An inquiry committee set up by the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) to question former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra about the NLA's impeachment motion is expected to focus mainly on the losses under the rice-pledging scheme.
NLA member Kittisak Rattanawaraha, who sits on the inquiry committee, said NLA members are now submitting questions to the panel which will ask Ms Yingluck on their behalf.
Ms Yingluck began testifying last Friday to the National Legislative Assembly, with a defiant defence of her rice-purchase scheme. NLA members insist on hearing more. (AFP photo)
They have until Tuesday to submit questions. Mr Kittisak said several NLA members who submitted the questions wanted Ms Yingluck to clarify the figures for losses under the rice scheme.
The figures presented by Ms Yingluck were not consistent with those submitted by the Finance Ministry's subcommittee inspecting the scheme's accounting.
Some NLA members also wanted to know why Ms Yingluck did not scrap the rice scheme after alleged corruption and losses came to light, Mr Kittisak said.
He said NLA members wanted to question the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) about the law which has served as the basis to seek Ms Yingluck's impeachment.
Mr Kittisak said the committee will question Ms Yingluck on Friday. She can appear in person or send her lawyer to answer questions on her behalf, he said.
However, it would be in her best interests to show up and clear the accusations herself, he said, adding that the panel will maintain neutrality in doing its job.
The NACC petitioned the NLA to impeach Ms Yingluck, accusing her of dereliction of duty for failing to stop corruption and losses in the rice-pledging scheme. She chaired the National Rice Policy Committee when she was premier.
Ms Yingluck gave statements in her defence before the NLA last Friday, denying all the accusations made by the NACC.
Jate Siratharanont, spokesman for the NLA whip, said the committee will not reveal its questions in advance, but Ms Yingluck should be able to expect what the panel will ask of her.
Norawit Lalaeng, a member of Ms Yingluck's legal team, said her lawyers will meet today to prepare Ms Yingluck's defence before the panel. It is not yet decided whether Ms Yingluck will appear in person, Mr Norawit said.
The NLA has set Jan 23 as the date for votes on the impeachment cases against Yingluck and former House speaker Somsak Kiatsuranon, and ex-Senate speaker Nikhom Wairatpanich. Separate votes will be taken on the impeachment motions against the three.
Mr Nikhom and Mr Somsak face proceedings for their support of an attempt to amend the 2007 constitution to make the Senate fully elected. Mr Nikhom and Mr Somsak are due to be questioned on Thursday by another inquiry committee set up by the NLA.
Suriyasai Katasila, a former core leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy, said Sunday the NLA should disregard threats by some groups that the impeachment will disrupt efforts to foster unity.