The anti-graft agency on Thursday called on the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) to take action against former Senate speaker Nikhom Wairatpanich and former House speaker Somsak Kiatsuranon to restore public trust in politics.
Former Senate speaker Nikhom Wairatpanich defended the impeachment bid in the National Legislative Assembly on Thursday. (Photo by Chanat Katanyu)
The assembly started the impeachment motions on the two politicians, who have been accused by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) of trying to amend the 2007 constitution to make the Senate fully elected in a move later ruled unconstitutional by the charter court.
NACC member Vicha Mahakhun said in his opening statements in the two cases that the inquiry by the anti-graft office had found solid evidence to request the NLA impeach them.
National Anti-Corruption Commission member Vicha Mahakhun reads a statement on reasons to impeach the former Senate speaker and former House speaker. (Photo by Chanat Katanyu)
He urged NLA members to make a decision to set an example and redeem public faith in politics.
The impeachment process will give the public trust and faith as the country was undertaking widespread reforms, Mr Vicha said.
The NACC move against them was made with no ill intentions, he said.
Mr Nikhom called on the NLA to vote against the accusation by the graft agency, saying he had performed his duty to protect "the dignity of the law-making instutition".
"I will accept the NLA's decision even if it does not have a legal basis because I am accused of violating the 2007 constitution which was abolished by the NCPO (National Council for Peace and Order)," he said.
Mr Somsak declined the chance to defend himself against the NACC.
The efforts to go ahead with the impeachment attempt after the charter was scrapped is the main argument for the two in fighting the allegations.
After the NLA hears the arguments in the Nikhom and Somsak cases, it will turn to the case against former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Friday. The graft agency has accused her of ignoring suggestions in the rice-pledging scheme despite widespread corruption, and calls to end it.
An impeachment requires 132 votes from the 220 NLA members. An impeached politician has to serve a political ban for five years.
Pheu Thai member Amnuay Klangpha urged the NLA to reconsider the bid to take action against the three, saying it could spoil reconciliation plans.
The NLA decision on Mr Nikhom and Mr Somsak could have implications for two other cases involving 38 former senators and 200 former MPs of the Pheu Thai Party and its partners who supported the failed attempt to amend the charter on the same issue.