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Published on February 27, 2008

PM's Office Minister Choosak Sirinin said yesterday the Cabinet was informed about the tribunal's recent ruling that the legislation proceedings of the three bills on independent agencies did not comply with Article 141 of the Constitution. They are the National Counter Corruption Bill, the Parliament Ombudsman Bill, and the Auditor- General Bill.

Prime Minister Samak Sunda-ravej called on everyone to attend the House meetings to prevent the government-sponsored bills from being rejected.

Choosak said the government has its own drafts on the three bills and may propose its drafts for House approval.

The court was required to check if the three bills passed by the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) were legislated in accordance with the law before seeking Royal endorsement.

NLA speaker Meechai Ruchu-phan expressed deep regret that the three bills were rejected saying the NLA devoted much of their time to prevent corruption by drafting what they believe was effective legislation.

Meechai pointed out that the lack of a quorum was a technical computer error. He said the court looked at the computer record, which was not accurate because the computer recorded the number of members who had scanned their cards. Some NLA members were in the meeting but did not scan their cards.

"NLA speaker and deputies had not scanned the cards throughout the year though they attended. Only NLA members, who wanted to vote, scanned their cards. But this is a lesson for all. There's nothing we can do since the judges have already passed the ruling,'' he said.

Meechai said the court decision would not affect the corruption investigation against former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra because the current graft law is effective enough.

There were 22 bills passed by the NLA on December 21 that may be turned down because it did not have a quorum of 120 needed from 240 in total. They include the Broadcasting Bill and the Alcohol Control Bill.

The NLA also passed 32 bills in three readings on December 20 without needing a quorum. Among them were the Defence Administrative Organisation Bill and the Internal Security Bill.

Piyanart Srivalo,

Prapasri Osathanond

The Nation