The article “Skepticism as CNRP Seeks to Reprise 2013” (September 17-18), particularly with the quote “I think everyone would love that, sitting comfortably in beautiful Paris and calling for mass demonstration,” distorts my thinking by ignoring the nuances and prudent considerations as reflected in my answers to questions from The Cambodia Daily.
—Opinion—
Asked if I was worried about violence in the face of the government’s pledge to stop demonstrations, I responded: “We will take all factors into consideration.”
Asked if I had any qualms about calling for mass demonstrations when I am not on the ground in Cambodia, I responded: “I will endorse any decision made by my colleagues on the spot.”
From my last answer it’s clear that I leave the final decision to organize any demonstration to my colleagues in Cambodia who are in a better position to assess the situation and the corresponding risks.
Therefore the allegation of me “calling for mass demonstrations” from Paris is totally irrelevant.
This is not the first case of irrelevance on the part of the same biased “political analyst” the Daily likes to quote when it wants to “demonstrate” something that is untrue.
Sam Rainsy is president of the opposition CNRP.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Cambodia Daily.