Cambodian opposition leader’s daughter defends govt role

Kem Monovithya, daughter of Cambodia's opposition leader, has defended her new role in the government despite its potential to weaken the opposition and neutralize her father's political influence. On Wednesday, she told AFP that her position as a special envoy to Prime Minister Hun Manet, equivalent to a government minister, has nothing to do with her father, Kem Sokha or the ruling party.

Kem Sokha, who was pardoned from a 27-year prison sentence in May, remains banned from running for office. The appointment, following meetings with Kem Sokha and Hun Sen, reflects the ruling family's history of co-opting opponents. Kem Monovithya's role will focus on international affairs, particularly economic development and safeguarding Cambodia's territorial integrity, following illegal Thai occupation of border areas.

More than 20,000 Cambodians are displaced from these areas, and over 50 opposition politicians are currently jailed. Western nations have called for the full release and restoration of political rights for Kem Sokha, but the Kem family and jailed opposition members were not included in the political deal.