Meechai divides assembly
The National Legislative Assembly (NLA) yesterday was split over Speaker Meechai Ruchuphan's role in persuading members to appoint a selection committee in accordance with their seniority.
On Wednesday, three NLA members accused Meechai of instructing the NLA to appoint 20 members according to seniority and refusing to allow them to debate how to form a panel to select NLA committees. The NLA voted to select a 15-strong panel based on seniority. The three members will submit a letter to Meechai demanding he review the appointments and if he refuses, they will gather signatures seeking to remove him. Some NLA members do not believe Meechai has any ulterior motive. Wallop Tangkananurak said he believed Meechai's method in using seniority was to prevent problems such as rigging and lobbying. "We have no whips to coordinate and prevent such problems. Besides, all those appointed to the selection panel have a good record,'' he said. Wallop said the majority of members agreed with Meechai in using seniority. But Admiral Bannawit Kengrien, Sangsit Piriyarangsan and Paisan Puetmongkol be-lieved Meechai's action was inappropriate. Bannawit alleged that Meecha abused his power over the selection panel. "No one knows how old each member is. Meechai just read the list he prepared. This made the public think that Meechai misled the NLA,'' he said.
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