Prince Sisowath Thomico, whose small Sangkum Jatiniyum Front Party recently joined under the splinter, royalist Norodom Ranariddh Party, said Thursday that one day the royal family would not be involved in politics, but the time for them to withdraw was not now.
Prince Thomico made his comments following news that a prince and princess would be leaving the NRP. Prince Norodom Chakrapong has announced he will leave his NRP vice president position, and Princess Norodom Vicheara has been quoted in local newspapers as intending to leave politics.
Prince Thomico said he never supported the idea of having royal family members in government, but Cambodia was not politically independent enough for their withdrawal.
"When we think about it, the royal family is a symbol of national unity," he said. "Therefore, if royal family members do politics, royal family members…are in a power struggle. There will be conflict, then there will be disunity, and no solidarity."