Bangkok, Thailand - The National Legislative Assembly (NLA) political reform committee voiced disagreement yesterday with the proposed establishment of a National Crisis Council and Buddhism being declared as the national religion. The committee, assigned by the NLA to study the first draft charter, failed to see any benefit in enshrining Buddhism as the official state religion.
Since the constitution deals with the country's administration, it should be kept separate from ''affairs of the temple'', said committee spokesman Khamnoon Sitthisamarn.
The panel's stand contradicted the NLA's committee on religion, arts and cultures, which favoured making Buddhism the state religion.
The highly contentious issue has drawn heated comments from both sides of the debate. Many monks and laymen have held mass demonstrations to push for the stipulation in the new charter.
Praphan Khoonme, deputy chairman of the political reform committee, said whether Buddhism would progress or decline depended on the strength of faith shown by Buddhists, not a clause in the constitution.
As for controversial Article 68 of the draft charter, which provides for a National Crisis Council to be established to find a solution in times of national crisis, Mr Praphan said the panel felt the task of solving a national crisis should not be limited to a group of people. People should have the freedom to work out a solution through peaceful means.
The reform panel also had reservations about other points in the draft charter.
The panel disagreed with involving the judiciary in making political decisions by empowering it to join the National Crisis Council or to select members of independent public organisations.
Most major political parties invited to air their opinions on the draft charter at Government House yesterday also turned their back on the proposed council.
Parties present at yesterday's meeting included Thai Rak Thai, the Democrats, Chart Thai and Mahachon.
The committee believes the draft charter may weaken the government because it sets too many limits on it.
''This draft constitution seems to destabilise the government because it empowers people to easily sue government officials and there are so many checks-and-balance procedures.
''Homeless beggars can even sue government officials for failing to protect their rights,'' Mr Praphan said.
On the election of MPs, the committee members appeared to support the 1997 charter which calls for constituency and party list MPs.
But the requirement for a party to win at least 5% of the party list votes nationwide to be eligible to claim list seats should be removed, said Mr Khamnoon.
The committee is open to the public electing senators from selected candidates.
The panel is to report its findings to the NLA chairman on May 11. The NLA is expected to put forward the findings for a decision on May 17.