Puchong to face libel suit

The Election Commission (EC) is suing its former secretary-general for defamation.

Speaking at a news conference yesterday, election commissioner Somchai Srisutthiyakorn said the decision to sue Puchong Nutrawong, sacked as EC secretary-general on Dec 8 after failing an evaluation, was to protect the commission’s name.

After his dismissal, Mr Puchong exposed alleged misconduct in the EC, including an alleged improper order to hire a specific printing firm to publish copies of a previous draft charter. But the draft never made it through as it was voted down by the nowdefunct National Reform Council (NRC).

Before the press conference yesterday, Mr Puchong turned up at the EC office to appeal against the order for his dismissal.

Mr Somchai said the hiring was done through bidding and was above board.

Mr Puchong himself set up a panel to oversee the printing and delivery of the draft charter copies, Mr Somchai added.

Mr Somchai insisted no malpractice, including price collusion, took place in selecting the printing firm.

“This is why the EC is filing a lawsuit against Mr Puchong,” Mr Somchai said. “His claims have caused damage to the EC.”

Meanwhile, the EC will form a committee to probe a former EC executive who played a role in changing the construction design of EC office buildings in 12 provinces, Mr Somchai said, adding the move caused damage to the organisation.

However, he confirmed the person was not the former EC secretary-general.