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Published on February 9, 2008

He also said the government should focus on the direction its policies will take, rather than just presenting projects.

Meanwhile, he said, the Democrat "shadow cabinet" would meet on Monday to prioritise the country's problems and propose things the government should take into account when considering its policies.

Abhisit said the Democrats wanted the new administration to spend some time working out its policies before his party makes its suggestions. The new Cabinet met for the first time yesterday and will declare its policies to the Parliament on February 18.

In the meantime, Abhisit said, Democrat MPs would prepare for the parliamentary session, during which they will propose laws related to the shadow cabinet's work. But he said he understood that support for these laws would depend on government MPs since they held a majority.

The Democrats unveiled their plan last week to set up a shadow cabinet to monitor the work of each ministry and offer alternative policies so the public can see the party's potential.

Even though names of the shadow cabinet members had leaked out earlier, spokesman Ong-art Klampaiboon only revealed the names officially after an executive meeting. Apart from a few changes, most of the names were the same as tipped earlier.

Ong-art will take the "shadow" post of PM's Office Minister in charge of media, instead of Labour Minister, which will be held by Paitoon Kaewthong. Kraisak Chonhavan would replace Pusadee Tamthai as shadow Social Development and Human Security Minister. Abhisit will be leader of the shadow cabinet chief and shadow Education Minister. Korn Chatikavanij will watch the Finance Minister. Kiat Sitthee-amorn will monitor the Minis-try of Commerce. Suthep Thaugsuban will shadow the Interior Minister. Gen Picharn-met Muangmanee will be as shadow Defence Minister.

Kornchanok Raksaseri

The Nation