Meechai hints no PM nomination power for senators
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Chief charter writer Meechai Ruchupan Friday said the charter amendment will follow the literal meaning of the additional question approved in the referendum.
The amendment should not be broader or narrower than what the people had agreed in the referendum, he said.
The remark came as some National Legislative Assembly (NLA) and National Reform Steering Assembly (NRSA) members were suggesting the additional question could mean the Senate was eligible to nominate prime minister candidates as well.
In the referendum early this month, a majority of voters approved the NLA’s additional question that the Senate should join the MPs in selecting a prime minister, prompting the charter amendment. But controversy arose because it has been unclear if the additional question would mean the Senate have a role in the nomination, too.
The Constitution Drafting Commission (CDC) Friday met with NLA’s vice president Surachai Liengboonlertchai and two other legislators Jate Siratharanont and Somchai Sawangkarn to discuss the issue.
Meechai refused to say before the meeting whether the additional question could be interpreted in such a broad manner, but said metaphorically hinting the Senate should not have such a right.
