Council member booted by Hun Sen

KHMER Rise Party president Sok Sovann Vathana Sabung has been removed from the Supreme Council for Consultation and Recommendations with effect from Monday.

His membership was ended by acting head of state Say Chhum at the request of Prime Minister Hun Sen.

Vathana Sabung told The Post that he is unaware as to why Hun Sen requested his removal from the Council.

However, the move comes after Vathana Sabung recently went to investigate a land conflict in Prey Nob district, Preah Sihanouk province, where he confronted provincial authorities.

“This is the right of the Prime Minister. He thinks that I am not qualified to be a member of the Council. He was the one who appointed me.

“When he has any negative thoughts about me, he can end my position. I will still continue my work according to my tasks and duties,” he said.

Government spokesperson Phay Siphan could not be reached for comment.

On Sunday, Vathana Sabung claimed an area in Sihanoukville’s Prey Nob district was a secessionist area. This came after some private security guards had blocked him from going to where he had been informed people were being confined.

But provincial officials denied Vathana Sabung’s accusation on the confinement. The Ministry of Environment also issued a press statement regarding Vathana Sabung’s actions.

The ministry said he did not understand the process and had shown arrogance and insulted the authorities without any proof.

Cambodian Youth Party (CYP) president Pich Sros who is also a Supreme Council for Consultation and Recommendations member, said he had no opinion on Vathana Sabung’s removal as his appointment was at the discretion of the Prime Minister.

However, Sros said the sacking was not a warning to other members of the body because each fulfilled his respective tasks responsibly.

“It is not a warning because each delegate takes responsibility for his actions,” he said.

Former Cambodia National Rescue Party lawmaker Ou Chanroth said members of the Council had worked hard to fulfil their tasks, but it is inefficient in serving the people’s interests as its power was not given by voters.

“I don’t believe the local authorities respect the competence of the Council because I believe power is in the hands of the government and the competent officials are also under the government,” he said.