Graft in the government needs to be sorted out first
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The list of pros and cons of the most contentious issues in the draft constitution is interesting.
Instant prime minister: Other countries do not need this. All you need is the proper checks and balances in place. If you need a coup every other year for “corruption in government”, you need to sort out corruption in government first.
Mixed member proportional votes: This is to rig the votes to get a weak government by committee. What are needed are a strong government with known commitments and a strong opposition with powers to keep it on the rails.
Election of “political groups”: Political groups are well known for opinions but not for policies. An Irishman was once asked what was his political view – “I am against the government,” he said. That is true of many people.
Appointment of senators: Pheu Thai showed how not to do that already and how not to handle an amnesty, reconciliation or secret deals with other governments and…
Richard Bowler
Bangkok
