NLA president backs disputed panel choices

NLA president backs disputed panel choices

Promises no conflict of interest will occur

The brother of senior Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon (inset) is one of two retired police generals assigned to vet the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) - at the moment the NACC is examining their 'unusual wealth'. Neither Gen Prawit nor senior Assemblymen will intervene. (File photos)
The brother of senior Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon (inset) is one of two retired police generals assigned to vet the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) - at the moment the NACC is examining their 'unusual wealth'. Neither Gen Prawit nor senior Assemblymen will intervene. (File photos)

National Legislative Assembly (NLA) president Pornpetch Wichitcholchai has distanced himself from a controversy involving the appointments of two lawmakers, currently under investigation for their unusual wealth, to a panel vetting an organic bill on the government's anti-graft agency.

At the centre of the dispute are former national police chief Pol Gen Patcharawat Wongsuwon, the younger brother of Deputy Prime Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, and former assistant national police chief Pol Lt Gen Boonrueng Polpanich.

They face an inquiry into their financial affairs by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), the same body they have been assigned to scrutinise the legislation on. Their participation has raised questions as to whether the bill will be examined with full integrity.

Mr Pornpetch said he has no authority to intervene in the nomination of members of special committees unless the process is deemed to be in violation of NLA regulations.

He said the appointments of the two lawmakers to the panel scrutinising the bill governing the NACC have not breached any rules.

Mr Pornpetch said panel members are nominated by the standing committees which forward the nominations to the NLA whips for further submission to the NLA for endorsement.

Under the regulations, each NLA member can serve on no more than two panels responsible for scrutinising organic bills, he said.

Speaking in defence of the two appointments, Mr Pornpetch said the panel on the NACC draft law will focus on the content of the bill, not the conduct of any individuals.

He also said committee members will not take part in the deliberation process for any issues in which they might have a vested interest.

Mr Pornpetch said two current members of the NACC are also part of the scrutiny panel. They are NACC chairman Pol Gen Watcharapol Prasarnrajkit and member Supa Piyajitti.

"The NACC members have given assurances they will excuse themselves from the deliberation process if anything involving their position comes up," he said.

The NLA president also expressed confidence the 35-member panel will thoroughly examine the organic bill, adding that they will have to be more careful in the wake of the controversy.

Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) chairman Meechai Ruchupan defended the four appointments, saying there are no legal complications.

"The public can keep an eye on them. Any proposed changes to the draft law are made public. The CDC is also watching for any drastic changes that may make the bill stray from its principles," said Mr Meechai.

Deputy Prime Minister Prawit attempted Monday to distance himself from the issue, saying he never intervened over the appointment of Pol Gen Patcharawat.

Meanwhile, NACC member Narong Rathamarit shrugged off the prospect of the anti-graft agency being "reset" under the new organic law, saying he is ready to respect the NLA's decision.

He said the agency's work will not be affected or delayed if the commissioners' term is terminated to pave the way for new members.

Meanwhile, Mr Meechai said the application period for those vying for seats on the Election Commission (EC) can be extended if there are not enough applicants.

As of Nov 3, two people had submitted applications to be considered for EC posts. Applications for the positions close on Friday.

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