CNRP group responds to ‘false statements’

Sam Rainsy attends a demonstration in Parliament Hill, Ottawa, last year, calling for fair elections in Cambodia. PHOTO SUPPLIED

Tue, 14 October 2014

Reader's Letter, By Serei Tung

Dear Editor,

I read your article on the discord plaguing CNRP members and organisations overseas with interest. However, I have a rather deep concern and worry about the negative view towards Cambodia National Rescue Party North America (CNRP NA) laid out to the general public by Tithana Tithin – president of CNRP Long Beach – as quoted in your recent page one story.

There were many untrue statements made by Tith. One of his claims – that CNRP NA wanted to take the money from his group – was not accurate.

Tith also incorrectly stated that CNRP NA demanded that all funds raised by local groups be channelled through CNRP NA’s central account. False statements like this could damage this organisation’s reputation and credibility.

I am writing this letter in the name of a local CNRP chapter, CNRP Connecticut (CNRP CT).

CNRP CT was established through CNRP NA. We are one of 30 local chapters in the US and Canada inducted by CNRP NA. From day one of our induction, CNRP NA has made it clear that all local chapters must send the money they raise directly to CNRP’s central bank account in Phnom Penh.

CNRP NA also requests that local chapters report any transfer of funds to CNRP NA to ensure transparency. Local chapters never send funds directly to CNRP NA nor have they ever been instructed to do so, contrary to what Tith falsely claims. To this day, CNRP NA has never taken a single penny from CNRP CT.

As you may agree, money is the root of all conflicts and mistrust in politics. Therefore, as a vigilant supporter of CNRP NA, I ask that you and your readers give CNRP NA’s leadership a chance to tell its side of the story.

While there are many ongoing fabricated stories made by different political groups, the issue of financial impropriety is one of utmost importance, and in order to protect the name of our organisation, we must fight to ensure that we are being represented accurately in that regard.

Serei Tung

President,

CNRP CT Chapter