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