Phnom Penh (FN), March 2 – Former Cambodia National Rescue Party member Sim Sovanny, known as Sim Vanny, was rehabilitated by His Majesty King to re-enter politics, according to the royal decree dated 2 March 2019.

The rehabilitation was granted after Sim Sovanny submitted the request to Prime Minister Hun Sen.

The amended Article 45 of the Law on Political Parties stipulated that “Individual whom the court banned from doing political activities could not create a new party, or participate in any other political parties, or be a candidate for others to vote, or do any activities to support or oppose other parties. Individual whom the court banned from doing political activities will receive absolute rights to legally participate in political activities when banning expired as determined by the Supreme Court’s verdict, or in the case that individual has been rehabilitated by His Majesty King as requested by Prime Minister.

Vanny was the third to re-enter politics, following former opposition top advisor Kong Korm, and former opposition lawmaker Kong Bora after the duo were rehabilitated in 15 January 2019.

Former CNRP officials in total of 118 were banned from engaging in political activities for five years when the Supreme Court dissolved the CNRP on 16 November 2017 for “attempting to overthrow the government through a colour revolution”.
=FRESH NEWS