From cronyism to proxies to family politics

Oh, but we should thank those survivors of the Samak Cabinet that they didn't inflict any further calamity on the country during their previous term. Judging from their ability to cling on to their seats, we can presume that they are quite extraordinary, even though they are representatives of their wives, husbands or partisan interests.

With Somchai in charge - with the blessing of his ex-brother-in-law in exile, Thaksin Shinawatra - should we feel confident that his soft approach to the current crises of various dimensions and severity will lead us away from the confrontational politics preferred by his immediate predecessor?

Hardly.

Although Somchai is portrayed as a dove, there remain hardcore hawkish Cabinet members, and those who pull the strings behind them. Some are still spoiling for a final showdown with the People's Alliance for Democracy, now leading protesters in a weeks-long siege of Government House.

Somchai's gentle manners and suave talk should be key to his attempt to resolve the political crisis, which has led to the acute embarrassment of him not even having a respectable office befitting his mission to restore public confidence in whatever truly counts in this land.

Ah! We must also take note that Somchai represents a smooth transformation or evolution - though some might be tempted to say a worrisome degeneration - of our national system, even though our politics is likely to remain in the gutter for a long time.

We should not forget that during Thaksin's years our politics was rife with cronyism in addition to inherent corruption and other shortcomings. From crony politics, we managed to enter an era of nominees and proxies in the Samak Cabinet, which lasted only several months and with more embarrassment than commendable achievement.

With nominees and proxies in power, our politics got deeper into the gutter, with low blows, foul play and other uncivilised practices on the part of politicians and their cronies. We experienced open urban warfare between PAD protesters and thugs and goons unleashed by Cabinet members and their patrons.

This was among many negative factors that led to Samak's path down a treacherous political road. He eventually ended up dishonoured and in disgrace.

From crony politics to proxy politics, now we have family politics. Should we call it a Thaksin dynasty of sorts? Somchai cannot deny this fact. On the contrary, he admitted with candour the other day, and was published in the latest issue of Time magazine, that "it's undeniable who my relatives are, but I will do things the right way".

That sounds like a first mission statement, which we have previously failed to deliver. "The right way" should not mean selection of Cabinet members with tainted track records and flawed characters. It's an open secret that some of these fellows are pure crooks.

 Somchai has failed miserably in this area. Of course, we understand that since he is a family-picked prime minister, others behind him saw to it that the newcomer - with only some months in active politics - should not be burdened with wheeling and dealing with what looks like a gallery of rogues. Indeed, he could have tried some choices of his own.

Within a few days of the formal announcement and tough haggling with political cut-throats, Somchai underwent considerable physical change. His eye sockets became hollow and grey, with more creases and lines appearing on his forehead and face. He did not exactly look lively; instead he became ashen. The smooth talk soon halted, his beady eyes shifted focus and he showed signs of nervousness.

Tough days are ahead. Somchai will not have the benefit of a honeymoon period. Credibility and integrity will be put to a stern test, especially in the way he handles the criminal cases involving Thaksin and his wife. The public will soon see whether he cares more about the family business than the public interest

Swimming in a sea full of sharks or walking through a minefield would be more comfortable for Somchai. He faces formidable adversity and tough challenges. Thaksin and Samak, both with more influence and longer, rougher years in politics, still ended up the way they are, facing the strong possibility of jail terms.

Even after family nudging and advice, Somchai probably forgot to ask himself: who am I to undertake such an impossible task when the longer fangs have failed miserably?