Rasmei Kampuchea newspaper
Translated from Khmer by Socheata
A reliable source within the HRP indicated that Dr Lao Mong Hay, who is a well known person in the society, will join the HRP and will become a candidate for the position of chairman of the steering committee of the party led by Kem Sokha.
The same source claimed on 28 June, that Dr Lao Mong Hay will be nominated as chairman of the steering committee of the HRP led by party president Kem Sokha. In his position as chairman of the HRP steering committee, Dr Lao Mong Hay will be in charge of legal affairs as well as the party legislation. The same source indicated that Dr Lao Mong Hay himself used to say that he will receive this position, however, it is not known whether Dr Lao Mong Hay may have a change of heart or not.
Kem Sokha, HRP president, told Rasmei Kampuchea in the evening of 28 June that according to the party bylaws, he cannot be the chairman of the party steering committee and that someone else will fill in this position. However, he denied (that Dr Lao Mong Hay accepted this position) because Dr Lao Mong Hay did not made up his mind yet as he is still tied to his work contract with the Asian Human Rights Committee (AHRC) until next February. Nevertheless, Kem Sokha said that he discussed with Dr Lao Mong Hay about the formation of his party since the very beginning. Dr Lao Mong Hay is currently living in Hong Kong, working for AHRC,
According to the HRP bylaws, candidates to the position of chairman of the HRP steering committee must be proposed by members of the steering committee which numbers between 25 and 29. Kem Sokha said that his party will at least have two vice-presidents, and Keo Remy will be one of the candidates for the party vice-president position, whereas the candidate for the other vice-presidency position will be a Cambodian party supporter living overseas, a source indicated. As for the number of party vice-presidents, Kem Sokha said that his party has not made the final decision yet because the party is waiting to discuss this issue with other Cambodians coming from the USA and Canada.
Kem Sokha added that this issue will also be involved with the other 3 or 4 parties which will merge with the HRP. Kem Sokha refused to reveal the names of the parties saying that it will have to wait until these parties made the announcement of them merging with the HRP in July. Nevertheless, he said that these parties already met with him to discuss about the mergers.
The same source claimed on 28 June, that Dr Lao Mong Hay will be nominated as chairman of the steering committee of the HRP led by party president Kem Sokha. In his position as chairman of the HRP steering committee, Dr Lao Mong Hay will be in charge of legal affairs as well as the party legislation. The same source indicated that Dr Lao Mong Hay himself used to say that he will receive this position, however, it is not known whether Dr Lao Mong Hay may have a change of heart or not.
Kem Sokha, HRP president, told Rasmei Kampuchea in the evening of 28 June that according to the party bylaws, he cannot be the chairman of the party steering committee and that someone else will fill in this position. However, he denied (that Dr Lao Mong Hay accepted this position) because Dr Lao Mong Hay did not made up his mind yet as he is still tied to his work contract with the Asian Human Rights Committee (AHRC) until next February. Nevertheless, Kem Sokha said that he discussed with Dr Lao Mong Hay about the formation of his party since the very beginning. Dr Lao Mong Hay is currently living in Hong Kong, working for AHRC,
According to the HRP bylaws, candidates to the position of chairman of the HRP steering committee must be proposed by members of the steering committee which numbers between 25 and 29. Kem Sokha said that his party will at least have two vice-presidents, and Keo Remy will be one of the candidates for the party vice-president position, whereas the candidate for the other vice-presidency position will be a Cambodian party supporter living overseas, a source indicated. As for the number of party vice-presidents, Kem Sokha said that his party has not made the final decision yet because the party is waiting to discuss this issue with other Cambodians coming from the USA and Canada.
Kem Sokha added that this issue will also be involved with the other 3 or 4 parties which will merge with the HRP. Kem Sokha refused to reveal the names of the parties saying that it will have to wait until these parties made the announcement of them merging with the HRP in July. Nevertheless, he said that these parties already met with him to discuss about the mergers.
19 comments:
Dr. Lao Mong Hay, if you are a compatriot to Cambodia, please don't joint HRP. HRP is another political party formed by CPP. This is a trick by CPP to split the votes for true democracy. If you campaign hard for HRP, I assure you CPP will smile so hard that you can see their fangs. CPP thinks that you are not intelligent individual because you fall into their trap. HRP is CPP in disguise. Don't join if you want better things for your country.
Below is what Excellency Kem Sokha wrote to me following the Reaksmei Kampuchea report. I hope he would not mind me reproducing it here.
