From the Thai-language
press: Matichon editorial: Quality of a Minister
- November 17, 2005
[Wattana Muaangsuk is a traditional Thai politician
who has to be included in the cabinet because of
power considerations instead of finesse as a minister.
Since taking over the Ministry of Social Development
and Human Security, he has presented a variety of
out-of-touch ideas such as shining spotlights on
people going into hotels on Loy Krathong and that
wives should prostrate themselves before their husbands
before sleeping. The Thai-language press loves to
heap withering criticisms on such hapless politicians.]
Mr. Wattana Muaangsuk may have good qualities otherwise
Thaksin Shinawatra may not have set him up him to
be in cabinet since Thaksin 1. He used to be the
Minister of Commerce and Industry. In Thaksin 2,
he is a minister of Social Development and Human
Security. When he was in this position, he proposed
ideas that were protested from many sides in society.
A suitable name for him is Lighting Rod Minister
because his ideas have been obstructed from all
over the country. It seems he wants to send a signal
to the PM to know that he is in the wrong position
or sits in the wrong musical chair. If it is, Mr.
Wattana dares to risk himself with the pain from
the objections from the public and this is a risk
for PM to consider. If PM chooses the retire him,
Mr. Wattana will have no chance to present his strange
ideas.
The mission of the ministry is taking care six groups--children
and youth, women, old people, disabled and disadvantaged
and minority groups which are a big issue and need
to brainstorm by government officials, NGOs
experience and then combine and cooperate with many
ministries such as Education, Culture, Interior
and Royal Thai Police, etc.
Giving out the daily idea and being criticized by
society and then waiting for the PM's consideration,
Wattana cancels the idea if the PM does not agree
with it. This is too easy for the person who comes
to govern and administrate policy.
Thaksin said and declared louder for the second
cabinet to assess the ministers' work after three
months. But three, then six months passed and now
it will be nine months. What it is not deniable
is that many ministers have no good for the people
and some ministers present the idea that is not
believable. These ministers focus on the micro not
macro. Some are not remembered by the people.
Instead of complaining that he has to be responsible
for everything, the PM should check if the ministers
if good enough quality. If they have no quality
or no skill, they should be removed. Because this
does not only obstruct the good and skillful people,
but also destroys the nations occasion to
get development from the ministers work.
Quality of a Minister
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