Prayuth must walk the talk to vindicate public faith

The PM is set to make his policy address to Parliament today before his administration officially kicks off.

Prayuth deserves credit for setting the tone for politicians with such a motto. Hardly any of the previous prime ministers had started their work by delivering such a message to officials under their supervision. 

This motto is deemed an order that every unit under Prayuth must comply with.

The people are watching how the PM is going to explain to National Legislative Assembly members the goals and mission of his Cabinet, in order to get their support. The NLA support is crucial even though it is one of the key agencies created by Prayuth and the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) which he leads.

Prayuth’s role as the PM is certainly different to that of NCPO chief. The world community accepts him wearing a PM’s hat more than his military cap.

Even though the government has declared it will tighten media control, the press is expected not to budge or shy away from its role as a “watchdog”. 

Despite martial law still being in effect, the press has proven it carries out its duty with responsibility to check the government, the NLA and the NCPO. Though the formation of National Reform Council is not yet completed, the press is closely scrutinising the NRC selection process because only when we get suitable NRC members, can the country get the reforms we badly need.

As the government starts working, many projects will be under media scrutiny. The best way to prevent hard feelings between state officials or certain figures in the government and the media, as happened with the pricey high-tech microphone controversy, is to create transparency. 

The microphone controversy is a living testimony of the power of social media. Although the speed at which “viral opinion” travels may not be the speed of light, the power of the gun – in the name of martial law – surely cannot block or stop it.

The controversy has shaken public confidence and trust in the Prayuth government even before it has taken office. 

Full disclosure of information or full transparency is the key to preventing a repeat of such a controversy. In the modern age of communication, keeping a secret is impossible. The government must realise that such a controversy must not happen again. Already, those who fear for the government’s survival have warned Prayuth to do away with the high-cost microphones as it runs against what the PM has preached – self-sufficiency. 

Prayuth must know that not only competency, but also an impeccable image will ensure success of his administration. The public has put a lot of faith and trust in the PM. He must ensure that all the promises he made are not just lip service. Promises will not be translated into reality if all agencies under Prayuth do not help him realise them.

However, if another controversy arises, Prayuth must show leadership and manage it with integrity to maintain public faith and trust. Indeed, for Prayuth the road ahead is not paved with roses.