POLITICS INTERIM CABINET CRITICISED : Govt failing to deliver on promises, say critics

POLITICS INTERIM CABINET CRITICISED : Govt failing to deliver on promises, say critics.

The interim government has failed to deliver policies that had been promised to the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) and has been ''unimpressive'' in its performance over the past few months, the Campaign for Popular Democracy (CPD) said yesterday. Suriyasai Katasila, secretary-general of the CPD, said the organisation had evaluated the performance of the government and found it had failed to be proactive in its work, particularly in carrying out policies.

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont was a main target of criticism as he acted as if he were a new CEO leader who made decisions for other ministers and defended their policies, said Mr Suriyasai.

The CPD grouped the cabinet ministers into three categories _ ministers who are in ''neutral gear'' and preoccupied with routine work, ministers with outstanding performances and ministers whose work needs to be reviewed.

Mr Suriyasai said the commerce, industry, labour, energy, social development and human security, science and technology, natural resource and environment, culture, tourism and sports ministers as well as the prime minister's office minister were all stuck in neutral gear.

Outstanding ministers were those in charge of the information and communication technology, public health, transport, justice and defence ministries.

He said ministers in the third group who need to re-examine their roles were Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pridiyathorn Devakula, Foreign Minister Nitya Pibulsonggram, Education Minister Wijit Srisa-arn, Interior Minister Aree Wongaraya and Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Thira Sutabutra.

He said the finance minister's application of rigid capital controls to stabilise the baht had done more harm than good.

The CPD also accused Mr Nitya of being too passive and focusing too much on routine work since taking the helm at the Foreign Ministry.

Mr Suriyasai said the education minister's decision to go ahead with a policy to remove state universities from state control has come under fire from many students, lecturers and university staff.

Mr Aree was also rated poorly for failing to ensure public safety and tackle southern unrest while Mr Thira drew flak for sitting on the farmers' debt problem. The CPD suggested the government appoint two more deputy prime ministers to supervise national security and eradicating poverty.

Bangkok Post
Monday January 15, 2007