Parliament, 8 Oct - 'Pakornwut' still hopes to hold the first referendum early next year, aims to propose opening an extraordinary session of parliament to speed up the drafting of the referendum bill, indicating that it is a test of sincerity in amending the constitution or is it a delay? He wonders why the discussion of the amnesty report was postponed because it is the first step towards reconciliation, and agreeing with the report does not mean agreeing with the amendment of Section 112. Mr. Pakornwut Udompipatsakul, Chairman of the Coordinating Committee of the Opposition Parties (Opposition Whip), talked about the consideration of the draft of the Referendum Act after the Senate meeting resolved to amend the criteria for the referendum to use the principle of a two-tiered majority vote, saying that the House will confirm the draft and set up a joint committee of the two houses. He also admitted that he was concerned about the timeline for the first referendum to take place early next year at the same time as the election of the provincial administrative organization president in order to save budget and make it convenient for the people who come out to exercise their rights. However, the Senate's amendment of the draft and the establishment of a joint committee of the two houses may affect this timeline. However, he personally believes that if all parties see the need, it will be the first door leading to the drafting of a new constitution that is truly the people's version. If the joint committees of both sides consider it quickly and carefully, it should be beneficial. However, if time is needed during the recess of the session, he thinks that a special session of the House of Representatives should be considered to consider the draft of the Referendum Act. If the referendum is not held in time for the election of the provincial administrative organization president, may the number of people coming out be low? Mr. Pakornwut said that initially, they will try to make it in time for the election of the p rovincial administrative organization president. He believes that all parties, if they do not intend to delay and work together, believe that it can be done. If the committee considers it quickly, if an extraordinary session can be opened, if all parties are sincere, because the content of the Senate is not amended much, if they work seriously, they think it will be in time. Tomorrow, they will discuss with the committee of both sides first. If they can plan, they will talk to the president of the assembly. He believes that there will be no problem. He believes that the president will agree. As for the case where the senators said that if they did not want to amend it, they could use the current referendum law to proceed, Mr. Pakorn said that he wanted it to be completed and ready. It would be more beneficial and there was still a possibility. If the new version was used, it would be more legitimate. He also confirmed that the issues that the senators amended would not take a long time to consider. When ask ed if the two houses disagree and have to suspend this law for 6 months, Mr. Pakornwut said that it must be a test of sincerity, whether it is a delay or not to prevent the referendum law, the constitution or the draft of a new constitution. Therefore, he would like to make an observation. How sincere are each side in this matter? Mr. Pakornwut also mentioned the report on the study guidelines for the amnesty bill that had been postponed for 2 weeks, saying that no one had contacted to discuss it yet. This report is considered the first step to discuss it. This report is not a proposal of a law, but a discussion on the guidelines and options for amnesty. He personally does not understand why the postponement is being attempted. For what purpose? He asked all parties to accept that the past political conflicts are a major wound that has caused deep conflict and rifts in society. Therefore, opening the first door would be a good first step to create unity and reconciliation in society. It is only a study repor t, not a law. It should be discussed in the parliament meeting this session or this Thursday. He also saw it as ridiculous to keep asking for postponements because it is unreasonable to postpone them for any reason. As for whether the postponement will become a delay, Mr. Pakornwut said that at the moment, it can be seen as a delay, but he does not know what benefits it will bring and he does not understand because he has already discussed it and all parties are ready. When asked if the government was concerned about the conflict because Section 112 was the main problem, Mr. Pakornwut emphasized that the issue must be discussed because the fact that all parties agree on the amnesty study report does not mean that they agree on amending Section 112. This may be too much concern. The conflict outside is a matter for the council to discuss with maturity. We must find the best middle ground. -319 - Thai News Agency Source: Thai News Agency
