Govt’s PPRP ties criticised
Party name suggests conflict of interest
Pheu Thai bigwig Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan stopped short of demanding Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha step down if he decides to become a prime ministerial candidate, saying the decision rests with t he premier’s conscience.
“This is hard to say. It is a matter of individual conscience. I cannot speak on behalf of others,” said Khunying Sudarat.
She made the comment after the Palang Pracharath Party ( PPRP) expressed interest in nominating Gen Prayut as the party’s prime ministerial candidate. The premier has hinted that he would support parties with policies that are in line with his administration’s, if he decides to enter the political fray.
The head of Pheu Thai’s strategic panel said the government is pouring money into the Pracharat scheme, which bears the same name as the party that is expected to nominate Gen Prayut as its prime ministerial candidate.
“People should think about it,” said Khunying Sudarat.
The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) is scheduled to hold a meeting with the Election Commission (EC), political parties and other related organisations tomorrow. The meeting is believed to be a discussion to lift the ban on political activities ahead of the election, which is expected to take place on Feb 24.
Khunying Sudarat said her party is always present at election-related meetings organised by the EC, but said she was surprised to see the NCPO stepping in to handle the poll itself.
According to her, the election would only be free and fair if the EC is allowed to proceed with its work independently, without the influence of the NCPO.
Currently, Industry Minister Uttama Savanayana is serving as the PPRP’s leader, with Science and Technology Minister Suvit Maesincee as its deputy leader.
Commerce Minister Sontirat Sontijirawong is the party’s secretary-general, while PM’s Office Minister Kobsak Pootrakool is the party’s spokesman.
The four ministers have f aced mounting pressure to step down since forming the PPRP. However, Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam and former EC president Supachai Somcharoen have said the ministers are not obliged to resign from their posts after joining the party.
Chousak Sirinil, the head of Pheu Thai’s legal advisory team, said that although this is not legally required, it is a matter of ethics.
The setting up of a party with the same name as a government policy, and the possible nomination of the NCPO chief as a prime ministerial candidate indicate conflict of interest, he said.
Meanwhile, Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday said his party won’t be joining the NCPO-organised meeting tomorrow as the NCPO said the meeting is on how the poll would be carried out.
“This is not a stage where opinions on the election are being sought,” he said.