re: "Saving the amnesty bill" (BP, Editorial, October 9, 2023)
Dear editor,
In its call to remove Section 112 offences from Move Forward's proposed amnesty bill, the Bangkok Post fails to even mention such considerations as justice, democratic principle, or good public morals. Does the editor think such things irrelevant to good law?
It is widely held that Section 112 of the Criminal Code, long enshrined by mythic claims in a position of impunity, is used as a political weapon to intimidate, to harass and to suppress the healthy open dialogue that is a cornerstone of any functioning democracy. This rejection of the possibility of respectful discussion has long been toxic for society, as the editorial itself attests.
The Post claims that granting an amnesty to those who did nothing more than peacefully express an honest opinion is so "controversial ... [it] could in fact spark new conflicts." Not a shred of evidence is presented for this claim. To the best of my knowledge, there is no evidence to suggest that a solid majority of Thais do not already solidly support the reform of these socially harmful laws that are morally indefensible, with only a rag tag of very loud zealots opposing it from whatever motives. Or I have I missed some relevant polls of public opinion on the matter?
Move Forward is right to include Section 112 offenders in its amnesty bill. Unlike dubious populist policies promising easy money, this policy is deservedly popular only for good reasons: it is just, it comports with democratic principle, and it will improve public morals by encouraging the open dialogue essential to informed opinion on any topic.
It must, nonetheless, be admitted that, as the editor notes, "the progressive party [Move Forward] stands to benefit for gaining popularity among its supporters." This is natural and proper. Policies that support justice, that improve democracy, and that strengthen good public morals, deserve support. They should be popular and political parties proposing them fully deserve support from the electorate.
The Post should be encouraging passage of this bill in its current form.
Felix Qui
_______________________________
The above letter to the editor is the text as submitted by Felix Qui to the Bangkok Post.
The text as edited was published in PostBag on October 10, 2023, under the title "Beyond populism" at https://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/postbag/2661013/beyond-populism
No comments:
Post a Comment
However strongly dissenting or concurring, politely worded comments are welcome.
Please note, however, that, due to Felix Qui's liability for them, comments must comply with Thai law, and are moderated accordingly.