The Democrat Party is concerned about the outcome of the judicial inquiry, which can result in the dissolution of the party, but will not adjust its legal tactics or its defence team, Culture Minister and lead defence counsel Nipit Intarasombat said yesterday.
"The concern, as expressed by party chief adviser Chuan Leekpai, is meant as a reminder for every Democrat to be on their guard in defending the case," he said.
Nipit said it was normal for Chuan to remain cautious as he wanted every member of the defence team to be fully prepared.
He said that since his appointment to the Cabinet, he devoted weekends and evenings to defence preparations. Even though the defence was upbeat in winning a favourable verdict, it could not afford to be slack since the Election Commission had formed a unanimous decision to petition for the party's dissolution, he added.
The Democrats are facing a Constitution Court inquiry into the wrongful spending of Bt29 million allocated by the Election Commission for party development.
In a separate litigation, the prosecution review panel last week recommended another judicial inquiry into financial irregularities relating to the Bt258-million campaign contributions paid as publicity expenses before the money was allegedly laundered and channelled back to the Democrats in the last general election.
Pheu Thai MP Prakiart Nasimma said he viewed Chuan's remarks as a gimmick to win sympathy from the people.
"But I think the party dissolution case will be based on pertinent legal issues and not sentiment," he said.
Prakiart said he was certain there would be a guilty verdict, because in his opinion it was clear the Democrats filed wrongful financial reports.