Abhisit insists Kasit meets ethics standards
No credibility doubts despite blockade role
- Published: 13/07/2009 at 12:00 AM
- Newspaper section: News
Kasit Piromya meets the ethics standards set down for cabinet members and should stay in the cabinet, insists Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.
The embattled foreign minister had no credibility problems, Mr Abhisit said while denying claims the government had interfered in the legal case now before him.
Mr Kasit is facing charges for his part in last year's blockade of Suvarnabhumi airport. Critics say he should resign immediately.
Speaking on his weekly television programme, the prime minister yesterday said he would not dismiss Mr Kasit over his involvement in the People's Alliance for Democracy's blockade of the airport.
"At this stage, where a summons has been issued, there is no need to dismiss him from the post," Mr Abhisit said.
"Initial checks found that the minister has no credibility problems."
Mr Kasit is among 36 PAD leaders and key supporters facing terrorism and other criminal charges for the Nov 25 to Dec 2 occupation of Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports.
The blockade was part of a campaign to force the government, led by the now-defunct People Power Party, to give up power.
Mr Kasit has denied the accusations and said he would not quit the cabinet. The prime minister said Mr Kasit should also be given an opportunity to handle important issues involving Asean affairs.
Mr Kasit, he said, had managed to measure up to the ethics standards set down for cabinet members.
Mr Abhisit has laid down a code of moral conduct and accountability requiring that cabinet members who face prosecution resign without having to wait until the cases against them are finalised.
However, the fact Mr Kasit had received a summons did not mean he had to quit the post straight away.
Dismissing him from the cabinet at this stage would be an overreaction, the prime minister said.
Mr Abhisit said Mr Kasit has not received any special treatment or privileges, and the government would not interfere in legal proceedings against those accused in the case. "Comments that the government is trying to interfere are ill-founded," he said.
He also denied suggestions the military was playing a hand in pressuring Mr Kasit to resign.
However, Mr Abhisit warned Mr Kasit to be careful about what he said to the media.
In response to pressure for him to quit, Mr Kasit said he thought only a few people wanted him to resign. Hundreds of thousands wanted him to remain in office.
Mr Kasit met police on July 6 ahead of the July 16 deadline for the accused to show up to answer the charges.
The minister chose to report to police early because he is scheduled to attend a meeting of members of the Non-Aligned Movement in Egypt from July 14 to 18.
Senate Speaker Prasopsuk Boondej yesterday said Mr Kasit was just a suspect. Only once he is taken to court by the prosecution should the foreign minister step down.
Senator Prasarn Marukpitak said he believed Mr Kasit was a victim of political fallout and he urged the minister to do all he could to defend himself against the charges.
Mr Kasit was a senior government officer who stepped forward to challenge the Thaksin regime, Mr Prasarn said.Puea Thai Party MP for Ayutthaya Surachet Chaikosol yesterday lambasted the prime minister for rallying around Mr Kasit.
He said Mr Abhisit had made a serious mistake to pledge support for Mr Kasit to remain in office.
Mr Surachet said the prime minister's action had run counter to the public mood reflected in a recent poll which showed 60% of respondents wanted Mr Kasit to resign.
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- Writer: POST REPORTERS
