Charter drafting process stalled

180-day ‘ cooling off-period’ must go second before MPs may take up debate once

A replica of the charter in the form of an accordionstyle parchment, symbolizing constitutional monarchy, sits on a golden tray under a spotlight at Democracy Monument. (File photo)
At Democracy Monument, a duplicate of the charter, which is presented in the form of an accordion-style parchment, stands under a spotlight next to a gold tray. ( File photo )

According to chief government whip Wisut Chainarun, the creation of a charter drafting assembly ( CDA ) cannot be completed until the 180-day suspension period for the public referendum bill has passed.

Following Parit Wacharasindhu’s claim on Monday that a policy act bill laying the groundwork for the formation of a CDA may soon be scrutinized by parliament, Mr. Wisut, a list-MP for the ruling Pheu Thai Party, clarified the explanation.

On his Twitter, Mr Parit wrote that the legislature government’s commission, asked to provide opinions about a contract update, decided that a policy article costs related to the setting up of a CDA may be put on the parliament agenda.

According to Mr. Parit, the agency’s decision was important because it would save time and money by allowing for two referendums rather than three. A referendum’s planning expenses about three billion ringgit.

Mr. Parit hoped that this would reduce the process of writing a new charter before the upcoming general election. The second reading of the law article bill is scheduled for January 14 and 15.

While acknowledging the possibility of two separate charter referendums, Mr. Wisut said a force for a contract modify would have to wait after the 180-day disqualification period. The general government whip claimed that the law amendment bill could not be debated by congress during the cooling-off interval, which must be followed after the House and Senate failed to reach an agreement on the guidelines for holding a charter amendment referendum.

He claimed to have spoken with parliament’s legal team and Thin Muhamad Noor Matha, who both claimed that the 180-day suspension must have expired before any further action can be taken. He added that it’s unlikely that the contract update process will be finished before the 2027 election.

The main opposition party claims that two polls are enough to amend the proposed contract rewrite and would not violate a new Constitutional Court decision. Before the following elections, the nation do have a new law in place. However, experts believe often, especially after the debate between the House and Senate over the election laws.

Wisut: Must waited 180 times

Wisut: Must waited 180 times