Phnom Penh (FN), Jan. 22 – Kem Samathida, daughter of Kem Sokha, and those who are close to Kem Sokha strongly reacted to the comment of Sam Rainsy over the controversial case of Cambodia National Rescue Movement (CNRM).

Kem Samathida reacted to Sam Rainsy for considering the announcement of her father’s stance not to support and join CNRM as intimidating.

“On behalf of Kem Sokha’s family, I confirmed that any decision of my father was made through his willingness. He has never decided anything against his willingness due to safety reasons,” Kem Samathida wrote on Facebook on January 21, 2018.

“If his decision was made based on this safety, he would not stay in the Kingdom, being aware that he will be arrested,” she added.

Pheng Heng, lawyer of Kem Sokha told that Sokha will not join any movement or initiate any new movement as well, while he continues staying with the people who supported CNRP.

Sam Rainsy, on January 20, 2018 wrote on Facebook that: “As Kem Sokha is being in the hand of Hun Sen, Kem Sokha can not announce to support National Rescue Movement that paves way for Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP) to join election in 2018 and to win over Cambodian People’s Party (CPP), led by Hun Sen. If Kem Sokha announced to support the movement, of course, Hun Sen would punish more on Kem Sokha”.

Kem Samathida said that the comment of Sam Rainsy aims to defame her father.

"I urge to stop defaming my father by stated that his decision was made based on his safety," she said.

The controversy in the internal of former CNRP leaders arose after former CNRP leaders on Sam Rainsy side created “National Movement”, which aims to restore democracy in Cambodia, demand the release of former president Kem Sokha and free and fair elections in Cambodia.

The movement is led by Sam Rainsy, Eng Chhay Eang, and Mu Sochua.

Immediately, 50 former CNRP members from Kem Sokha’s side did not support this illegal movement and announced to not involve. They remain working under the framework of CNRP under the leadership of Kem Sokha.
=FRESH NEWS