The opposition CNRP on Thursday denounced the online dissemination of two bogus letters bearing their party’s logo that called for garment workers to go to its offices to receive cash payouts.
The first of the two letters, dated July 30, bears the signature of CNRP president Sam Rainsy and says the opposition party wants to honor a pre-election promise that “the Cambodia National Rescue Party will give wages to each worker amounting to $160.”
A hike in wages for garment workers and civil servants was a major point in the CNRP’s political platform leading up the Sunday’s vote, the party also promised a monthly pension of $10 for the elderly if they won.
“As informed…please all garment workers come to register and bring along identification and workplace cards to every office of the CNRP around the country,” the fake letter states.
Then, in a second fake letter dated July 31 and distributed online, the CNRP appears to make an admission that it would not follow through on its election campaign promise, which, the letter admits, had been made solely to garner votes.
“The Cambodia National Rescue Party did promise this to the people, but it was just a political trick to collect votes. We, the Cambodia National Rescue Party, have no capacity to give anything to you at all,” the letter states.
The CNRP responded with a written statement Thursday, insisting that the fake letters were intended to derail the party as it tries to navigate post-election waters that saw both the CNRP and the CPP announce victory.
“In recent days, there have been a number of rumors and a lot of anonymous letters using the name of the Cambodia National Rescue Party, aiming to poison the atmosphere that can cause instability and chaos in society,” the opposition party said.
“The Cambodia National Rescue Party flatly denounces the rumors and anonymous letters that are twisting and inciting words for social chaos.”
The CNRP said that any official party documents would be posted to its official website and Facebook accounts, as well as read out on the Voice of National Rescue radio program.
CNRP spokesman Yem Ponhearith said there were no clues as to who was behind bogus letters.
“We don’t know who wrote them, but we don’t plan to complain to the court or the authorities, because we are paying attention to forming a joint committee for the investigation into election irregularities,” he said.
Ath Thon, president of the Coalition of Cambodian Apparel Workers Democratic Union, said such changes to salaries could only come into effect when the opposition takes its place in the National Assembly—which could take some time as both sides try to hammer out a deal.
“These letters were created to confuse the public that since the election has passed, it’s time for the workers to stand up and demand it,” he said.
“Such letters are totally incorrect because although the opposition party received many seats, it’s still required to form the government first.”
