Anutin Defends Ministry After Ex-Secretary's Criticism
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul defended the Interior Ministry after its former permanent secretary, Sutthipong Juljarern, criticized its performance. He said officials who are doing well should rejoice and share merit, while those falling short should heed senior advice. Anutin insisted his comments were not politically driven and urged the current permanent secretary to clarify the ministry’s direction to his predecessor.
Anutin said he had been shown a clip in which Sutthipong criticized the ministry’s permanent staff, not politicians. He added that Sutthipong’s former subordinates should accept the criticism and act on his teachings, but if they believe they are doing well they should speak up. When asked whether the ministry needs tighter supervision after the former chief’s comments, Anutin said the current permanent secretary must handle the matter and explain to his predecessor whether the ministry has improved or deteriorated. He noted that the two officials are already like senior and junior colleagues. Regarding morale, Anutin asked what there was to feel demoralized about, stating that if no wrongdoing had occurred there was no reason to lose heart, but if mistakes had been made they should listen to the former permanent secretary’s guidance as a senior figure. He concluded that if officials are already doing good they should simply rejoice and share merit.
