Illusionist Samak creates much-needed breathing space

For 90 minutes, he argued passionately that his government would survive the political woes.

Critics may find it hard to believe that Samak is capable of executing a political trick worthy of the great Harry Houdini. The countdown to his departure has already begun, they say.

Samak devoted a considerable portion of his remarks to criticism of the National Counter Corruption Commission. Hours after the televised speech, NCCC member Wicha Mahakhun said he would review the graft report on the fire-truck scandal involving Samak when he was Bangkok governor.

Before the Assets Examination Committee's term expired in June, the case was pushed forward with graft indictments recommended against Samak. It was understood at the time that the NCCC would expedite the indictment process based on the AEC's recommendations.

The government's opponents, including the People's Alliance for Democracy, expect to see the end of Samak's leadership within the next few months because the prime minister will be suspended from his job after being notified of graft charges.

But their glee in anticipating the collapse of the government could be premature, due to the NCCC's about-turn to review the report.

Although Wicha made it clear that his decision had nothing to do with Samak's critical remarks, the coincidence seems to work in the government's favour by prolonging its exit.

In rebutting the dire predictions about his government's remaining tenure, the prime minister cited a full calendar of work to be done, including the centennial celebrations of the installation of the equestrian statue of King Rama V at the Royal Plaza. The subtle message is that the government will be around for several months, not days.

Samak has praised the far-sightedness of King Rama V in saving the country from colonialism. By invoking the late monarch, he implies that the government is following in the royal footsteps, and defending its performance over the Preah Vihear temple sovereignty issue.

In Samak's view, he attributes the political woes facing his government to the flawed provisions of the Constitution. He also alludes to a conspiracy to dislodge the government by litigation, which he sees as unfair and not in conformity with the parliamentary system. He intends to push for a charter rewrite at the next House session. He pleads with the public to rally behind his leadership, the mandate for which came from the electoral system.

Today Samak expects to showcase his government's measures to help citizens cope with the current economic woes. He promises a major revamp of the Cabinet line-up to restore confidence.

To the opposition Democrats, he has sent out a well-crafted message. He deplores the opposition lawmakers for what he terms the "over-politicising" of the temple issue. But he also praises certain Democrats, such as Trairong Suwankhiri, for their political talent and sensibility.

This is the second time since the censure debate that Samak has commended Trairong. Samak does not make blanket attacks against the Democrat Party but holds its moderate members such as Abhisit Vejjajiva, Chuan Leekpai and Banyat Bantadtan in high regard. While he is critical of hard-core opposition members, channels of communication are open to the moderates.

For the time being the government remains in the hot seat and its problems will not disappear. But what Samak has accomplished is a breather - the ability, no matter how tenuous, to just carry on doing his job. Indeed, he is fighting hard not to be removed by non-parliamentary means.