Page:President's Daily Brief (1974-02-26).pdf/6



Republican Party chief Sirik Matak recently stated privately that he and his followers can no longer continue to work with President Lon Nol and members of his Socio-Republican Party. According to Matak, Lon Nol has “sabotaged” every attempt by the Republicans to help lead the country. Several Republican cabinet ministers have echoed Matak’s criticism, but Prime Minister Long Boret has persuaded them to remain in the cabinet.

Matak also wants to abolish the High Political Council, on which he serves. Matak believes the three-man council, supposedly the country’s ruling body, is no longer effective. He complained that it meets too infrequently and has little real work to do, since most important decisions are made before any business is referred to it. Long Boret, also a council member, reportedly shares Matak’s views. Lon Nol is aware of this and has asked them to discuss the council further and to give him a “recommendation for action”. 3