Actress’s NGO takes heat for promoting the ruling party
AN ACTRESS’S NGO which participated in an election campaign event contrary to the Law on Association and NonGovernmental Organisations (Lango) has been slammed.
Chorn Chanleakena, a celebrity and the president of the Association of Artists Volunteering to Help Society, allegedly led its members in joining the election rally for the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) at the Koh Pich Center on July 7, when the campaign period started.
The Ministry of Interior’s Department of Associations and Political Parties director Chhim Kan said while he had not yet received any information about the matter if the allegation is true action must be taken.
“So far, there are no reports or lawsuits that have been filed. If there are any changes, the provincial and city authorities will report the matter to me, and we will take action,” he said.
He was responding to Affiliated Network for Social Accountability-Cambodia executive director San Chey who said all organisations and associations must be registered with the Ministry of Interior according to Lango, which means NGOs and associations must be neutral and refrain from promoting any political party.
“This action clearly runs contrary to the law, which states that a fine or punishment must result. We are waiting for the relevant authorities to follow up. If they don’t do so, then we can see that the law has two standards,” he said.
Chanleakena could not be reached for comment on Sunday.
Article 84 of Lango states that NGOs and associations must take a neutral position in the national elections which chose members of parliament.
Local or international NGOs and associations that directly or indirectly contravene Article 84 can be liable to a fine of between 10 million and 20 million riel ($2,500-$5,000).