Written by Meas Sokchea
The Phnom Penh Post
Opposition lawmaker insists both parties must drop their defamation cases at the same time.
SAM Rainsy Party lawmaker Mu Sochua has said she will drop her defamation suit against Prime Minister Hun Sen if he does the same.
Mu Sochua said her offer followed a phone-in on Voice of America's Hello show, in which callers had asked her to focus instead on resolving issues of national importance.
"I can see that the people's request is correct," Mu Sochua told the Post Sunday. "Resolving issues such as the country's territorial integrity is more important."
But she said if Hun Sen refused to withdraw his case, then hers would proceed.
"I don't want to win or lose against Samdech Hun Sen, but if we withdraw,we must do it at the same time," she said. "We will do it for the nation and we will all win."
The two are suing each other for defamation after Mu Sochua said Hun Sen had referred to her in derogatory terms during a speech in Kampot. Hun Sen countersued, saying he was not referring to Mu Sochua.
Hun Sen's lawyer, Ky Tech, later announced he would ask the court to request parliament remove Mu Sochua's immunity from prosecution and said he had asked the Cambodian Bar Association to investigate her lawyer for defamation.
Ky Tech said Sunday he would report the offer, but said any decision rested with his client.
"I have no idea whether he will withdraw his case because it has caused him suffering," Ky Tech said. "As his lawyer, my job is just to report the facts."
The president of the Cambodian Centre for Human Rights, Ou Virak, said he would be sorry to see the case dropped.
"I don't believe that this offer follows a request by the people - she is doing it because she is scared," Ou Virak said. "The case should not be withdrawn. Let the court decide it - [Hun Sen] is being sued for just 500 riels. Let it be done properly."
Yang Kim Eng, president of the People's Centre for Development and Peace, said it was good that politicians settled their differences out of court, but felt that in this case intimidation was a significant factor behind the offer.
SAM Rainsy Party lawmaker Mu Sochua has said she will drop her defamation suit against Prime Minister Hun Sen if he does the same.
Mu Sochua said her offer followed a phone-in on Voice of America's Hello show, in which callers had asked her to focus instead on resolving issues of national importance.
"I can see that the people's request is correct," Mu Sochua told the Post Sunday. "Resolving issues such as the country's territorial integrity is more important."
But she said if Hun Sen refused to withdraw his case, then hers would proceed.
"I don't want to win or lose against Samdech Hun Sen, but if we withdraw,we must do it at the same time," she said. "We will do it for the nation and we will all win."
The two are suing each other for defamation after Mu Sochua said Hun Sen had referred to her in derogatory terms during a speech in Kampot. Hun Sen countersued, saying he was not referring to Mu Sochua.
Hun Sen's lawyer, Ky Tech, later announced he would ask the court to request parliament remove Mu Sochua's immunity from prosecution and said he had asked the Cambodian Bar Association to investigate her lawyer for defamation.
Ky Tech said Sunday he would report the offer, but said any decision rested with his client.
"I have no idea whether he will withdraw his case because it has caused him suffering," Ky Tech said. "As his lawyer, my job is just to report the facts."
The president of the Cambodian Centre for Human Rights, Ou Virak, said he would be sorry to see the case dropped.
"I don't believe that this offer follows a request by the people - she is doing it because she is scared," Ou Virak said. "The case should not be withdrawn. Let the court decide it - [Hun Sen] is being sued for just 500 riels. Let it be done properly."
Yang Kim Eng, president of the People's Centre for Development and Peace, said it was good that politicians settled their differences out of court, but felt that in this case intimidation was a significant factor behind the offer.
9 comments:
Knew from the beginning of this legal saga.
What's ashamed?
That's one of the ultimate reason why SRP's leaders could not win any election, 'cause too weak to stand still?
I am extremely disappointed with Mrs. Mu Sochua. She made numerous appeals to our compatriots around the world to support her cause and beyond as she claimed that she was fighting not just for herself but for the injustice in Cambodia. Now she dropped the case.
It does not bode well for her and SRP as whole. It shows the lack of leadership, principles, courage and commitments – key elements for any political party to succeed. How do you want the population to support your party if you can not event lead by examples? You suppose to act as a role model, not a quitter (or loser).
If you do not have the courage to finish what you have started, then you’re not better of than those corrupted CPP officials whom you are accusing of ruing the country.
Political Observer
My dear belove Khmer. Do not let any Khmer politician fool you any more. All of them play only one game. When they need you they talk or bagging softly, after they grab their needs they don't know you. If you die only you and your family are pains. Just do your regular work to support your belove family only. All Khmer politician are not poor like you. They all have a good place to stay and good food to eat so please jsut do any thing for your own need.
Cambodian Town
Long Beach,Ca
Ou Virak was working as Cambodian Centre for Human right, has influenced in Cambodian politic, was misleading in his speech, he should fosus in his duties on various unresolved case.
New Phally
Hun Sen denied the accusation and said that he didn't say anything to Mu Sochua. Alright.
No matter to whom his derogatory comment applies, he must be responsible for his inappropriate behavior.
The court must summon him to explain who he was talking about.
I have nothing against Hun sen personally, but as he is a leader, he should not behave like that.
I don't understand those people who support him on this issue.
When it comes to legal issues and justice, we cannot not be blindfolded and take side. Don't allow ourselves to be brainwashed. Everybody on this planet deserves fredom, justice and happiness.
Hey, New Phally, you have been living by the side of Long Beach City College for at least two decades (since the early 1980's), and your English is like that? What a dog of Hun Sen are you! You never want to know better than Hun Sen, ha? I remember that when Nguon Nhiel came to Long Beach a few years ago, you sit next to him. Did you suck his dick, too?
I said at the begining that Ms Mu would lose the case if she decided to go further, because this is not the right time to raise this law suit.
However, if she stop at this stage, it will bring Hun Sen a disgrace. And that should be enough for her.
Ah New Phally is Ah Kun.
Ah Kun, I know you very well since you were raised in Toul Kork. You were a nice and polite kid at that time. You knew well the right and the wrong. But now what is going on to you?..
Can you shut up your mouth Kun. Be fair to your Cambodia and her people. Please do not support Ah Hun Sen anymore.
Your Brother.
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