NRP rift deepens, faction seeks to oust lawmakers

Written by Neth Pheaktra

Tuesday, 10 February 2009 Phnom Penh Post

Pre-empting his election as president of the NRP, Suth Dina makes public moves to oust You Hockry and Sao Rany Photo by: HENG CHIVOAN NRP acting president Chhim Seak Leng shown here in a file photo. THE rift between the two factions of the beleagured Norodom Ranariddh Party deepened Monday, with one faction announcing an extraordinary congress to be held mid-February to elect a new president and change the name of the party to the Khmer National Front, officials said Monday. "We are changing the name following the request of Prince Norodom Ranariddh not to use his photo and his name for the party. After the congress, we will send a list of candidates who will replace You Hockry and Sao Rany," Suth Dina, former spokesman of NRP, told the Post. "We have already informed the National Election Committee and National Assembly about the end of You Hockry and Sao Rany as representatives," he said. But You Hockry, secretary general of NRP, said that Suth Dina did not have the authority to end his time as a lawmaker. "Who is the president of the party? It is Chhim Seak Leng. The Ministry of Interior recognises his legislation, and he is the legal representative of the NRP after Norodom Ranariddh resigned," he said. "I have been informed that a group [led by Suth Dina] will organise a congress to chase us out of the party. But it will be illegal because only Chhim Seak Leng is the legal president.... I will send a letter to the Ministry of Interior to take measures against these illegal activities," he added. Tep Nytha, NEC secretary general, said the commission was currently studying the legality of a letter requesting the removal of You Hockry and Sao Rany as lawmakers. "According to the Ministry of Interior, only Chhim Seak Leng has the legal right to sign any document on behalf of the NRP. I have not received any changes from the Ministry of Interior," he said.