Critics misunderstand me : NLA speaker
Controversial National Legislative Assembly (NLA) Speaker Meechai Ruchuphan said Wednesday that accusations he will manipulate the writing of a new constitution are mistaken.
Meechai's critics claim his relationship to military leaders and shrewd political skills will see him influence the Constitution Drafting Assembly to produce a charter serving vested interests.The former Senate speaker was elected on Tuesday in the face of stiff opposition from activists and academics. They cited his record of serving coups and the administration of overthrown prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. But Meechai said his critics misunderstood the current legislative structure. He said the NLA was totally separate from the drafting assembly. "The NLA has no right to interfere. It will get to see the draft at the same time as the public. We have no influence or way to lobby the drafting assembly,'' he said. Meechai reported yesterday the Surayud Chulanont government would submit policies it intended to enact to the NLA on November 2. The house had been expecting policy directions tomorrow. However, the prime minister would be absent in China. He said debates in the assembly would differ from those held in the House of Representatives, mainly because there were no opposing sides. "I hope no one expects the NLA to vote against government policies. Naturally we can only acknowledge them. Please do not say we are just a rubber stamp,'' he said. Meanwhile Chat Thai Party leader Banharn Silapaarcha threw his weight behind Meechai saying that he guaranteed the man will not serve vested interested group or the Council for National Security as accused. "Give him opportunity to prove himself. I believe he is capable and knowledgeable in legal sector. I think he is a gentleman and is straightforward,'' Banharn said. He called on government critics against unfair criticism after having worked for over a month. "The government has been attacked for being slow. I believe every Cabinet member works well. Do not say such thing as "running away from a tiger to meet a crocodile,'' because you will stir the tiger back. The tiger is already calm,'' he said. Democrat Party secretary general Suthep Thaugsuban said he did not believe that there was a vote rigging for Meechai to become the Speaker of the NLA saying that the man was just unlucky to face criticism. "He was voted because of his competency,'' he said.
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