NGOs Out of Politics – PM’s Office
Op-Ed: Khmer Time
NGOs Out of Politics – PM’s Office
Manith Hun (L), deputy director of Prime Minister’s cabinet, argues that keeping NGOs out of political election campaigns creates a level playing field. He is seen here attending a 2012 ceremony in Phnom Penh. Photo: Reuters
PHNOM PENH (Khmer Times) – Proposed election legislation banning civil groups from election campaigning is being misinterpreted, says a close aide of the prime minister.
The bill refers to institutions and not to individuals working for local or international non-governmental organizations (NGOs or INGOs).
Manith Hun, Prime Minister Hun Sen’s deputy cabinet director, told Khmer Times that the new law is designed to protect voters from false information.
“This is because during the 2013 general election campaign period, there were several INGOs and NGOs which spread false information in order to influence public opinion, which had a great impact on voter’s decision as to which party they would vote for,” said Mr. Manith, 33, who entered the public sphere in 2012 when he ran a program of student volunteers measuring land for villagers.
“This was the same as the propaganda dished out by certain political parties while destroying the image of another,” he said.
Referring to the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP), the prime ministers’advisor said: “In the case of the 2013 election, several of the latter destroyed the image of the government and of the CPP, while helping out the CNRP.”
The New Law Creates Fair Play
Mr Manith, who usually remains out of the public limelight, commented that the new law merely makes a level playing field for all political parties, as it requires the civil groups and NGOs to remain neutral and fair.
“However, as individuals working within the local and international NGOs, they can campaign for any party, as long as they do not use the titles of their institutions nor the institution’s banner,” Mr. Manith said.