Parties told not to hold forums
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POLITICAL parties and politicians should not be holding their own forums to criticise the charter draft, Deputy Defence Minister Udomdej Sitabutr warned yesterday.
Parties holding rallies and discussions at this stage would only disrupt the harmony that this government has been working to forge, he said, adding that all parties can express their political views through the Reconciliation Centre for Reform so those views can be considered and vetted by the government. Political parties have been barred from organising political activities since the coup last year.
Udomdej, who is also Army chief, added that last month, politicians, academics and college students had been invited to the centre to share their views on the draft charter and reforms.
He also urged parties and the public to exercise patience as vital reforms were in the process of taking effect before the draft charter reaches its final stage.
He said patience was necessary as relevant parties take the necessary steps to complete the charter amendment process. He said the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) was gathering input from all concerned agencies to prepare for charter amendments.
A meeting between the Cabinet and the NCPO was slated for May 19 to discuss progress on the subject.
Heated debates have been under way to discuss the newly drafted charter, a process that will lead to future elections. – THE NATION
