ANTI-GRAFT AGENCY
Four civil groups have called for an investigation into alleged malfeasance by the National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC).
Yiamyod Srimantra, an adviser to the National Thai Teachers Union, led representatives from the Women's Group for Democracy, the Pollamuang Piwat Group and the Labour Alliance for Democracy in submitting a petition to People Power party MP for Maha Sarakham Suthin Khlangsaeng, in his capacity as chairman of the House committee to monitor the work of organisations set up under the constitution.
They accused the anti-graft agency of acting in violation of the constitution and of tarnishing the commission's reputation.
Mr Yiamyod claimed the counter corruption commission set up by the September 2006 coup-leaders was not legitimate because its members did not take an oath of allegiance before His Majesty the King.
He said the commission could have violated criminal law by issuing a regulation dated Nov 23, 2006, creating the positions of adviser, secretary and assistant secretary for the NCCC chairman and all commissioners and setting salaries and monthly allowances for people filling those positions.
Mr Yiamyod said his move was not politically motivated. He had been making his own inquiries into the agency since 2006.
Mr Suthin agreed to put the matter on the House committee's agenda tomorrow.
He said if the NCCC was found to have breached the constitution, the committee had no authority to impeach it, but it would make the facts public.
To begin impeachment proceedings against the anti-corruption commissioners, the House panel would have to obtain the required number of voters' signatures, or MPs could sign to initiate a motion, he said.
A source said Mr Yiamyod is known to have close ties with a political faction headed by banned politician Newin Chidchob.
NCCC secretary-general Sarawut Menasawet defended the commission, saying it was legitimate and had done its duty lawfully.
Like other public independent agencies, members of the NCCC were not required by the constitution to swear allegiance to the King when taking office, he said.
Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej claimed in his Sunday television broadcast that the NCCC was not legitimate because its members were appointed by the coup-leaders' Council for National Security and they had not taken an oath of allegiance before His Majesty the King.
NCCC chairman Panthep Klanarongran echoed Mr Sarawut's defence. He said the setting up of the commission was endorsed by the 2007 charter and its transitory provision that the NCCC members in office on the date the constitution was promulgated shall continue in office until the expiration of their term.
Interior Minister Chalerm Yubamrung yesterday challenged all nine commissioners to resign to prove themselves worthy.
Mr Chalerm said those who sit on the NCCC should have been selected by the Senate.
The country would not fall apart if the commissioners all resigned, Mr Chalerm said.
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