Seng Theary, current executive director of the Center for Social Development (Photo: Cambodge Soir Hebdo)CSD faces internal dispute
23 May 2008
By Sophal Mony
Radio Free Asia
Translated from Khmer by Heng Soy
The Center for Social Development (CSD) cancelled its first annual general meeting after 2 police officers from the Ministry of Interior went inside the CSD compound to hand over a firing letter to Ms. Seng Theary, the CSD executive director. The letter was delivered on order of two of the former board directors.
Soeung Chandara, CSD finance director, indicated that Vi Houi, the chairman of the board of director, and Mrs. Peung Yok Hiep, a board director [KI-Media note: CSD indicated that the pair were former border directors who were recently replaced by a newly elected board of directors], ordered two police officers to meet with Ms. Seng Theary, at 08:00 AM, on Thursday morning, to deliver a letter to fire her at the CSD, however, CSD employees prevented these police officers from taking this action claiming the police action was against the law.
Soeung Chandara said: “This action (by the former two board directors) is not good at all … Do they have a mission letter? Do they have an order letter or anything else? When they (police officers) said no, then their action was illegal.”
On Thursday, CSD organized its first annual general meeting to showcase its action plan, as well as to announce a number of reports on activities completed by the center. However, CSD was forced to delay the meeting due to the presence of the police officers and due to internal dispute with its (former) board of directors.
Peung Yok Hiep, a (former) board director, claimed that the she and Vi Houi, the (former) chairman of the board of director, used these police officers to protect their personal safety, and the pair ordered the police officers to hand the letter to fire Ms. Seng Theary, current CSD executive director: “That letter was a letter to fire her.”
Vi Houi declared that the problem occurred because of internal dispute between the (former) board of directors and the administrators of the CSD: “The internal problem (occurred) because of the relationship between the CSD executive director and the board members, there is a lack in understanding of each party’s role…”
The CSD board of directors must include 5 directors, however, currently, there are only two of them: Vi Houi, the chairman of the board, and Peung Yok Heip, a board director, however, Mrs. Chea Vannath’s position is not clear yet because the center is still asking her. The other 2 board members resigned: Keat Sokun and Kate Bryson.
Seng Theary, CSD executive director, declined to comment on this issue to reporters. However, Im Sophea, CSD executive aid, indicated that this issue arose because the CSD bylaws are not clear: “It is wrong for each person to comment about their role.”
Both sides claimed that they are currently looking for an arbitrator to end this dispute.
Soeung Chandara, CSD finance director, indicated that Vi Houi, the chairman of the board of director, and Mrs. Peung Yok Hiep, a board director [KI-Media note: CSD indicated that the pair were former border directors who were recently replaced by a newly elected board of directors], ordered two police officers to meet with Ms. Seng Theary, at 08:00 AM, on Thursday morning, to deliver a letter to fire her at the CSD, however, CSD employees prevented these police officers from taking this action claiming the police action was against the law.
Soeung Chandara said: “This action (by the former two board directors) is not good at all … Do they have a mission letter? Do they have an order letter or anything else? When they (police officers) said no, then their action was illegal.”
On Thursday, CSD organized its first annual general meeting to showcase its action plan, as well as to announce a number of reports on activities completed by the center. However, CSD was forced to delay the meeting due to the presence of the police officers and due to internal dispute with its (former) board of directors.
Peung Yok Hiep, a (former) board director, claimed that the she and Vi Houi, the (former) chairman of the board of director, used these police officers to protect their personal safety, and the pair ordered the police officers to hand the letter to fire Ms. Seng Theary, current CSD executive director: “That letter was a letter to fire her.”
Vi Houi declared that the problem occurred because of internal dispute between the (former) board of directors and the administrators of the CSD: “The internal problem (occurred) because of the relationship between the CSD executive director and the board members, there is a lack in understanding of each party’s role…”
The CSD board of directors must include 5 directors, however, currently, there are only two of them: Vi Houi, the chairman of the board, and Peung Yok Heip, a board director, however, Mrs. Chea Vannath’s position is not clear yet because the center is still asking her. The other 2 board members resigned: Keat Sokun and Kate Bryson.
