People’s Party (PP) MP Rangsiman Rome insisted that the move by 44 former MPs of the now-dissolved Move Forward Party (MFP) to seek amendments to the lese majeste law did not breach ethical standards.
Mr Rangsiman, one of the 44 being investigated by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), said on Thursday that the amendment proposal was conducted transparently, through proper parliamentary procedures and in accordance with the MPs’ duties.
He also noted that the amendment bill had never been formally placed on the House agenda.
He made the statement as the probe is drawing to a close, probably by next month or in December.
Mr Rangsiman called on the public to avoid rushing to the conclusion that these former MPs would be found in the wrong, saying the assumption would imply that a proper justice process did not exist.
“Many of us have been accused, and we deserve the right to explain ourselves. To be fair, the NACC has given us time, so let’s not jump to the conclusion that we will be found guilty,” he said.
He expressed hope that both state authorities and the NACC would perform their duties impartially, free from political motivation or bias.
The NACC probe followed a Constitutional Court ruling on Jan 31 last year, which found that the MFP’s push to amend the lese majeste law, or Section 112 of the Criminal Code, was deemed an attempt to undermine the constitutional monarchy.
Mr Rangsiman also denied rumours that the PP, an offshoot of the MFP, had sought help from the ruling Bhumjaithai Party over the matter.
The PP MP’s remarks came as Surapong Intarathawon, spokesman of the Office of the NACC, said the accused were formally informed of the charges and given 15 days to submit explanations.
He said the inquiry panel would review all statements before presenting its findings to the full commission.