Demonstrators try to ‘scrub away’ govt’s double standards
PoliticsJul 30. 2020Photo Credit: Nation Photo by Tanachai Pramarnpanich
By The Nation
A group of protesters calling themselves “Democracy June 24” gathered outside Government House on Thursday (July 30) to symbolically wash dishes carrying different messages.
The last dish, carrying Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s photograph, was eventually smashed to pieces when protesters were unable to scrub it clean.
The group’s leader Somyot Prueksakasemsuk said the protest was held to voice discontent with the government’s double standards, citing the case of Vorayuth Yoovidhya – a scion of one of Thailand’s wealthiest families – whose criminal charges, including reckless driving resulting in death, were dropped by the public prosecutor.
“Meanwhile, the government is threatening ordinary people by enforcing laws such as extending the state of emergency and ‘disappearing’ activists like Wanchalearm Satsaksit,” he said. The activist was plucked off a street in Phnom Penh in early June and has not been heard from since.
The group then submitted a letter demanding that the government introduce reforms in the country’s judiciary system. The demands are:
• Revive Vorayuth’s case now that new evidence, such as the presence of drugs in the suspect’s system, have come to light.
• Review the role played by attorneys, police officers and investigators in this case and see if they failed to perform their duties that have caused damage to the judicial process.
• Separate investigators from police officers, probe to find out if there has been any intervention and use proof of this as evidence in the case.
• Push through drafts that are still stuck in the system, such as the National Police Act, Criminal Investigation Act and Criminal Procedure Amendment Act.
“If the government continues ignoring these demands, it will lose all credibility with the people,” Somyot warned.
Every party should help each other for the benefit of all people instead of resorting to protests that would damage the country, Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, former secretary to the finance minister and former Palang Pracharat spokesman, said today (July 29).
He said the government’s “Rao Tiew Duay Kan” (We Travel Together) tourism stimulus scheme has encouraged Thais to travel to a host of tourist attractions, such as Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Khao Yai, Udon Thani, Phuket and Koh Samui, expecting that people would spend more money during the four-month period of July 1 to October 31.
“After interacting with retail operators in Phuket last week, I agreed with their move to cut the price of products and services to attract Thais, because this move will help promote domestic tourism in the present Covid-19 situation,” he said.
“The government is putting a lot of effort into solving the country’s crises and relieve public suffering, so I would like every party including the opposition and Free Youth group to help each other,” he pleaded.
He cited three Free Youth demands and maintained that the government has never threatened people.
“The drafting of a new charter is under a committee studying regulations and guidelines to improve the constitution,” Thanakorn pointed out.
“And as for Parliament dissolution, the Free Youth group should hear comments from people across the country over whether they agree with this demand or not,” he added.
Led by Sin Chew Daily editor-in-chief Kuik Cheng Kang (second from right), Anwar Ibrahim ( third from right) shares his views with the Sin Chew Daily editorial team in an exclusive interview.
By Sin Chew Daily/ ANN
PETALING JAYA, Malaysia (Sin Chew Daily / ANN) I only realises now that Dr Mahathir Mohamad has `cheated` me, says Anwar Ibrahim.
Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) President Anwar said right from the beginning, he believes that former Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad would keep the promise of handing over the baton to him.
In an exclusive interview with Sin Chew Daily, Anwar said: “We know now. Earlier we do not know.”
According to the Pakatan Harapan agreement, Dr Mahathir had promised to handover the baton to Anwar to be the 8th Prime Minister two years after Pakatan Harapan took over the government. But Dr Mahathir kept changing the date and finally said he would vacate the post after the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting in November. However, as Dr Mahathir resigned as the Prime Minister on 24 February without informing party leaders of Pakatan Harapan which led to the collapse of Pakatan Harapan, the promise became void.
Anwar said he knew many were against him to be the Prime Minister.
“Many are against me (of taking over as the Prime Minister). Many billionaires, including a rich Malay whom I know. I also know those corrupted ones are against me too.
“How do you want to talk about judicial independence? You think everyone will support you? You ought to talk about economy, fairness and integrity but not everyone is with you.
“They are playing racial cards by saying Anwar is not very Malay and he does not protect the Malays. Some Chinese are also blaming me by saying that I do not like Chinese schools some thirty to forty years ago.
“But you will get to see whether the words are honoured.
