Democrat dissidents speak out against charter

By THE NATION

Published on October 17, 2009

The Democrats continue to have differing views related to the charter rewrite and the main opposition party has blamed them for playing a two-faced game.

Democrat Party MP Chanchai Issarasenarak yesterday voiced his strong opposition to amending the Constitution on the grounds that the proposed amendments were designed to serve political expediency instead of the public interest.

"I am the one vote against, and many have agreed with me," he said.

Even though the Constitution was enacted following the coup, it had been approved in a referendum vote, he said, insisting on the charter's legitimacy.

He claimed that the amendments, if passed and enacted, would benefit "electioneers" and pave the way for the weakening of the anti-corruption mechanism.

Democrat MP Watchara Phetthong said he would carry on his opposition to the amendments in his individual capacity regardless of the partisan line on the matter.

Watchara vowed to work with advocacy groups to raise awareness as to why the rewrite is inappropriate.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday reiterated his stand that the rewriting and the referendum both should proceed to completion in order to settle the differing views on the amendments.

Abhisit denied that about 100 Democrats would break ranks and oppose the rewriting process. He said he too disagreed with certain amendments and wanted a settlement in accordance with the referendum outcome.

The amendments will be enacted only if endorsed by the referendum vote, he added, conceding the possible collapse of some or all of the six amendments.

Pheu Thai MP Surapong Tojakwichaikul said the Democrats were trying to shoot down the amendments even though they claimed to be pushing for the charter rewrite.

"Abhisit is a two-faced prime minister," he said.

Surapong said his main opposition party had withdrawn from the amendment process because it did not want to fall prey to the trap laid out by the Democrats.

He said the insincerity of the Democrats might eventually lead to the collapse of the coalition bandwagon.

Senator Prasith Pothasuthon said about 125 senators and MPs might refile the motion to amend the charter in order to take the initiative for the rewriting process from the government.

The motion was previously submitted but dropped to allow the government's involvement in the matter. It was designed to push for the six amendments in a speedy manner and without a referendum.

-- The Nation 2009/10/17

Enter Chuan and Suthep - dissension dies a quick death.

It is healthy to see divergent opinions in a political party. If everyone just agreed and followed the party line a party would be a joke. If people in a country are divided over things you excpect people even within a party to be divided. When they arent start worrying.

If everyone just agreed,

or agreed to the APEARANCE of all agreeing for financial remunerations,

we would get TRT redux, and that is not a healthy thing as we have seen.