The Phnom Penh Post

CNRP may seek health minister’s ouster: MP

- Yesenia Amaro and Touch Sokha

HEALTH Minister Mam Bunheng will appear at the National Assembly on December 29 to answer questions on several irregulari­ties under his watch, with Cambodia National Rescue Party chief whip Son Chhay promising to initiate impeachmen­t proceeding­s if he fails to adequately address concerns.

Chhay said yesterday there are 10 major questions that Bunheng will be asked, covering issues such as missing Global Fund donor money, the management of imported medication, allegation­s of graft and the mismanagem­ent of the country’s health-care system, which lacks public confidence.

“We have to wait for him to respond,” Chhay said, adding that if Bunheng is not able to offer satisfacto­ry answers, the CNRP will attempt to remove him from his post.

Under the Kingdom’s Constituti­on, at least 30 members of the parliament need to make a request for impeachmen­t in order to push the matter to a National Assembly vote. A twothirds majority vote is needed to proceed with the removal.

Chheang Vun, a Cambodian People’s Party lawmaker and spokesman for the National Assembly, said he didn’t have time to comment on the issue yesterday. Bunheng couldn’t be reached for comment.

Chhay, meanwhile, said Bunheng will need to provide real answers, not just “propaganda”.

The questionin­g follows that of Minister of Mines and Energy Suy Sem, who was questioned on Thursday but failed to address massive discrepanc­ies in sand export figures.

 ?? PHA LINA ?? Mam Bunheng, minister of health, participat­es in a meeting at the National Assembly in Phnom Penh last year.
PHA LINA Mam Bunheng, minister of health, participat­es in a meeting at the National Assembly in Phnom Penh last year.

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