Former King Norodom Sihanouk. (File Photo)06/11/2007
The Royal Palace has denied a rumor recently published in a local newspaper that former King Norodom Sihanouk plans to establish a political party, local press reported Monday.
In a statement, the palace confirmed that the retired king had no intention to form the political party as indicated by the rumor, reported Cambodian-language newspaper the Rasmey Angkor.
Prince Sisowath Thomico, a senior advisor at the royalist party Funcinpec, has dismissed allegations by an unidentified Funcinpec member that he started the rumor, reported Cambodian-language newspaper the Kampuchea Thmey.
"It is a large mistake if any individuals falsely attach me to the rumor because I know nothing. The hero king has frequently written and said that he will not join politics (so) why do they still spread the rumor" said Thomico.
Information Minister and government spokesman Khieu Kanharith told Cambodian-language newspaper the Sralanh Khmer that Sihanouk cannot enter politics unless he drops his royal immunity and leaves the palace as it is considered a neutral institution.
"I think that the rumor was spread by an individual who wants to make personal political gain," he said.
Funcinpec spokesperson Nouv Sovathero said that the rumor was likely spread by someone who would benefit from the problems it may cause.
It is highly unlikely the former king plans to set up a political party as he has repeatedly denied he has any wish to do so, he added.
Sihanouk first became Cambodian king in 1941 and later served a variety of top posts at the previous governments. Under his leadership, the Cambodians won independence from France in 1953. He retired in 2004 and his son Sihamoni succeeded as king.
Source: Xinhua
In a statement, the palace confirmed that the retired king had no intention to form the political party as indicated by the rumor, reported Cambodian-language newspaper the Rasmey Angkor.
Prince Sisowath Thomico, a senior advisor at the royalist party Funcinpec, has dismissed allegations by an unidentified Funcinpec member that he started the rumor, reported Cambodian-language newspaper the Kampuchea Thmey.
"It is a large mistake if any individuals falsely attach me to the rumor because I know nothing. The hero king has frequently written and said that he will not join politics (so) why do they still spread the rumor" said Thomico.
Information Minister and government spokesman Khieu Kanharith told Cambodian-language newspaper the Sralanh Khmer that Sihanouk cannot enter politics unless he drops his royal immunity and leaves the palace as it is considered a neutral institution.
"I think that the rumor was spread by an individual who wants to make personal political gain," he said.
Funcinpec spokesperson Nouv Sovathero said that the rumor was likely spread by someone who would benefit from the problems it may cause.
It is highly unlikely the former king plans to set up a political party as he has repeatedly denied he has any wish to do so, he added.
Sihanouk first became Cambodian king in 1941 and later served a variety of top posts at the previous governments. Under his leadership, the Cambodians won independence from France in 1953. He retired in 2004 and his son Sihamoni succeeded as king.
Source: Xinhua
