Sun Sokun Mealea turning 180-degree case: Another NRP member bites the CPP dust

Sokun Mealea greeting Ranariddh at the NRP formation

One of the NRP member nominated to a government position

23 Jan 2009
By Ky Soklim
Cambodge Soir Hebdo
Translated from French by Luc Sâr

Sokun Mealea, the NRP deputy secretary-general, was nominated as a member of the economic, social and cultural council, attached to the Council of ministers.
The nomination to a government position seems quite surprising in view Sokun Mealea’s past political engagement. Currently a member of the NRP, she is joining this new structure – the economic, social and cultural council of the Council of ministers – which was put into place on 23 January to replace the economic, social and cultural council observation committee. While still a student, she was known as being an anti-Vietnamese student member who was opposed to the CPP. However, with the current nomination, she is now close to the ruling party. Sokun Mealea earned a degree in French foreign language, Law from the Royal Administration School.

Reached over the phone, she announced that “she will start her new job next week. I joined the government because I wish to serve the country by bringing in my knowledge. I am still a NRP member. It is not an opposition party, but I keep my distance to criticize the government, in a constructive manner. In this party, we criticize to help the government moves in the right direction.”

Norodom Ranariddh left his NRP president position to Chhim Seak Leng to serve as the supreme advisor to the king. With Sokun Mealea, another important NRP party member abandons all her opposition to the CPP ruling party.