Abhisit evangelises on ethics

Abhisit evangelises on ethics

Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva called on the political reform committee to prioritise its reform blueprint on Wednesday, saying a set of rules governing the ethical behaviour of politicians is needed before the next elections.

Mr Abhisit make the remark after sharing his opinions with the reform panel on politics headed by Anek Laothamatas. It expects to produce its first draft on reform by the end of the year.

He said he agreed with the framework of the committee's plan, which is expected to yield substantial results within five years, but it requires clearer priorities and some parts should be implemented before the elections.

According to the Democrat leader, a set of ethical standards should be drafted for political office-holders.

"We've spent much time working on the laws, but when it comes to the political culture, it's hard to bring about change if we don't work on people's ethical conduct. It's hard to say if it's time to go ahead with the elections because we don't know how people will behave," he said.

The Anek panel has targeted five areas for political reform.

It wants to establish fair and fraud-free election; create a democratic state based on religious virtues, referred to as dhammathipatai; promote a healthy political culture amid a democracy with the King as head of state; implement mechanisms to settle conflicts peacefully; and decentralise power to local governing bodies while ensuring natural resources are fairly managed and distributed.

Chart Pattana Party chief adviser Suwat Liptapanlop said yesterday he has made six suggestions to the Anek committee.

These include strengthening political parties, resolving political divisions and instilling a greater sense of political sportsmanship.

Mr Suwat said parties are likely to downsize to align with the new political structure and reforms should include mechanisms to strengthen them.

He said political divisiveness remains a threat that should be tackled before the elections to ensure all parties respect the outcome of the polls and avoid creating conditions that would lead to a political stalemate.

"Reconciliation is good, and it can be implemented before or after the elections to create a favourable political environment. We have a government committee for that but if politicians join hands and send a clear signal [of unity], that could guarantee a smooth election," he said.

Mr Abhisit and Mr Suwat were among the first to share their opinions with the committee. Nikorn Chamnong, director of the Chartthaipattana Party, voiced his concerns this week as did Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul.

Mr Anek said national conciliation is the key to a fair and clean election. The national poll has been set for next November.

"Our work focuses on what future politics should look like and what they have in mind for political reform should they win the election," he said.

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