Suwat lauds the return of the 'real deal' political players

Suwat lauds the return of the 'real deal' political players
Published: 19/05/2012 at 03:21 AM

Suwat Liptapanlop, the de facto leader of the Chart Pattana Puea Pandin Party, compares the country's politics to old wine in a new bottle. Speaking to Pradit Ruangdit, he reckons the return of 111 politicians, himself included, from a political ban will boost the country and further the cause of national reconciliation.


What will politics be like after the political ban against the 111 politicians ends?

Thai politics is like a soap opera. You don't have to watch it every day and you still haven't missed anything. Politics is framed on the old power structure. It may be full of colours with the added tirades. Nothing has changed. Politics remains fraught with conflicts. It may take some time before it gets better.

Has the absence of the 111 politicians affected politics in any way?

I have to say the ban has brought political problems. It was thought the real deals were not out playing on the field and only their nominees were sent. Politics lost excitement for a while. The return of the 111 politicians will be a game changer. The real players are back in action after being red-carded. But they have to inform the reserve players of the switch over. As long as there is understanding between them, there is no conflict.

The country needs people with experience who have influence and the ability to read the game and prioritise.

A minister without influence finds it hard to manage the ministry. Time is precious. With economic issues, a timely and accurate decision is crucial. We can't afford to have a learner driver who is both weak at driving and direction-blind.

I have always said to our banned politicians that they can make a contribution and that they should not let the chance to help the country pass them by.

I believe that by helping, it doesn't mean the politicians must be given posts in the executive branch. Under the present political circumstances, they can be managers, coaches or advisers.

Does that suggest current players are novices and less than active in what they do?

Let's not compare. But I think most of the 111 politicians are strong hands who have been MPs five or six times or served as cabinet ministers two or three times. They are in their late 40s and early 50s in the second generation of politicians. But national affairs are now being handled by third-generation politicians. The tasks were passed from the first generation to the third generation, bypassing the second generation who have been through political changes of the past and present. They are a perfect fit for roles in the current political situation.

But will the third generation not resist the 111 politicians making a comeback?

If there is to be a cabinet reshuffle with the inclusion of the 111 politicians in the line-up, there could be some ripple effect.

The cabinet reshuffle came after the government had been in power for six months and a recent shake-up was also made. This allows everyone to have a shot at a cabinet post. It's not like in the old days when cabinet appointees stayed where they were for years. Now it's a matter of waiting for one's turn next time as long as they behave themselves. I believe inclusion of some of the 111 figures in the cabinet is a gain for the government.

Do you see yourself getting a cabinet seat?

I haven't decided yet. There's still time. Even though the political ban expires at the end of this month, it doesn't mean there will be an immediate cabinet shake-up. Now is the time to analyse the situation before deciding.

I have to figure out where I could be of help. Amid the problems besetting the country such as economic woes and the social divisions, I have to find where I could serve best. It's not about positions I will get. But what I can say is I will definitely return to politics.

What do you plan to do in terms of helping ease the political divide?

The 111 politicians should help with national reconciliation because they are capable. They know a lot of people including the parties to the conflict. The politicians should turn themselves into jigsaw pieces for national reconciliation.

And what does the future hold for the Chart Pattana Puea Pandin Party?

Small parties barely have a place to stand unless, of course, you set out to function as a small-sized party. But if your goal is to grow into a large party, that's difficult to achieve. Leader of a party with six or seven MPs aspiring to become a prime minister and dictate national policies? That's not possible.

©bangkokpost
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/294068/suwat-lauds-the-return-of-the-real-deal-political-players