“I have been taking this stand firmly, mainly because our target is to enhance or focus on the economy. Everyone can be successful. We should support the potential ones, including those Chinese entrepreneurs.
“I am concerned with the welfare of the people. I hate those who steal from the poor. I know I have many enemies,” he said.
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The resignation by Dr Mahathir as Prime Minister was the only reason which had caused the collapse of the 22-month old Pakatan Harapan government, Anwar said.
If Dr Mahathir did not resign, the Pakatan Harapan would still be the government now, he said.
“If Dr Mahathir does not resign, all internal issues can be dealt with internally.
“It is a fact that there are traitors in PKR and the Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Pribumi). But do you think those traitors mushroom in one week? They must have planned this long time ago. The question is, why do we allow such scenario to occur?
“All of us are aware. I know. The Pakatan Harapan leaders know too. But do we need to stop this? Some people rather this occurs. The recoding of the meeting has proven that.”
Anwar said Dr Mahathir was accountable for the outcome.
“Dr Mahathir knows but he may not agree with the final action. But he is fully aware.
“I do not know whether he is responsible in planning the exit of Bersatu from Pakatan Harapan. But there must be element of blessings which has changed the multi-racial approach. “
Dr Mahathir quit as the Prime Minister without informing party leaders of Pakatan Harapan on 24 February. Bersatu also announced its exit from Pakatan Harapan which led to the downfall of Pakatan Harapan government.
Dr Mahathir had explained many times that he resigned as he has lost the support from majority of members of parliament.
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Anwar has denied that the resignation of Dr Mahathir was attributed to the pressure from PKR.
He is of the view that the request made by PKR grassroots for Dr Mahathir to vacate the position is not a form of pressure. This is because Dr Mahathir has promised to do so and there is an agreement.
“Why putting on pressure? Because he does not seem to be leaving. One year, two years, three years, election… there are many reasons….
“I told him that he would require to keep his promise. Now he is saying Pakatan Harapan becomes the ruling government under his leadership. During the election campaign, we have been raising the names of Dr Mahathir, Anwar and other leaders. Everyone is aware of the pledge,” he said.
Anwar said to him, one should not defer Pakatan Harapan’s pledge and its agenda.
“Reform must be carried out in this country, especially on economic growth and help the poor.”
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Anwar said he can still collaborate, communicate and discuss with Dr Mahathir but he would never support him to be the Prime Minister again.
He said this is irrelevant to the issue of trust.
“I say no. Dr Mahathir is unable to garner support ( to rule) from majority of MPs. Some of our members or adviser may think he can. I don’t know where is he getting the support from ( MPs).”
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Dr Mahathir has been criticising Anwar. On many occasions, Anwar has been mild in his response to Dr Mahathir’s criticism. How does he achieve that? Anwar, in his reply, said in laughter : “Forgiveness is a virtue. This is a famous quote by the Confucius which fits Islamic teaching.
“I do not quarrel with others. They disagree with me not because of personal factors but my views.”
The red shirts and former premier Thaksin Shinawatra have not given up their fight, a former MP of the Pheu Thai Party said.
Red USA on Sunday posted happy birthday wishes for former prime minister Thaksin who they see as a figure of a progressive political movement. Thaksin turned 71.
The group’s activities were mostly publicised via the Red USA-Thai Voice International page.
Last year, Thaksin thanked people who supported him, saying: “I still owe my people for my party always won the elections.”
Red USA leader Prachuab Charoensuk on July 14 posted a picture of Thaksin and Yingluck Shinawatra having lunch with people from Red USA.
Sunai Chulpongsatorn, a former Pheu Thai MP, came to the US and joined Red USA as a political refugee in the country. He said that neither Thaksin nor the red shirts had given up but they just had to find another way to fight.
The leader of Kla (bold) Party, Korn Chatikavanij, on Saturday (July 25) launched the “Khon Gen Kla” (The Bold Generation) campaign, which will be held from July 25 to August 2 at Mercure Makkasan Hotel in Bangkok.
“The campaign aims to provide a platform for new generation people who wish to improve the country’s political landscape,” said Korn. “Through workshop and seminar sessions, we will empower them with creative thinking, initiative to take action and a positive mindset, which are considered the core values of Kla Party.”
Former finance minister and Democrat Party ex-MP Korn launched Kla Party on February 14 this year amid rumours of a rift in the Democrat Party.
