Nhiek Bun Chhay in collusion with Hun Sen to replace F'pec gov't officials that Hun Sen and himself do not like?

PM Hun Sen asks to replace Funcinpec gov’t officials

19 Sept 06
By Pov Ponlok
Radio Free Asia
Translated from Khmer by Socheata

On 18 Sept, Prime Minister Hun Sen signed a letter requesting the interim head of state to shuffle 9 government secretaries to new position in various ministries.

The 9 officials involved and their new positions are:

1. Hem Savong, secretary of state at the Council of ministers,
2. Kao Sopha, secretary of state at the ministry of justice
3. Liv Ne, secretary of state at the ministry of defence
4. San Hiep, secretary of state at the ministry of interior
5. Thieng Vann Darong, secretary of state at the ministry of information
6. Chi Sorna, secretary of state at the ministry of labor and vocational training
7. Heng Sok Kong, secretary of state at the ministry of post and telecommunication
8. Yeng Mardi, secretary of state at the ministry of interior
9. Kuch Moly, deputy secretary-general of the Cambodian authority for the management of de-mining activity and rescue of handicapped people from landmines, with a rank of secretary of state.

At the same time, Prime Minister Hun Sen had also requested the president of the National Assembly to call for a session to approve the installation of 10 officials at the rank of minister or secretary of state in a number of ministries and department.

The newly nominated are:

1. Ly Thuch, a [Funcinpec] MP from Pursat and chairman of a National Assembly committee, who will replace [Funcinpec] Serey Kosal
2. Neov Suvathero nominated to the ministry of information, replacing Chea Chanboribo
3. Srey Channy nominated to the ministry of information, replacing Hor Sopheap
4. Sieng Kim Han nominated to the ministry of tourism, replacing Nuth Nin Doeun
5. Meach Sam Oan nominated to the ministry of justice, replacing Tout Lux
6. Chan Huon nominated to the ministry of justice, replacing Noeuv Kassy
7. Heng Buor nominated to the ministry of labor and vocational training, replacing Sok San
8. Sin Po nominated to the ministry of water resources and meteorology, replacing Tan Siphan
9. Chan Nora nominated to the ministry of commerce, replacing Nger Chhay Leang
10. Tea Then nominated to the ministry of education youth and sports, replacing Pok Than.

A source from Malaysia where Prince Ranariddh, Funcinpec president, is currently residing, said that in fact, the prince also received the letter from Nhiek Bun Chhay, Funcinpec secretary-general, on 19 Sept asking his agreement for the new nominations.

The same source positively confirmed that the letter the prince received on 19 Sept, in fact, Nhiek Bun Chhay wrote it since 17 Sept, the same day prime minister Hun Sen announced the sacking of senior Funcinpec officials.