Yongyuth gets thumbs up after first day as speaker

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said after the parliamentary session that Yongyuth had performed his duty well.

Democrat spokesman Ongart Klampaiboon agreed with his leader, saying he hoped Yongyuth would maintain the standard.

He said it appeared Yongyuth had done his homework about the parliamentary regula-tions.

Political academic Prayad Hongthongkham said even though Yongyuth was provoked by Democrat MPs during the session, he chaired the meeting well.

"He controlled his temper very well and tried to compromise with both sides.

"Moreover, he had also prepared himself about the House of Representatives' rules," Prayad said.

Before the vote for a new government leader, Democrat Chamni Sakdisate proposed that the PM candidates - People Power Party leader Samak Sundaravej and Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva - brief the House on their "vision" for the country.

Yongyuth allowed MPs to debate Chamni's proposal before asking them to vote whether to approve it. When Democrat and People Power MPs protested, Yongyuth tried to compromise.

He asked for a resolution from House members whether they wanted the two candidates to express their visions or not. He said such a resolution would require support from over one-fifth of the MPs.

Democrat MP Wittaya Kaewparadai protested, saying Yongyuth should not interpret the Constitution himself. Wittaya argued that the charter said in this case the House must consider approving, not voting.

Democrat chief adviser Chuan Leekpai said Yongyuth misunderstood about the "one-fifth" needed for support. He said the figure referred to all House members, not just to People Power MPs.

Yongyuth argued that all members did have to vote to approve the proposal if they wanted to hear statements from the candidates to be premier or not, adding he knew the resolution must be supported by one in five MPs - and not just one party.

Wittaya asked the official to note on the session report that the House speaker had interpreted the charter. Yongyuth did not argue this point.

Yongyuth continued his duty until the vote for prime minister and then closed the session.

The Nation