Midnight University's Press Statement
As the country is bracing for the constitution referendum, the powers that be have started to mischievously mobilize people to endorse the draft constitution which has so far failed to reflect people's opinions. Broadcasting media under the control of the army and certain televisions have been misused by the state to convey false messages that persuade people to endorse the draft 2007 constitution.
Two lies that the Midnight University would like to expose to public include;
1. The army's radio stations have broadcast songs to urge people to endorse the draft constitution in order to show their loyalty on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of His Majesty the King's birthday.
Actually, HM the King has so far carefully reserved his opinions regarding the endorsement of the draft constitution. The decisions made by public regarding the referendum shall not in anyway affect the monarch. This is a naked lie which has been made to get the monarchy meddled in politics. Should public be falsely misled to believe that it was HM's genuine interest to endorse the draft constitution it would have brought much disgrace to both the monarchy itself and democratization.
2. Some TV news anchors, members of the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) and the Constitutional Drafting Committee (CDC) always claim that if the draft constitution is not endorsed, election shall not be held. In fact, the 2006 Interim Constitution obviously states that should the public decide against the draft constitution, the Council of National Security (CNS) will choose one of the existing constitutions, amend it and put it into force within thirty days after the referendum. All previous constitutions (excluding those constitutions and charters proclaimed by the coup makers) have been drafted by the legislative assembly members who have been elected by people. Therefore, with the enforcement of any previous constitutions, election can be legitimately held.
It is possible that CNS may opt for the constitution which is less progressive than the draft 2007 constitution, or may choose to amend any previous constitution to serve their vested and unjust interests including fixing a transitory provision that puts the election off. However, given the much increased public awareness on people's determination regarding the new constitution, CNS shall not make their decisions regarding constitutional amendment in vacuum. People are then obliged to peacefully pressure for the most desirable constitution.
In other word, by choosing to reject the draft constitution, Thai public shall have more leverage form which they can work to bargain for a more desirable version of the constitution other than the one imposed by CNS. The rejection of the draft constitution shall send a strong signal to CNS and thus makes them heed more to people's voices. This way, public shall definitely gain more bargaining power than succumbing themselves to the draft constitution made by people who have been hand-picked by the coup makers.
Should the referendum be taking place to either endorse or reject the draft constitution, the process has to be organized in such a way that makes people confident in its fairness. All propagandas from the powers that be have to be avoided.
If you agree with this statement, the Midnight University would like to ask you to kindly distribute it far and wide through email or fax.
Translated by Pipob Udomittipong
