Chakrapong’s Exit Makes Room for Others

The surprise withdrawal on Thursday of Prince Norodom Chak­rapong from his appointment as Funcinpec secretary-general has left the royalist party’s former co-Minister of Defense, Nhiek Bun Chhay, the sole candidate for the job, party members said on Friday.

Though Funcinpec President Prince Norodom Ranariddh handpicked Prince Chakrapong for the position earlier this month, senior royalist party members welcomed the withdrawal on Friday.

Funcinpec’s Prince Sisowath Siri­rath said that he was supportive of calls for candidates to compete for election to the position.

“I have not heard of any other candidates standing for election as secretary-general, only [Nhiek Bun Chhay],” Prince Siri­rath said.

“Most members are supportive of his candidacy, assuming he stands,” Prince Sirirath added.

Former Funcinpec lawmaker Nan Sy, who was recently appointed as Cambodian ambassador to Bru­nei, said he also supported the position being chosen by a vote.

Prince Chakrapong’s appointment to the secretary-general’s position on March 4, following Prince Ranariddh’s removal of Prince Nor­o­dom Sirivudh from the job, evok­ed unprecedented public criticism from royalist party members.

Sev­er­al members, particularly Nhiek Bun Chhay, were un­abash­ed in their criticism of Prince Chak­ra­pong—citing his poor record of loyalty to Funcinpec—and also critical of Prince Ranariddh’s judgement in making such an unpopular appointment.

Funcinpec lawmaker Princess Norodom Vacheara, however, said that voting on senior Funcinpec positions would further polarize members.

“In the current circumstances, it should be appointed rather than elected…. When there is a vote I wor­ry that it could lead to a leadership rift with some people supporting this and others supporting that [candidate],” she said.

But the final decision on whether the position will be appointed or elected rests with Prince Rana­riddh, the princess added.

Prince Ranariddh departed Cam­bodia on Tuesday for France, naming Prince Sirivudh acting party president during his absence. It is not known when Prince Ranariddh will return.