LAO Mong Hay, Hong Kong
"Dear Bong,
I want to clarify with you about an article today in Rasmey Kampuchea, stating that you would probably join HRP. The article claimed that someone from HRP said that you will join, but I did deny it when they interviewed me and made clear that you are still with an NGO and have not made any decision about joining politics.
I want you to know that I respect you and your decision to join or not to join HRP. I would not use your name without your consent.
I hope you understand.
Regards,
Sokha"
To Dr. Lao Mong Hay from a friend,
I know we had discussed about political parties in Cambodia and often the usual conclusion came to mind--most are not democratic.
In the short term, I think HRP could be dividing the votes from the SRP and therefore ensure a success of the CPP. But the more I know the SRP, the more of its leadership that I tried to work with, I came to came to realize that they are hitting a ceiling. Your decision to join or not join will be an important one. I assure you however that the structure of the HRP and its policies pass the "internal democracy" test. the check and balance is there and I believe that it will avoid another "one man show".
I truly wish that the HRP and SRP can join force or at the very least the SRP having some real reform internally. At this moment, they are not. Right now most of their leadership are brainless yes sir/ma'am people and the party is run by an autocratic family of Sam Rainsy and his wife.
SRP continues to resort to politic of destruction as seen here on KI, instead of trying to build a better team. They do not have clear policies on most issues. Their primary policy is to oppose others' policies. In this sense, SRP has been a good opposition and will remain that way. The question will then be--how long we can allow them to enjoy its monopoly rights on the "democrats". I do wish SRP the success (as compare to CPP they are hundreds times better) but I and many others I know begin to lose hope. The internal situation is now a mess--it is not a working party.
Regardless of your decision, I think you will continue to be a factor in Cambodia.
Please note that I am in the HRP and will not. I am an independent.
Regards,
A friend
i am not in hrp and will not.
Dear Dr. Lao Mong Hay:
It is a good news to hear that you will get involve in the political party since I learn that you committed to work for civil society rather than joining in any political party.
From my point of view, I think that this circumstance is a good time for democratic activists and nationalists have to get together to rebuild our beloved nation, not time to create too many parties like this. This is a sign shows that there is no national unity among our compatriots at all. I still wonder why Mr. Kem Sokha becomes such guy? He does not know about the situation at all. I acknowledge that he really loves our beloved country, our people, but why not join other democratic party? He said that there is no real democratic party at all in Cambodia. I agree. Of course, there is no one is perfect in the world, even he, Kem Sokha himself. But those who dedicate themself as democrats can be complement. I do not belong to any political parties, but I really disappoint with Mr. Kem Sokha and even you, in case you join him, even though I am always Kem Sokha's and your supporter
Best regards,
SMN
Dear Lok Pou Lao Mong Hay,
How are you?
Frankly, I do respect your decision to join any political party, but to join the HRP is not the right choice.
I honestly respect Lok Pou Kem Sokha as he has been working hard for promoting democracy and human rights respect in our country, yet his recently statment didnt show his leadership and honesty to the country and Cambodian people at all - (1) he baosts too much, (2) he speaks the same way as hun sen (he accused CHRAC as a group of NGOs which didnt reflect the majority), (3) he attacks only the democrats but not the communist, (4) the $ US 90000 he recieved from USA is in a big doubt, (6) he breaks his promise which he kept saying before that would not join politics anymore, (7) his political platform as many unclear policy ex. about border resolution and illegal immigration.
With this I think it would be better for you to work as NGOs for you can help Cambodian independently coz you are really a dignified, an example, reasonable person for our country and pls dnt mess up with them.
Deepest regards,
from PP
HEY! HeY! HA Ha! to all of you guys above, who oppose Dr.Loa and Mr. Kem to be involve in Cambodia Politic!
You think, we are all Cambodian shoul do the social work and pro mote democracy ( how to promot it? - keep talking?) and left the politic of Cambodia to who?
Remember 1993 when only one freedome loving party won over the communist CCP? - what is it, now?
Remember the golden year of Sankum-Reasniyum, one wrong move we all go to war and lead to all thos shit age of Pol Pot! - Do not get all your eggs in one basket, fool!
try starting do thing right from the first place it may lead to some thing right leter on. Belive in democracy is belive in multiple party and mutiple leader!
"Roum knea chea tlong mouy chis kor reas" is shit old idea fool!!!!
