Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - CPP: Retract slanderous statement or face court

CPP: Retract slanderous statement or face court

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
Prime Minister Hun Sen visits the construction site of the National Techo Peace Hospital in Prek Pnov district on January 19. SPM

CPP: Retract slanderous statement or face court

The Candlelight Party’s (CP) statement about the current political situation in Cambodia wherein they claim that they are working “under threat and intimidation from the ruling party” drew another warning of legal action from Prime Minister Hun Sen, in his capacity as its president.

While visiting the construction site of a hospital in Phnom Penh on January 19, Hun Sen said the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) would file a lawsuit if the CP did not withdraw their statement.

“You can issue a statement claiming that the CPP has threatened you, but be careful of being sued by the CPP. You must be clear on this,” he said.

Hun Sen’s stern warning followed a public written statement by the CP – the country’s second-largest party – on January 18 stating that they are “utterly against political oppression, threats and persecution in all forms from the ruling party and demand an immediate stop to all of these actions”.

The CP’s statement came in the wake of the recent arrest of one of their vice-presidents, Thach Setha, on January 16 on charges of writing “five bounced cheques”, allegedly committed in November 2019.

“You must be clear with me on this. You issue bounced cheques which resulted in your arrest by the court. It is rational enough. Don’t just say that everything is politically motivated,” Hun Sen said.

The premier said he had already told his legal team to look into the CP’s statement and demand an apology, or they would be hit with a lawsuit.

“If you referred to the ruling party, that meant you referred to the CPP. When and where did the CPP threaten you? If you don’t withdraw your words, we will file another complaint,” he said.

Hun Sen said the CPP is trying to counter any allegations which affect the party’s reputation, such as vote buying claims and any other allegations regarding the history of the party.

Following his remarks, the CPP issued a written statement on January 19 saying that the CP’s claims had “seriously damaged the CPP’s reputation for integrity”.

The statement also said the CPP had followed the principles of multi-party democracy, the Constitution and the laws, enabling rights, freedoms, peace and security, which are the basis for prosperity.

“The CPP cannot accept the insult and baseless allegation by the Candlelight Party. The party will do everything possible under the law to defend itself from outside attacks. We support the government and courts in taking action against the violators of laws,” it said.

The statement also stressed that the CPP is committed to working with other political parties to ensure a good political atmosphere in the run-up to the July 23 national election, which will be held on “free and fair” principles.

CP vice-president Son Chhay could not be reached for comment on January 19, but last week CP senior official Kong Monika said that warning of legal action against any party that verbally criticises the CPP was against democratic principles.

Ou Chanrath, founder and vice-president of the Cambodia Reform Party (CRP), echoed Chhay’s remarks, saying that the ruling party’s warnings of legal action against critics affected the principles of democracy which ensures the right to constructive criticism.

“I am not for insults and smears which are baseless and made only to defame other parties. But when there is a legal complaint due to political rhetoric, this will make it hard to maintain democratic practices,” he said.

CPP spokesman Sok Eysan said legal action by the CPP and Hun Sen against those who insult the ruling party reflect social justice and are meant to end slander in politics.

“Insults are not a kind of freedom of expression. Cambodia’s Constitution states clearly that freedom of expression is ensured for all. We all can write, speak, and whatever we want to, unless what we do affect the rights, integrity and reputation of other people, as well as good national traditions and security,” Eysan said.

Yong Kim Eng, director of the People’s Centre for Development and Peace, said political situation is normally tense ahead of an election, and that politicians sometimes make baseless claims amid a lack of understanding from each side.

“When there is rhetoric and there is no tolerance from the other side, it leads to further division, and political disputes can mount. Lawsuits from those who have been affected may ensue as a result,” he said.

Royal Academy of Cambodia secretary-general Yang Peou said the recent legal action taken against Setha and senior CP adviser Kong Korm were due to legal procedures and personal claims and were not politically motivated.

“If it is legal action taken due to someone’s personal behaviour and it is interpreted as an intervention, then the CPP can sue in court to defend its integrity. If the CPP remains silent, it means the party accepts that it had carried out the intervention as claimed,” Peou said.

MOST VIEWED

  • Ministry taking steps over Thai ‘replica’ of Angkor Wat

    The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts has dispatched experts to inspect the ongoing construction of a temple in Wat Phu Man Fah, located in Thailand’s Buriram province. This temple appears to be a replica of Cambodia’s renowned Angkor Wat. The ministry said

  • Ream base allegations must end, urges official

    A senior government official urges an end to the allegations and suspicions surrounding the development of Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base, now that Prime Minister Hun Manet has addressed the issue on the floor of the 78th UN General Assembly (UNGA 78). Jean-Francois Tain, a geopolitical

  • PM to open new Siem Reap int’l airport December 1

    Prime Minister Hun Manet and Chinese leaders would jointly participate in the official opening of the new Chinese-invested Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport on December 1. The airport symbolises a new page in the history of Cambodian aviation, which will be able to welcome long-distance flights to

  • CP denied registration documents by ministry

    The Ministry of Interior will not reissue registration documents to the Candlelight Party (CP). Following a September 21 meeting between ministry secretary of state Bun Honn and CP representatives, the ministry cited the fact that there is no relevant law which would authorise it to do

  • Minimum wage set at $204, after Sep 28 vote

    The minimum wage for factory workers in the garment, footwear and travel goods industries for 2024 has been decided at $204 per month, with the government contributing $2. Following several negotiation sessions, the tripartite talks reached an agreement during a September 28 vote, with 46 of 51 votes supporting the $202 figure.

  • Cambodia claims int’l titles in eight-sided arena

    Three prominent Cambodian Kun Khmer fighters – Thoeun Theara, Phal Sophorn and Roeung Sophorn – all claimed International Professional Combat Council (IPCC) world titles at the September 30 octagonal ring event at Town Arena, although popular Kun Khmer exponent Prum Samnang failed to secure a win in his