The ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) responded to US-based Amnesty International (AI) over its call for the government to take “urgent steps” to avert an emerging humanitarian and human rights crisis under lockdown, saying no Cambodian dies of starvation in “Red Zones”.
Opposition leader Kem Sokha on May 5 said Cambodia should not lose hope and reject assistance from compatriots and foreign “friends” amid the ongoing community outbreak of Covid-19.
Former opposition lawmaker Ou Chanrath, who is now the founder of the newly-created Cambodia Reform Party (CRP), said that CPP lawmakers are paying little attention to the difficulties and concerns of people in lockdown areas. The government and members of parliament reacted to allegations that lawmakers of the ruling party were “sleeping” or “inactive” in helping people who are facing difficulties during the capital lockdown, even though lawmakers are also blocked from Red Zones due to the “risk” of infection. A lawmaker from the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) Chheang Vun defended the absence of legislators in lockdown areas, saying those who made the baseless accusations against them are attempting to divide the nation.
