Witoon quits over fish
Ex-minister insists he's ready for investigation
- Published: 4/02/2009 at 12:00 AM
- Newspaper section: News
The Democrat party has named Issara Somchai as the new social development and human security minister, replacing Witoon Nambutr who resigned yesterday in the wake of the controversy over donations of rotten canned fish.
Witoon Nambutr announces his resignation as social development and human security minister at Government House to accept responsibility for the distribution of rotten canned fish to flood victims. APICHIT JINAKUL
The selection of Mr Issara, who, like Mr Witoon, is an MP from Ubon Ratchathani, underscored the party's position of keeping a representative from the Northeast in the cabinet. The party lacks influence in the region.
Mr Witoon is the first member of the Democrat-led cabinet to step down. Deputy Interior Minister Boonjong Wongtrairat, from the Bhumjaithai party, is also under pressure to quit amid vote-buying allegations.
Following Mr Witoon's resignation, the Democrats resolved to hand the job to Mr Issara, an eight-time MP for the northeastern province.
Mr Issara's name was proposed by party secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban at a meeting of MPs and executives. No one contested his nomination.
A party source said Mr Issara's nomination would be forwarded for royal endorsement as soon as the examination of his qualifications was completed.
Speaking at a press conference after the cabinet meeting, Mr Witoon said his resignation, which would have immediate effect, was to show political and social responsibility and had come without any pressure from his party.
"I've made the decision on my own for the benefit of the Democrat party, which I love and have stayed with for so long, and for the prime minister who is capable of administering the country."
Mr Witoon was on the verge of tears as he said his resignation would pave the way for appointed committees to investigate him without having to worry that he would interfere in any inquiries.
"I insist there is no corruption in the donation of relief bags [to flood victims] in Phatthalung. I'm ready to be investigated, give my testimony and cooperate [with fact-finding panels]," he said.
After the press conference, the former minister went to the ministry to pack his belongings.
Issara Somchai, a Democrat MP for Ubon Ratchathani, replaces Mr Witoon as social development and human security minister. PATTANAPONG HIRANARD
Residents of Phatthalung hailed Mr Witoon's decision to quit over the rotten canned fish scandal.
"I am glad that he has quit to show accountability. I hope state officials will take this case as a lesson," said Nat Musik, a village head in Muang district.
The opposition Puea Thai party accused Mr Witoon of being involved in irregularities surrounding the purchase of the canned fish for distribution to flood-hit victims in Phatthalung.
Puea Thai spokesman Prompong Nopparit questioned whether Mr Witoon had really stepped down to demonstrate his political accountability. He said Mr Witoon "succumbed to" evidence of wrongdoing exposed by Puea Thai.
The Foundation for Consumers said it would lodge a complaint with the Criminal Court next week against Mr Witoon, permanent secretary for social security and human development Wallop Ploytubtim, and the manufacturer of the rotten canned fish.
The planned lawsuit would be in line with the Consumer Protection Law, said foundation secretary-general Saree Ongsomwang.
In a separate development involving the accusations against Mr Boonjong, the Election Commission (EC) yesterday agreed to set up a subcommittee to investigate allegations that the minister was involved in vote-buying.
Mr Boonjong is accused of handing out money, part of the government relief scheme for the poor, along with his name card to his constituents in Chok Chai district of Nakhon Ratchasima on Jan 24. Puea Thai claimed the act was equivalent to vote-buying.
EC secretary-general Suthiphon Thaveechaiyagarn said the panel had 30 days to complete its inquiries.
About the author
- Writer: MANOP THIP-OSOD and ANUCHA CHAROENPO
