Senators want independent panel to vet amendments

       A group of senators is calling on Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to set up an independent committee to vet issues slated for constitutional amendment which could have far-reaching political implications.
       Their call for a 40-member independent panel made up of people from different sectors of society came yesterday as the joint sitting of the House of Representatives and Senate wrapped up its debate on the proposed six-point charter amendment.
       The proposed amendments deal with the selection of MPs and senators, a requirement for parliament to approve international contracts, the dissolution of political parties, and MPs' intervention in the administration and budgeting of government projects.
       Critics see the proposed changes as an attempt by politicians to change the rules to serve their own purposes.
       The government whip is also considering an idea to form a new constitution drafting assembly to take charge of the charter rewrite after the joint sitting ended.
       Senator Paiboon Nititawam said the six-point proposal by the joint committee on national reconciliation and consti-tutional amendments needed a review because it lacked public input.
       He suggested the prime minister appoint a 40-member panel to study the six-point proposal and find out what else should be amended. Their conclusion should go before a hearing.
       Mr Paiboon said the proposed independent committee was not the same as a new constitution drafting assembly,and the prime minister should consider his group's idea as an alternative.
       However, Mr Paiboon said he was also keen on the idea to have a fresh assembly to rewrite the charter but noted that all proposed amendments should be put to a referendum.
       Opposition MPs yesterday poured scorn on the government whip's suggestion that a new assembly be formed.
       Puea Thai Party MP for Chiang Mai Surapong Towijakchaikul said the proposal was just a government attempt to buy time and prolong its stay in power.
       Opposition chief whip Witthaya Buranasiri also disagreed with the proposal, saying amending the charter was part of the work of MPs and senators."What are we doing here if we don't do the job?" Mr Witthaya asked.
       "The people have elected us. Why shouldn't we use the mandate?"