Funcinpec has backed off from a proposed 2,000-person protest against CTN news anchor Soy Sopheap, and is now requesting only a correction of recently broadcast comments by the host.
Funcinpec Secretary-General Nhiek Bun Chhay on Monday asked permission from Phnom Penh City Hall to hold a protest outside CTN headquarters after Soy Sopheap on March 12 stated on air that Funcinpec officials should vote for the ruling CPP.
On Thursday, Nhiek Bun Chhay said that after a meeting of party leaders, Funcinpec had decided to ask for just a correction.
“We are finding a solution on the case. I have requested a correction over his commentary that invited Funcinpec officials to join with the CPP,” said Nhiek Bun Chhay, who is also a deputy prime minister.
Even with the protest plans on hold, Funcinpec still believes Soy Sopheap acted inappropriately and as a political agent for Prime Minister Hun Sen’s ruling CPP ahead of the May council elections, Nhiek Bun Chhay said.
“Soy Sopheap’s commentary is against the code of ethics of professional journalists and election campaign regulations, this is not the election campaign trail,” he said.
Soy Sopheap said Thursday that he had no intention of correcting or retracting his remarks.
“It was my commentary; I am not interested in doing a correction,” Soy Sopheap said.
“I have heard that he has withdrawn his plan to protest against me, the case has been finished,” he added.