Seng Theary, CSD executive director, declined to comment on this issue to reporters. However, Im Sophea, CSD executive aid, indicated that this issue arose because the CSD bylaws are not clear: “It is wrong for each person to comment about their role.”
Both sides claimed that they are currently looking for an arbitrator to end this dispute.
36 comments:
What is going on? Is Thery Seng, so far, too outspoken?.It does not appear to be any confusion, but rather outlaw took place.
It is good that CSD staff was assertive and discocered that action arised was not lawfully.
What the ministry of Interior action would be???.
Neang SA
The CSD is foreign-financed. So the donors must step in and resolve the situation. Seng Theary seems to have sometimes misunderstood the objective of the CSD, especially her role with actress Mia Farrow's campaign. That riled the board immensely.
It is interesting to note that there is still a perception of asking foreigners for help when a conflict arise within Combodians.
There is not right and wrong about this perception, it is all about the legacy of Cambodian culture.
I really overestimated Seng Theary at the time before I read this aticle, because I thought she was very sensitive and vigilent in every issue, but not at all. Through this event, it reflected that she need more improvement on understanding Cambodian culture especially, the not-unified perception among the interlectuals, even she is an educated Cambodian.
However, I hope she will be much better performance and valuable to Cambodia after this teaching event.
I congratulate CSD work especially court watch program. The cpp use money to stir up those who oppose them.
If Hi Houi and Peung Yok Hiep can successfully oust Sent Theary out of office and then bring to an end of CSD as whole, I strong believe that these two troublemakers will absolutely be rewarded.
Tith Sothea, former reporter of VOA with the lowest grade among Cambodian Journalist's chronological record, but however, he was rewarded by something from CPP. Hun Sen openedly and directly admired him for moving to such of defecting.
As for sure,CPP should consider to reward Hi Houi and Peung Yok Hiep with any positions in the government clique. Go to general Hok Lundy directly by their own for further information on the appointment for advisor to the Royal Goverment of Cambodia.
You know the government try many times to shut her mouth up of this active lady. Now the board directors were presured enough to push her out from her position as CSD Director. Dekchew will take this event to reveal in public and blame that how will NGOs help our people if only their own problem cannot handle. These two puppets have no choices, otherwise they have dilemma .
Theary Seng should not defeat with this frighten, you must struggle to overcome with this obstacles otherwise there are no changes in Cambodia or women culture.
To Ms Theray Seng,
Many thanks for your decent works toward our Cambodia & its people.
SI-PEE-PEE & its Master Yuon-Hanoi are always try to shut up Good-Khmer like yourself who dare to defend Khmer-Innocents.
And again pls continue your Noble Acts until Cambodia & its People will be free.
May Lord Buddha & Tevoda bless you !
Jeyo,Kolthida Khmer !
I like to take my hat off from Sydney,Down Under.
Cheers,
Bun H.
I am sure there is something wrong; however, ordering police to stop shows me that sth irregular happen.
I do believe Seng Theary has done a prettery good job. I wish I and other people are smart, doing the important work like her. In short, she is my example.
This dispute (if any) needs to solve internal first - not immediately using the local authorities like this.
The authorities, on the other hand, wans to interfere, I think.
But I am sure, she will continue this position and achive more success for cso and CSD, in particular.
B
It looks like time for Theary to give Zimbabwe some help with social development. We (Khmer) don't like westerner's wild gorilla social life such as Ah stupid Svakrava's.
to 9:36 AM !
Could we have a more professional debate rather than using derogatory word "Ah" ? we, Khmers, need to be objective in what we set to do for the nation's interest rather than just cursing each other. You have the right to love and support Hun Sen while others also have the right criticise and voice their concerns. i am more interested in your arguments as to why you think Khmers dont like westerner's gorillar social life ? unfortunately you only curse, not argue for your position at all! this is sadly unfortunate.
Stay in there theary, I luv u even you are 99 loosing all your tooths and your skin got crinky. keep u the goosh work.
It's just another Hun Sen's tentacle to wipe out his critics whether an NGO, or a political opponent. You don't need to be a rocket scientist to understand. Just think the police act on behalf of the ex-directors to fire the current CSD director…….have you Hun Sen's critics successfully using the authorities against their opponents? The answer is NIL. But the other way is always possible and successful no matter how small or useless the issue is.
