GOVERNMENT FORMATION
Samak showcases coalition
But gets testy and evasive when asked if he will be premier
Published on January 20, 2008
Samak Sundaravej, leader of the People Power Party, yesterday pledged to unveil the PPP-led Cabinet in 15 days after he introduced his six-party coalition backed by a solid majority of 315 MPs.
However, the euphoria at the press conference called at Bangkok's Sukhothai Hotel to showcase the coalition was ruined by coalition leader Samak when he became testy after he was asked about becoming the prime minister.
"Why raise an inappropriate question? If I don't answer, I'll be picked on non-stop, though I think the question is quite annoying," he said, while managing to evade saying how confident he was in securing the top job.
Sources close to Samak suggested the new government's priority was amending the 2007 Constitution. Then it would likely dissolve the House and call a snap election, which meant it might be in office just one year, the sources said.
In his opening remarks, Samak praised the Election Commission for its success in supervising the voting process and ensuring a fair outcome.
"Although each party received its share of red and yellow cards, this was inevitable and can be settled later. But the crucial thing is the filling of 95 per cent of the House seats, allowing for the opening of Parliament," he said.
The Chart Thai and Puea Pandin parties were thanked for joining the alliance and making it possible to achieve the comfortable majority and a stable coalition.
He then turned the mike over to the other parties to explain their decisions to support the coalition.
Pracharaj leader Snoh Thienthong said he wanted the country to move ahead following a turbulent period.
"I'm not worrying about how long the government will last, which will depend on each coalition partner, but I am concerned about the well-being of the country," he said.
People Power won the December 23 election, so it had the legitimacy to form the coalition, he said.
Chart Thai chief adviser Sanan Kachornprasart said that party leader Banharn Silapa-archa had outlined the reasons for joining the coalition on Thursday and that he represented Banharn at the press conference as a confirmation for the alliance.
Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana leader Chettha Thanajaro said he viewed the balloting outcome as a mandate for the PPP to spearhead the coalition. The press conference was just a formality, as his party had already jumped on the coalition bandwagon on December 31, he said.
Puea Pandin leader Suwit Khunkitti said he appreciated the goodwill gesture of the PPP in inviting his party along and hoped the team would put politics back on course.
"My party's utmost concern is forging national reconciliation in order to restore normalcy as soon as possible," he said.
Matchima Thipataya secretary-general Anongwan Thepsuthin said that with its victory, People Power had the right to form the new government.
The excitement over the coalition announcement dissipated when Samak returned to the podium to answer questions. His mood turned sour after reporters asked him about his plans in lining up his Cabinet and about his chances of getting elected by the House to lead the government.
He abruptly ended the press conference after saying he would be in a position to comment on his leadership after the six coalition members met to nominate him as premier.
The House is scheduled to convene tomorrow and will elect the House Speaker and two deputies on Tuesday. The coalition parties are expected to meet before Friday when the House will vote on the prime minister.
The unveiling of the coalition leaves the Democrats as the sole opposition party with 165 votes.
Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said he wished the best for the new government and hoped it could quickly restore confidence.
"Many problems are waiting to be resolved. I hope the new government will come up with personnel and policies to face the challenges and meet the people's high expectations," he said.
The coalition should avoid bringing up issues that might aggravate social divisions and should heed the lesson of not abusing its majority to dilute the system of checks and balances, he added.
Abhisit said the Democrats were ready to work as the opposition. He also played down concerns about lingering turmoil, saying the political system would function properly if all parties played by the rules.
Defence Minister Boonrawd Somtas expressed relief that the coalition had come together.
"It's a good thing for the coalition to emerge, as Thailand has been in a transition period for quite some time," he said.
But he could not pass judgement on the new government, which has yet to name its ministers.
Boonrawd dismissed speculation that Samak might also head the Defence Ministry while governing as prime minister.
"I don't think Samak would want the post," he said.
The rumours are designed to deter jockeying for the job, he said, adding that he still believes the new government will name a respected military figure for the defence portfolio.
The Nation Jan. 20, 2008I think these statements show better than ever before how some of the present politicians see a coalition: "One calls and all of the others jump at his command!" Will it be like that? Will the caller be Samak? IMO this coalition will hardly get anything done before they break apart and Thailand needs new elections. But maybe there is something good behind this: maybe it will mobilize political education so that future elections and governments can be more democratic.