52 hours allocated for censure debate: govt whip
The censure debate next month against 10 ministers will take 52 hours, the same as last year’s no-confidence motion, chief government whip and Palang Pracharath MP Wirach Ratanasate said on Wednesday.
The opposition will get 26 hours to present its argument, while the coalition will have 24 hours to defend itself.
He said the debate has initially been scheduled for February 16-19, with final voting on February 20, though the Cabinet has yet to confirm the dates.
Opposition leader Sompong Amornvivat submitted a petition to House Speaker Chuan Leekpai on Monday to launch a censure debate against 10 ministers over the following issues:
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha
Failing in his duties amid the Covid-19 outbreak and procurement of vaccines, mismanagement related to the purchase of submarines, inability to wipe out gambling dens and misuse of Section 44 of the interim charter for the benefit of private businesses.
Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan
Misusing government budget for personal benefit, not declaring collection of luxury watches and transferring immigration chief Pol Lt-General Surachet Hakpal without due investigation.
Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul
Failing to effectively deal with Covid-19 outbreak and procuring vaccines.
Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit
Corruption related to stockpiling of rubber gloves in the Public Warehouse Organisation and appointing unqualified persons.
Labour Minister Suchart Chomklin
Failing to curb outbreak leading to new wave of infections and moves to take advantage of migrant workers.
Interior Minister Anupong Paochinda
Wrongfully postponing the contract for BTS Green Line despite it being ready, importing garbage and exploiting the system for personal benefit as well as for the benefit of his friends.
Education Minister Nataphol Teepsuwan
Failing to introduce reform in the education sector and unnecessary intervention in duties of civil servants for undue benefits.
Deputy Interior Minister Nipon Bunyamanee
Pushing for controversial Jana Industrial Estate in the South and blocking payment for road maintenance to private firms as president of Songkhla Provincial Administration Organisation.
Deputy Agriculture Minister Thammanat Prompao
Providing false information of assets and liabilities, involvement in a drug case overseas, misuse of state land under the Agricultural Land Reform Office and appointing common-law wife Thanaporn Sriviraj as member of the prime minister’s secretariat.
Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob
Granting benefits to the private sector in duty-free business, changing MRT Orange Line’s terms of reference, objecting to the extension of BTS Green Line concession and going ahead with the controversial extension of Suvarnabhumi Airport.