House panel rules spark backlash

Opposition parties expressed concerns on Tuesday regarding new parliamentary committee rules that could undermine the legislature's ability to scrutinize the government. These new rules mandate committees to pass resolutions before inviting individuals or agencies for information, and prohibit chairs from altering agendas after approval.

Additionally, committees cannot hold simultaneous meetings on the same issue, and when multiple committees are involved, they must agree on which will handle it. PP list-MP and opposition chief whip Parit Wacharasindhu warned that not reviewing the rules could erode checks and balances, potentially allowing the ruling party to operate without accountability.

He stated that the party would seek opposition backing for a formal letter to House Speaker Sophon Zarum opposing the new rules and calling for pre-implementation discussions. Parit noted that requiring a resolution for each committee action would reduce flexibility, with majority government MPs potentially blocking scrutiny. Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva echoed similar worries, suggesting that rigid restrictions could hinder parliamentary oversight if the government or its MPs resist cooperation.

He proposed that if chairmen acted unilaterally, they should inform the committee for members to raise objections. Academic and former Supreme Court judge Was Tingsamitr questioned whether the rules either organize committee work or excessively constrain committee powers, emphasizing that executive scrutiny relies on independent committee actions within legal bounds.

Meanwhile, Bhumjaithai Party member Supachai Jaisamut dismissed Sirichok Sopha's claim that his Sept 17 letter requesting clarification on whether chairmen could invite outsiders without a committee resolution was tied to the latter's disclosure of money trails related to online gambling websites.