CPP assembly members vote for ‘overkill’ law stifling ex-CNRP leader
‘Anti-Rainsy’ law passed
THE National Assembly swiftly passed controversial new measures yesterday to effectively ban former opposition leader Sam Rainsy from the political arena or from bolstering the opposition’s firepower ahead of next year’s elections.
The amendments to the Law on Political Parties are the second round of changes this year, following an earlier amendment that forced Rainsy to resign as the president of the Cambodia National Rescue Party in February to avoid the possible dissolution of his party, just months ahead of the commune elections.
But the sustained attack on Rainsy – who is currently in self-imposed exile in France, and would face jail time if he returned to Cambodia due to a slew of politically tinged criminal cases – will strengthen rather than diminish the potency of his political rhetoric, Rainsy and some political analysts said yesterday.
Rainsy yesterday goaded the premier over the latest changes, which he branded the “Anti-Sam Rainsy Law”.
“I am honoured to be Hun Sen’s constant obsession,” Rainsy said, while still urging the prime minister to “push for the adoption of really useful laws aimed at putting things right in a country that is just upside down”. “He must now understand that his efforts to get rid of me – whatever the means he uses – have been CONTINUED
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