AFP — The daughter of Cambodia's former opposition leader has defended her role in the government that once detained her father, saying the position has "nothing to do" with him.
Kem Monovithya was appointed on Monday as a "special envoy" of Prime Minister Hun Manet, with a rank equivalent to that of a minister, just months after her father Kem Sokha received a royal pardon.
Kem Sokha was sentenced to 27 years in prison in 2023 after being convicted of attempting to overthrow the government of former leader Hun Sen — Hun Manet's father, who continues to wield significant influence.
Kem Sokha, the leader of the now-dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), was pardoned and released from house arrest in May, but remains barred from running in elections.
Analysts said Kem Monovithya's government role signals a weakening of the opposition and the political neutralization of Kem Sokha.
"This role has nothing to do with my father, the opposition, or the ruling political party," Kem Monovithya told AFP by email.
Kem Monovithya's new appointment came after meetings she held with Kem Sokha and Hun Sen over the past weekend, as well as a separate meeting she had with Hun Manet the week before.
"Political differences are one thing. Our responsibility to Cambodia is another," Kem Monovithya said.
Cambodia's ruling family has a long history of drawing opponents or rivals into its fold over the decades it has held power, with Hun Sen frequently offering government positions to opposition politicians and activists.
Kem Monovithya said her new role would focus on international affairs, particularly economic development and the protection of Cambodia's territorial integrity following the illegal occupation of border areas by Thai military forces.
The Phnom Penh government claims that more than 20,000 Cambodians remain displaced from areas along the border with Thailand, which are currently under the control of Thai military forces following clashes last year.
Hun Manet said Kem Monovithya would assist with diplomatic work abroad, citing the border dispute with Thailand.
"I ask everyone to look beyond politics and judge this based on my role and my actions," Kem Monovithya said.
Mu Sochua, a former senior CNRP leader living in the United States, said Kem Monovithya's position likely reflects the government's effort to manage international scrutiny and demonstrate responsiveness to external concerns.
Western countries, including the United States, have long called on Cambodian authorities to release Kem Sokha and restore his political rights.
"The Kem family has negotiated for a government position and their own freedom," Mu Sochua told AFP by email.
But political prisoners and local opposition members who are imprisoned were not included in this political deal, Mu Sochua said.
Licadho, a local human rights group, said approximately 50 opposition politicians and political activists are imprisoned on charges related to their public statements or their political and social activities.
