Funcinpec president, Prince Norodom Ranariddh, has warned his cabinet officers, parliamentarians

and senators they could be sacked from their positions if they are found not contributing

cash to fund the party's campaigning efforts for the February 10 commune election.

"If you do not make a contribution in three months, you face being fired,"

Ranariddh said December 29. He then turned to the party legislators sitting behind

him: "I am sorry. I put the blame on you because I want to strengthen the party."

He gave his warning to around 1,500 members of the party's commune council and authorities

from Kandal province gathered in Phnom Penh to receive advice from the prince on

campaigning guidelines.

Ranariddh also appealed to high-ranking Funcinpec government officials to ready electronic

equipment, such as loudspeakers, for all communes. In the two-week period prior to

the 1998 national election, Ranariddh complained, Funcinpec was unable to rent loudspeakers

in some areas. He also announced he would use his personal helicopter to travel around

the country and meet the party faithful.