An adviser to Prime Minister Hun Sen yesterday called for minor party leader Nhek Bun Chhay to come clean about his alleged attempt to form an alliance with the main opposition, saying the beleaguered ex-general’s claims he had simply called a wrong number were far-fetched.

Noranarith Anandayath – who was once a senior official at the royalist Funcinpec party, like Bun Chhay, but defected to the Cambodian People’s Party in 2014 – said the Khmer National United Party leader and ousted government adviser was being disingenuous in claiming he had not tried to join forces with the Cambodia National Rescue Party.

“If Nhek Bun Chhay is still being obstinate and does not take responsibility for his activities on the white day, it is the same as refusing the political charity from Hun Sen to Nhek Bun Chhay,” Anandayath said on Facebook, referring to June 3, the day before commune polls when campaigning was banned.

Anandayath’s post came after Bun Chhay acknowledged his “carelessness” in phoning CNRP lawmaker Eng Chhay Eang before the June 4 commune elections. The call led to Bun Chhay and many KNUP members losing their government positions, but he has said he did not know he was talking to Chhay Eang and made no offers of alliance.

Anandayath said by telephone that any further punishment of Bun Chhay would be up to authorities. “The government has clear evidence,” he added.

Last month, Anandayath used his Facebook page to call for the arrest of a woman who allegedly accused Hun Sen of being behind the murder of analyst Kem Ley. She was arrested the next day.

KNUP spokesman Run Meatra said the party “does not want to respond to any side”.

Additional reporting by Alex Willemyns