Location of Cambodia:
Southeastern Asia, bordering the Gulf of Thailand, between Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos
Geographic coordinates:
13 00 N, 105 00 E
Map references:
Southeast Asia
Area:
total: 181,040 sq km
land: 176,520 sq km
water: 4,520 sq km
Area - comparative:
slightly smaller than Oklahoma
Land boundaries:
total: 2,572 km
border countries: Laos 541 km, Thailand 803 km, Vietnam 1,228 km
Coastline:
443 km
Maritime claims:
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm
To whom it may concern:
Everybody wants to rule the world, but in this case Cambodia. Why is Cambodia so important for men to fight amongst themselves? Cambodia culture was taken from the eastern border;land was taken from the western border, while CPP drank the blood of the people.
SRP does have an internal problem, it is known, but unsaid that Sam Rainsy only listen to himself and that his wife is his own challenger (for herself image). HRP is not perfect, its a new party with many holes, many unclear messages, and many people who wants to join but are still questioning their motives. Sure there are rumors that HRP is the puppet of Hun Sen, but these are rumors, spread by the fearful; not facts. One thing for sure HRP is not the Opposition, its an INclusion party.
I think that Khmer people are full blatenly scary and a mythical believer. Sometimes, they heard of black magic or someone intimidate them. They run and hide in a chicken coop. They (Khmers) are egotistical and internally battle among their citizens. They are borned to destroy themselve. That is why they allow whoever to come into the country and do whatever they please.
Next, the Thais/Vietnameses/Laotians will dump thrashes/chemical wastes/sewage in Khmerland. No one will care because they ONLY think about themselve.
Khmers are introvert and egotistical being.
Dear Dr.Lao and All Khmer Compatriots:
I perceive now Dr.Lao's position is not different from Lok Khem Sokha. While Mr.Khem worked in NGOs to promote democracy, he turned to create a political party seems like to demolish democracy...this statement is logically true.
Now, respected Dr.Lao would decide that he will continue to work with NGOs as democratic activist or join political party. It is his personal decision, but to choose a wrong political party would be hurtful for Cambodian people and himself.
I heard several times the seriously words of Hun Sen implicitly abused Dr.Lao. Such activity, Hun Sen knows that Dr. Lao is his sharp critic who always criticize his wrong behaviour and human rights abuses. And it is implicitly urging Dr.Lao to join politics.
Among democratic parties now, I suggest Dr.Lao to join SRP that no party is perfect, but SRP has passed several tests, stages and has faced tremendous critical experiences. If Dr.Lao join as senior member there, SRP will become stronger and more reliable than present time.
HRP is notorious fo its appearance:
1. Name of the party is intentionally degrading the human rights activities of NGOs in Cambodia
2. This party according to the speech of its leader is baseless and empty hand...all I heard mostly is bragging party/himself of superior than others.
3. There is doubtful about its involving with CPP in intending to destroy the voice of democracy.
KY
Hi Guys
To whom who support SRP,I think you may not know much about SRP and Sam Rainsy himself.You better ask somebody inside the Party.For the party name,do you want Kem Sokha change his party name to Kem Sokha Party like your favor Party SRP?.Before criticized anyone you better look yourself first.Stop advice Dr Lao because he knowdledge enough about the Cambodia Politics.Stop do negatif campaign against Kem sokha and HRP.
Ky 1:47Am what a crap " Work for NGO to promote democracy, he turned to create a political party seems like to demolish democracy.. this statement is logicaly true"
What true about it? it sound ilogical and fool!
Can he help democray a litle farther and more pratical? Or hi only alow to only teach for the rest of his life? and let CPP or Funsunwhat, NRP and SRP do the same thing years and years?
