Rubber-stamp NLA could be waste of time and money: Thai politics

[webfact]

BURNING ISSUE
Rubber-stamp NLA could be waste of time and money
Supalak Ganjanakhundee
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Nobody expects the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) to be anymore than a rubber stamp in endorsing junta-guided laws and directives. However, it's time for the lawmakers to show that they have enough courage to lay the foundation for the country's future.

Although it is wrong to expect the military-dominated assembly to perform as Thailand's real legislative branch, the NLA's first session to consider the budget bill has already proved that it is bad for the Kingdom to have such a body.

Perhaps it would be better, as well as save time and money, if the junta issued all the laws and directives itself. After all, the junta has been putting in place many laws and regulations since it took over on May 22.

So, what really is the point of using the taxpayers' money to pay some 200 people to simply raise their hands and agree to all junta proposals?

Of the 197 members in the assembly, only 17 reserved their right to speak on the budget bill in the first reading on Monday - and none of the 17 hailed from the military. As for the so-called debate, all the NLA members did was to praise or applaud the junta or express their gratitude to the paramount leader for choosing them to sit in this honourable post.

It is not true that Thai military officers do not like speaking in public, especially since junta chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha spent more than an hour proposing the bill and concluding his speech.

Other military officers should certainly have the same ability.

The 2015 budget bill is very important as the funds need to be spent on several things, especially on stimulating the economy, which has slowed down after the political crisis and coup. Taxpayers who pay for the budget badly need to know how their money will be spent. The lawmakers need to debate on all points and closely scrutinise all proposed projects. It is the people's money, not General Prayuth's personal funds.

Of course, the NLA members were not elected by the taxpayers, but this does not mean that these so-called lawmakers are not accountable for some of the funds allocated for their salaries and allowances. People have already lost their right to vote, and it would be a greater loss if none of the lawmakers do their job correctly.

Elected lawmakers may not be perfect. Some might be corrupt, while some may be incapable of doing their jobs, but many of them can perform their duty in Parliament when it comes to checking on the executive branch. Every lawmaker knows the importance of the budget bill and they never let it pass through Parliament easily. As lawmakers and representatives of the people, they are required to debate on the budget expenditure and tell the people if they find any irregularities. Even though some of these elected lawmakers may speak with ill-intent, but at least the public will know.

In comparison, the military-sponsored lawmakers sat in the chamber but had no courage to speak up. Perhaps they didn't realise that poor performance in the first session will lead to poorer function in the future. Also, they cannot be relied upon to consider laws that will lay the foundation for a more secure future.

Besides, if the junta's handpicked lawmakers perform in this manner, it will also be difficult to count on the National Reform Council. After all, how can one guarantee that it will not be another rubber stamp for the junta?

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Rubber-stamp-NLA-could-be-waste-of-time-and-money-30241316.html


-- The Nation 2014-08-20

[Snig27]

It's interesting to watch The Nation finally grow some balls - there have been a couple of smart editorials in recent days. Of course, they're also totally complicit in the deep and worsening (at least on a fiscal level) mess Thailand now finds itself in.

Edited August 20, 2014 by Snig27

[96tehtarp]

“Thai people are capable. Many of them are nearly clever but others are not so smart. We need to help each other,” “Does anyone have any problems? Does anyone disapprove [of the bill]?” Gen Prayuth 2014.

The bill passed unanimously with no dissenting votes. Although the NLA is a rubber-stamp body, it makes for nice window dressing.

[ramrod711]

Besides, if the junta's handpicked lawmakers perform in this manner, it will also be difficult to count on the National Reform Council. After all, how can one guarantee that it will not be another rubber stamp for the junta?

This is the important issue, the opportunity may never come again for the people to draft policies that have been proposed and thoroughly debated by Thais from all walks of life. They must get this part right!

[ChrisY1]

The NLA is probably not much more than a front to exhibit to the international community that Thailand is progressing in the correct manner......however, no-one in the international arena will be the least bit fooled.

2.57 trillion baht is a lot of money to be rubber stamping.....let's hope that the spending is done wisely.

The plus side of the NLA, is that the Thai populace seems to be content the ways things are going, but, do they really care?

