Bangkok: Senator Nantana has urged the Speaker of the House of Representatives to initiate an investigation into the Senate’s exercise of power, claiming it lacks good governance. She emphasized that her intention is not to belittle senators but to address issues based on occupational groupings. The senator has faced political harassment following her exposure of alleged collusion among senators. Dr. Prem, another senator, has also called on the Senate Speaker to consider the minority senators’ views to prevent stigmatization of Parliament and maintain its public trust.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Nantana Nantawaropas held a press conference and submitted a formal request to Mr. Wan Muhammad Noor Matha, President of the National Assembly, for an investigation into the Senate’s alleged misuse of power. She cited the Senate’s actions as lacking good governance, contributing to the legislative branch’s failure.
The complaint originated from an allegation investigated by the Senate Ethics Committee, which accused a senator of defaming a pork vendor, deemed an ethical violation. The Senate, with a majority vote, found the senator guilty and planned to forward the case to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). Ms. Nantana argued that these actions exemplify bias and harassment, particularly after her exposure of senator collusion, and called for the accused senators to relinquish their roles in approving appointments to independent organizations.
Ms. Nantana criticized the Senate’s decision-making, describing it as lacking legitimacy and often obstructing parliamentary debates. She highlighted the disproportionate severity of the punishment as political destruction that limits senators’ freedom of expression. Furthermore, she pointed out the conflict of interest within the Ethics Committee, as some members are directly involved in the case.
She warned that the Senate’s use of majority power to silence political opposition undermines the democratic parliamentary system and rule of law. Ms. Nantana urged the Speaker to form a committee to investigate the Senate’s power misuse to maintain the integrity and transparency of the legislative process.
Senator Dr. Premsak Piayura echoed these sentiments, noting public disapproval of the Senate’s resolution. He questioned the Senate’s ability to maintain dignity when its actions contradict public opinion, urging the Speaker of the House to provide a platform for transparent oversight. Dr. Premsak stressed the importance of listening to minority senators, whose opinions can benefit the public.
Dr. Premsak warned that if the status quo persists without intervention from senior officials, the Senate risks internal decay and losing its role as a beacon of hope for the people. He emphasized the need for fair representation and protection of minority voices within Parliament.
In response to calls for accountability regarding her remarks about a senator and a pork seller, Ms. Nantana clarified that her criticism targeted the selection system for Senate committees, not individuals. She argued for aligning committee roles with members’ expertise to serve public interests effectively.
Ms. Nantana concluded by expressing that her appeal to the Speaker is her final recourse to preserve Parliament’s dignity and governance. She called for a collective effort to restore good governance in both the Senate and the House of Representatives, ensuring the majority’s power is exercised responsibly.