Coalition whips clear the way for reconciliation bill debate today
BANGKOK: -- The coalition whips yesterday decided to put the draft bill on reconciliation on the fast track, paving the way for today's debate on granting amnesty to those involved in the political disturbances from 2005 to 2010, including fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.The whips' decision took place hours before the House convened the afternoon session for consultation on the handling of the bill. The coalition appeared in defiance of the People's Alliance for Democracy which led a rally yesterday to oppose the amnesty. The reconciliation bill, sponsored by Matubhum Party leader Sonthi Boonyaratglin, and three other similar drafts would be deliberated by the House, bypassing five other pieces of legislation, coalition chief whip Udomdej Rattanasatien said.
"The coalition whips have heeded a resolution of the Chart Thai Pattana Party which calls for urgency in bringing about reconciliation," he said.
Udomdej said today's House session would open with a question and answer motion before introducing the reconciliation debate.
He said although he was aware of the opposition movement, he remained optimistic passage of the reconciliation legislation would restore political normalcy.
Among the various versions of reconciliation provisions, he said the coalition would rely on the Sonthi-sponsored bill as the main draft.
He said he expected the House to approve the first reading of the bill, paving the way for a vetting process to mesh up and close the loose ends of differing versions, before the final passage.
Pheu Thai MP Phiraphun Phalusuk said today's debate is expected to cover the intent and spirit of reconciliation and not the details of each draft provision, which will be dealt with during the vetting process ahead of the second and third readings.
Phiraphun said opponents of the bill should not draw a hasty conclusion that certain amnesty provisions might tantamount to repealing the verdicts, seen as an infringement on the judiciary. The draft provisions have yet to be vetted before the final version emerges, he said.
Pheu Thai MP Paijit Sreewarakan said all sides should rely on the legislative process to settle their differences over reconciliation.
In a veiled reference to the PAD, Paijit said he hoped street protests would not
out of control.
"Opponents of reconciliation are entitled to air their views via street rallies but they should respect and abide by the outcome of the legislative process," he said.
The Nation 2012-05-31
Search Option
Recent Posts
Todays Birthdays
