A Funcinpec-appointed minister is making another attempt to face down CPP colleagues in a Ministry of Rural Development land-grabbing controversy.
This time, Chhim Seak Leng has the support of CPP Finance Minister Keat Chhon, who in a July 29 letter ordered him to take back the 3,265-square-meter property allegedly snatched by Rural Development Ministry General Director Ly Pros.
In addition, Keat Chhon told Chhim Seak Leng to take back land from former Rural Development Ministry official Sam Vuthy, who is accused of taking a 963-square-meter property from the ministry.
“I would like you to take measures to demand the 3,265 square meters of Ly Pros and the 963 square meters of Sam Vuthy be given back to the state, to be put to use by the municipal rural development department,” Keat Chhon wrote in the letter.
Neither Ly Pros nor Sam Vuthy, who has since moved to France, could be reached for comment Thursday. Chhim Seak Leng said he was still trying to find Sam Vuthy’s address and phone number.
The finance minister’s order follows a protest letter sent to Prime Minister Hun Sen that demanded Ly Pros’ removal. Keo Remy, a Funcinpec assembly member, led the initial drive against Ly Pros early in July, when he collected 23 signatures for that letter.
Keo Remy said he welcomed Keat Chhon’s support.
Two years ago the government investigated rural development spending after it was discovered that projects were being mishandled and being built for private use. At the time, Keat Chhon put a hold on the ministry’s request for a $577,000 disbursement. But instead of being punished, Ly Pros was promoted to general director by Yim Chhay Ly, CPP secretary of state for the Ministry of Rural Development .
As a result, some critics have questioned Chhim Seak Leng’s ability to investigate Ly Pros.
If Ly Pros and Sam Vuthy refuse to give up their claims to the property they are believed to have taken for private development, Chhim Seak Leng can take them to court, Keo Remy said.
Chhim Seak Leng declined to say what action he would take against the two accused men. He said he would call a meeting of ministry leaders within a week.
