Phnom Penh (FN), Feb 12 – Sam Rainsy, former president of the opposition party has sent a letter to vice president, Kem Sokha, requesting him to hold a meeting among party's leadership in order to nominate his wife, Tioulong Saumura, as a president of Cambodia National Rescue Party.

“I would like the vice president to summon permanent committee and standing committee meeting after my resignation in order to nominate my wife, Chulong Sumara as the president on behalf of myself as the conditions we agreed over the past time”, according to a letter addressed to Kem Sokha, a copy of which was leaked to the media late Saturday.

However, some senior officials close to Kem Sokha did not support Rainsy’s idea, as it portrayed nepotism.

“Kem Sokha is the vice president and that is the most suitable presidency candidate”, said Sokha’s senior official.

Sam Rainsy posted his resignation as the president of the CNRP on Facebook on Saturday. He said, "Please the permanent committee and standing committee of the Cambodia National Rescue Party be informed of my decision and this decision becomes effect from the date of my signature."

This resignation was believed to be motivated by the fact that 60 CPP’s representatives requested the National Assembly to enact a new law to remove Sam Rainsy's presidency because Rainsy is facing criminal charges in court.