PHNOM PENH: During the closing ceremony of the National Scout Conference of Cambodia on Monday afternoon, 10 October, at the Institute of Technology of Cambodia, Prime Minister Hun Sen responded to the opposition party alleging that the removal of Veng Sakhon from his post as the Minister of Agriculture violates the Constitution.

The Prime Minister quoted Articles 20 and 21 of the Constitution of Cambodia, to respond to the opposition party’s accusations.

"They accused us of removing the Minister [of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Veng Sakhon], as something right but unconstitutional," he said.

"Article 21 of the Constitution states that the King shall sign to terminate the position and appoint for the executive branch at the request of the Council of Ministers and the judiciary at the request of the Supreme Council of Judges."

The Prime Minister expressed outrage over the allegations made by the opposition.

"Whatever I do is wrong," said the Prime Minister. "He said that the one who was a member of parliament, interpreted the law as normal, but until me, he considered it unusual. When we follow the Constitution, under the law, this violates Article 119 of the Constitution (talking about appointing a government, not talking about resignation)."

The former Minister of Agriculture, Veng Sakhon, was terminated from his position by the King of Cambodia on Saturday evening, 8 October. The Royal Government has meanwhile appointed the Minister of Economy and Finance, Deputy Prime Minister Aun Porn Moniroth, as the Acting Minister of the Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, in addition to his current positions, until the new Minister of Agriculture is officially appointed.

^{PHOTO: ហ៊ុន យុទ្ធគុណ}