Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Ou Chanrath calls on RFA to make apology

Ou Chanrath calls on RFA to make apology

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
Ou Chanrath spoke with reporters in August 2018. Heng Chivoan

Ou Chanrath calls on RFA to make apology

Former Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) lawmaker Ou Chanrath claimed that Radio Free Asia (RFA) disseminated “baseless information” against him, and called on the radio’s journalists to be “professional and neutral”.

He was responding to an RFA interview with political analyst Kim Sok on Thursday, during which Sok allegedly made defamatory accusations against Chanrath, which he said did “not reflect his true stance and severely affects his dignity”.

At the time of going to press, The Post was unable to obtain the full details of Sok’s alleged accusation against Chanrath.

Ou Chanrath said: “As a public news outlet, [it] should not broadcast wrong things as it may affect the dignity and stance of a person. It also affects the professionalism, dignity, value and morality of the person who made such accusations.

“It’s a shame that some people would use words that are not appropriate in the public sphere.”

He said that RFA’s accusation had resulted in a large number of people insulting him and casting doubt over his integrity.

“It would be difficult to restore my dignity . . . but what’s more important is that I am not changing,” said Chanrath.

He urged RFA to make the adjustments “to avoid confusion and misinformation” with the public, saying they should take responsibility and issue an apology.

“I want them to correct what they said about me to the public, but I won’t force them to do it. It is up to their morality and dignity,” he said, adding that he would like to see the network behaving as “neutral and professional journalists”.

On Thursday, the National Assembly unanimously approved an amendment to Article 45 of the Law on Political Parties which could pave the way for the 118 banned senior CNRP leaders to return to the political stage.

Following the move, the Supreme Court-dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party’s (CNRP) newly appointed acting leader, Sam Rainsy, warned that the banned politicians who took advantage of the amendment would be “directly or indirectly serving government policy”.

However, Chanrath has welcomed the move to amend Article 45.

“I think that it is a good step. I want to welcome this positive step taken by the National Assembly,” he said recently.

MOST VIEWED

  • Ministry orders all schools, public and private, to close for SEA Games

    From April 20 to May 18, all public and private educational institutions will be closed to maintain order and support Cambodia's hosting of the 32nd SEA Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games, said a directive from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport. Cambodia will host the

  • Newest horror film showcases unique Khmer culture, identity

    At first glance, the trailer to new horror sensation The Ritual: Black Nun looks like a western-produced feature film. As the story reveals itself to the viewers, it becomes clearer that this is a Khmer film, with a strong Cambodian identity and close links to

  • Almost 9K tourists see equinox sunrise at Angkor Wat

    Nearly 9,000 visitors – including 2,226 international tourists – gathered at Angkor Wat on March 21 to view the spring equinox sunrise, according to a senior official of the Siem Reap provinical tourism department. Ngov Seng Kak, director of the department, said a total of 8,726 people visited Angkor Wat to

  • Angkor Beer strengthens national pride with golden new look and fresher taste

    Angkor Beer – the "Gold of Angkor" – has a new look, one that is more stylish and carries a premium appeal, as well as a fresher taste and smoother flavour, making it the perfect choice for any gathering. Angkor Beer recently launched its new design, one

  • Water supply authority assures public shortages over early ‘24

    The Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority (PPWSA) asked for understanding from Phnom Penh residents in some communes where water pressure is weak. They assured residents that all supply issues will be resolved by early 2024, but have suggested that residents use water sparingly in the meantime.

  • Khmer ballet documentary debuts April 1

    A new documentary, The Perfect Motion, or Tep Hattha in Khmer, will premiere to the public on April 1. The documentary film follows two intertwined storylines: the creation of a show called Metamorphosis by the late Princess Norodom Buppha Devi (her very last production) and the