Charter panel puts 2-year limit on NACC probes

The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) will have only two years to complete its probe in each case under a new organic law, according to the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC).

CDC chairman Meechai Ruchupan said the time frame for an inquiry is necessary to ensure efficiency and make sure cases are dealt with before they expire. If the inquiry takes longer, the officials in charge may face a probe over their delays.

To help expedite the investigation process, the NACC officials will be authorised to look into allegations without the need to set up a sub-committee, he said, adding it takes a long time to set up a sub-panel at present.

According to Mr Meechai, the CDC has reviewed the bill governing the NACC’s affairs repeatedly because it needs to be sure effective mechanisms are in place to combat graft.

On a proposal to dissolve the provincial NACC offices, he said they are likely to be retained but their role and authority will be reduced to mainly covering public relations work and paperwork for assets and debts. He said regional offices are likely to be opened to handle graft cases as assigned by the NACC.

Mr Meechai said the NACC will retain its power to submit a case to a court if the prosecution refuses to proceed, to maintain the agency’s independence. However, the NACC will be required to question more witnesses or gather further evidence as recommended by prosecutors, he said.

Meanwhile, a bill outlining steps for public input in the legislative process is being drafted by an advisory committee for legal reforms chaired by Borwornsak Uwanno.

The bill is required under Section 77, which states the public’s opinion of all stakeholders must be heard and assessed in the lead-up to the legislative process. Mr Meechai, in his capacity as a member of the Council of State, said the bill will allow concerned parties to register so they can be called by the Council of State to give comments when needed.