BANGKOK, 6 November 2013 Prime Minister’s secretary-general Suranand Vejjajiva asserted on Tuesday the prime minister intended to clarify that the government respected the parliamentary procedure in place regarding the passing of laws, in her speech expressing the government’s readiness to adhere to the decision by the Senate.
Mr. Suranand said the statement by some groups alleging the prime minister’s speech about respecting the authority of the Senate was intended to inflame the anti-amnesty protesters was far-fetched misinterpretation of Ms. Yingluck’s speech. He said that Ms. Yingluck had made it clear that the government did not interfere in the legislative process, and that it wanted all senators to exercise their best judgement on the bill. The House of Representatives will accept the verdict of the Senate, and the declaration by the prime minister meant the government was willing to heed opinions that differed from its own.
Mr. Suranand added that the government hoped the anti-amnesty bill protesters would try to understand the prime minister’s intention and help to move the country forward, by stopping acts that may cause rifts or conflicts and by lending their participation to foster unity.
Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Tuesday declared the government was ready to accept the decision by the Senate whether or not to pass the amnesty bill.
Ms. Yingluck affirmed the the law was meant to grant amnesty to those afflicted by political events and the 2006 coup, which were not covered by the rule of law. The bill was not intended to cover up any corruptions, as alleged by some parties.
The prime minister said the government would not use a House majority to pass the law if it went against the feeling of the public, and that it was the goal of the current administration to stop the creation of rifts within the country.
Ms. Yingluck said she would like all members of the Senate to exercise their best judgment in deliberating the amnesty law on November 11, when the Senate members will vote on whether to pass the bill.
