Jaruvan advised to stand down

Published on September 29, 2005 - Khunying Jaruvan Maintaka should sacrifice her position as auditor-general and apply for a job at another agency to end the controversy surrounding her , a senator suggested yesterday.

Sawai Pramani claimed Jaruvan knew when she was nominated in 2001 that the process was not transparent. And, it was not too late for her to work for other organisations.

“Jaruvan must decide if she wants the controversy to drag on or if she wants to end it,” he said.

“The whole country will praise her as a national heroine if she makes such a move.”

Although Visut Montriwat withdrew his nomination to replace her last week, ending a three-month impasse over royal approval of the move, Jaruvan’s status as the incumbent is still up in the air.

The saga began in July last year when the Constitution Court ruled that Jaruvan’s selection was unlawful. The State Audit Commission is now looking to come up with a solution by next week to try to end the matter once and for all.

Meanwhile, Democrat spokesman Ong-art Klampaiboon urged Parliament President Bhokin Bhalakula and Senate Speaker Suchon Chaleekrua to consult the commission to resolve the deadlock over Jaruvan’s status.

“The country needs an auditor-general to fulfil the commitment to fight corruption,” he said.

As the government earlier refused to settle the issue, the three parties should have done it, he said.