Govt eyes reform legislation under new constitution

Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Kreangam yesterday announced what the government’s role would be once the new constitution comes into force, with the key focus on pushing for legislation to support national reforms, national strategy and reconciliation.

Speaking at a seminar on the government’s reform efforts that would take place following the promulgation of the new charter, Mr Wissanu said the new constitution, which is pending royal endorsement, stipulates the government is not asked to run the country, but it is also duty-bound to carry out reforms, national strategy and foster reconciliation.

That is why the government has created the Committee on National Reform, National Strategy, and Reconciliation chaired by the prime minister to oversee these special tasks, in addition to the government’s routine national administration, Mr Wissanu said.

He said that Section 44 of the interim charter was invoked to set three committees to specifically handle each of the tasks as well as clear any legal obstacle or problem involving the lack of funds and staff shortages, among others.

Mr Wissanu said that as soon as the new constitution is promulgated, things would start anew under the new charter.

The Committee on National Reform, National Strategy, and Reconciliation will begin delegating its work so other agencies can continue where the committee left off, Mr Wissanu said.

Under the new constitution, the government would have to propose legislation for at least seven areas of reform such as political reform, civil service reform, legal reform, reforms to the justice system, education reform, etc.

The reform-related legislation must be enacted within four months of the new charter’s enactment, after which the National Reform Steering Assembly will be disbanded, Mr Wissanu said.

Mr Wissanu said the government would also pass legislation to implement its national development strategy over 20 years.