Nay Vanda, former director of the Asia Pacific Institute, denies claims made about

him by his former business partners, and teachers, in a May 21 Post story 'Teachers

out of pocket as school collapses.'

"They pushed me out, sent the school into debt and then ran away and tried to

put the blame on me," he said. "I've lost money and my reputation is damaged."

Vanda said Troy Billsborrow, the former director of studies, said it seemed he [Vanda]

was the real power behind the school and that he told lies. The lies came from Billsborrow,

Vanda said.

"I had no real power or rights or responsibilities over the school finances

from September 2003 to April 2004 because in practical terms my position was robbed

by the deputy director, Tan Siew Khim," Vanda said.

"She and her secretary forced the teachers and staff to sign a letter to not

recognise me as director. I'd like to stress that I was a legal director assigned

by the Ministry of Education, so for them to steal my position was illegal."

Billsborrow had said that foreigners [Vanda's business partners were South African

and Singaporean] were scared of Cambodian partners. "In fact I was cheated by

the foreign partners. For me personally I am now afraid to get involved with foreign

partners. Most are good, but there are always some bad ones," Vanda said.

Another former teacher, Meng Sreng Young, had said Vanda "likes threatening

people", but Vanda said: "I had no power so how could I threaten?

"The quoted statements are an attack on my integrity, dignity and my country.

I did not put the school into debt. I have not run away. I have always been a good

and responsible director.

"I have documents to say they would not hold me responsible for the debts. This

was signed by teachers and staff."

Chum Chandarin [former teacher] had "supported me in two letters with signatures

and thumbprints; now he has petitioned the Ministry for me to pay him and the other

teachers. He broke his word," said Vanda.

Vanda said the teachers and staff owed money must now ask Stephen Louw and the Singaporean

shareholders, as provided for in the agreement between teachers, staff and Vanda.

Vanda named the Singaporean shareholders as: Danny Lee, Lee Soon Him, Lee Soon Ho,

Valary Chau, Steve Lee and Rahim.