One of the opposition’s 55 lawmakers handed in his letter of resignation on Friday, with CNRP President Sam Rainsy claiming that the exit was due to “personal problems” and was not a defection to the ruling CPP, as was reported on local news websites.
Van Sam Oeun, 67, a Cambodian-American parliamentarian representing Kampot province, informed National Assembly President Heng Samrin of his resignation in a letter dated Friday.
“The reason: Because I have no opportunity to serve our nation in accordance to my will and experiences,” the letter says. Mr. Sam Oeun could not be reached for comment.
Mr. Rainsy said that Chea Poch, the party’s top lawmaker in Kampot, informed him that Mr. Sam Oeun’s decision was most likely due to issues in his personal life.
“[Mr. Poch] said that if it were for a political reason he would be surprised,” Mr. Rainsy said.
“But he knows [Mr. Sam Oeun] might have some personal problems, and it may be related to financial issues.”
Sok Eysan, a spokesman for the CPP, said he did not know about the resignation or reports that it may have been a defection.
