PENCHAN CHAROENSUTHIPAN
Democrat MP Malinee Sukvejworakij holds up a book titled `Phu Puay Pok Krong Loke' (Sick People who Ruled the World) as she calls on Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej to take a break and seek mental health treatment, during the censure debate yesterday. |
Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej fiercely defended his mental and physical health yesterday, insisting he is fit and capable of leading the government. His assertion came after Democrat MP Malinee Sukvejworakij, who is a doctor of medicine, told the House Mr Samak showed symptoms of a mental deficiency and behaviour disorder. He should take leave and get treatment for the sake of the country, she said.
She held aloft a book, Phu Puay Pok Krong Loke (Sick People who Ruled the World), as the Democrats attacked Mr Samak for his ''aggressive behaviour and bad temper''.
Mr Samak fought back strongly. ''You can ask the cabinet whether I am fit to administer the country. Would you like to compete with me in a brain game, like a memory test?'' he said.
Dr Malinee said there was medical evidence to confirm that his glaring at reporters and ordering cake and red cordial drinks like a child reflected a low IQ and low emotional quotient.
She referred to Mr Samak's moody look prior to a luncheon with coalition partners early this month.
The book showed the harm that came from having sick patients as rulers, such as Adolf Hitler who had Parkinson's disease and took 28 medications a day.
''A leader needs both mental and physical strength. Mr Samak should take a break to seek medical help,'' she said.
Mr Samak said her medical licence should be reviewed. ''It's the first time I've seen a doctor diagnose a patient on the floor of parliament.''
Mr Samak maintained he had quarterly health examinations, adding that his surname means ''good doctor''.
And he only glared at reporters to show his displeasure, he said.
''If I am crazy because I glare at reporters, then all actors in soap operas will have gone mad, they glare at each other all the time. And there's no point worrying about my liking red drinks.''
Later, Democrat MP for Nakhon Si Thammarat Theptai Senpong said Mr Samak was immature, impolite and rude to both Thai and foreign reporters.
He broke false news such as a coup in the making and a bank going under, and apologised afterward for the damage.
He said Mr Samak had been found guilty of defaming people several times.
A court gave him a two-year suspended jail term for falsely accusing former science and technology minister Damrong Latthapipat of involvement with drugs.
He also is appealing a conviction for defaming Bangkok deputy governor Samart Ratchapolsitte by saying a construction firm bought him a BMW car.
Mr Samak replied shortly, saying he felt ashamed for the people who had attacked him.
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