[96tehtarp]

The NLA is probably not much more than a front to exhibit to the international community that Thailand is progressing in the correct manner......however, no-one in the international arena will be the least bit fooled.

2.57 trillion baht is a lot of money to be rubber stamping.....let's hope that the spending is done wisely.

The plus side of the NLA, is that the Thai populace seems to be content the ways things are going, but, do they really care?

Have they lost their appetite for politics out of fatigue, or is it due to the outlawing of political gatherings?

[j15mth]

The NLA is a Total waste of money as they have NO Authority other to agree to everything.

[pookiki]

The Thai people are not fatigued just cowed by too many people in fatigues!

[ChrisY1]

The NLA is probably not much more than a front to exhibit to the international community that Thailand is progressing in the correct manner......however, no-one in the international arena will be the least bit fooled.

2.57 trillion baht is a lot of money to be rubber stamping.....let's hope that the spending is done wisely.

The plus side of the NLA, is that the Thai populace seems to be content the ways things are going, but, do they really care?

Have they lost their appetite for politics out of fatigue, or is it due to the outlawing of political gatherings?

Probably both.....

[15Peter20]

"So, what really is the point of using the taxpayers' money to pay some 200 people to simply raise their hands and agree to all junta proposals?"

Legitimacy doesn't come cheap to our military masters.

[NongKhaiKid]

" Right Parade, listen In, you will attend the NLA and when called on to vote YES you will vote Yes "

" Do you understand ? "

" Sir, YES Sir ".

[tbthailand]

"After all, how can one guarantee that it will not be another rubber stamp for the junta?"

After all, why would you expect something else?

[chotthee]

"After all, how can one guarantee that it will not be another rubber stamp for the junta?"

After all, why would you expect something else?

"As for the so-called debate, all the NLA members did was to praise or applaud the junta or express their gratitude to the paramount leader for choosing them to sit in this honourable post."

Like North Korea soon.

[tingtongteesood]

However, if the bills they try to pass are genuinely for the good of the country and the best course of action, why would anyone not agree to them ? And if they didn't form this panel, people would complain. All Takky's fan boys complain anyway because they haven't allowed the cronies who do whatever he tells them to to join. Boo hoo. Keep it up general and co., the country keeps getting better by the day. It is a long road but we have taken the first few steps to recovery.

[tbthailand]

"After all, how can one guarantee that it will not be another rubber stamp for the junta?"

After all, why would you expect something else?

"As for the so-called debate, all the NLA members did was to praise or applaud the junta or express their gratitude to the paramount leader for choosing them to sit in this honourable post."

Like North Korea soon.

soon? where's uncle bert, the dogs are hungry

[dominique355]

However, if the bills they try to pass are genuinely for the good of the country and the best course of action, why would anyone not agree to them ? And if they didn't form this panel, people would complain. All Takky's fan boys complain anyway because they haven't allowed the cronies who do whatever he tells them to to join. Boo hoo. Keep it up general and co., the country keeps getting better by the day. It is a long road but we have taken the first few steps to recovery.

The question is, who decides what is good for the country and the people? One single man who has never been voted for or elected?

...and speaking about nepotism or cronies, is there the General's little brother in the NLA?

[kimamey]

However, if the bills they try to pass are genuinely for the good of the country and the best course of action, why would anyone not agree to them ? And if they didn't form this panel, people would complain. All Takky's fan boys complain anyway because they haven't allowed the cronies who do whatever he tells them to to join. Boo hoo. Keep it up general and co., the country keeps getting better by the day. It is a long road but we have taken the first few steps to recovery.

The question is, who decides what is good for the country and the people? One single man who has never been voted for or elected?

...and speaking about nepotism or cronies, is there the General's little brother in the NLA?

The question is, who decides what is good for the country and the people? One single man who has never been voted for or elected?

Not much different from the last government although I think there is less self interest now. However if the general is sincere in his intentions to move towards democracy then I think he needs to start now. Politicians are the ones who will take over eventually so they need to be involved now. There will be some on both sides who are moderate who can be trusted, he just needs to find them.

