Abhisit pledges return to ‘core values’
Democrats to court new generation
Marking the 72nd anniversary of the Democrat Party’s formation yesterday, leader Abhisit Vejjajiva hinted at an election policy platform based on a “liberal democracy”.
Having recently been criticised for toeing a conservative line, Mr Abhisit said: “The Democrat Party is preparing to propose ideas in line with a liberal democracy for the country to move forward with people’s participation, in accordance with our core values.
“The new generation must work with the old generation, but the party must change too.”
He stressed that his party represents a significant shift away from the bureaucracy of the current regime and the populism of the Pheu Thai Party. The Democrats will focus on a sustainable system that emphasises welfare and civil rights, he said.
“There are a lot of gaping holes in the current constitution, which has failed to curtail corruption or deliver true reform. After the election, politicians must work transparently and diligently to fix the constitution and restore Thai people’s faith in democracy,” Mr Abhisit added.
Several members of the party also voiced optimism over prospective members Fuadi Pitsuwan and Parit Wacharasindhu, Mr Abhisit’s nephew, at a gathering for a Buddhist/Islamic religious ceremony to commemorate the anniversary yesterday.
Democrat members, along with representatives from the Chartthaipattana Party, Bhumjaithai Party and some members of the People’s Democratic Reform Committee were among those in attendance.
“The Muslim community has played a very important role in our party’s progression. One who made a significant impact which none of us will forget was Surin Pitsuwan, a believer and protector of democracy. His son [Fuadi] is more than qualified to carry on Mr Surin’s legacy, but he has promised to complete his PhD before joining us,” Mr Abhisit said referring to the former Asean secretary-general and foreign minister who died last year.
Party adviser Banyat Bantadtan also expressed gratitude that Parit Wacharasindhu is planning to join soon.
“I believe Mr Parit will become a crucial addition to the party’s future. He will be like Mr Abhisit when he first joined the party and brought creative ideas and new perspectives. Society will change, and so will policies. But our ideology must be consistent,” Mr Banyat said.
Former prime minister Chuan Leekpai commented at the event on Gen Prayut Chan-ocha’s recent remarks labelling politicians as “evil”.
“I have lived through 15 elections and am a believer in democracy, which is why I chose this occupation. I will not let anyone undermine my career. Mr Prayut seems to always generalise politicians as evil without exceptions.
“There are good and bad people in all professions,” Mr Chuan said.