A Half-Dead Prince Ranarith Returns to Politics

Ranarith returned to politics (RFI)

Phnom Penh Post

Speaking to more than 500 supporters on Saturday at the Phnom Penh headquarters of the Nationalist Party, which has changed its name back to the Norodom Ranariddh Party, the prince said he had no intention of provoking conflict with Hun Sen as he steps back onto the political field.

“I will not play – [Hun Sen] has given me a red card already. He gave me a red card for 18 months,” Ranariddh said, referring to the 18 month prison term he received in 2007 for fraud. Ranariddh went into self-exile in Malaysia following the conviction before returning in 2008 following a pardon from his half-brother, King Norodom Sihamoni.

NOTE: With this we can analyze as the followings:

1. Prince Ranarith is a half-dead politician who has no vision and challenge in order to win over Hoon Xen to safeguard the country and the people of Cambodia, but he just does politics for his survival only.
2. This could be a political ploy plotted by Hoon Xen because Hoon Xen does worry about the strength of Sam Rainsy Party (SRP). Until now Hoon Xen still thinks that Ranarith can still be used in order to divide the strength of  majority Cambodians who are not pro-Cambodian People’s Party. More importantly, Kem Sokha may join Ranarith and this would strengthen this new force and for sure weaken the second biggest party- SRP. When this achieved Hoon Xen would lead Cambodia at his will.