Impeachment cases not on the NLA agenda today: chairman
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The National Legislative Assembly will not discuss the impeachment case against former Parliament president Somsak Kiatsuranont and former Senate speaker Nikom Wairatpanich today as earlier planned, NLA chairman Pornpetch Wichitcholchai said yesterday.
The National Anti-Corruption Commission recommended that the Senate launch impeachment proceedings against the two politicians before the Senate was dissolved after the May 22 coup. The NACC found that the pair was guilty of allegedly violating the Constitution by pushing for amendment on the make-up of the Senate.
Nikom has threatened to take the NLA to court if it launches an impeachment against him, saying the alleged offence was filed based on the previous charter, which is now defunct.
Former Pheu Thai MP for Lop Buri Amnuay Khlangpha urged Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to make a decision on whether the NLA has the authority to impeach politicians from the previous government.
He said the PM had the highest authority in the country and should make this decision. But the NLA should focus on drafting and passing legislation and not to create political conflicts.
Pornpetch said the NLA had other issues to handle today, so assembly whips would discuss the matter.
He said the body would today discuss the selection of the five NLA members who will be charged with drafting a new charter. The five must have the quality of extra perseverance and be able to carry out dual roles without compromising either role.
