Kem Sokha is sure about forming his political party, could consider working from within another political party

Friday-Sunday, January 12-14, 2007
Will Kem Sokha create his own party?

By KS
Cambodge Soir
Translated from French by Luc Sâr

It has been months since this question stirred the political arena. According to Kem Sokha, the answer is yes and it would only be a question of time. “According to our observations, Cambodia needs democracy. A democratic party is needed to serve the interests of the citizens and the real interests of the nation,” Kem Sokha explained. The Cambodian Center for Human Rights (CCHR) president explained that he was enticed to enter politics not only by overseas Cambodians, but also by people inside the country. Since its formation, CCHR had sensitized the population to the fight against corruption, and land-grabbing, and to the protection of human rights in public forums. Through this experience, Kem Sokha believes that those who are over 50-year-old are more attuned to the ideas he put forward than those younger than that. “When one is in politics, one is not sure to win. One must earn the confidence of the people, make them understand that democracy does not mean voting for those who distribute gifts,” the former Funcinpec Senator noted. Lack of human resources and the “political climate fostered by the National Election Committee” could foil his plans. Kem Sokha could then consider working from within another party. “But CCHR will remain neutral, at the service of Cambodians,” Kem Sokha assured.