Wasan clears himself
Unsuccessful Election Commission nominee Wasan Soipisut yesterday defended himself against criticism he dishonoured the Senate by refusing to declare his assets.
Wasan, head of the Supreme Court Labour Division dismissed the criticism as groundless. Wasan did not declare his assets to the special committee screening the 10 nominees for the five commissioners' seats. He said yesterday declaring one's assets was not an absolute judgement that a person is corrupt or not. "Many declare parts of their assets and hide others. Some have nominees hold possession of assets,'' he said. Wasan said he would not accept the position of Election Commission (EC) secretary-general. He said another unsuccessful nominee Kaewsan Atibhodi had expressed interest in the job. He was willing to help the new EC draft decisions in election-fraud cases and public relations in the provinces. He was not disheartened in failing to secure a commissioner's seat. Wasan said there was no evidence the vote for commissioners was rigged but he had heard reports about 60 senators voted for the same candidates. "I am surprised to hear from the news media the Senate would not pick straightforward and honest candidates,'' he said. Wasan was confident the five commissioners would perform well. His advice for dealing with politicians: "Politicians are good at lobbying. Listen to them but do not believe them without careful checks and consideration,'' he said.
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