Central Islamic Committee Seeks Dismissal Of The Chularatchamontri

[Jai Dee]

The Central Islamic Committee seeks the dismissal of the Chularatchamontri

The Central Islamic Committee (CIC) asks caretaker Deputy Interior Minister Somchai Sunthornwat (สมชาย สุนทรวัฒน์) to dismiss Sawasdi Sumalayasak (สวาสดิ์ สุมาลยศักดิ์) as Chularatchamontri (จุฬาราชมนตรี), the Muslim spiritual leader.

CIC handed Mr. Somchai a list of names of southern Muslims who wanted an inquiry on allegations that Mr. Sawasdi had authorized his son, Damrong Sumalayasak (ดำรง สุมาลยศักดิ์), to certify Muslims seeking to make the Hajj to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, for money. Mr. Damrong allegedly charged 69,401 people 200 baht each and took the money for himself, CIC said.

CIC also alleged Mr. Sawasdi of misconduct by using income from lottery sales to buy a personal van, performing a superstitious rite and failing to solve the southern violence.

The CIC also demanded replacement of Mr. Sawasdi.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 12 September 2006

[Laulen]

It seems that lack of 'transparency' and 'good governance' are absent in other areas of Thai society, if these allegations are to be believed.

Let us hope that the 'new' Thailand that emerges from this current political crisis will be cleaner, more free, and fairer for all than in previous times.