MFP bill to penalise officials ignoring Parliament summons

The Move Forward Party (MFP) has tabled a bill in the Parliament penalising ministers and state officials who disregard summons to testify before House committees. The bill, proposed by Rangsiman Rome, an MFP list-MP and the head of a House committee on state security, was formally presented to Parliament yesterday, April 18.

Under the proposed legislation, MPs who ignore their summons could be subject to an ethics investigation, while state officials could face disciplinary proceedings. However, the bill also provides protections for individuals called to testify, stating that committee members may face penalties if they are found to use summonses maliciously to intimidate others.

Rangsiman Rome explained that the proposed law aims to enhance the effectiveness of House committees. He highlighted the difficulties his committee often encounters in summoning certain agencies or ministers to address their enquiries.

“We frequently summon a particular individual or minister, only to have them delegate their responsibility to others.”

Rome said that it often leads to sessions that are not just a waste of time and resources, but also fail to serve the best interests of the people.

The bill’s introduction follows discussions between Rome, House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, and members of the 35 House committees who are grappling with similar issues. reported Bangkok Post.

In related politics news, a wave of rumours surrounding a potential Cabinet reshuffle in Thailand was quashed last week by the United Thai Nation (UTN) Party.

The party’s Deputy Leader and list MP, Wittaya Kaewparadai, stated that despite talks circulating for over a month, no indications of an imminent reshuffle have been communicated by the prime minister.

Wittaya, referring to UTN leader Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, pointed out that any plans to alter the Cabinet line-up would be shared with the leaders of the coalition parties by the prime minister. The premier’s intentions behind a reshuffle would also be discussed, allowing partners to make appropriate decisions.