Responding to outrage from former Funcinpec governors and deputy governors recently ousted from their positions, Funcinpec Secretary-General Prince Norodom Sirivudh on Sunday accused them of not working for their party.
“Some officials did not get any land or money for the party [even] when they worked 10 years for the government,” Prince Sirivudh said at a meeting at Funcinpec headquarters.
Referring to the party’s recent controversial reshuffle, he said, “some diseases need surgery when they cannot be cured by medicine. Surgery must involve suffering.”
At least 19 former governors and deputy governors who were replaced last month have accused the prince of deciding on their removal and have alleged corruption was involved in the appointment of their replacements. They have also lobbied for Prince Sirivudh’s removal, though in recent weeks, party officials said Funcinpec is trying to work out a resolution with the disgruntled members and has established a “discipline committee” to deal with them.
Ousted officials have expressed concern, however, that the discipline committee was set up merely to punish them for speaking out on the issue. They have also said they were warned not to talk to reporters about the party’s internal affairs.
Remarking on the now muted criticisms, Prince Sirivudh said: “Last week someone wanted to fire the secretary-general, but this week, they seem to keep quiet.”
Some of the replaced officials were angered by the prince’s allegations that they had not contributed to the party.
“The party requires money for what? To buy villas? Cars?” asked Tep Nonnary, the former governor of Kandal province.
“Prince Sirivudh needs to be fired as secretary-general so that the party can be corrected,” Tep Nonnary said
Tep Nonnary said he has worked hard for the party, making money for the people of his province and spent more than $60,000 for Funcinpec’s campaigns during the 2002 commune election and the 2003 national election. He did not mention how he earned that money.
Thach Khorn, former governor of Banteay Meanchey province, added: “Where can I get [money and land for the party]?”