Seng Theary, don't back down, and I believe most decent Khmer are behind you. Certainly I'm behind you and love you always.
She might be too proud when dealing with local Camboldians????
I met her twice; and she was too proud to be American Cambodian. She appeared to know everything to deal with Cambodian problems; and seem she is the only person who cares about the country.
Theary Seng has brough & shown her knowledge from the west to teach some PHD-Monkeys who graduared from Hanoi-Sala Chhor-tean.
Without khmer-Oversea ,Cambodia wouild die in silence as Laos where is controlled by Yuon Hanoi 200%.
Without the West those monkeys never know American Dollars only Dong,Dung,Dee,Da,Doeuk ,Dey.
What is going on; how can ex-directors have the right to fire a current CEO.
Bullshit, without the West, Khmer's standard of living would have been 100 times better than today.
We say: throw her ass back in the U.S.
all of you are losers, what does it matter if Theary gets fired - you act like she is wiping your ass for you
change your thought, and start worrying what you can do to help people of this stupid country and stop relying on outsiders.
stupidass cambodians
read Mr. Bun Chanmol book Charet Khmer (“Khmer Attitude”)
Yuon sucker above, it would be good if you tell your boss to stop depending and running to yuon for help, and stop importing the yuon to vote for it.
12:49 PM What is going on; how can ex-directors have the right to fire a current CEO.
Good question.
it burns huh cambodian? to be called out by another khmer
go drive your landcruisers while you fuck your mistress and sell your land to koreans, japanese, chinese - but you know the viet already have Khmer Krom
lazy-ass cambodians; frog in a well mentality
now go pull a "Sihanouk" and get the run away
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
Overwhelming Support for our Executive Director of CSD: Theary C. Seng
We wholeheartedly support and trust on Theary C Seng, Executive Director, on leadership and Management to run the Center for Social Development (“CSD”).
យើងមានការគាំទ្រនិងជឿជាក់អស់ពីដួងចិត្ត ចំពោះ នាយិកាប្រតិបត្តិក្នុងការគ្រប់គ្រង និង ដឹកនាំមជ្ឈមណ្ឌលអភិវឌ្ឍន៍សង្គម ( ម . អ . ស .) ។
Please contact some of Management Committee’s members and Senior staff for further information:
1. Mr. IM Sophea, Executive Assistant: 016 888 552
2. Dr. IM Francois, Head of Parliamentary and Election Unit: 012 376 301
3. Mr. SOERNG Chandara, Head of Finance Unit: 012 777 0 7 7
4. Ms. CHOU Vineath, Manager of Court Watch Project: 012 554 828
5. Mr. HAY Chanthan, IT Manager: 012 959 020
6. Mr. SOK Leang, Senior Project Assistant: 012 588 081
7. Ms. YIM Sotheary, Senior Psychological Assistant: 012 733 644
8. Mr. TRY Vannak, Proxy Radio Program Coordinator: 0 12 312 278
9. Mr. HAK Sokleap, Kep I-reach Project Coordinator: 012 831 264
10. Mr. DOUNG Savorn, Outreach Coordinator: 012 800 816
* If you are interested in looking for more supporting documents proven by those staff representatives, we are glad to provide you more.
Best regards,
Folks,
Know and learned curves are two diferent things in Not for Profit organozation.
-CSD Board of Directors are volunteered with no pay ad vested power and authority to hire and fire Exeutive Director at pleasure.
-Executive Director is accountable to Board of Directors over staff conducts and organization overall adminstration,period.Anything Executive Director did or said to press or public,if it was deemed conflict to Board of Directors vision,articles of incorporation and by-laws, then the Executive Director is screwed,done with.
-Funders or donors have no power in the internal rule but all they could do was to withhold or terminate funding.
Also,being Executive Director of a Not for Profit entity,the person must steer clear from political or appearance of political agenda.
Any infraction is grounded for dismissal with no question.
The question here is,what laws that incorporation was based on Cambodia or foreign,US?
No matter what, Board of Directors role is to oversee Executive Director official conduct whether off the clock or not.Staff is employed by Board, not other way around.
