Shuffling for Funcinpec gov’t officials

Veng Sirivudh to replace Panara Sirivudh

Saturday, August 25, 2007
Everyday.com.kh
Translated from Khmer by KI-Media

Veng Sirivudh, Funcinpec MP for Prey Veng province and minister in charge of special government affairs, will become a candidate to replace Prince Sisowath Panara Sirivudh, the minister of culture. Prince Sisowath Tessaro is also becoming a candidate to the position of secretary of state of the minister of tourism, replacing Princess Norodom Ratana Devi (Ranariddh’s daughter). The permanent committee of the National Assembly held a meeting on 24 August morning, and decided to set an agenda for the shuffling and issued a summon for a National Assembly plenary session to make the final decision on 05 September. Nguon Nhel, interim National Assembly president, discussed about this issue at the Phnom Penh International airport on Friday morning. He indicated that Prince Sisowath Panara Sirivudh will be replaced by Veng Sirivudh, and the position of secretary of state of the ministry of tourism held by Princess Norodom Ratana Devi, the daughter of Prince Ranadirrdh and Princess Marie Ranariddh, will be taken by Prince Sisowath Tessaro.

More position musical chair game at Funcinpec

Princess Rattana Devi (L) and Veng Sereyvudh (R)

Krom Preah's daughter resigned from Secretary of State position

Thursday, June 14, 2007
Everyday.com.kh
Translated from Khmer by Heng Soy

The Kampuchea Thmei newspaper quoted Nouv Sovathero, Funcinpec spokesman, who said that Princess Norodom Rattana Devi, Prince Ranariddh’s daughter, sent in her resignation letter from her position as secretary of state at the Ministry of Tourism. Nouv Sovathero said that Funcinpec has no intention of removing the princess from her position, but that the decision was made by the princess herself. Currently, the princess retains only her position as MP from Kratie province. Nouv Sovathero revealed that the person who will take over the princess position at the Ministry of Tourism will be Prince Sisowath Tessaro. Another source revealed that there will be a position shuffling at the Ministry of Culture where Prince Sisowath Panara Sirivudh, Minister of Culture, would be replaced by Veng Sereyvudh. However, Nouv Sovathero said that this information is not founded. Yet another source indicated that Prince Panara Sirivudh is currently ill and he is staying abroad. He did not go to work for a long period of time already and, therefore, the shuffling rumor could be true.