Opposition leaders agreed the proposal was an attempt to create an illusion of unity between the rival political camps.

"Such a government would face no scrutiny in Parliament and there's no guarantee political reform would take place," said Abhisit Vejjajiva, leader of the Democrat Party.

He was speaking yesterday after a morning meeting with Chat Thai leader Banharn Silapa-archa and Mahachon leader Sanan Kachornprasart.

Abhisit said the opposition parties were not boycotting the election in order to gain jobs in Thaksin's Cabinet.

He said that judging from his latest proposal, it appeared the premier was increasingly concerned about his legitimacy.

Thaksin, meanwhile, yesterday said he wanted the opposition to help draft political reforms.

"The process calls for the Cabinet to give a green light to the reforms before they are discussed in Parliament," he said.

Prommin Lertsuridej, the prime minister's secretary general, said Thaksin's proposal was aimed at "mobilising cooperation from all the parties with good intentions towards the country".

He said Thaksin was sincere about settling the ongoing political dispute and restoring peace.