Opposition lawmaker Son Chhay on Wednesday attacked Minister of Cabinet Sok An during a National Assembly debate over how to handle international business disputes, accusing the government of mishandling lucrative business deals behind closed doors.
Deals are cut in secret, based on “bribery to serve a group and the [ruling CPP] instead of the national interest,” Son Chhay said. He spoke of numerous “irregular cases we found [to be] absolutely wrong and contrary to the principle of open investment.”
Son Chhay said lawmakers are deeply suspicious of deals, including the Sokimex contract to sell tickets to Angkor Wat, government agreements involving the Naga Resort casino, the contract to renovate Pochentong Airport and the choice of the AZ Company to charge tolls on Route 4.
“I am very worried about the fate of a pitiful Cambodia,” Son Chhay said.
But a clearly angry Sok An said Son Chhay was leading lawmakers “astray” from the day’s business by demanding answers to sensitive questions, and accused him of “exploiting a parliamentary forum to benefit [yourself] and [your] party.”
The accusations, he said, were “absolutely wrong.” Sok An said the Naga casino is operating because when the government tried to shut it down, its owners took the matter to court and won.
He said the airport contract had been put out for bid twice, and was monitored by an inter-ministerial committee.
But he did not respond to the allegations about Sokimex or the AZ Company contract.
Sok An also accused Son Chhay of buying land illegally from corrupt officials in Siem Reap and hoping to make a big profit from it as the area is developed. He said when Son Chhay says he is defending poor landowners, he is really hoping to benefit himself.
Opposition leader Sam Rainsy then tried to question Sok An about his position as chairman of Royal Air Cambodge, which is currently involved in a lawsuit in England over $25 million it owes for rented aircraft.
But Speaker Heng Samrin refused to recognize Sam Rainsy, instead asking lawmakers to vote on the day’s legislative business. The lawmakers approved an international arbitration convention that means that Cambodia will abide by rulings in international business disputes.
The Assembly approved the measure by an 87 to 10 vote.
