A senior Cambodian defence official on January 27 accused the opposition, the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), of intentionally pushing the country into disorder and turmoil.

Secretary of State for the Defence Ministry Neang Phat said that the CNRP’s failure to recognise the operation of the National Election Committee and the incumbent Government is an intentional action causing social turmoil and disorder, just like what is happening in neighbouring Thailand .

He also repeated Prime Minister Hun Sen’s appeal to all armed forces for protecting the Constitution, the King and the Royal Government, and preventing any law violation that may trigger disorder in the country.

Neang Phat’s statement was released after the police fired smoke bombs to disperse two illegal rallies over the last couple of days in Phnom Penh.-VNA