Move Forward was the surprise winner of the May 14 election, capitalising on massive youth support to defeat conservative rivals in what was seen as a resounding rejection of nearly a decade of government led or backed by the military.
The party’s plans to tackle business monopolies, end conscription in the military and remove generals from politics are controversial, but none more so than its aim of changing Article 112 of the criminal code, which punishes insults of the monarchy by up to 15 years in jail.
Pita said he would be flexible and the decision was ultimately one for parliament to decide, but his party would not back away from its reform agenda just to seek smooth passage to office.
Amending 112 was not a threat to the palace, he said, but would ensure the monarchy was not politicised and that the law, under which hundreds of people have been charged, should not be misused.
“I’m still sticking to what I promised the voters … The institution is above politics. That’s the only option for governance in this country,” he said.
He added: “I cannot look them in the eye if I’m walking away from this issue.”
The military has for decades invoked its duty to defend the monarchy to justify intervention in politics, and used the law against royal insult to stifle dissent, critics say.