'No' to crisis panel, state religion
A National Legislative Assembly (NLA) special committee favours removing an article from the constitution draft that would set up a panel to tackle any crises in the country and a clause making Buddhism the state religion.
Prapan Koonmee, deputy chairman of the NLA political reform special committee, said yesterday the group had suggested the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) remove the article on a crises panel as there were no reasons for the country to run into a crisis. Prapan was speaking after the committee, chaired by Wisanu Kreangam, met yesterday. The committee suggested the CDC remove the clause which states Buddhism is the state religion because it would not help it to enjoy long-term stability as claimed. The two issues are among a number of controversial articles contained in the draft of the constitution. The committee will today resolve the remaining points. On top of the list is whether senators should be appointed or elected. Most CDC members favour a selection committee picking three times the number of senatorial candidates, to be eventually voted on by the public. Regarding the election system, most members think if they cannot find a good election system, they should use the single-MP constituency as used in the 1997 Constitution but remove the party-list system. The committee suggested the CDC remove Article 14 which concerns Privy Councillors. The CDC should also remove the clause that allows members of the public to file suits against the court. The committee said not to give too much responsibility and power to judges, fearing the courts would be politicised. They also want to remove the article that stipulates public prosecutors work under an independent organisation because they are advisers to the government which would not be able to seek their advice in certain court cases. The committee will forward its recommendations to the NLA on May 17 or 18. NLA chairman Noranit Setabutr said yesterday the NLA was determined to write the best constitution amid reports that NLA members would finally vote down the draft. "After we have altered several aspects, if some NLA members are not satisfied, they have the right to decide whether to accept or reject it. If that is the case, then it would be a pity to end that way. He said there were still more steps allowed for alterations in the draft. "This is just the first draft. We are heeding opinions from all sectors, especially politicians," he said.
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