Opposition Party Secretary-General ResignsBy Seng Ratana, VOA Khmer
Original report from Phnom Penh
19 August 2008
Eng Chhay Ieng, who had been the secretary-general of the Sam Rainsy Party, has chosen to resign, following disappointing results in July's election
Eng Chhay Ieng, who had campaigned in Battambang province, said that the election had only resulted in two seats for the party there, the same number of seats as in the previous government.
The resignation comes as the Sam Rainsy Party continues to boycott July's election results.
Eng Chhay Ieng said he was stepping aside to make room for others, but he would not leave the party. He did not know who would replace him, but he said the party has many people capable of doing the job.
Eng Chhay Ieng had been criticized within the party and publicly by Prime Minister Hun Sen for excessive gambling. However, he said Tuesday the gambling accusations were not a reason for his resignation, and that he had now stopped the habit.
Eng Chhay Ieng resigned from his position in 2005, following gambling accusations, but he took up the position again in 2006.
Chea Vannath, former director of the Center for Social Development, said the resignation would bring two positive developments to the opposition party.
Firstly, it will reduce internal tensions within the party, she said. Secondly, Eng Chhay Ieng's willingness to resign rather than struggle for power would set a good example for others in the party.
Government spokesman Khieu Kanharith said Tuesday the Sam Rainsy Party had suffered weakened support because of its election strategy, not because of Eng Chhay Ieng.
Opposition leader Sam Rainsy could not be reached for comment.
Eng Chhay Ieng, who had campaigned in Battambang province, said that the election had only resulted in two seats for the party there, the same number of seats as in the previous government.
The resignation comes as the Sam Rainsy Party continues to boycott July's election results.
Eng Chhay Ieng said he was stepping aside to make room for others, but he would not leave the party. He did not know who would replace him, but he said the party has many people capable of doing the job.
Eng Chhay Ieng had been criticized within the party and publicly by Prime Minister Hun Sen for excessive gambling. However, he said Tuesday the gambling accusations were not a reason for his resignation, and that he had now stopped the habit.
Eng Chhay Ieng resigned from his position in 2005, following gambling accusations, but he took up the position again in 2006.
Chea Vannath, former director of the Center for Social Development, said the resignation would bring two positive developments to the opposition party.
Firstly, it will reduce internal tensions within the party, she said. Secondly, Eng Chhay Ieng's willingness to resign rather than struggle for power would set a good example for others in the party.
Government spokesman Khieu Kanharith said Tuesday the Sam Rainsy Party had suffered weakened support because of its election strategy, not because of Eng Chhay Ieng.
Opposition leader Sam Rainsy could not be reached for comment.
11 comments:
for chang , that a smart decision for Mr Eng Chhay Ieng .
That's good the interest of the country first.
That a patriot.
Yes, a gambler has no room in the party, so voluntarily resign is a good move.
I believe My "ONG Lerng" Hun Sen should be learning from Mr.Eang Chay Eang.We really want young generation to take.......
Thank you Mr Eng Chhay Ieng for this fine example of sacrifiying your own differences FOR PUBLIC AND PARTY INTEREST.
This is real values that DOLLARS can't buy.
Neang SA
I think Eng Chhay Ieng resigns is not his sacrifies for the party but, ready to defect to CPP. I bet you one cent for $100. he is going to join Sok Anh.
He should have resigneda longtime ago. It is too late, the damage had been done.
Yes, I am not surprised if he 'd defect to the CPP before the next election. It is likley.
congratulation Mr. Eang...! Entering in the politics is to seek chance for power... This's the principle of politics everywhere in the world.
Now, He saw no chance to take power for SRP in immidiate future... Why he has to continue spending a lot of his money for supporting SRP without hoping to gain power...?
This business is a bit shady?
Why did he resign from this position at the wrong moment when SRP is fighting against the rigged election and need the unity.
Mr. Rainsy should follow Mr. Chang and let others do, and he should support behind in the party and be a senior advisor.
Rainsy be a senior advisor? He loves power too. He wants his name in the history says the loser in all elections.
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