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The opposition had to accept the necessity of showing substantive debates instead of gutter-politics, such as heckling and delaying tactics. For once they have to show the public that some of their debaters were knowledgeable about public finance.

It will take two days for the House to pass the two bills. The Democrat Party, as the core of the coalition, can use the opportunity to size up the partners, whether they are willing to go along until their tolerance ends over conflict of interest involving multimillion-baht projects.

Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij simply followed the text book in stressing the urgency to borrow the money - quite historic judging from the amount in one go. He assured the House that all would be for public good and safe from soiled hands.

His words are yet to be measured with solid proof that he is indeed up to the task and the formidable challenges. This time around, the economic crisis is more serious that the previous one following the baht devaluation in 1997. There are political, social and health crises, not to mention the protracted terrorism in the three southernmost provinces.

Korn's performance so far has not been reassuring due to the obvious reluctance to deal decisively with crucial issues, such as transfer of officials in government units and top executives of state agencies who are remnants and cronies of Thaksin. These elements still have enough venom to obstruct government plans and the judicial process.

Let's say that the two bills will have an easy passage in the House passage, Abhisit still has to urgently prove as well that he is in full charge, and poised to tackle adversity. So far, the public has been sympathetic to his predicament - two close shaves with death after being attacked by red-shirts who want Thaksin back in power.

It is also a question as to how much time the public will give him from now on. The big loan will be ready for dispensing soon, but he has to show that the task of governing and dealing with unpleasant issues cannot be ignored or delegated to somebody else.

The public still wants to hear Abhisit say "No" with firmness in rejecting sweetheart deals proposed by coalition partners whose role has dented the young man's clean image and integrity following his decision to buy time over the controversial bus-leasing plan, which critics suspect involves huge kickbacks.

Public support for Abhisit remains strong as he is the only real selling point, the standard bearer, for the administration, while the coalition partners in the Cabinet line up are like a rogues' gallery. Without him, the administration would been bashed by the public over its not-so-impressive performance, considering the pressing needs and the severity of the current crisis.

Other Cabinet members, including the less known and obscure ones, are just like potted plants. Of course, there are high-profile ministers in key posts who are notorious rather than famous for their unabashed pursuit of self-interest without caring about the public outcry. It is the perceived indecision or reluctance of Abhisit to stop their seamless gluttony.

Abhisit should have realised by now that the slow success following his efforts to prop up the nation was partly due to the lack of cooperation from senior civil servants and executives of state-owned agencies, including financial and stock-market regulators.

If he has survived so far due to luck, the public support will not be there forever if the performance does not match the new debt burden the country has to endure. Showing decisive leadership and taking full charge with results can extend his longevity in office. Not long from now, he has to decide whether he cares about the people and national interest, or the coalition partners who support him in return for opportunities to enrich themselves.

Abhisit is young and still has a long way to go. As of now, he has no match from anybody from the opposition - someone with his stature. Those challenging him in the opposition camp are mediocre in track record and credibility.

The question is whether he will allow the coalition partners to drag him down to join the despicable pack. He does not have the luxury of time now that Thaksin's cronies are hounding him. The red shirts will have a field day on June 27. The lack of immediate improvement will enable them to chalk up some scores.