Seven former members of the Supreme Court-dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) are seeking political rehabilitation through the Ministry of Interior ahead of the commune and national elections in 2022 and 2023.
According to a letter sent by interior minister Sar Kheng to Prime Minister Hun Sen on April 13, the seven – all former members of the CNRP's Standing Committee and board – had sent a request to the ministry seeking reinstatement of their political rights before the date specified in the Supreme Court verdict barring them from politics for five years.
They include former lawmaker Yem Ponhearith; ex-CNRP president Kem Sokha's cabinet chief Muth Chantha; and party members Chum Chandarin, Tuot Yoeun, Lat Ly Tey, Long Kim Khorn, and Yong Daneth.
In his letter, Sar Kheng said the seven have respected the Supreme Court order by not engaging themselves in any political activities or causing any social insecurity and disorder.
“I would like to request an early rehabilitation for the above-mentioned individuals who have been banned from politics ... by the Supreme Court verdict dated November 16, 2017,” Sar Keng said.
More than a dozen ex-CNRP members have received political rehabilitation in the past years, with some having formed their own political parties to contest in the upcoming elections.
