Rainsy, the man without a face
Exiled Cambodia opposition leader’s image purged from billboards
PHNOM PENH: He has become the man without a face. In recent weeks, Cambodia’s beleaguered opposition has been frantically scrubbing images of their exiled leader Sam Rainsy from thousands of billboards and signposts across the country.
The mass pictorial purge was sparked by a controversial new law banning any political party from “using the voice, images or written documents” of anyone convicted of a crime.
The opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP) believes the law was specifically designed to neuter Rainsy’s influence ahead of next year’s national elections.
The 68-year-old politician lives in self-imposed exile in France to escape a string of convictions he says are politically motivated.
CNRP member Bunleng said he tore down his former boss’ image from a large party banner erected in front of his home outside of Phnom Penh last week.
“If we don’t remove his image, there will be trouble for us. They would dissolve our party,” said the 59-year-old, who requested that only his first name be used.
“Sam Rainsy is still in people’s hearts ... his image won’t fade away from people’s hearts so quickly.”
Cambodia has been ruled for the last 32 years by Hun Sen, one of the world’s longest serving leaders.
He portrays himself as a premier who has brought growth and stability to an impoverished country ravaged by decades of war.
But critics say corruption, inequality and rights abuses have flourished under his watch.
Next year’s elections are viewed by the opposition as perhaps the best opportunity they have ever had to unseat the strongman.
Under Rainsy’s leadership, they made significant gains at polls in 2013 and did well in local elections earlier this year.
But CNRP has also been hit by a slew of court cases, as Hun Sen and his Cambodian People’s Party ramp up efforts to thwart their opponents.
Speaking from overseas, Rainsy hit out at the new law, which has led to his face being purged from the Cambodian landscape.
“Such a clumsy attempt at censorship will only make the party more popular, and improve its chances of winning in 2018,” he said.
“I remain a symbol of resistance to the current regime and, in that sense, involved in politics.” — AFP