Sam Rainsy: SRP gains more supporters even with some party officials’ defecting

Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Everyday.com.kh
Translated from Khmer by Socheata

In spite of a number of high ranking SRP party officials’ defection to join the CPP, opposition leader Sam Rainsy said that there was no surprise to see these defections, this a habit of the ruling party which, during the period near the election, is resorting to use all kinds of tactics to lure officials from other parties with money and government positions. In an interview given to The Mekong Times, Sam Rainsy said that this luring did not weaken the SRP popularity, in fact the SRP is gaining even more supporters. Sam Rainsy pointed out that during the UNTAC era election, the CPP lured Funcinpec generals by giving them promotions and positions, nevertheless, the Funcinpec still won the election. In 1998, the CPP also lured SRP officials, but yet the SRP still obtained 15 seats in the National Assembly. He said that, in 2003, 7 of the SRP MPs were bought out among the 15 SRP MPs, he said that this political buyout did not weaken his party, but instead, the party saw its number of MPs increasing from 15 to 24. Sam Rainsy said that the defection of a few officials does not reflect the will of the people, it is in fact the CPP that is in a deadlock and it is resorted to the buyout of SRP official tactics, because it does not have any measure to stop the SRP (growth) trend.

Defections Don’t Hurt Popularity, SRP Says

By Heng Reaksmey, VOA Khmer
Phnom Penh
13 February 2008

“It's up to [Prime Minister Hun Sen] to offer anything, and I demanded nothing” - SRP defector Chit Sarith

Opposition leader Sam Rainsy said Wednesday the ongoing defections from his party to the ruling Cambodian People’s Party are unlikely to hurt his popularity among the people.

Voters will not follow the defectors and will remain supportive, he told VOA Khmer.

The CPP’s strategy is to make offers of money and political positions as the national elections approach, so it is normal for a handful of politicians to move around beforehand, he said.

“However, I am not that nervous, as I know for sure that our voters would not follow those defectors,” he said.

Chit Sarith, who recently resigned from the Sam Rainsy Party, said he and other former opposition members had not demanded anything from the CPP for joining, he said.

“It's up to [Prime Minister Hun Sen] to offer anything, and I demanded nothing,” Chit Sarith said.

CPP Councilwoman Accused of Beating SRP Activist

The opposition said Friday one of its supporters in Battambang, like these, pictured ahead of the 2003 national elections, was beaten by a ruling party council member.

Chiep Mony, VOA Khmer
Orginal report from Phnom Penh
14 September 2007

Officials from the Sam Rainsy Party in Battambang province plan to file charges in provincial court Saturday accusing a ruling party councilwoman of smashing an opposition supporter's head against the handle of a village well pump.

The charges say the assailant, Vun Savorn, was angered by the participation of the victim, Seoung Sung, over her participation in a road project and growing popularity in the area.

Seoung Sung has already written a letter describing the attack that has been issued to human rights organizations, said Dim Saroeun, the opposition party's Battambang legal representative.

The attack was politically motivated and full of "anger," he said, because Seoung Sung's popularity in the region was on the rise.

When a Korean-funded road project was completed, he said, Vun Savorn was incensed at Seoung Sung's participation.

Vun Savorn could not be reached for comment Friday.

"The conflict is a grudge," Seoung Sung told VOA Khmer. "I joined the [opposition] party and [Vun Savorn] insinuated that I support a miserable party. When I succeeded in this Korean road project, she was angry."

Vun Savorn claimed she had been a part of the project but was not being given credit for her efforts, Seoung Sung said.

Before she beat her head against the well pump handle, Vun Savorn said, "She wants my position," Seoung Sung said. "She said I wanted to show off for the gain of my party."