By Yun Samean
THE CAMBODIA DAILY
Funcinpec President Prince Norodom Ranarridh has ordered royalist officials to spend more time with their constituents, warning that those who fail to do so risk losing their positions after the 2008 national elections.
In a directive obtained Wednesday, Prince Ranariddh—who has been abroad since March— told his senators, lawmakers and other officials to report on their provincial trips to Funcinpec Secretary-General Nhiek Bun Chhay.
"Members must pay attention to serving their constituencies and to disseminate the principles of the political party, and then report their activities to the [Funcinpec] general inspectors and the secretary-general," Prince Ranariddh wrote in the July 17 directive.
Ok Socheat, the prince's public affairs adviser, said officials who fail to heed the directive will be disqualified as candidates for positions allocated following the next election. Prince Ranariddh does not need to visit his own constituents, he added.
Prince Ranariddh made a hasty departure from the country in March after Prime Minister Hun Sen launched a scathing barrage of criticism against Funcinpec officials, accusing them of incompetence, nepotism and having extramarital affairs.
"The people across the country know that when Prince Ranariddh visits the constituencies once, it is equal to 20 visits by a simple party member," Ok Socheat said.
During May and June, Funcin-pec's entire body of lawmakers visited their constituents on just 13 occasions, according to the Committee for Free and Fair Elections.
By contrast, CPP lawmakers made 70 visits, while Sam Rainsy Party lawmakers made 31 visits.
Ok Socheat accused Comfrel of favoring the Sam Rainsy Party.
Comfrel Director Koul Panha said the number of Funcinpec officials visiting their constituencies has dwindled due to party infighting.
In a directive obtained Wednesday, Prince Ranariddh—who has been abroad since March— told his senators, lawmakers and other officials to report on their provincial trips to Funcinpec Secretary-General Nhiek Bun Chhay.
"Members must pay attention to serving their constituencies and to disseminate the principles of the political party, and then report their activities to the [Funcinpec] general inspectors and the secretary-general," Prince Ranariddh wrote in the July 17 directive.
Ok Socheat, the prince's public affairs adviser, said officials who fail to heed the directive will be disqualified as candidates for positions allocated following the next election. Prince Ranariddh does not need to visit his own constituents, he added.
Prince Ranariddh made a hasty departure from the country in March after Prime Minister Hun Sen launched a scathing barrage of criticism against Funcinpec officials, accusing them of incompetence, nepotism and having extramarital affairs.
"The people across the country know that when Prince Ranariddh visits the constituencies once, it is equal to 20 visits by a simple party member," Ok Socheat said.
During May and June, Funcin-pec's entire body of lawmakers visited their constituents on just 13 occasions, according to the Committee for Free and Fair Elections.
By contrast, CPP lawmakers made 70 visits, while Sam Rainsy Party lawmakers made 31 visits.
Ok Socheat accused Comfrel of favoring the Sam Rainsy Party.
Comfrel Director Koul Panha said the number of Funcinpec officials visiting their constituencies has dwindled due to party infighting.
1 comment:
PRINCE, You should have done it sooner!
Post a Comment