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Published on November 7, 2007

The National Legislative Assem-bly is likely to see a fiery debate today for the first reading of the Internal Security Bill as many civilian lawmakers have vowed to put up a stiff opposition against the legislation favoured by their military counterparts.

Critics view many draft provisions as transgressing the basic rights beyond an acceptable level, even by the standard of the junta-appointed lawmakers.

"I plan to speak from the floor in order to point out the violations of basic rights and international obligations to uphold civil and political rights," lawmaker Prasong Soonsiri said.

Prasong urged his colleagues to heed the sentiment against the bill rather than try to push it through regardless of consequences.

He said the government should have withdrawn the bill for rewriting by a joint panel of government and legislative representatives.

There is no justification for a hasty approval of the bill when the country already has adequate provisions to deal with security-related problems, he said.

Another lawmaker, Gothom Arya, said he would definitely vote to reject the draft even though the majority might succeed in pushing for its passage.

"I believe the draft, if enacted, will lead to runaway power," he said.

As the majority of lawmakers are soldiers and bureaucrats appointed by the junta, the draft should sail through its first reading, lawmaker Khamnoon Sitthisaman said, vowing to vote with the opposition.

Khamnoon's colleague Prapan Khoonmee said junta leaders were lobbying lawmakers to pass the first reading in exchange for allowing them to negotiate amendments during the vetting process.

Retired officer General Panthep Phuwanartnurak said he would approve the draft because it was designed for a proactive approach on national security. Any concerns on human rights could be allayed in the scrutiny of draft provisions for the second and third readings, he said.

Former senator Wibul Chaemchuen submitted a petition calling for the defeat of the draft on grounds of allowing lopsided power under military jurisdiction, which is contrary to the system of checks and balances.

Thammasat University law lecturer Worachaet Pakeerat said he saw no justification for the draft.

"The draft is unjust and there is no compelling reason for the legislative passage," he said.

The Nation