CNV: 21/11/2024

(1) A dialectical connection between Buddhist and secular worlds

Please allow me to have a bracket here, I am leaving the role of being a royal representative here to be Hun Sen […] let me now turn to a separate speech, which is not a prepared one for the royal representative […] tomorrow, this morning and evening, and in the next few days, guests will come to our country […] I have spoken of the relationship between the Buddhist world and secular world […] as a dialectical connection that complements each other and cannot be avoided. It is not just the issue of the Buddhist and secular worlds. We can say that all religions, whether Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, or other religions, always have a relationship with state governance, and no religion teaches people to do wrong things […]

The kingdom must promote and make all religious sectors, especially Buddhism, prosper. As for the secular world, with the development of this religious sector, the secular world, frankly speaking, is the state that benefits in return from the knowledge of the citizens, the understanding of the citizens about doing good deeds. It is through those good deeds that the state can govern better, without the problems of violence or sins occurring in society. This is mutual fulfillment. Our Buddhist monks must see this. When the citizens are happy, there is progress in their lives, our Buddhist monks also have good alms, and they are making contributions to the construction of monasteries and sanctuaries […] whenever our people face difficulties, the monks also have difficulty finding food because the people need it too. This relationship is inseparable […]

(2) Win-win politics is possible because Cambodia has one ethnicity and a majority of them are Buddhists

Why is it easy for us to implement the win-win politics 27 years ago […] it is because of the ethnicity and religion factors. Some countries have not found a solution (to their conflicts) because their roots (of differences) are too deep between ethnicity and religion. Just look at the ASEAN countries, some cannot conduct politics in a peaceful way because their differences in ethnicity and religion. For us, the convenience is we are one Khmer, even though there are a small minority, we do not discriminate against each other. The majority of us are Buddhists […] I always remind people that the Cambodian experience is not a one-size-fits-all to be applied to other countries because they have different socio-economic conditions or ethnic and religious backgrounds. Fortunately, in Cambodia, Buddhism is the one big religion, and there is something called ethnic and religious harmony, which makes it easy to extinguish the fire of war that had been going on for hundreds of years […]

(3) CLV-DTA repealed to avoid being a national division

Yesterday, the National Assembly approved the repeal of the Law on Trade Facilitation in the Development Triangle Area – Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam (CLV-DTA). Only this agreement has legal binding force and needs to be ratified by the Parliament and the Royal Decree to be put into effect by HM the King, who will sign it today […] we do not want this issue to become a national division. Some citizens are being incited by ill-will circles and extremists. We are willing to give up the socio-economic benefits that have been widely supported, of whom Japan was the first. Then there are international organizations, international financial institutions and some other countries that come to help in those areas […]

(4) There are groups diverting issue from Cambodia/Vietnam to Cambodia and Thailand regarding the sovereignty of Koh Kut

One issue that I would like to ask all the monks and fellow Cambodians to be aware of is that they (the opposition persons) are diverting the issue of Koh Kut from Cambodia/Vietnam, which could lead to a border conflict. In Thailand, there is also an extremist group that has created the Koh Kut issue. Now, in our country, extremists from abroad are calling for demonstrations to demand (the sovereignty on) Koh Kut. I would also like to see what our citizens think about it […]

(5) Is it about time to label this group terrorists?

Former Thai Prime Minister Chatichai Choonhavan came to see me at my house at the Independence Monument to discuss the issue of oil drilling in the overlapping area […] in 2001, we issued a memorandum of understanding, which has been in place for 23 years and has not been discussed in detail […] the fact that a group of opposition people angered Cambodians to demonstrate and force the government to take the matter to the International Court of Justice – is a pick on a painless wound […] is it about time for the government or the legislators to designate this group as terrorists […] this is an incitement that could lead to an outbreak of hostilities between Cambodia and Thailand, not just an internal Cambodian issue […]

(6) Extreme actions would lead to either internal problem or border conflict

I call on our citizens to allow the Royal Government to continue the negotiation with the Thai government. I hope that the extremists in Thailand will allow the Thai government to negotiate. What surprises me is that both the Thai side, the Thai extremists and the Khmer extremists taking refuge abroad say that I and Thaksin have been discussing about how to share the fruits […] I call on the citizens to remain calm and let the Royal Government work. If you push too far, the situation (will evolve) in such a way either to firstly, have an internal problem, for which the Royal Government does not allow the opposition to do thing they plan to, or secondly, have a problem at the border. I call on the army not to raise any noise about this problem and refrain from moving – both the navy and the land forces –in the area […]

