Published on January 18, 2006

The Senate committee on administration will file complaints against the State Audit Commission (SAC), charging it with malfeasance and lese majesty stemming from its

failure to reinstate Auditor-General Khunying Jaruvan Maintaka.

“The complaints are to be lodged with police and the National Counter Corruption Commission,” Senator Intharat Yodbangtoey said yesterday.

Intharat, also the committee chairperson, said the SAC had neglected to reinstate Jaruvan and failed to heed His Majesty the King’s birthday speech last month.

“The SAC has allowed the Jaruvan case to drag on for two years,” he said.

He claimed the SAC had

violated Articles 157 and 112 of the Penal Code, and urged criminal and graft proceedings against past and present SAC members.

The past members include Panya Tantiyawarong, Panya Stithit, Jiraphan Niratisai, Lt-General Chatchai Uthensut, Chaiyachet Sunthorpipit and Raweeporn Kuhiran.

The incumbent members are Norachai Sripimol, Sasipat Sawetwatana, Lt-Gen Somchai Wirulphol, General Somchai Thepayasuwan, Sithiphan Sriphen, Boonrod Bowseri, Kriangsak Watanawarangkun, Chanyuth Pathumarak and Samran Phuanantanont.

Intharat said the SAC should allow Jaruvan to resume office without delay, ruling out a proposal for the Senate to debate the matter.

“The SAC can act on its own because the Constitution Court did not rule on Jaruvan’s job status, hence it does not require the Senate’s involvement to reinstate her,” he said.

Reacting to Intharat’s statement, Norachai said the SAC had asked Senate Speaker Suchon Chaleekrua to convene a senatorial debate on the matter.

The Senate should vote to confirm the appointment of Jaruvan, paving the way for the SAC to reinstate her, he said.

Kriangsak said the Senate, not the SAC, should be targeted for criminal proceedings.

“The court has ruled against the nomination process for Jaruvan, which is under the direct responsibility of the Senate,” he said, adding that the SAC had followed the Senate’s lead on the matter.

Somchai Wirulphol said the Senate and the SAC should work together to resolve the matter instead of litigating.

Post your comment to this story here