PRIME MINISTER Anutin Charnvirakul today (April 30) denied Mr. Saksayam Chidchob, former transport minister and Bhumjaithai secretary-general who is also de facto party boss Newin Chidchob’s brother, will be brought into the cabinet even though there is still a vacant seat, Neawna newspaper and Amarin TV said.
People’s Party last week questioned whether the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) may have used double standards in regard to their questionable resolve to not take legal action against Saksayam on asset concealment and misconduct charges while filing a lese majeste case against 10 People’s MPs and 34 others, most being former MPs of the court-dissolved Move Forward, at the Supreme Court which has accepted the lawsuit.
This case stems from the 44 lawmakers having earlier signed a legislation to amend the draconian lese majeste law, also known as Section 112 of the Criminal Code.
However, Anutin pointed out that Saksayam is no longer connected with Bhumjaithai, which he heads, and is confused why he is still linked to his camp.
“There’s absolutely no connection. It has nothing to do with the cabinet. The formation of the cabinet is something I handle.
“Everything was done correctly according to the law. There is a Prime Minister and no more than 35 ministers. I have handled everything without any shortcomings, and I have no involvement whatsoever with Mr. Saksayam,” he said.
When asked about the vacant cabinet seat, which has raised public suspicion, the Prime Minister bluntly said there are enough people handling the workload while also denying Saksayam would be brought into the cabinet in any future reshuffle.
Regarding some opposition MPs and senators having petitioned Parliament Speaker Sophon Zaram to investigate NACC, Anutin said they had the right to do so and this is not connected to the government or Bhumjaithao.
“It’s their right. Everyone is acting according to their rights and duties. You can’t interpret it in any other way,” he said.
When asked about the People’s Party forming a shadow cabinet to closely monitor government work, Anutin quipped, “It’s good there are shadows, without shadows, we wouldn’t be human would we?”
CAPTION:
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, right in above photo and left in Front Page photo, with Saksayam Chidchob. Above photo – MNG Online, Front Page – Amarin TV
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