(7) A few matters regarding Buddhist practices

I would like to come in and give my opinion regarding the so-called “slight delay” (in the appointment of the Supreme Patriarch) […] the Supreme Patriarch has passed away, so why has there not been one appointed yet? I am asking for your understanding to allow some time because there is no urgency (on this matter) […] only HM the King has the right to appoint at the request of the Prime Minister, while the Prime Minister and I have discussed it, but he leaves the matter to me – the President of the Supreme Council of HM the King, to give your opinion and I have requested for a delay […]

Secondly, I am requesting that the Ministry of Cults and Religion, as well as the Protocol department, reorganize the seating arrangement […] the current seating arrangement is being prepared according to title, not according to position […] today, the Venerable district head monk is seated in front of the provincial head monk […] I am asking the Ministry of Cults and Religion, and the Protocol department to reorganize it […] I am making a suggestion out loud here […]

Another thing… the Ministry of Cults and Religion should be working with monks and authorities regarding the fact that there are stupas in the monasteries. Fortunately, some monasteries can still accept stupas, but in the future, there will be no place to build stupas. Should we consider jointly buying land somewhere so that Buddhists can have a place to build stupas […] we need to think about those who cannot afford to build stupas […] some families who cannot afford to build stupas […] it is not like a mass grave like in the Pol Pot era, but a place for the poor to put the remains of their parents for whom they could go to the funeral […]

Another thing, I would like to take this chance to advise the Ministry of Cults and Religion to think about credible person to take over the ritual procession in the Royal Palace after the wiseman Kun’s retirement […] after the wiseman Kun, who could be the one to work in the Royal Palace? Have we been prepared? we must be ready for anything and everything […]

I am begging you, Buddhist monks, not to be jealous of each other […] the Venerable Chantmuni, I don’t know if he came today or not? He didn’t come. Why are there monks that are not happy with the Venerable Chantmuni? When many Buddhist followers like him, we all should be happy. What is the need to be jealous of him? Let’s be honest with each other. I really find it difficult to understand. Let’s not be jealous of each other about this person being influential, that person being popular, that person being unpopular […]

Where is Venerable Hak Sieng Hai? Please continue to help with literature, as you always go live on social media to teach Khmer literature […] the other day, I saw the Venerable Hak Siang Hai (I called him Lok Kon) and the Venerable Chantmoni walking together looking around in the compound of the pagoda. I am so happy that they walk together in the pagoda looking at the trees, the school, etc. […]./.

CNV: 22/11/2024

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(1) The second host of the 12th ICAPP General Assembly

When ICAPP was established, I was like the sun that had not yet above the head. But now, after 24 years its birth, I am like the afternoon but not yet set. Hopefully, there will be at least three more 10 years so that we can see the wider world. Some 14 years ago, we already held a General Assembly. At that time, we used the government building to host it. This year, Cambodia has the opportunity to host it again at the headquarters of the Cambodian People’s Party. I thank the leaders of the political parties who are the ICAPP (International Conference of Asian Political Parties) family, as well as ICAPP partners, who support the Cambodian People’s Party to host the 12th General Assembly. I am proud of hosting the General Assembly, which Cambodia has had the opportunity to host twice out of the 12 Geneal Assemblies. In particular, for ASEAN, I myself had chaired the ASEAN Summits three times. So, it is not strange to participate in the ICAPP framework for two times. Hopefully, there will be a third and fourth.

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(2) “I am willing to let the court fail but not let the country go back to war”

Let me say a little bit on this point. If Cambodia failed to control its sovereignty and internal affairs, we could have been doomed under the political agenda of the Khmer Rouge trial that did not take national reconciliation into consideration. They are biased towards the Khmer Rouge trial but not to peace. The sad point is that they created war in our country, they supported the Khmer Rouge at the United Nations, but when it came to the time for prosecution, they hastened us to prosecute (the Khmer Rouge), regardless of the consequences that could arise.

I told the former Secretary-General of the United Nations very clearly – “I am willing to let the court fail but I will not let my country go back to war.” We all may remember that for any foreign contribution, whether in the framework of a regional organization or even the United Nations, one must not forgo the ownership of one’s own country. Of course, we must meet the standards. But what are the standards? In this world, standards exist only in sports. There are no standards in politics, and there are none in other aspects. Only sports have real standards. Politics have no standards. From country to country, there are different ways of governing. This is a point I should emphasize.

