Meechai wants NLA to pass 'urgent' bills first

General News - Saturday December 15, 2007

Meechai wants NLA to pass 'urgent' bills first

Seen as move to deflect criticism of assembly

National Legislative Assembly (NLA) Speaker Meechai Ruchupan has impressed upon assembly members the need to give priority to the most urgent bills in what is seen as a move to deflect mounting pressure from its critics.

A source at the NLA said Mr Meechai met NLA members and heads of various committees yesterday to find a way to defuse opposition from activists who have demanded the assembly stop issuing controversial laws and end its role as the legislative body.

The source said Mr Meechai told panel heads to see to it that bills of the most pressing concern be dealt with first.

Bills that are likely to have significant implications on the public will be chosen and brought up for discussion with representatives of the government and legislature on Monday, the source said.

''Priority must be given to urgent bills. A good reason must also be given to explain to the public,'' said the source.

The move came after 50 protesters led by former senator Jon Ungphakorn stormed parliament and disrupted an NLA session on Wednesday.

The protesters claimed the assembly lacked legitimacy as it was not a democratically-elected body and that it issued controversial laws that showed disregard for human rights and the principle of democracy.

Protesters said they would stage a rally in front of parliament again on Monday to oppose attempts by the NLA to pass those laws.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Paiboon Wattanasiritham met Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont yesterday to convey activists' concerns over 11 government-sponsored bills, including the much-criticised Internal Security Bill.

After the meeting, the prime minister reiterated the need to enact those laws, but he said some of them were now being amended to better suit the changing circumstances.

Gen Surayud said opponents of the laws ought to solve the conflict through dialogue.

''I dislike the use of force. We can use reason. Actually, the laws are not impossible to amend.

''If you are unhappy with the bills that are enacted into law, you can push for their amendment later [in the next government],'' he said.

He dismissed allegations that it was illegitimate and careless of the NLA to rush numerous bills through each day.

Gen Surayud said the NLA was an independent body that was not influenced by anyone.

''An elected assembly sometimes could be dictated to by the policies of political parties. But the present NLA cannot be. Its members are very much their own men,'' he said.

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