Draft charter 'problematic'
Play
POLITICIANS and a political activist pointed out yesterday that many parts of the draft charter remained highly problematic, including the clause giving the premier the "overwhelming" power to decide which legislative bills are significant and must be ena
Jurin Laksanawisit, a deputy Democrat Party leader, said the prime minister would have an insurmountable advantage since the House opposition would have only 48 hours to decide on whether to file a no-confidence motion against a bill, otherwise it would be deemed as having been passed.
He also told a forum held by the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) and the National Reform Council (NRC) on the crafting of the new constitution that it should contribute to the sustainable development of a parliamentary democratic system.
This is not to forget the preservation of what was considered suitable for society from previous constitutions and to bear in mind the mistakes of the past to avoid any setback. Even more, the open list system where voters can pick their most favoured candidates on the party list would create competition among candidates within the party.
It could affect society in a way that the political system would be dysfunctional and chaotic. Also, problems such as public resentment would follow suit, he said, referring to the political system.
Somsak Kosaisuk, leader of the Social Democratic Party, questioned the Senate’s authority to remove politicians.
This should be left up to the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Persons Holding Political Positions, he said.
The current political environment of reform was somehow unsatisfactory to many, as the reform process itself seemed to be inaccessible to all parties.
Thaworn Seniam, co-leader of the PDRC movement, said at another event that many issues that have been long discussed remained unsolved in society, such as the reduction of disparity, reform of police institutions and decentralisation of the administrative system.
Suriyasai Katasila said the premier should allow the holding of a referendum on the proposed charter to ensure it would be one that was widely accepted by the public.
