Sam Rainsy said Tuesday he wants a thorough investigation into the death of National Assembly member Yim Sokha, who was killed Monday in an automobile crash on Route 4 in Koh Kong province.
Sam Rainsy told a news conference he suspected foul play because Sun Sokhom, another party activist, was forced off the road by a tanker truck in Kompong Speu Saturday in what he said might be a similar incident. He did not provide further evidence to support his claims.
Government spokesman Khieu Kanharith said that based on police accounts, Yim Sokha’s car most likely spun off the road after blowing a tire.
Lim Samay, a party member who was a passenger in Yim Sokha’s car, is recovering in a Phnom Penh hospital. She has been unable to talk about the accident.
Sam Rainsy dismissed earlier speculation that the death of party commune council candidate Vat Din in Stung Treng province was politically motivated. Sam Rainsy said Vat Din most likely drowned accidentally in the Mekong river.
“They found his clothes and shoes on the bank of the river, so he must have disrobed before diving in the water,” Sam Rainsy said. “There was no sign of wounds on the body.”
