House panel rules spark backlash

Critics warn of weakened checks

Opposition parties on Tuesday criticised new rules governing parliamentary committee operations, warning they could weaken the legislature's scrutiny of the government.

Under the new rules, committees must pass resolutions before inviting individuals or agencies to provide information, and chairs cannot unilaterally change agendas approved by committee resolutions.

Committees are also prohibited from holding overlapping meetings on the same issue. Where matters fall under the jurisdiction of two or more committees, the committees must agree on which one will take the lead.

People's Party (PP) list-MP and opposition chief whip Parit Wacharasindhu said that failure to review the new rules could weaken checks and balances and create a situation in which the "blue political camp" could act without being held accountable.

He said the party would seek opposition support for a formal letter to House Speaker Sophon Zarum opposing the new rules and seeking discussions before they take effect.

Requiring every committee action to be backed by a formal resolution makes committee work less flexible, Mr Parit said, adding that government MPs, who hold majorities on all committees, could use their numbers to block scrutiny.

Democrat leader and list-MP Abhisit Vejjajiva echoed such concerns, saying that requiring a resolution for every committee action could become a problem if the government or its MPs refused to cooperate with scrutiny.

He said if there were concerns that committee chairmen might act unilaterally, they could be required to inform the committee, allowing members to raise objections or discuss the matter.

"A balance is needed. Imposing rigid restrictions could bring parliamentary scrutiny to a halt if the government refused to cooperate, contrary to the purpose of parliamentary oversight," he said.

Independent academic and former senior Supreme Court judge Was Tingsamitr questioned whether the rules organise committee work or unduly restrict committees' powers. He said scrutiny of the executive depends on committees performing their duties independently within the law.

Meanwhile, Supachai Jaisamut of Bhumjaithai Party on Tuesday rejected a claim by former Democrat MP Sirichok Sopha that his request to review committee procedures was prompted by Mr Sirichok's disclosure of money trails linked to online gambling websites.

Mr Supachai said he submitted a letter to the House speaker on Sept 17 asking for a ruling on whether committee chairmen could invite outsiders to meetings without a committee resolution. This was before the controversy involving Mr Sirichok emerged, he said.