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Published on December 18, 2007

People Power Party leader Samak Sun-daravej and his Democrat rival Ab-hisit Vejjajiva voiced optimism yesterday about prevailing in the election and becoming prime minister.

"I am ready to serve and the people will be the judge as to who is best qualified to administer the country," Samak said on the sidelines of his campaign trail in Nong Khai.

He confirmed his stand that if installed in power, he would push for two urgent agendas - the dismantling of the Assets Examination Committee and the amnesty for 111 banned party executives.

He said he would rely on the rule of law to deal with any disturbances instigated by the People's Alliance for Democracy, seen as the anti-Thaksin movement, to oppose his leadership.

He dismissed the allegation that he tried to whitewash the legacy of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, arguing that the people could form their own judgement. Abhisit pledged to be his own man in leading the country, if elected.

"To render their judgement, the people will choose between the Democrats with me as a genuine prime minister and a proxy leader who will act in the interests of his master," he said.

The Democrats were ready to lead the country out of the turmoil, while a certain party would clearly revive social divisions because it is determined to interfere with the judicial process in order to shield Thaksin from the legal process, he said.

Abhisit said he would allow the judicial review to run its course and that he would guarantee Thaksin a fair chance to defend himself.

The Nation