CDC chief vows to look at all proposals, without bias

[Lite Beer]

CDC chief vows to look at all proposals, without bias
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- A conclusion on whether the government head and cabinet should be directly elected will be made some time next week, as charter drafters have differing opinions, Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) president Borwornsak Uwanno said yesterday.

The CDC yesterday received proposals from the National Reform Council (NRC) and National Legislative Assembly (NLA) from their presidents Thienchay Kiranandara and Pornpetch Wichitcholchai, respectively, and will consider them under the provisional charter's Articles 31 (2) and 34.

Borwornsak said many of the committee's members have contradicting ideas in relation to the direct election of the PM as proposed by the NRC and many members had reserved their right to debate the topic, which he believes would be resolved by next week.

"I accept that the direct election topic still has some issues and many CDC members have reserved their right to debate in the meeting next week," Borwornsak added.

He also insisted that the CDC had no blueprint for the new charter as many sides have claimed and insisted that the panel had no prejudices, adding that CDC would scrutinise all proposals carefully.

"The scrutiny process would abide by legal principles rather than common sense or personal preferences. I, once again, insist that there are no blueprints for the new constitution and we will consider every proposal thoroughly," the CDC president said.

"The debate among charter drafters on what ideas should be inserted in the new constitution will rely very much on what articles are suitable for Thai society and must also be according to the interim charter. As for the contrasting ideas between members, things can be resolved via votes," Borwornsak said.

He pointed out that the CDC was an independent body and not tied up with either the NRC or the NLA. However, he said, the charter drafters had to rely on their proposals as well as ideas from the Cabinet, the National Council for Peace and Order and the public.

Borwornsak added that Kanchanarat Leeviroj, who is now CDC secretary, has already studied every proposal handed in so far. He said these proposals, along with the 1997 and 2007 constitutions, would be further discussed by the charter drafters, adding that the committee had already come to a conclusion when it comes to the monarchy and the citizens.

He also pointed out that once the charter draft is ready, it would have to be forwarded to the NRC for approval. Hence, he said, the CDC could not have any personal prejudices. Also, if the NRC decides to have the charter undergo a public referendum, then the CDC will require another three months to make preparations, Borwornsak said.

CDC spokesman General Lertrat Ratanavanich said the panel had been appointed without any public links, hence a referendum is required before the new charter is implemented so it is more widely accepted.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/CDC-chief-vows-to-look-at-all-proposals-without-bi-30250298.html

-- The Nation 2014-12-20

[noitom]

he's "vowing." Thais love to vow.

[Tatsujin]

As I posted on a previous thread, if one side (red or yellow) agrees or approves of something, don't do it.

However if "both" sides disagree with something (as with direct election of PM), then definitely do it, that way neither side gain. Of course, don't let them know in advance you're gonna take this stance lol.

[fobuff]

"without bias" give me a break... The great leader wants to be great leader till death