Thursday, 4 September 2008

I will not quit or dissolve House: PM

(BangkokPost.com) - Prime Minister and Defence Minister Samak Sundaravej reiterated at the radio and television stations of the Government Public Relations Department on Thursday morning that he will not resign or dissolve the House of Representatives to uphold the country's democratic regime.

The premier criticised key members of the anti-government group, the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD), for making people misunderstand the situations in the country, such as the charter amendments and the border dispute around Preah Vihear temple between Thailand and Cambodia.

Prime Minister Samak questioned the PAD’s objectives and labelled the group as a cult after disobeying the law and laying siege to different state offices and Government House to pressure the government to resign. He also asked people who joined their mass rallies what would they achieve in the end and would the public and academics be satisfied with the group’s new political order.

Concerning the resignation of Foreign Minister Tej Bunnag, the premier said Mr Tej was pressured from many sides, including his wife, who did not want him to be insulted. Mr Samak said he felt for the minister and lauded his performance in the short period. He said Mr Tej is a capable person, who is not a politician but wants to work for the country. He expressed his gratitude for his work, and insisted there are no rifts between them.

Referring to the threats of cutting-off water and utility supplies posed by certain state enterprise unions, he said it would be impossible. He also thanked state enterprise workers who have the decency and know their responsibilities.

After declaring the state of emergency, he insisted the authority will continue to use soft and gentle approach to handle the civil strife, the prime minister said.

He added that the country needs law and order, and the country would not carry on, if it is uncivilized. Thus, he insisted that he and his government will not step down.

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