Nirote Sunthornlekha, a Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) MP for Nakhon Sawan, said on Thursday he is ready to assume the role of chief government whip.
Nirote: MPs 'were exhausted'
He was reacting to PPRP leader Gen Prawit Wongsuwon's comment that he would name Mr Nirote to replace Wirach Ratanasate.
Mr Wirach was suspended from parliamentary duty this week after the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions agreed to hear a corruption case involving the construction of a futsal pitch in Nakhon Ratchasima, in which he is implicated.
Mr Nirote said he has yet to be formally notified about his new role, which requires the ability to coordinate all parties to make sure House meetings do not collapse.
He said he does not foresee any problems working with the opposition bloc led by the Pheu Thai Party, which recently saw its Nan MP Cholnan Srikaew appointed party leader.
When asked if the proposed amendments to Section 112, the lese majeste law, would be prioritised, he pointed out that the PPRP would not initiate any changes to the law.
Mr Nirote said the collapse of several previous House meetings were not calculated moves by any of the parties, but rather the result of MPs being exhausted.
His reported nomination comes after a House meeting collapsed on Wednesday, the first to be held since parliament reconvened.
Deputy speaker Suchart Tancharoen, who presided over the meeting, was forced to adjourn it after it lacked a quorum. The draft law on witness protection was being reviewed at the time.
"I can't guarantee there won't be any more 'collapses' of House meetings. If the MPs are too tired, that is a possibility," he said.
"It isn't that we are lazy. As a matter of fact, House meetings are the MPs' affairs, not just the government's," he added.
The opposition blamed the government for the shenanigans.
Meanwhile, Gen Prawit said Mr Nirote was up to the job, adding he has already discussed the appointment with Gen Prayut.
PPRP adviser Somsak Thepsutin yesterday vouched for Mr Nirote as Mr Wirach's replacement, saying the MP for Nakhon Sawan can work with both the government and opposition camps.
Democrat leader Jurin Laksanawisit said his party has no objection.
He said the new chief government whip must be proposed by the ruling PPRP and agreed to by the prime minister.
Deputy government spokeswoman Traisulee Taisaranakul said the nomination of the new government chief whip would be submitted to the prime minister for approval soon.