Sanan congratulates PM, snubs graft agency, court

Sanan Kachornprasart yesterday congratulated Thaksin Shinawatra for his hidden assets verdict. "I am glad he has been freed from a political noose put around his neck by an independent organisation which is naive in politics," he said, referring to the National Counter Corruption Commission.

"From now on the prime minister can fully concentrate on the country's administration. The government will be more stable and will be able to stay on as long as people do not tire of it," said the former interior minister.

A former secretary-general of the opposition Democrat party, Maj-Gen Sanan was banned from any political office for five years after the same court upheld an NCCC finding that he intentionally submitted a false declaration of assets and liabilities.

Mr Thaksin faced a similar charge, but was cleared.

Asked about the credibility of independent agencies, Maj-Gen Sanan said he no longer had faith in either the NCCC or the court. The agencies should be dissolved and have their work taken over by courts of justice.

"I feel sorry my tax money goes to these people as salaries, cars and allowances," he said.

He said the verdict could raise suspicions about some judges.

Democrat leader Chuan Leekpai said MPs must respect the ruling.

Anek Laothammathat, a Democrat MP, said the NCCC and the minority of judges who voted against Mr Thaksin should be given moral support.

However, the reasons given by the majority voting in his favour should also be considered.