Acting opposition leader Kem Sokha said yesterday that he will write to the government and the Australian Embassy expressing concerns over the refugee resettlement scheme between the two countries, and he also might raise the issue in parliament.

The CNRP deputy president made the comments after meeting with representatives of groups that have protested the deal, including students, activists and monks.

“In my view, if looking at both sides, the Australian government has a problem with refugees in their country. Too many refugees keep coming there on boats. This is a serious problem, and politically they have used this issue to gain support during the election campaign. I do not agree with this politicking, which puts pressure on others,” he said.

But then Cambodia is bound by its refugee convention obligations, and thus cannot say no, he added.

“This is completely wrong, it is not an obligation.… We must be aware that the refugees themselves are seeking a new life in Australia. They did not ask for Cambodia.”