Bid to remove NLA speaker
Three National Legislative Assembly (NLA) members yesterday sought to remove Speaker Meechai Ruchuphan for allegedly railroading members over committee personnel.
They may seek signatures demanding his ousting. NLA member Admiral Bannawit Kengrien alleged Meechai permitted no debate over membership of the assembly's committee-membership selection panel. He claimed Meechai simply instructed the NLA to appoint 20 members according to seniority. "As NLA chairman, he cannot do this. We do not like to be misled and influenced. If he continues to act like this, it is going to be hard to work together,'' he said. Member Sangsit Piriyarangsan lashed out at Meechai, saying he did not allow those with differing opinions a chance to speak. "Do not forget this NLA comes via dictatorial means. We need to add more democracy to the system, not more dictatorship." NLA member Paisan Puetmongkol said Meechai's manner of influencing the NLA had created a disgraceful image. "The public now believes the NLA belongs to vested interests. Vote-rigging and lobbying are rampant,'' he said. After the Meechai proposal for 20 selection-panel members to be appointed by rank, the assembly debated a proposal to appoint just 10 or 15 members. It voted 119 to 47 for a 15-strong panel.
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