Investigation of official halted
The disciplinary committee set up to investigate adultery and corruption charges against Wallop Ploytubtim, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, is not illegitimate as claimed by the government, former deputy minister Poldej Pinprateep said yesterday. Dr Poldej, who earlier warned the Samak Sundaravej government not to interfere with the probe, made the comment yesterday, a day after Deputy Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat announced his decision to put a halt to the investigation due to its ''illegitimate'' status.
''We're not a court, so we cannot judge the case. But I insist that the disciplinary investigation is legitimate,'' said Dr Poldej.
Mr Somchai did not say why the government decided to put a stop to the probe, but said Mr Wallop's complaint that the probe team had been unfair with him was ''sensible''.
Mr Wallop was transferred to an inactive post late last year by former prime minister Surayud Chulanont after an initial investigation, led by former permanent secretary for justice Jarun Pukditanakul, which suggested he was allegedly involved in three counts of misconduct.
He was accused of sexual abuse, dereliction of duty by failing to investigate an inflated evaluation of collateral at a public pawn shop, and corruption involving state subsidies for underprivileged families.
Irregularities at the pawn shop had cost the government more than 40 million baht, according to the findings.
''A probe team was then set up to consider whether Mr Wallop should face disciplinary action,'' Dr Poldej said.
The team, led by cabinet secretary-general Surachai Phuprasert, met twice and established a sub-panel to conduct an inquiry.
''Our work has not been finished,'' said Mr Surachai. ''In fact, we've asked the government to extend our investigation period'' which was set to last for three months from early this year.
Dr Poldej also warned Social Development and Human Security Minister Chawarat Charnveerakul against transferring Mr Wallop back to his old post.
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