Opposition wants new session next month for censure debate

Opposition chief whip Sathit Wongnongtoei called on the government to open another extraordinary parliamentary session next month for the no-confidence debate.

He accused the Cabinet of trying to "escape a censure debate" by resolving on Tuesday to seek royal endorsement for its decision to have the current extraordinary parliamentary session closed on June 28.

"What happened has pointed to the government's efforts to reject the scrutiny mechanisms within Parliament," said Sathit, who is an executive member of the Democrat Party.

Sathit, accompanied by a small group of Democrat MPs, submitted the motion to first deputy House Speaker Somsak Kiatsuranond, as House Speaker Chai Chidchob said he was too busy with chairing a House meeting.

The opposition chief whip called on the House leadership to negotiate with the government for the opening of a new extraordinary parliamentary session. Sathit said if the House Speaker did nothing about it, the opposition would discuss its next move.

"The remains of the Thaksin [Shinawatra] regime still exist. I have asked Chai since he assumed office not to allow the administration to influence the legislature. He should be independent, or the Parliament's work will be just ceremonious and there will be a crisis similar to the one that happened during the Thaksin regime," he said.

Somsak said a new extraordinary parliamentary session was possible if deemed necessary.

In its motion, as required by

the Constitution, the opposition

also nominated Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva as a

candidate for prime minister.

In addition to Samak, who is also defence minister, the motion targets two deputy premiers - Mingkwan Sangsuwan and Surapong Suebwonglee, who also serve as commerce minister and finance minister, respectively.

They have also targeted Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama, Transport Minister Santi Prompat, his deputy Songsak Thongsri, Interior Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung and Justice Minister Sompong Amornwiwat.

The motion accuses Samak of mistakes or wrongdoings in nine areas.

"Over the past four months, the prime minister's actions have caused severe damage to the administrative system, ethical values and the unity of the country. Corruption, economic and security problems have expanded beyond cure. The country's main institutions have been shaken and national stability as a whole is affected," the motion read.

Meanwhile, Chalerm said yesterday he was not worried by the censure motion and would respond to the opposition's accusations in Parliament. He added he was confident of support from the coalition parties during the post-debate vote. "I don't think there will be any back-stabbing," he said.

Songsak said yesterday he was prepared to answer the opposition's allegation of corruption within the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority. He said the agency's Bt6-billion project to acquire new air-conditioned buses on lease had been carried out transparently.