Cambodian prince to risk jail over assets

Posted 22 May 2013, Radio Australia

The former spokesman for Cambodia's King Norodom Sihanouk says he'd prefer to go to jail than declare his assets.

Prince Sisowath Thomico speaks to supporters during a demonstration in Phnom Penh in April (Credit: AFP) 

The former spokesman for Cambodia's King Norodom Sihanouk says he'd prefer to go to jail than declare his assets.

Around 150 members of the royal family have declared their assets to Cambodia's official anti-corruption unit.

It is demanding Prince Sisowath Thomico, the late King Sihanouk's nephew and longtime private secretary, declare his assets within a week or face up to a year in prison.

Speaking from Phnom Penh, the prince has told Radio Australia's Connect Asia he will not comply because, as a member of the royal family, he's above Cambodia's laws.

"We're not involved in the government at all," he said.

"The anti-corruption unit just monitors the members of the government to see if they are corrupt or not.

"We are not involved in the government and there is no way for us to get involved in the corruption in the government."

Prince Thomico last month joined the opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party.

Last week Prime Minister Hun Sen criticised Prince Thomico, saying his decision to align himself with the opposition would destroy Cambodia's monarchy.

Prince Thomico says some MPs would be glad to see it gone.

"[Hun Sen] himself, no - I really believe that he, himself, still needs the monarchy," he said.

"But I believe the CCP (Cambodian People's Party) want to get rid of the monarchy, that's for sure."