Written by Meas Sokchea
The Phnom Penh Post
THE OPPOSITION Human Rights Party held firm on their commitment to boycott Wednesday's opening session of the National Assembly, despite a last-minute deal that saw Sam Rainsy Party members change their stance.
HRP President Kem Sokha could not be reached for comment Wednesday, but Secretary General Yem Ponharith told the Post their boycott was still in place as they continue to wait for a response from King Norodom Sihamoni to their request for a separate swearing-in ceremony.
"We have not changed our stance on the boycott," he said. "We want the Cambodian people to be clear about our position. The SRP decided to attend, and that is their right. But our alliance remains strong."
He said the SRP informed him of their decision to attend on Tuesday night, but that both parties remain committed to resolving their disputes over July's national elections.
Prime Minister Hun Sen joked with reporters about the absence of HRP members following Wednesday's inauguration.
"All political parties participated in the first session [but] I received word that HRP President Kem Sokha and his entourage got stuck in traffic, meaning that he tried to attend but was a bit late making his decision," Hun Sen said.
Yem Ponharith dismissed the prime minister's comments, saying all party members were firmly behind the boycott and had remained at party headquarters.
"I heard about the prime minister's comments. I don't know who could have told him this, but it is untrue," he said.
Puthea Hang, executive director of the Cambodian election monitor Nicfec, said Wednesday that SRP members chose not to wear the proper uniform of elected parliamentarians, suggesting they were not entirely happy about attending the session.
He said they decided to attend to show their respect for the people who voted for them.
The HRP, one of the newest entrants in Cambodia's political arena, won three of the National Assembly's 123 seats.
But the party risks losing them because of its decision to skip Wednesday's ceremony.
Government officials had earlier said any party that refused to attend the swearing-in would be stripped of its posts.
HRP President Kem Sokha could not be reached for comment Wednesday, but Secretary General Yem Ponharith told the Post their boycott was still in place as they continue to wait for a response from King Norodom Sihamoni to their request for a separate swearing-in ceremony.
"We have not changed our stance on the boycott," he said. "We want the Cambodian people to be clear about our position. The SRP decided to attend, and that is their right. But our alliance remains strong."
He said the SRP informed him of their decision to attend on Tuesday night, but that both parties remain committed to resolving their disputes over July's national elections.
Prime Minister Hun Sen joked with reporters about the absence of HRP members following Wednesday's inauguration.
"All political parties participated in the first session [but] I received word that HRP President Kem Sokha and his entourage got stuck in traffic, meaning that he tried to attend but was a bit late making his decision," Hun Sen said.
Yem Ponharith dismissed the prime minister's comments, saying all party members were firmly behind the boycott and had remained at party headquarters.
"I heard about the prime minister's comments. I don't know who could have told him this, but it is untrue," he said.
Puthea Hang, executive director of the Cambodian election monitor Nicfec, said Wednesday that SRP members chose not to wear the proper uniform of elected parliamentarians, suggesting they were not entirely happy about attending the session.
He said they decided to attend to show their respect for the people who voted for them.
The HRP, one of the newest entrants in Cambodia's political arena, won three of the National Assembly's 123 seats.
But the party risks losing them because of its decision to skip Wednesday's ceremony.
Government officials had earlier said any party that refused to attend the swearing-in would be stripped of its posts.
14 comments:
HRP has no credible to stand alone for this matter. There is something that little voice may be an advantage to stand alone but not this circumstance.
HRP need to learn a lot about politic.
The strategy was devised and planned by Hun Sen's advisors. In fact, this is a business as usual for the ruling party. Nice job, Mr. Kem. Of course, you were told by your new boss (Hun Sen).
11:26AM
Are you the insider?
I agreed with u.
11:37 AM
I'm a traitor for the people of Cambodia.
Former CPP high-ranking official
Hun Sen is a tricky and, yet, a clever man. However, the internal conflicts within CPP the next 5 years will be chaos; the CPP will divide into various factions and each will out-maneuver other for the power and up-coming oil revenue. Hun Sen will continue with iron-fist to suppress his adversary and may grip on leadership only if Hanoi approval.
It's only a personal observation.
The strategy was ingeniously cogitated and devised by Hun Sen's senior advisors. In fact, for the ruling party, this has always been a business as USUAL. Moreover, this is a truly remarkable execution by a new additon (Mr. Kem Sokha)CPP member. Of course, Mr. Kem, you were SPECIFICALLY instructed by Mr. Hun Sen to do what you were told in an effort to make Mr. Rainsy looks like an idiot. That said, Mr. Kith Meng negoitiated the deal with Mr. Raimsy (not you -- Mr. Kem).
Mr. kem, you have betrayed your party and the people of Cambodia, and you ought to be abashed of your dirty trick.
The Insider
Kem Sokha should be the next main opposition.
5:24 PM
You think?!
Well, it's about time we have a fresh blood to challenge the ruling party. The SRP had enough. They all worn out. It is inhumane to let them to continue to torture themselves. The don't have the slightest chance. So why wasting time and money on them? Isn't that a bit silly?
Good to see a man nowaday who stand by his words. I applause you and your party members.
Its also good to hear the continuation of the unity between the two parties.
Wrong Wrong Wrong.....
None of them work for Hun Sen. These two guys tried to compete each other for a wrong reason. However, they learned their lesson after the election. Then they formed the alliance. Now Hun Sen tries to divide them as usual.
We, khmer people, used to think that Khmer leaders have been playing politics. No, everything is just straight forward. If they hate each other, they hate. If they love, they love. If Hun Sen tries to set a fire, he set a fire.
Inside SRP,
Continuation of the unity between the two parties? Someone got serious medical issue here.
You are elected to serve the country and the population you supposed to represent, and the population of the whole country, as a people of nation. Unless you do not agree with the constitution, the King, the National Assembly are sacred in Cambodian Constitution. Otherwise, its the law of the jungle. Your ego should not be more important than the constitution... Democracy is always a work in progress. No country in the world can get to the perfection overnight. Be patient and plays the game. That would be the smartest thing to do.
What Cambodian population will get from the boycott, that's the question. Cambodia has experienced of too many failed politicians.
i'm sorry, but with only 3 seats in gov't, why bother to boycott. please think about it; could it change the majority victory? god bless cambodia.
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