By Kong Sothanarith
Cambodge Soir
Translated from French by KI Media
The SRP leadership committee had decided to suspend its participation in the [public] forum organized by the Cambodian Center for Human Rights (CCHR) of Kem Sokha. During these forums, people are invited to express their opinion on the situation of the country and its management, and to debate with elected representatives from the three political parties represented at the National Assembly. Since the adoption of the new SRP policy starting with the return of Sam Rainsy, its president, to the country, SRP estimated that it was unjustly treated in these forums and suspect that Kem Sokha is using this platform to compete on the political level. “First, in these forums, we were attacked and accused of lining up with the CPP as Funcinpec did. Then, they prevented our elected [members] to explain the truth of our policy. Therefore, it is useless for us to participate in these meetings,” Sam Rainsy explained. Nevertheless, the latter did not exclude that his party may come back on its decision should Kem Sokha’s CCHR clarifies its position on these two points.
“We are currently sending letters to all our militants to tell them not to go to these forums as long as there is no change,” Meng Rita, SRP provisional secretary-general, said. In addition to the criticisms raised in these forums against the new policy adopted by the SRP which prefers dialog with the CPP rather than confrontation, SRP leaders seem to be irritated by the possibility that CCHR can be used as a basis for the formation of a new political party to compete with SRP. “These forums serve to establish the popularity of Kem Sokha. His photos are being distributed there. He acts just like a politician. It is against NGO principles. We heard that he wanted to form a political party. That is not a danger for us. We are not afraid of competition if he creates a political party. On the other hand, if he is doing politics through a civil organization, it is not correct,” explained Meng Rita who reminded Kem Sokha not to forget that CCHR public consists of those close to the SRP.
Kem Sokha is defending himself by claiming that he has no political ambition. “I said 100 times that I did not want to create a political party. I told this personally to Sam Rainsy and to the public. And if I were to do that, I would lose the aid I receive from USAID and IRI,” Kem Sokha replied while repeating that these forums are opened to all.
“We are currently sending letters to all our militants to tell them not to go to these forums as long as there is no change,” Meng Rita, SRP provisional secretary-general, said. In addition to the criticisms raised in these forums against the new policy adopted by the SRP which prefers dialog with the CPP rather than confrontation, SRP leaders seem to be irritated by the possibility that CCHR can be used as a basis for the formation of a new political party to compete with SRP. “These forums serve to establish the popularity of Kem Sokha. His photos are being distributed there. He acts just like a politician. It is against NGO principles. We heard that he wanted to form a political party. That is not a danger for us. We are not afraid of competition if he creates a political party. On the other hand, if he is doing politics through a civil organization, it is not correct,” explained Meng Rita who reminded Kem Sokha not to forget that CCHR public consists of those close to the SRP.
Kem Sokha is defending himself by claiming that he has no political ambition. “I said 100 times that I did not want to create a political party. I told this personally to Sam Rainsy and to the public. And if I were to do that, I would lose the aid I receive from USAID and IRI,” Kem Sokha replied while repeating that these forums are opened to all.
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