I guarantee the votes will be split amongst the democratic parties if we have another party claiming to be democratic. Therefore, there would not be a fight chance against the CPP. You have to understand that they pull all kind of tricks to stay in power so that they can get even wealthier. They have no shame, they forced old and young people alike to drink holy water and take an oath to vote for them. For those people who do not support CPP, they will not be provided with aid during flood, irrigation during drought, adequate school for their children, medical care for the sicks, and etc. The democratic people from the provinces that have medical problems, in addition to many other problems, are being taken care by the SRP even if they can't afford medical expenses. The SRP do what they can with little money that they have to save the people. If the CPP cares about the country or the people, the country would have been much better of than it is right now; the people would not have to go through so much pain everyday. They would not threaten people to vote for them; they would take care of the sick, they would provide irrigation for all the farmers, it doesn't matter which party they are in; they would see all the elements that it takes to eleviate the nation from hell. We can criticize about what's wrong with SRP all day long, but CPP is much worst than SRP, and the HRP is all talk with no action. Having said that, I know that if SRP wins, we will have cleaner street, less crime, better economy, corrupted official will be jobless, clean drinking water and sewage system, electricity throghout the provinces, medical attention for the poors, and the list goes on and on. SRP knows what it takes for Cambodia to become a better and secure nation like it once was. We all agree that there are alot of problems in Cambodia because of the current government. The officials said that they are working on the problems, it takes time. In the mean time, their bank account is bursting with dollar bills, the majority of the people are poor, the rain forest is being cut by the leaders, the aid money from international communities is being paid to 2nd and 3rd wife of the government officials. It is not going to the poors or the nation. Subsequently, Cambodia will be the same if CPP stays in power. If they win, we can criticize them all day long, but it doesn't matter because they're still in power and you can't do anything to change their routine; they can do whatever they want to do like the way it is right now. They can put your relatives in jail at anytime, people lock their homes with 2 to 3 locks and metal bars on the windows because of uncontrolable crimes, The only crime that is controllabe is crime against CPP (defamation), the list goes on and on. Remember, Kem Sokha was jailed for critizing the government. Jail is being used by hun sen to have intellegent people with bachelor, master, and PhD degrees kneel in front of him and beg his forgiveness for the crime they didn't commit. It doesn't matter how educated you are, your education will not save you from hun sen's ignorance and yourself worth is at the bottom of the ocean. As for Kim Sokha case, he has to pay him back for letting him out of jail. Hun Sen can only get his returns by staying in power. Kim Sokha is obligated do that. At the end, like someone had said, nothing in life is perfect, but I said, choose a choice so that life can be less imperfect.
Dear 3:17 & 3:23
I am an independent person who has no political parties in mind, and not get involved with any party. But from outsider, I can see and predict the future...if I am not right, I think some aspect can tell me the truth.
As I know the history, firstly Khmer Nation Party, when it is stolen and lost in the ruberstamped court of PP, he has changed to use his own name to protect from future betrayal.
So this is accurate reason to put his name as a party...but in the future when it becomes stabler, he tends to change it I think.
I have no right to guide or instruct Dr.Lao who is full of knowledge and national patriot. But I used the word suggestion and sharing opinion with him.
He still has his own choice and decision.
We can say one word that "more Khem Sokha or HRP competes with democratic parties, more worse democratization in Cambodia".
KY
Kem Sokha is a corrupt and the self-centered leader.
Wherever he works for or joins, it will be disappeared.
He is always a jumping frog!
Support to KY (12:49PM),
You are absolute right about SRP. The reason he had to put the party under his name is because PP Election Committee was conspired with CPP creating alot of complication and bring on suhc excuses. Believe me he will sure change the Party's name.
You what? If Sam Rainsy was a real democracy supporter, he would establish a system that all his party members to elect the party leader. And if he was popular enough among his party member (or if he was confident and secure enough), no one could ever steel his party (because if the party leader has to be elected, then who could steel his party? I bet only the person who is more popular and liked by his party member could be the party leader). The Khmer Nation Party was stolen because it didn't have a system that allows party members to elect the party leader, so whoever became powerful or was supported by CPP could take control over the party. This is Rainsy's bad karma. He can't blame anyone.
And to Dr Lao, I know that you're smart enough to figure out that SRP isn't a place for a democracy supporter like you. I am not encouraging you join HRP, but I am begging to think carefully before you reject HRP's (I wouldn't say Mr. Kem Sokha's because HRP is not only about Mr. Kem Sokha, but it's about a group of people who want democracy) proposal.
I know Kem Sokha maybe genuine about helping out Cambodia, but i think Cambodians need to see the practical first when voting. Right now most of Cambodia's money are from outside donors.
The SRP has the most experience and professionalism with the international community, from the U.S Congress, to European Union Parliaments, Allieance Asian Democractic Leagues etc. the SRP has really built a strong base of support for Cambodia in the international stage. I can see that this relationship will be very important for Cambodia's future developments, projects and investment.
I do not say that Kem Sokha is incapable, but he does not have world wide connections and would have to start from the beginning. Building a relationship is not a peace of cake, it takes years.
So with this in mind, for the benefit of Cambodian people, i say Kem Sokha accept Mo Sochua's invitation from the SRP party to join democractic alliances to build strength in votes to overturn the current government of Cambodia and help bring Cambodia out of this dark age.
I would implore that all ambitious politicians think about this, about Cambodia's future first. Help succeed with what we have instead of reegineering everything from the beginning.
Please put your differences aside to think through your goals and make policies within your parties to solidify that future.
Cambodian children are hungry and thirsty for democracy.
I support SRP. It has the potential, especially with more help with smart democratic like minded people, if there is anything, i am confident SRP will change with these help for the best. It is the only experience party with a clear vision for Cambodia right now.
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