the series would raise questions about Pheu Thai’s promises announced during the election campaign. The policies to be questioned include the village revolving fund, the small, medium and large (SML) village funds, the University Business Investment fund, the fund for women’s development and the debt moratorium project.
He said the Democrats would raise questions on issues that affect people the most, including the economy, security and politics.
Previously, the party has pointed out government failures to shore up prices of agricultural products, including rubber sheets, oil palms, coconut, garlic and onions.
But for today, Abhisit said, they would focus on the big picture, highlighting the overall economy and living standards.
Meanwhile, government spokesperson Sansanee Nakpong said yesterday between Bt30 million to Bt45 million would be spent organizing events in all provinces nationwide over the next two days titled “Government meeting the people: funds for better quality of life”.
The event in Bangkok would be held at Rajamangala Stadium at 9am, she said.
They would be exhibitions of various government funds so that people know how to access money to improve their quality of life, the spokeswoman said.
The funds include the University Business Investment fund, the village revolving fund, the fund for developing women’s roles and the fund for developing villages’ potential.
The events would also highlight other government’s projects, such as those for first-time home buyers, first-time car buyers and credit cards for farmers.
The cost of the event being held in Bangkok was Bt7 million, she said. The spokeswoman said the government had yet to set the schedule for announcing its performance to Parliament.
