Saing Koma eyes gov’t support, co-op, financing for rice reforms

been appointed as Minister attached to the Prime Minister on top of his secretary of state post.

Saing Koma said on November 29 that he had submitted his letter of resignation to the GDP one week ago in order to join the CPP.

“I have discussed with [Tina] the issues concerning agriculture and rice and the ideas to solve these issues, and he agreed with my 12-point plan. Also, Prime Minister Hun Sen supported these measures to solve rice issues,” Saing Koma said.

He said that in his official position with the agriculture ministry, he would prioritise finding solution to rice issues, which would require three factors: Support from the government and agriculture ministry, cooperation from other relevant authorities and financial support.

CPP spokesman Sok Eysan said the participation of Saing Koma and Sothear would be a strong contribution to the government towards improving the agriculture sector. He rejected criticisms that the duo had been “bought” ahead of next year’s general election.

“Such commentary is disdainful of the political rights of Saing Koma and [Sothear],” Eysan said.

Political analyst Em Sovannara echoed Inn’s remarks, saying that Saing Koma and Sothear joined the CPP for clear reasons related to assisting in the agricultural sector. He said it was therefore somewhat different from previous defections by other parties’ officials, which usually happened before and during elections.

“With regard to the price of rice, I think it will still be a challenge for farmers, no matter how much ability Saing

Koma has or how good his plans may be,” he said, adding that the initiative would only be possible with enough support and intervention from the government.

Royal Academy of Cambodia (RAC) secretary-general Yang Peou said that Saing Koma would contribute significantly to the agricultural sector as he used to be the leader of a prominent agriculture NGO: the Cambodian Centre for Study and Development in Agriculture (CEDAC).

“He can make great contributions in agriculture and other sectors. What’s important is that this all depends on the vision of the agriculture minister. If the minister has a good and clear vision and knows how to use human resources properly by placing the national interest on top, then the agricultural sector reforms will go smoothly,” he said.