Chakrapong: "All corrupt officials stay with Nhiek Bun Chhay. You should look at yourself before you point at other people.''

Ranariddh Might Dodge Lawsuit From Princess

Thursday, December 21, 2006

By Yun Samean
THE CAMBODIA DAILY

Princess Norodom Marie Ranariddh may withdraw a lawsuit seeking the
prosecution of her estranged husband Prince Norodom Ranariddh for
adultery if the prince is willing to negotiate with her, a top
Funcinpec official said.

Funcinpec Secretary-General Nhiek Bun Chhay warned Tuesday that if the
prince is unable to broker such a compromise, he faces bleak prospects
as a criminal conviction would end his political career.

"If he wants to lead his Norodom Ranariddh Party to do politics, he
must come to a compromise with Princess Marie. Then his wife can
withdraw the lawsuit," Nhiek Bun Chhay said in a speech in Kompong Cham
province that was broadcast on Funcinpec's 90 FM Radio station
Wednesday.

Nhiek Bun Chhay alleged the princess filed the lawsuit earlier this
month to block Prince Ranariddh from giving all their property to his
current partner, classical dancer Ouk Phalla.

"Princess Marie filed the lawsuit against Prince Norodom Ranariddh
because if she didn't, she could not receive properties. Samdech Krom
Preah would take them to give to one lady, Ouk Phalla," Nhiek Bun Chhay
claimed.

Princess Marie, a Funcinpec lawmaker and senior minister, could not be
reached for comment.

Nhiek Bun Chhay also launched into a blistering personal attack on the
prince that included allegations concerning corruption and a string of
extramarital affairs with various other women over the years. He also
said the prince owned many airplanes, speedboats and villas abroad.

Nhiek Bun Chhay warned that Prince Ranariddh may be investigated for
alleged corruption.

Norodom Ranariddh Party spokesman Muth Channtha denied the allegations
and questioned why Nhiek Bun Chhay accused the prince of graft but not
senior officials currently in the government.

Nhiek Bun Chhay may be hiding financial scandals of his own for which
he could be prosecuted, Muth Channtha hinted.

Prince Ranariddh is not interested in compromising with his wife, Muth
Channtha added.

Prince Norodom Chakrapong, NRP acting president claimed that Funcinpec
itself is currently a magnet for corrupt officials.

"All corrupt officials stay with Nhiek Bun Chhay," he claimed. "You
should look at yourself before you point at other people,'' he added.

The vitriolic exchange between the former royalist colleagues marked a
new low in the troubled relationship between the two parties.

Hang Puthea, director of the Neutral and Impartial Committee for Free
Elections in Cambodia, said Nhiek Bun Chhay's colorful corruption
allegations are of little legal import, as there is no anti-corruption
law.

"The accusations are part of [Funcinpec's] election campaign," he said.

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