Just relying on his mates in the military and, worse still his family is what Thaksin did because he couldn't trust anyone else. Going down that path is the same dead end. He's started well but he needs to be careful as it's going to get harder from now on.

[Thailand]

The NLA is simply jobs for the boys and very little substance, a pointless exercise.

Just a showcase for the outsiders looking in.

Well done the Nation. Never thought I would say that!

[Thai at Heart]

However, if the bills they try to pass are genuinely for the good of the country and the best course of action, why would anyone not agree to them ? And if they didn't form this panel, people would complain. All Takky's fan boys complain anyway because they haven't allowed the cronies who do whatever he tells them to to join. Boo hoo. Keep it up general and co., the country keeps getting better by the day. It is a long road but we have taken the first few steps to recovery.

Define good of the country?

Much like populist, the word good is dependent on your political bias.

[Bakseeda]

People gave up their right to vote when the majority of those voters accepted cash payments to secure their and their families votes... 500 bahts can buy a lot ...

[Thailand]

People gave up their right to vote when the majority of those voters accepted cash payments to secure their and their families votes... 500 bahts can buy a lot ...

Where is the dislike button?

[tbthailand]

People gave up their right to vote when the majority of those voters accepted cash payments to secure their and their families votes... 500 bahts can buy a lot ...

Where is the dislike button?

the current NLA is perhaps one of those times where vote-buying is in play.

[96tehtarp]

People gave up their right to vote when the majority of those voters accepted cash payments to secure their and their families votes... 500 bahts can buy a lot ...

Where is the dislike button?

the current NLA is perhaps one of those times where vote-buying is in play.

Politics wouldn't be politics without deal making and influence peddling.

[Ozziepat]

What happens when it becomes too glaringly obvious that whenever the junta steps aside, Thailand will quickly revert to shady business as usual because necessary deep cultural changes have not occurred (and could not within a short timeframe)? Answer: The junta cannot step aside completely or it will risk [again] watching its positive achievements quickly eradicated by the muck that is traditional Thai politics. But then what about all that democracy stuff? General/PM Prayut needs a very clever closing strategy.

[tx22cb]

What happens when it becomes too glaringly obvious that whenever the junta steps aside, Thailand will quickly revert to shady business as usual because necessary deep cultural changes have not occurred (and could not within a short timeframe)? Answer: The junta cannot step aside completely or it will risk [again] watching its positive achievements quickly eradicated by the muck that is traditional Thai politics. But then what about all that democracy stuff? General/PM Prayut needs a very clever closing strategy.

What we foreigners fail to understand is that the "reforms" are not to eradicate corruption/cronyism (although that is what's being touted as the raison d'être for the coup), but are to make sure that Power (with a capital P) reverts/returns to the "righteous" people (as determined by a select few).

The majority of the Thai public have demonstrated that they cannot be trusted to do the "right" thing at the ballot boxes, and a period of intense "re-education" will be required.

During this interim period, we are asked to turn a blind eye to the suspension of a few minor conveniences - after all, how many Thais have ever read the Constitution?

[96tehtarp]

What happens when it becomes too glaringly obvious that whenever the junta steps aside, Thailand will quickly revert to shady business as usual because necessary deep cultural changes have not occurred (and could not within a short timeframe)? Answer: The junta cannot step aside completely or it will risk [again] watching its positive achievements quickly eradicated by the muck that is traditional Thai politics. But then what about all that democracy stuff? General/PM Prayut needs a very clever closing strategy.

What most people consider to be positive achievements may not be the ultimate objective. A more pragmatic objective would be the maintenance of military supremacy and the army as the ultimate guardians against perceived threats to the nation and its institutions. In the end, delivering yet another flawed constitution may serve this objective better than anything else could.

Another faulty constitution would lead again to political chaos, corruption, demonstrations, gridlock, and another elected government unable to function effectively. This would once again trigger martial law and another coup and maintain military supremacy ad infinitum.

These are rinse and repeat coups. This is the 18th since 1932?

Will there be another one? Has General Prayuth proclaimed that the 2014 coup was the coup to end all coups?

I hope I am wrong.

[surangw]

maybe the long range plan is for the The NLA to be the scape goat if things don't pan out.