The opposition People’s party has voiced concern over and disagreement with the Constitution Court’s decision to oust Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, on the grounds that he had displayed a “lack of evident integrity”, which it deemed to be gross ethical misconduct, over his appointment of Phichit Chuenban as prime minister’s office minister.
Party-list MP Parit Wacharasindhu said, however, that the party is supportive of the concept that politicians who hold office must have integrity and observe good political ethics.
He pointed out, though, that people have different perceptions of ethical issues. “If an act of ethical misconduct is not clear-cut corruption or an irregularity which is already covered by the law, a political ethical issue should be judged by the people,” said Parit at a press conference held at parliament in the aftermath of the Constitutional Court’s ruling.
He said that the People’s party disagrees with the current Constitution, which empowers independent organisations, such as the Constitutional Court, to interpret ethical standards at their discretion.
He also claimed that charter-mandated independent organisations are being used by some political elements to get rid of their opponents or to remove a political office holder, as was the case of former prime minister Srettha.
It is about time for the current Constitution to be rewritten and the scope of powers of all the independent organisations to be reviewed, said Parit, adding the party will press ahead with its plan to amend or rewrite the charter.
