PEOPLE’S leader and party-listed MP Nattapong Ruangpanyawut said talks between three former prime ministers of the Shinawatra family, Thaksin, Yingluck and Paetongtarn, with Asean leaders is a positive development if people’s problems are solved while criticising Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul for not moving fast enough to resolve the temporary ban on export of five species of shrimp to Malaysia, Naewna newspaper said today (July 11).
This followed Anutin’s two-day visit to Malaysia during which he and his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim opened a key road linking Sadao-Bukit Kayu Hitam checkpoints with the aim of boosting trade to US$30 billion. The two leaders also noted that the agriculture ministers of both countries had worked out a joint solution to the shrimp issue, with Malaysia likely to lift the temporary ban within 30 days.
At the same time, Thaksin, accompanied by Yingluck and Paetongtarn, held talks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on the economy and strengthening investment as he is currently a member of the Advisory Board of the Indonesian National Wealth Fund (Danantara).
There is news that Thaksin discussed the temporary shrimp export ban with Anwar Ibrahim before Anutin met the Malaysian leader.
Nattapong said the shadow cabinet had already discussed the shrimp issue and concluded that if action on resolving this issue is delayed shrimp farmers would suffer because the death of some shrimp would lead to the entire pond dying within one to two weeks.
“The person who should have acted faster and found a solution for the farmers is the Prime Minister,” he said.
When asked again whether he saw any political implications from the trips of the three former Shinawatra family prime ministers regionally, Nattapong replied that the people should decide if there are any political implications. However, negotiations, whether by former or current politicians, for the benefit of the country are always good but the important thing is that the Prime Minister, while in office, should use his power actively, quickly, and to solve problems promptly.
“Another thing we have consistently demanded is accountability to parliament, answering questions in parliament. We understand that there are many duties, but we all know that live question-and-answer sessions are held on Thursdays. It is the Prime Minister’s responsibility to allocate time to answer these questions, a fundamental duty of a Prime Minister,” Nattapong said.
Questioned further whether the Shinawatra family’s actions would affect the government, the People’s leader said that whether it would affect the government or not depends on whether the actions benefit the people. If the people benefit, there would be no harm done.
“And that is the role of the opposition. If we were to ask a direct question, it would be directed at the Prime Minister,” he said.
When asked about the news that Thaksin travelled to discuss the shrimp issue with the Malaysian Prime Minister before Anutin’s trip, and whether this constituted interference in the government’s work, Nattapong said that he believes what the public wants to see is someone who can solve their problems through discussions. He personally could not answer on behalf of Thaksin regarding other issues besides shrimp.
He added that the opposition’s duty is to urge the Prime Minister, who is in office, to take action more quickly.
CAPTIONS:
Top, Front Page and first insert: Former Thai prime ministers Thaksin Shinawatra, Yingluck Shinawatra and Paetongtarn Shinawatra holding talks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Danantara executives. Photos – Naewna
Second insert: People’s leader Nattapong Ruangpanyawut. Photo – Amarin TV
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