PM denies stalling Yanyong job

       Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has denied meddling in the proposed appointment of a new commerce permanent secretary.
       The prime minister yesterday said the Commerce Ministry's proposal to name Yanyong Phuangrach, now director-general of the Internal Trade Department, for the ministry job was not tabled for cabinet consideration on Tuesday.
       He said the delay had nothing to do with the rice price intervention scheme or with a power play between himself and the Bhumjaithai Party over who controlled the Commerce Ministry.
       The Democrats and its coalition partner have locked horns over the crop subsidy programme and the appoint-ment of a new police chief to succeed outgoing Pol Gen Patcharawat Wongsuwon.
       It has been widely speculated Mr Yanyong's appointment had been put on hold by Mr Abhisit to make way for negotiations between the Democrats and Bhumjaithai over the nomination of the new police chief.
       Mr Abhisit's attempt to name Pol Gen Prateep Tunprasert the new police boss hit a snag last week when the Bhumjaithai Party rejected the nomination.
       Bhumjaithai was said to have backed Pol Gen Chumpol Manmai for the post.
       Deputy Commerce Minister Alongkorn Ponlaboot yesterday denied the delay in naming a permanent secretary had anything to do with police affairs.
       He said Mr Yanyong's appointment was expected to be submitted to the cabinet for consideration in two weeks.
       Commerce Minister Porntiva Nakasai yesterday said the ministry did not submit its nomination to the cabinet in time.
       She denied speculation about the link between Mr Yanyong's appointment and police matters.
       "The prime minister has not stepped into this. I have a free hand in picking a permanent secretary. There is no stalling," she said.
       Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said Mr Yanyong's nomination had not been brought before the cabinet.
       Mr Suthep criticised the media for what he said was wild speculation.