Cambodian opposition leader’s daughter defends govt role

Kem Monovithya, daughter of former Cambodia opposition leader Kem Sokha, has defended her new government role as a special envoy to Prime Minister Hun Manet. Appointed on Monday with a minister-level rank, she says her position has nothing to do with her father or the opposition party. Kem Sokha was pardoned in May after a 27-year prison sentence for allegedly attempting to overthrow the government of Hun Sen, her father's former boss.

Analysts view Monovithya's government appointment as further weakening of the opposition, especially since her father's political neutrality. She met with both Hun Sen and Hun Manet in the past week, emphasizing her commitment to international affairs focusing on economic development and protecting Cambodia's territorial integrity. More than 20,000 Cambodians are displaced due to Thai military occupation of border areas.

Former CNRP leader Mu Sochua, living in the US, believes the role reflects government efforts to address international scrutiny and show responsiveness to external concerns. While Kem Sokha's release and restoration of political rights have been called for by Western nations, the opposition members, including political prisoners, were not part of the deal. Around 50 opposition politicians and activists remain jailed on charges related to their statements or activism.