Democrats seek way to avoid repeat of Jaruvan saga

Published on October 05 , 2005 - The Democrat Party will propose legal amendments to prevent a repeat of the confusion and political wrangling surrounding the auditor-general’s nomination, party spokesman Ongart Klampaiboon said yesterday.

The party met yesterday to discuss amendments to the 1999 Audit Act, an organic law in the Constitution.

The party decided to appoint a legal team to consider altering five points in the act.

Firstly, they will propose that instead of the Senate endorsing the nomination, the chamber would vote for the auditor-general from a list of nominees.

They will also propose that the State Audit Commission specify the number of auditor-general nominees.

Thirdly, the Senate will vote for one nominee as auditor-general from an endorsed list.

The fourth amendment will touch on the orders and directives issued by the State Audit Commission that come into conflict with those issued by the Office of Auditor-General.

Finally, an amendment will be made to clearly indicate that the auditor-general is endorsed by His Majesty the King. The holder of the office will be dismissed only after the term has ended.

Meanwhile, Senate Speaker Suchon Chaleekrua said the Senate would decide on Monday if it should accept a proposal by 22 senators to have the Senate interpret the Constitution with regard to the status of Khunying Jaruvan Maintaka as auditor-general.

Suriyasai Katasila, of the Campaign for Popular Democracy, said civic groups had gathered 20,000 signatures in support of Suchon’s removal over his role in the auditor-general nomination affair.