BANGKOK, 25 August 2011 – The opposition Democrat Party has called on Parliament President Somsak Kiatsuranont to reconsider himself and his duties after he ordered the policy debate to be adjourned in the midst of the discussion.
Acting Democrat Party Leader Abhisit Vejjajiva stated that the situation signified that the opposition would experience more difficulties to work in Parliament as the government side, with its majority votes, proposed a closure of the policy debate despite the remaining timeframe earlier agreed.
Mr Abhisit elaborated that he did not understand the government’s attitude at all while he was trying to propose a solution to the problem because there were many senators and opposition MPs waiting to deliberate the policy statement of the government. He said the opposition was also ready to cut the number of debaters.
The opposition leader criticised Mr Somsak for having too much confidence and refusing to let others speak. He believed that Mr Somsak should reconsider himself after a number of parliamentarians had also protested him in this regard.
Meanwhile, Opposition Chief Whip Jurin Laksanawisit expressed his regret that the Parliament President did not allow him to help because the opposition actually had a few debaters left to deliberate the policy statement. He also criticised the Parliament President for abusing his authority.
Mr Jurin said further that the government must consider itself if it should continue national administration or not following the adjournment of the policy debate due to lack of quorum. He also questioned if the policy statement elaboration was considered ‘complete’ according to the constitution or not after such an abrupt closure of debate.
