The decision by the National Assembly in a closed session, by hand count,
February 3, 2005, to remove the immunities of Sam Rainsy, Chea Poch, and Cheam
Channy reflects once again Cambodia's recent history and continuing tradition of
our top leaders selfish misconduct.
But most importantly, I am
disappointed by the 98 of 103 members that hand voted to remove immunity from
their three colleagues. Once again, instead of standing up for their rights and
principles, they gave up their integrity to appease their mighty bosses. They
wanted to be safe. They didn't have the courage to represent the people. The
price they paid for being obedient will cost Cambodia again and again, because
of their inability to confront the issue of legislative responsibility.
A
true National Assembly member must believe in himself or herself to serve the
national interest, the people of Cambodia, not the personal interest of their
autocratic bosses. They must be the catalyst for any change they wish to see in
Cambodia. Their principles must be based on putting faith in:
* One vote
can change a nation.
* One voice can speak with wisdom.
* One
heart knows can know the real true.
* One life can make the
difference.
In Cambodia, once again, disobedience in the National
Assembly is not our real problem. Our real problem is blind obedience. Yes, it
is dangerous to be right when the top leaders are wrong. But it is up to all of
them to dare to make the difference and to have the courage to stand up against
their powerful bosses if they truly want to serve the people of Cambodia and the
national interest.
Sovachana Pou
Phnom Penh
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