Headline: NACC ready to pursue corrupt party leaders
Ref: THE NATION Issued date 5 November 2016
THE National Anti Corruption Commission is ready to pursue party leaders found guilty of receiving illicit money in exchange for political office positions, NACC chief Pol Gen Watcharapol Prasarnrajkit said yesterday.
“If this is addressed in our law, we would take action. for the sake of national benefits,” said Pol Gen Watcharapol, but adding that it is up to lawmakers to decide whether or not to pursue the idea.
The suggestion to pursue top political party leaders found guilty of receiving illicit money in exchange of political office seats was broached early this week while the Constitution Drafting Commission (CDC) was drafting the new political party bill.
Under the new Political Party Act, offences that could lead to the dissolution of a political party are: moves against the country’ system of constitutional monarchy; moves to overthrow the monarchy; accepting donations from non-Thais; accepting donations from an individual who encourages the ousting of the monarchy, and accepting donations in exchange for government posts. The latter was extended to the extreme case of guilt concerning execution of top political party leaders.
CDC chief Meechai Ruchupan said on Wednesday that the idea was “feasible” though it would be difficult to prove such a wrongdoing.He said the matter would be addressed in a new organic law on the National Anti-Corruption Commission, which will be written later. “You need clear evidence to prove such wrongdoing,” he said.Meechai said yesterday that it the CDC has finished drafting the bill, but did not reveal whether such the suggestion was addressed in the bill.