Signs of division in Cambodia’s opposition over new group

PHNOM PENH: Signs of division emerged among opponents of long-serving Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen yesterday after prominent exiles said they had founded a new movement following a ban on the main opposition party.

Hun Sen, who celebrated 33 years in power on Sunday, has become a master at dividing his opponents and using force and legal measures to neutralise challenges to his rule.

The new opposition movement was announced at the weekend by Hun Sen’s veteran foe Sam Rainsy following the dissolution of the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) last year and the arrest of its leader, Kem Sokha.

But Kem Sokha’s former cabinet chief said there was no need for the new Cambodia National Rescue Movement (CNRM).

“The CNRP represents the will of the more than three million people who voted for it, so we continue to move forward within the framework of the CNRP, without changing,” Muth Chantha said on Facebook.

The CNRP was dissolved after the arrest of Kem Sokha, who was accused of plotting to take power with American help — charges he says were politically motivated because the threat the party posed to Hun Sen at this year’s election.

The dissolution of the party and arrest of Kem Sokha have been condemned by Western aid donors who have said the election cannot now be credible.

Hun Sen, 65, is expected to win easily.

The CNRP was set up in 2012 to unify Sam Rainsy’s and Kem Sokha’s separate parties.

Its success in a 2013 general election and local elections last year had shown what a powerful electoral force it had become.

Sam Rainsy served as finance minister in an ill-fated coalition set up when Hun Sen refused to give up power after losing a UN-organised election in 1993.

He has lived in France since 2015 to avoid a series of convictions he says were politically motivated. — Reuters