Opposition party leader Sam Rainsy has called for immediate debate on a law that would set up a trial of Khmer Rouge leaders, criticizing the government’s junior coalition partner, the Funcinpec Party, for remaining silent on the issue.
In a statement, Sam Rainsy said the government is stalling discussion to “eventually prevent the creation of a UN-controlled and truly independent tribunal.”
“We deplore the attitude of some Funcinpec parliamentarians who condone this shameful strategy,” the statement read.
Funcinpec lawmaker Monh Sophoan, who heads the Assembly’s legislation committee, said that it was typical of Sam Rainsy.
“What we are doing, we do not follow the CPP or Hun Sen,” Monh Sophoan said. Instead, the Assembly is following the wishes of the executive branch of government, which is comprised of both CPP and Funcinpec officials, he said.
“We have postponed the debate because the government has said they have no time to come and defend their [law],” Monh Sophoan said.
