Abhisit calls for more power to the people

He also called for the drafters to create a constitution that boosts the efficiency in scrutinising politicians in power via parliamentary opposition, media and independent organisations in order to prevent corruption and political interference. 

“It is important for there to be mechanisms or measures” to prevent political abuses, he said, adding that these issues were to blame for the many street protests in the past. 

He also voiced his opposition against certain constitution drafters’ move to push for politicians to get amnesty for the sake of reconciliation. He said amnesty should not be granted to people who were involved in corruption or serious crimes like murder.

He also warned that granting such amnesty would lead to a new round of conflicts, adding that the dispute that prompted the May 22 coup resulted from a bill backed by the previous elected government to grant blanket amnesty to all who were involved in previous political conflicts. 

The Constitution Drafting Committee’s subcommittee in charge of preparing the framework for drafting has proposed that the new charter include a clause that grants amnesty to protesters and public officials who violated the law during the recent street demonstrations, the panel’s chairman Anek Laothammathat said on Wednesday.

CDC spokesman Lertrat Rattanawanit said yesterday that Abhisit also voiced his opposition against the direct election of the prime minister. 

Abhisit, who himself served as an unelected prime minister from 2008 to 2011, also warned against certain misunderstandings or wrong hypotheses in writing the new charter. 

For instance, he said, completely dividing the administrative and legislative branches would not bring about a more effective balance of power. Also, weakening the political-party system by ensuring MPs are not affiliated with a party would create more corruption even among independent MPs, who would demand money or other benefits for voting on important issues. 

The former PM was invited to meet the CDC members at Parliament yesterday as part of the drafters’ move to gather input from different political parties and groups.

He also submitted a five-page document to the CDC, stating that these proposals reflected his personal views and not those of his political party. A copy of the document is available on his Facebook page.

Abhisit also pointed out that his party had failed to receive permission from the junta to meet and discuss ideas on what the constitution should look like. 

The National Council for Peace and Order, which has banned political gatherings since it seized power from the elected government, had previously suggested that political parties seek exemption on a case-by-case basis.