NLA to vote today on Somsak impeachment
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THE NATIONAL Legislative Assembly (NLA) will today vote on whether to impeach former education minister Somsak Prisanananthakul over allegations of being unusually wealthy.
NLA President Pornpetch Wichitcholchai yesterday scheduled the voting to start at 10am.
Somsak, a senior politician from the Chart Thai Pattana Party, delivered his closing statement yesterday before the NLA as part of an impeachment case initiated by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC).
The veteran politician rejected the NACC’s allegation that he had become unusually wealthy – a euphemism for corruption – while serving as education minister in 1999.
The allegation stems from a Bt16-million mansion that he built in his home province of Angthong.
The NACC told the NLA that it was not convinced that Somsak had the means to fund the mansion, judging by his declared financial status at the time.
In his statement yesterday, Somsak said the construction had been completed in April 1999, a few months before he became minister in July that same year.
He added that while serving as minister, he had spent Bt1.4 million to build a pavilion for visitors in the mansion’s compound.
He added that while in office he had not approved any large projects, hence allegations that he abused his authority were unfounded.
“I am confident that the NLA members will ensure justice for me. I hope you will vote with good conscience and your honour as members of the NLA,” Somsak said in his closing statement.
“You will be proud of yourself for ensuring fairness to me and my family. Please spare me and don’t give me a political death.
“Finally, I will respect your decision on my fate,” he said.
The NACC submitted its closing statement in writing to the NLA.
