Ruling MP Defends Ministers Skipping Live Questions
A ruling party MP defended ministers against accusations of dodging live parliamentary questions, citing scheduling conflicts and tight preparation time, while urging the opposition to stop using the issue for political gain.
On July 4, 2569, Akkharadet Wongphitakrojon, Ratchaburi MP from the Bhumjaithai Party, responded to criticism by Phakdi Watchrasindu, a list-based MP from the People's Party, who accused government ministers of dodging live parliamentary questions. Akkharadet said the opposition should stop using the issue for political games, noting the government consistently takes questions seriously and ministers regularly appear to respond.
Akkharadet stated that the Prime Minister has continuously ordered the cabinet to prioritize responding to parliamentary members, making accusations of evasion unfair. Live questions differ from regular ones, he noted, as ministers receive only a few hours' notice in the morning before the session, sometimes conflicting with unavoidable state business that cannot be postponed.
Regarding the Senate election case, Akkharadet said ministers have repeatedly explained and answered parliamentary questions about it. Since the case remains under Election Commission review and investigation, it should proceed through proper judicial channels, he argued.
He noted the Justice Minister regularly answers parliamentary questions and occasional schedule conflicts are understandable given the time constraints of live questioning versus pre-scheduled regular questions.
"The opposition should stop using ministers' absence from live questions to discredit the government, as this is unproductive politics," Akkharadet said. "Phakdi, as a new generation politician, should conduct straightforward politics rather than mislead the public into thinking ministers intentionally avoid questions, when the reality is that live questions have strict time limitations."
