Prayut’s posers offer ample food for thought

[webfact]

OPINION

Prayut’s posers offer ample food for thought
By The Nation

 

Debate about what the PM was implying can’t obscure the need to approach the next election with care

 

BANGKOK: -- The “four questions” that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has posed to voters have drawn considerable criticism from politicians and academics. The overriding suspicion is that he’s suggesting the ruling junta should stay in power. 

 

At face value, the questions seemed to demonstrate General Prayut’s good intentions towards the country and reflect genuine concerns that all of us should share. He asked whether an election would necessarily result in good governance and, if not, what should be done. He asked whether it was right to hold an election without considering the country’s future, and whether politicians who behave improperly should be given the chance to return to politics.

 

Unfortunately the list of questions came a little over a week after a bomb went off at military-run Phramongkutklao Hospital in Bangkok. The blast, which injured 22 people, is widely believed to have been politically motivated. Most commentators are convinced it was the work of enemies of the post-coup government. Others, however, point the finger at the ruling junta itself, arguing that the explosion was a “false-flag operation” to suggest the country is still unsettled and in need of military rule.

 

Members of the main political parties – Pheu Thai and Democrat – have said the premier’s questions were meant to test public opinion and could be a signal that the junta wants to extend its hold on power. (In Prayut’s case, it might not be hard: Almost 53 per cent of 1,200 people surveyed recently said they would vote for him if he ran for office in the next election.)

 

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva raised a good point when joining in the speculation earlier this week. He said that, whether the government is chosen through election, appointed, or imposed by coup, there is no guarantee it will be a good one. “But you have a better chance of getting leaders with good governance if democracy continues without interruptions,” he added.

 

Sound intentions aside, Prayut needs to clear up any suspicion that the four questions were a veiled hint about clinging to power. He has to make his political ambitions clear, such as whether he wants to seek election or would prefer to shun the whole business once he’s completed his “mission” and handed the reins to an elected government. 

 

Our political players have the right to take umbrage at Prayut’s perceived insult over lacking trustworthiness and for perhaps further delaying their return to active duty. But they too must ponder the issues that Prayut raised, having been part of the problems that led to the 2014 coup. Their “improper behaviour” – massive corruption, condoning political violence, buying votes and otherwise abusing privilege for personal benefit – gave the Army a defensible excuse for staging the coup.

 

Prayut said he wanted feedback about his four questions and the Interior Ministry is in charge of collating public opinions submitted. It will be interesting to see the results. We trust the government’s assessment of the findings will be accurate and honest so that the consensus can be acted upon for the benefit of all. It would at the very least serve as a guideline for the people currently in power and those waiting to replace them.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/news/opinion/letter_to_editor/30316892

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2017-06-01

[canuckamuck]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

 Their “improper behaviour” – massive corruption, condoning political violence, buying votes and otherwise abusing privilege for personal benefit – gave the Army a defensible excuse for staging the coup.

Take out the vote buying and this statement applies equally to both sides. Of course one side was exonerated. 

[Happyman58]

There will be no elections so everyone just move on This Junta will still be in power in 5 years time Thats about the time this Pm will retire

[mtls2005]

"Approach the next election with care", but never get there.

 

It is truly amazing how much hand-wringing is going on about one single comment, albeit about four questions, which the Junta leader made on his Friday Night Happiness Show.

 

The obvious message was, "You're just not ready for elections/democracy", echoing Suthep's position of "reforms before elections".

 

If people could just have open, honest conversations without the fear of reprisal things could progress towards true reconciliation.