The Democrat party has been dealt more setbacks as an executive committee member, Mallika Boonmeetrakool Mahasook, quit the committee today (Monday), following in the footsteps of Dr. Kanok Wongtrangan, who resigned this morning as a deputy leader over the sexual assault scandal, allegedly implicating Prinn Panitchpakdi, also a former deputy leader.

Apart from serving on the Democrat Party’s executive committee, Mallika is also a former deputy spokesperson for the party. The outspoken politician did not, however, give any reasons for her resignation.

Meanwhile, Deputy Government Spokesperson and key Democrat member Rachada Dhnadirek confirmed in a press briefing this afternoon that she and six other female executive members of the party will not resign, as speculated, so as not to give the impression that there is discord within the party, but will continue to work to resolve the problem.

Rachada insisted that the group feels deeply troubled and responsible for what happened, even if it was not the direct fault of the party, and that there will be action taken at the proper time on this issue. She said her group’s action and decision has nothing to do with Mallika’s decision to quit.

“The party has not done anything wrong, but someone (allegedly) did. We cannot dodge our responsibility and we will demonstrate that at an appropriate time, “said Rachada.

Meanwhile, House Speaker Chuan Leekpai, a former Democrat party leader, offered moral support to party leader Jurin Laksanawisit and urged party members to help the party to overcome the problem and to refrain from doing anything which would increase the problems for the party.

“Do not look at a problem in the short term, but in the long term. If there is a problem, do not run away, don’t be afraid, accept it and try to resolve it,” said Chuan, adding that how much of the problem will be tackled depends on the situation.

He declined to comment on calls for Jurin to quit as party leader to take responsibility for the alleged sex scandal.