Manit resignation imminent; PM Abhisit speech set scene for Cabinet reshuffle

BANGKOK, Jan 10 (TNA) – A Cabinet reshuffle appears imminent following the resignation of the minister of public health late last month to take responsibility for ‘management flaws’ in the ministry’s projects under the Bt86 billion stimulus packages, said Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Sunday morning.

The resignation of Deputy Health Minister Manit Nop-amornbodi was to follow Sunday, an action announced after the prime minister’s earlier broadcast.

Speaking during his weekly television and radio address, Mr. Abhisit repeated the news that he had ordered both former public health minister Witthaya Kaewparadai and his deputy to take responsibility after the scandal was discovered by an independent committee.

He said that in his government and for the country the public display of “political responsibility” is of much higher priority than the actual legal actions. In his broadcast he said the fate of Mr. Manit would be known within the “next one or two days,” but he statement was overtaken by Mr. Manit’s announced resignation.

Public Health Minister Wittaya Kaewparadai resigned from his post on December 29 and current Education Minister Jurin Laksanawisit of the ruling Democrat Party is tipped to take over his post.

His deputy Mr. Manit last Wednesday submitted a letter to Mr. Abhisit via the Secretariat of the Cabinet asking for 30 days leave to allow the government-appointed panel to carry investigate without political intervention, effective Thursday, but his request was turned down.

Mr. Manit told a news conference that the allegation that he was involved with the irregularities in disbursements of the ministry’s funds is groundless as no funds designated for ministry projects were held back.

Emphasising that his government will continue to investigate any projects accused of not being transparent, Mr. Abhisit said both accused or involved would have an opportunity to defend themselves and receive justice. “Everything will be cleared this week.” (TNA)