Kla Party was recently accredited by the Election Commission of Thailand.
Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul was re-elected Bhumjaithai Party leader at the annual general meeting at Nimibutr sports building in Bangkok’s National Stadium on Saturday (July 25).
He said the party would remain regardless of who forms the government in the future.
“We will promote our policies announced during the election campaign and achieve success even if the budget is insufficient,” he said. “Also, we are ready to hear the people’s demands, especially from the new generation.”
The new party executive committee consists of Anutin Charnvirakul as party leader, Saksayam Chidchob as secretary, Supachai Jaisamut as registrar, and Natee Ratchakitprakarn as treasurer.
Songsak Thongsri, Boonlue Prasertsopa, Kueakul Danchaivijit, and Chada Thaiset are the party’s deputy leaders. Kanokwan Wilawan and Rangsikorn Thimatrika are deputy secretaries, and Soraat Klinpratoom and Weerasak Wangsupakitkosol are members of the executive committee.
Army chief calls for discretion in exercising rights, pointing at protesters
PoliticsJul 25. 2020General Apirat Kongsompong, Army chief
By The Nation
People should be discreet in using their rights, use polite words and respect others, a tearful Army chief General Apirat Kongsompong said on Friday (July 24).
He was speaking while presiding over activities to mark His Majesty the King’s birthday, adding he was concerned about protesters’ remarks referring to the monarchy.
“Everyone is under the royal protection regardless of nationality or religion and everyone has the right to do things,” he said.
“However, as many people would feel uncertainty about the protesters’ impolite words, which can be seen in various media, I would like to ask people to consider thoroughly before exercising their rights and respect each other, while they should not encroach or use impolite words about other people.”
He advised people to study the conspiracy theory because it involved several parties, adding that many people are trying to explain the meaning of this theory in different ways.
“The Army can only monitor the situation, while the government has only urged us to arrange officials to take care of protesters,” he said. “The government’s move to solve various issues is going well and many authorities are also providing cooperation, so if we are all united, we will be able to overcome the fragile point.”
He added that the government and Army still face various challenges, such as the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The current situation should not repeat the political events of the past,” he cautioned.
Democrat Party leader Jurin Laksanawisit confirmed on Friday (July 24) that the seats of the Democrat Party in the new Cabinet will not be changed in a Cabinet reshuffle.
He denied rumours that a group of MPs who did not attend the party’s celebrations, such as Kalaya Sophonpanich, the deputy minister of education, had been pressured to leave.
He said there was no significant political meaning if someone did not come.
“The Cabinet’s reshuffle depends on the prime minister,” he said. “But in a conversation with him, Democrat Party was not mentioned.”
The premier told all ministers to accomplish their tasks and publicise them, Jurin said, adding that there would be no adjustment in Democrat Party ministers.
After attending a meeting with the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration on Wednesday (July 22), a cheerful Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha told the press he had shortlisted names for his new Cabinet. He did not elaborate or reveal names.
Meanwhile, government spokesperson Narumon Pinyosinwat said she would not be affected if she was not included in the Cabinet line-up, adding that though Deputy PM Prawit Wongsuwan has not spoken on the matter, things were heading in the right direction.
Palang Pracharath Party’s Sira Jenjaka is planning to dismiss Pannika Wanich, a leading figure in the Progressive Movement and former Future Forward Party spokeswoman, from the House committee on law, justice and human rights for “inappropriate” behaviour and being “impolite”.
As committee chairman, Sira said Pannika had acted inappropriately after she requested the police to clarify an incident in which two political activists were arrested in Rayong for holding signs criticising the government.
Sira said she referred herself to the police as a commissioner while, in fact, she was an adviser to the committee, and she did not ask permission to do so at a committee meeting.
Her action might be interpreted as a claim for political benefit and is, therefore, deemed to be inappropriate and impolite, which was not in keeping with the high standards of the committee, he said.
Sira has already informed Pannika about the matter and has requested her to resign. If she does not do so, the committee will call for a vote at a meeting depending on the agenda, he added.
Photo Credit: Nation Photo by Tanachai Pramarnpanich
Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana
Anutin Charnvirakul Photo Credit: Nation Photo by Korbphuk Phromrekha
General Apirat Kongsompong, Army chief
Pannika Wanich
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