Nalinee wants a chance to prove herself

PM's Office Minister Nalinee Taveesin yesterday called on her critics to give her a chance to prove herself in public service.

"I have a master's and a PhD from the United States, in addition to extensive international experience. I would like to be given an opportunity to serve the country," she said.

Nalinee said criticism should be based on the facts pertaining to her links to Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe. Denying allegations that she was involved in arms trading, she said she never thought she would become a government's lightning rod.

She refused to reply to a question related to her involvement in investment deals in Africa that are linked to former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, and also kept silent when challenged to apply for a US visa to prove that she is not blacklisted as claimed.