The former chief of the Ktob pagoda in Kandal’s Ang Snuol district, who was dogged by sex scandal allegations last year that resulted in the temple falling into disuse, was appointed to head the pagoda’s construction committee by the minister of religion on Saturday.

In January of last year, a monk from Mondulkiri told Kandal province’s chief monk that former Ktob pagoda chief Sen Sambo had sexual relations with a local woman, an accusation that resulted in Sambo’s defrocking in September.

This was followed by public outcry demanding evidence for the allegations and that Phin Chantha, district chief monk, step down.

“In the future, before accusing about something, they should have evidence to prove it,” said villager Sek Sam Un, recalling the affair.

Min Khin, minister of religion, addressing 30 people, said that following his inspection, Prime Minister Hun Sen gave him the order to reopen the Ktob pagoda.

Sambo, for his part, said he wanted to “thank Hun Sen and the minister of religion and the leaders of Ang Snuol district that have sought justice for me, [and] especially the people”.