Previous Board Members remain active within CSD fiscal year unil the general or annual meeting completed power tranfering to the new Board. So it seems in this case,that CSD is still under Vi Houi Board stewardship.
Beware,Board has the role to ask funders to suspend funding if they see fit and fire the Executive Director plus any staff at will. Most of the times,funders stay aside and accommodate Board final decision.
So if I were the Executive Director with dedication and clear agenda to help build vision for the next leadership,I would step aside until matter resolved by interim and new full Board.
Precedent Board remains a stick in the cake unless official transfer done.
Remember,no matter what education level or degree the Executive Director or other staff holds personally but the duty and responsibility are temporary under the blessing from the Board.
Here we fuzzed and fought each others in light of law principles and democratic platform.
I strongly suspect Ms.Seng integrity and sincerity here.
CUstomarily,the questionable Executive Director must be excused self during dispute from stirring any more suspicious acts behind the scene.
It sounds like CSD Executive Director and staff relives the putsch ghost of July 1997 perpetauted illegal internal power struggle.Spit in the wind is not in anyone interest especially the Not for Profit entity.
P.S: Ms.Seng, on a personal note,your best must be seen as unquestionable integrity and not a power clinger.
Please take a vacation and leave the decision to the Board to sort out this mess.Then you will return when the Board calls you back.
Best of luck to you!!!!
Chhim from Wat Koh
I hope CPP don't have a role behind the scene.
11:07
Wrong, overseas-Khmer didn't do squat to help. Only after the West opened up the country did they trickle in acting like they own everything.
12:51
Without the West Cambodia would still be in the dark ages.
11:07
Wrong, overseas-Khmer didn't do squat to help. Only after the West opened up the country did they trickle in acting like they own everything.
12:51
Without the West Cambodia would still be in the dark ages.
9:36 AM is nobody other than this so-called Free-thinker, KJE and his clans Viet puppet and CPP's mercenaries revenging KI-Media for getting their arse kicked...
What a sore loser!
9:36 AM is nobody other than this so-called Free-thinker, KJE and his clans Viet puppet and CPP's mercenaries revenging KI-Media for getting their arse kicked...
What a sore loser!
Those are the tricks of pouk ah CPP (Communist Pro youn Party) especially ah Hun Sen, a third-year- elementary-school- educated Prime Minister with 29 years of holding power, is the Criminal against humanity in Cambodia and is a former Khmer Rouge soldier in Khmer Rouge Regime, from CPP (Communist Pro youn Party).
Ah Hun Sen use the same tricks to weaken NGOs of IRI,..., Funcipec Party,... and others. In reality , those tricks are youn tricks to divide Khmers patriots.
Easy to blame CPP interference for this - possible - but high handedness, incompetence and an inability to manage relationships are more likely causes (Ockham's razor).
For transparency,why CSD web does not publish by laws?It was founded by Pok Than alone then.CSD's history is not quite as it claims to be.
Legally,Cambodia does not provide clear definition and role of Not for profit.Fuzzy laws provided two letters of recognition yet without citing on what frame of laws which CSD will conduct its business.
No surprise,staff thought they were the owners of CSD not Board.
CSD is full of unclear purpose and mission.In quiries to donors will help clear the smoke here.
Theary rules!
Seng's inarticulate rant in this week's Phnom Penh post suggest a that she has taken leave of her senses. Perhaps thats why she is in conflict with her board.
I wonder whether the person who usually edits her column belongs to the 95% of consultants she thinks are superfluous or the 5% the country needs.
It never ceases to amaze me the energy spent on tearing each other and our country apart rather than helping one another rebuild Cambodia, our people, and its society.
Much has been lost. Much needs to be done if we are to be made whole again - as one people, as one nation, as one Cambodia.
CSD is one of these organizations working towards promoting rule of law, good governance, and rebuilding the fabric of Cambodian society. It saddens me that its "Board" would undermine CSD's growth and obstruct CSD'S mission rather than doing their job to promote, sustain, and support CSD's staff in its mission.
Keep up the good work Theary & crew. You and your staff have done amazing work within the past couple of years! It has not gone unrecognized :)
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