It's rule of law versus personality

It's rule of law versus personality

BANGKOK: For four months, the Constitution Court has been
biting the bullet under constant pressure from the supporters of
Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. After some initial reluctance,
Thaksin finally decided to appear before the court, and when he
did yesterday, thousands of supporters turned out to cheer him.
He said public opinion polls, which showed most Thais wanted him
to testify before the court, had influenced him to do so.

Thaksin is the first Thai leader to defend himself in the
court. He is popular, there's no doubt of that. He knows how to
give short, sharp quotes for the media and focus his attention on
the have-nots. He gives them hope.

So, it's little wonder his supporters are hoping that their
strong feeling and mass rallies can influence the court's
decision. Essentially, they are saying if Thaksin is found
guilty, the country will go down with him. Meanwhile, the
influential business community is also putting its weight behind
him.

Now that both sides have concluded their arguments, the court
judges will have ample time to consider the prime minister's
share-transfers. It is expected that they will return a verdict
within a month on whether to uphold the National Counter
Corruption Commission (NCCC)'s decision on Thaksin.

When the NCCC's Klanarong Chantik took the floor with the
prime minister in the court room, it was a moment of truth of
sorts: the highest court of the land hearing the country's
paramount leader.

Klanarong took 20 minutes to present his case against the
prime minister, whom he accused of asset concealment. An
unassuming man, but tough-talking and methodical, he presented
his case professionally and stated his arguments with a crisp and
clear voice.

He wrapped up by saying that he too loves the country,
reiterating with a passionate voice that the constitution is the
highest law of the land, which every Thai must abide by.
In contrast, the accused came to the Constitution Court like a
star. He walked in, waved, smiled and shook hands with onlookers
who crowded the narrow street leading to the court. His
supporters handed him garlands and flowers and wished him good
luck.

The prime minister walked through the thick crowd, arriving in
the court room almost 20 minutes late. When Klanarong was allowed
to speak, Thaksin's lawyer asked for permission to allow his
client to leave the room. Outside the court, he waved to his
supporters as Klanarong delivered his testimony.

Then it was Thaksin's turn. In consummate style, he put
forward his case in layman's terms, punctured with personal
history. He played to viewers around the country, making sure
they understood the court proceedings. He shed tears towards the
end and then emerged without any trace. Throughout his testimony,
he insisted that he did not conceal his assets.

He chose his words carefully, saying he had only made "honest
mistakes". Thaksin wrapped up his presentation by passing the
buck to the court, saying it was up to the judges to decide
whether he should be allowed to carry out the task mandated to
him by the people, or end his reign prematurely.

A lot rides on what the court decides. In a few weeks we will
know whether Thailand can show the world that it is a country
that adheres to the principles of democracy, that it is a country
with a rule of law based on righteousness, not on personality.
This is the system versus an individual, and it will have far-
reaching implications.

Thailand has come a long way in its efforts to promote good
governance and transparency. The court's verdict will serve as a
barometer of the maturity of our political system and the quality
of its citizens.

-- The Nation/Asia News Network