Debate govt failings: senators
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A group of Senators yesterday filed a motion with Senate Speaker Nikom Wairatpanit seeking a general debate on the government's "alleged failure in running the country".
Trang Senator Wichian Kanchong led a group of 62 elected senators to call for ministers to explain their alleged failure to: shore up agricultural prices, curb violence in the restive South, fail to work in unity to prevent future floods, and failing to bring about national reconciliation.
The group said although the policies on agricultural product prices had increased farmers’ incomes, they could also hurt the market system and allow corruption. Moreover, it was a huge burden on the government’s budget.
Nikom said he would verify the group’s request and consult on whether it could be combined with one submitted by appointed Senator Paiboon Nititawan, as such a debate could be allowed only once in a parliamentary session.
Paiboon’s group yesterday sought a special debate with the government about its rice pledging project.
Meanwhile, PM’s Office Minister Niwatthamrong Bunsongpaisal said the government planned to publish booklets featuring government achievements after one year in office. They would include details of 16 government policies such as the first car and first house assistance payments schemes, and the rice pledging scheme.
He said he would propose the draft of the booklet for Cabinet approval today. If it gets the nod, it should be ready for sending to the Parliament in early November. Parliament then would schedule a date for the government’s achievement declaration.
Khanittha Thepphajorn,
