Put the economy first, says Suwit

The Nation

The ruling People Power Party (PPP) should first pay attention to solving the issues of economic hardship before thinking about amending the 2007 charter, the leader of a coalition party said yesterday.

Puea Paendin Party leader Suwit Khunkitti said amending the Constitution should be a true joint effort with the public and different sectors having a role in it. He said MPs should be allowed to vote freely on whether to amend the charter, and how the amendments should proceed.

It was the first time the leader of a smaller coalition party had clearly stated his view on the amendment issue.

"The [charter] surely needs to be amended to cope with change. Some views of the PPP, which may be in conflict [with the public's], must be solved by ensuring the people's participation. If not, it can't be considered democratic," Suwit said. "I want all sides to reconcile. We have faced enough troubles in the past and unity is crucial," said Suwit, whose party is part of the PPP-led government of Samak Sundaravej.

Suwit's remarks came before some 300 Puea Paendin executives and members met yesterday to discuss the controversial issue of charter amendment. Suwit said he was unaware of the focus of coalition parties' amendment drafting working group, adding that he might discuss the matter with Samak when they meet on Saturday in Nakhon Ratchasima.

Puea Paendin deputy leader Pan Puengsujarit said the party was not challenging the People Power over its latest stance about charter changes.

"This doesn't mean we are in conflict with other coalition parties. If our stance can't go along with that of the rest of the coalition, we are ready to consider leaving, or maybe we will be told to leave," he said.

The party said it opposed PPP's idea to reduce the life span of the Assets Examination Committee and the National Counter Corruption Commission to 180 days.