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Published on January 30, 2008

NCCC member Klanarong Chantik said the agency resolved to form a committee led by Jaided Pornchaiya to investigate Samak for abusing his power as Bangkok governor to facilitate companies bidding on three garbage disposal projects worth Bt9.5 billion.

The NCCC's fact-finding panel had agreed with the complaint filed by the Auditor-General's Office that Samak circumvented the law.

Klanarong denied allegations that the NCCC was politicised for accusing Samak on the day he received the royal command as premier.

"We carry out our duty in a straightforward manner and without harassment. It happened that the complaint reached the NCCC now," he said.

The audit report stated that Samak had violated the State Agencies' Bidding Act of 1999 because the three garbage projects required a budget of more than Bt1 billion each,

but Samak intentionally rejected proposals worth more than Bt1 billion so that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration could approve the projects.

Meanwhile Assets Examination Committee spokesman Sak Korsaengruang said he was not perturbed by the installation of Samak as head of government, saying the administration has no right to pressure the AEC.

"If the government does, that means it's doing it for the interest of the accused.

"The government should not discriminate against us," he said.

The Nation