Impasse eased after surprise move by Visut

Published on September 24 , 2005 - Withdrawal given King’s approval; Jaruvan’s position not necessarily strengthened

Visut Montriwat has sprung a major surprise by asking for his nomination as the new auditor-general to be withdrawn, but any chance of Khunying Jaruvan Maintaka – the incumbent auditor-general – having her position cemented is still remote.

Senate Speaker Suchon Chaleekrua disclosed during a press conference at Parliament yesterday that he had received Visut’s written request on Monday informing him about his decision to seek withdrawal from the nomination, in the hope such a move would break the impasse over the matter.

Suchon said he later asked His Majesty the King’s principal private secretary to withdraw Visut’s nomination.

He said he received the reply from the principal private secretary yesterday, which said His Majesty had given his permission for the nomination to be withdrawn.

The speaker said he would formally inform the chairman of the State Audit Commission (SAC) about the latest developments.

It is unprecedented for the appointment of a key position to be withdrawn after it has been sent to His Majesty for royal endorsement.

Despite Visut’s surprise retreat, Jaruvan’s return is not a sure bet.

Norchai Sripimol, chairman of the SAC, which is empowered to nominate a new person for the post after Visut’s withdrawal, suggested yesterday that the panel was unlikely to allow Jaruvan to resume her office.

“Visut’s withdrawal is unlikely to lead to a return of Khunying Jaruvan,” he said.

He said his panel would stick to a previous SAC resolution, which abides by a Constitution Court ruling last July. The Constitution Court ruled that the process covering Jaruvan’s appointment was unlawful. Following the judgement, the SAC appointed one of her deputies as the caretaker auditor-general and nominated Visut as her successor.

Norchai said there had been a caretaker auditor-general, Jerarat Noppawong Na Ayutthaya, performing the duties of office with the support and guidance of the SAC.

Jaruvan has refused to step down, insisting that as she was appointed to the post by royal command, she should also be removed in the same fashion.

She continued to dig her heels in yesterday, saying: “I have insisted from the beginning that I count on His Majesty the King. I still consider myself the auditor-general.”

Audit commissioners – the SAC’s members – are scheduled to convene on Monday morning to discuss their next move in response to Visut’s withdrawal, said Boonrawd Boseareewong, one of the commissioners.

Boonrawd said the commissioners had yesterday met informally after news broke that Visut’s nomination had been withdrawn.

He added, however, that the SAC would not begin a process to find a new nominee until it obtains a written notice from the Senate speaker on the withdrawal of Visut’s nomination.

The audit commissioner said it was likely the SAC would nominate another person rather than reinstate Jaruvan.

Visut said yesterday that he would also hold a press conference on Monday morning at the Grand Hotel to “disclose all the facts” about the matter.

“I am totally relieved now. I feel very happy that the problems are gone,” he said in a telephone interview.

He added that before making the decision to withdraw, he had discussed the matter with friends and senior figures he respects.

Visut has kept a low profile since the storm erupted over the matter.

The Senate speaker in early June submitted Visut’s nomination for royal endorsement after the Senate voted to back the SAC’s choice.

There had since been a deadlock over the issue for 100 days before Visut finally withdrew. Jaruvan refused to step down due to uncertainties surrounding the nomination of her successor.

Prominent observers said that despite the withdrawal of Visut’s nomination, an impasse over the matter was unlikely to end without Jaruvan being reinstated.

“I believe this issue will be settled in a way that Khunying Jaruvan will resume her duties,” said Senator Seree Suwanpanont.

Senator Winyu Urankul, part of a group of senators attempting to break the deadlock, said the group was glad to hear that Visut’s nomination had been withdrawn.

“Our mission is over and I think we got a victory,” he said.

Another senator, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Suchon should hold a meeting with the SAC to discuss how to reinstate Jaruvan.

Another observer said it appeared the government had influenced Visut’s decision, after a way out of the impasse could not be found.

The administration is still faced with a major headache over the matter, the observer said.

“The foreign media are paying attention to the Jaruvan issue,” the observer added.