Much hard work ahead for Apirak

BANGKOK:-- Gaining nearly 40 per cent of the total vote was remarkable considering that Apirak Kosayodhin was up against 20 other candidates in the Bangkok governor’s election.

But after 24 hours of euphoria, he must have had one very bad headache. And why not? So many requests have come flooding in, some wanting him to deal with problems that have crippled the City of Angels for decades, like traffic.

Indeed, as Apirak will soon find out for himself, the Bangkok governor has to do so many things, not just collect rubbish and run primary schools like The Economist claimed in its latest edition. Even though Samak Sundaravej found time to host a television cooking show, the outgoing mayor also had a lot to do. If asked, he could probably come up with a long list that would definitely include the underground parking lot next to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s offices.

Right now, Apirak’s energetic style is bringing cheer to many voters. In the past couple of days, business executives have been very forthcoming when asked for comments on the new governor.

First, they expressed their delight at having a younger mayor, who will replace 70-something Samak. Apirak’s youth, they said, coupled with his familiarity with the business community, should help expedite solutions for chronic ills.

But with these kinds of comments and requests, I can’t help but feel sorry for Apirak.

How can a man new to politics satisfy the voters right away when the problems he faces require the cooperation of so many agencies?

Once he takes over from Samak, people will be counting the days into his term, and believe me, within three months, if he cannot show a major achievement, his world could be shaken, and hard.

Indeed, Apirak should be prepared to be bushwhacked by those disappointed in the election outcome. If I were him, I would invite the press and public to a monthly public forum to hear what has been done and achieved, and not achieved during that period.

And included in the forum would be supportive evidence in regard to benefits accrued to the city, along with anything that served to obstruct the work, regardless of the agency involved. This would at least help attract the attention of national-level politicians. If they care about the public, they should help Apirak, shouldn’t they?

If he considers this a wise idea, please be informed that it is not yet copyrighted.

--The Nation 2004-09-01

A very good idea, to institutionalise transparancy.

Glasnost and perestrojka!