The government should stall its plan to amend the 2007 charter, Seri Suwanpanont, who was deputy chairman of the Constitution Drafting Assembly, said yesterday. ''Currently there is a plan to impose the 1997 charter in the amendment process because its content is better than that of the 2007 constitution,'' he said.
''But if you remember, politicians were reluctant to endorse the 1997 constitution. They did not approve several articles ranging from the qualifications of MP candidates, the election system of one MP per constituency, and the election of senators. The charter was passed because of public pressure.''
In his opinion, a key flaw in the 1997 charter lies with the meddling in independent public agencies _ a check-and-balance mechanism.
The elected senators, who selected members of the public for the independent agencies, were also pressured over their choices.
 |
| Seri: PPP trying to halt the dissolution trial |
''They were paid to vote for selected members of the independent agencies and finally the good and able candidates did not make it,'' he said, adding that the 2007 charter was intended to correct this flaw.
''And that is why about half of the senators are appointed.''
Another flaw, Mr Seri said, is a provision that stipulates a vote count must be conducted at a designated venue. The result was that officials were bribed to rig elections.
''Since the Election Commission could not tackle vote-buying, the drafters decided to set this task upon the executives of political parties. So came Article 237. It is not a trap. But it requires everyone in the party to be accountable and prevent the party from being dissolved.''
Mr Seri said he disagreed with the proposed amendment, but not because he is a drafter and does not want anyone to meddle with his work.
''I disagree because the PPP [People Power party] is trying to halt a trial. The PPP commands a majority in the House and may manage to proceed with the planned amendments,'' he said.
''But the attempt could bring political turmoil as several groups are staunchly opposed to changes. The turmoil might get worse and the government might be brought to an end.''
He said he does not think people will believe the PPP's claims that the amendments will stabilise politics.
''There is a saying that a law is made to serve those who make it. I am most concerned that foreigners will criticise us,'' he said.
''We can amend the charter to avoid a trial, so there is probably a chance that we will amend other laws. This will cast a bad light on our political scene. The amendments will weaken our politics and economy.''
Confrontations will abate, but not end, if the PPP backs down from its plan, he said, adding that the 2007 charter should be used for some time.
''It is the supreme law and we need to respect it. We must not set up rules to serve our own interests.'
Prev
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
Next
