Drafters ‘not fussed’ about campaign against new draft
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CHARTER drafters say they are not concerned about politicians’ vigorous campaigns against the new draft and intensified calls to bring back the 1997 Constitution. These are just opinions, they say, and it is not for the drafters to decide which constituti
The Constitution Drafting Commission (CDC)’s statement was made Monday by CDC spokesman Norachit Sinhaseni after a storm of criticism about the new draft.
Norachit said: “That is an opinion. Many people agree the 1997 Charter was a good one. For the current draft, we have tried to improve [and learn] what happened or what brought us to this point.
“The people want honesty. So, we have tried to make it happen. But it is not under our power [to opt for the 1997 Charter if the present draft has failed].”
The spokesman said people could work on articles in the constitution. If anyone sees worthwhile points in previous charters, they could propose them to the CDC, as the drafters were open to recommendations, he said.
Contentious points include the prime minister’s access to power. Many fear that the process under which a new prime minister is appointed would allow an “outsider” to lead the country. There are also concerns that independent agencies would be given excessive power under the new draft.
