NLA gives nod to statistics bill

MONGKOL BANGPRAPA

The National Legislative Assembly (NLA) yesterday approved in principle the National Statistical Office Bill that was initiated by the Thaksin Shinawatra government, despite strong reservations from some assembly members. The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) proposed the bill to the NLA but it was criticised for interfering in poll centres and violating individuals' rights.

The bill will empower the government to examine survey plans and findings of poll centres, require individuals to give their information, including personal details, and punish individuals who resist.

NLA member Somkiat Onwimol told the assembly that he disagreed with proposed penalties against people who refused to reveal their information. The penalties were even harsher than those for government officials who sold information to the private sector, he said.

NLA member Dr Ampol Jindawatana said he disagreed with forcing people and other agencies to reveal their information. The proposed powers reflected the currently poor capabilities of the National Statistical Office (NSO), he added.

He also opposed a section that will authorise NSO officials to enter people's residences to acquire information.

He also pointed out that different sections of the bill contradicted one another. One section requires the NSO to collect data from other agencies but two other sections direct other agencies to give information to the NSO, he said.

NLA member Wallop Tangkhananurak said the former government initiated the bill in a bid to control poll centres, as surveys had indicated that its popularity was waning at the end of its tenure.

However, some NLA members suggested the NLA approve the bill in principle and correct it during the scrutiny process. ICT Minister Sitthichai Pookaiyaudom then told the assembly he agreed with the reservations and promised to correct all problematic points in the bill.

Finally, the NLA voted 117-14 to approve the bill in principle. Five members abstained.

General News
Bangkok Post
Thursday January 25, 2007