Political analyst Lao Mong Hay has said members of the nationalist Khmer Guardian group who have suggested he is a puppet of the Vietnamese and Prime Minister Hun Sen are welcome to do so in a free country.

In an acerbic “red paper” emailed to the Post on Sunday, Khmer Guardian attacked Mong Hay for daring to suggest it was unproductive to keep focusing on the impossible task of winning back annexed Cambodian territory in Kampuchea Krom and Koh Tral.

“His statements play into Hun Sen and Youn Hanoi leaders’ hands. Is Lork [sic] Mong Hay trying to ‘kiss up’ to Hun Sen by making such stupid and coward [sic] remarks like that?” the blustery statement read.

Mong Hay said yesterday that while people making allegations of puppetry should not expect to be believed, he defended their right to voice such opinions.

“That’s the way democracy works. So not a problem. I don’t have any kind of ill feelings at all. I welcome any criticism,” he said.

Mong Hay has been critical of the government over the years.

To contact the reporter on this story: David Boyle at [email protected]