Bangkok: Mr. Wisut Chainarun, MP for the Pheu Thai Party and Chairman of the Coordinating Committee (Whip) of the coalition parties, has put forward a proposal concerning MPs who are also serving as ministers. He suggests that these MPs should resign from their parliamentary roles to focus entirely on their ministerial duties. He emphasized that if ministers choose not to resign, they must fulfill their parliamentary responsibilities by attending meetings and performing dual roles. Wisut highlighted the feasibility of remote participation, noting that meetings can now be conducted via Zoom. Nonetheless, he stressed the need for physical presence in parliament to maintain the balance of power, as opposition and government votes are closely contested.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Wisut has urged the public to monitor parliamentary attendance, especially during meetings held every Wednesday and Thursday. He emphasized that MPs receive substantial salaries and are expected to attend these sessions. Wisut warned that he would publicly disclose the names of those who neglect their parliamentary duties, regardless of whether they are ministers or regular MPs. His intent is to hold them accountable to their constituents by revealing their lack of responsibility.
Mr. Wisut expressed frustration that even a commitment of two days a week seemed unmanageable for some MPs. He vowed to expose those he describes as having "long spines," a metaphor for laziness, to the public. This transparency, he believes, will empower voters to make informed decisions in future elections, ensuring representatives who are fully committed to their duties.
Regarding disciplinary measures within the Pheu Thai Party, Mr. Wisut noted that the party has long enforced strict attendance checks for its MPs. He reiterated the importance of accountability and discipline, emphasizing that MPs must uphold their duties to enact and enforce laws nationwide. Any MP failing to do so will be considered in violation of their responsibilities.
In response to discussions among Isaan MPs about party-list MPs who are also ministers, Wisut clarified that these conversations were standard internal discussions and not a form of pressure. He dismissed the notion of a formal party resolution mandating resignations, asserting that the decision ultimately lies with the individual MPs' discretion and common sense.