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(3) Guaranteeing life, career, occupation, and ownership of property – core of win-win politics

Let me emphasize the core elements of the win-win politics that enabled the (rank and file of) the Khmer Rouge to trust and come together with the Royal Government. Firstly, we must guarantee their life. This means that they would surrender, only when they would not be killed, and would not be imprisoned. If we did not guarantee this, who would be willing to come and join us […] the second point is to guarantee their career and occupation. We had no fear to have done so. Those who were in the army would continue to do so. They just took off their Khmer Rouge uniform, put on the ones of the Royal Government, and apply the laws of the Royal Government.

Those forces become the forces of the Royal Government. Doctors would continue to be doctors. We dare to let the Khmer Rouge division-level units, both ranks and files, to take the responsibility to continue leading their forces. However, they must not implement the Khmer Rouge policies. They implement the policies of the Royal Government. This guarantees clearly that they would be able to come together with us. And thereafter, (3) guaranteeing ownership of their property, both real estate and movable property. These three guarantees were important components that drew all brothers and sisters to separate themselves from the Khmer Rouge and come back to live in national society […]

(4) Implement the DIFID strategy for the goal of peace and national unification

It is not an exaggeration that we used the 5-letter strategy – DIFID […] meaning – divide, isolate, finish, integrate, and develop (in the course of rooting out the Khmer Rouge). If we did not divide, would the Khmer Rouge be willing to be isolated? If the Khmer Rouge leaders were not isolated, they would still use their soldiers to fight us. I think it is not an exaggeration that we should do this for the goal of peace and national unification. In the world, no country has yet ended a war the way Cambodia did. After we completed the unification with the lower level, the upper-level leadership came to the Prime Minister’s house (to surrender) […]

These five letters laid the strategy that we implemented. To achieve the goal, we must have a method for solving problems. However, Cambodia’s experience is not enough to respond to the experience of other countries. It can be combined according to the actual situation. We do not have a theory that comes from anyone, but is a theory that was created by Cambodia itself and sincerely participated in by the Cambodian people themselves, all of whom we call operators. It’s not just Hun Sen. There’s Tea Banh, there’s Sar Kheng, there is everyone else, including the brothers and sisters – former Khmer Rouge rank and file, and supporters of the win-win policy – all of whom are operators of win-win politics.

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(5) Use every measure to prevent color revolutions from breaking up the country

Last night, in the Standing Committee meeting, I mentioned the experience of color revolutions, which can be carried out. Recently, they did it in Bangladesh, and they wanted to destroy Cambodia. However, it must be recognized that here we have been aware of the methods of color revolution groups. They do not carry out coups to overthrow the state anymore – but instead use color revolutions through the masses to overthrow (the state). Initially, they neutralize the armed forces and the civil administration. For us here, in order to prevent color revolutions, neutrality is allowed only between political parties, but not between the armed forces and the civil administration. They are instruments of the state. It cannot be neutral. That they cannot do anything. We must be wise in managing the situation, because it is the most critical point. Otherwise, blood would be shed and the country would be divided again. Therefore, we will not hesitate to use every measure to prevent color revolutions.

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(6) “Don’t make the third mistake in Cambodia, let us enjoy peace and build our country.”

This is regrettable. The democrats claim to respect human rights and democracy but instead support the coup of March 18, 1970. What does this mean? Countries that claim to respect human rights but instead support the Khmer Rouge’s to occupy the Cambodian seat at the United Nations. That is the reason why we always remind them – “Don’t make the third mistake in Cambodia, let us enjoy peace and build our country.” Whether they respect it or not, we must take responsibility for managing the situation to ensure our country’s further development./.

33 years following the Paris Peace Agreement, Cambodia and its peoples have really enjoyed what they have today, which is so far different from the past Khmer Rouge regime.
On October 23, 2024, we celebrate this historic day, bringing an end to internal disputes, restoring national unification, liberal mutli-party democracy with the promotion of human rights and a constitutional monarchy.
A record of today achievement has been derived from great merits and the first historic meeting between the Late King Father Norodom Sihanouk and Samdech Techo Hun Sen at FERE-EN-TARDENOIS on December 2-4, 1987 and the latter at SAINT-GERMAIN-EN-LAYE, December 20-21, 1988 in the Republic of France.
Both national heroes put in enormous efforts to seek for national unity before the Paris Peace Agreement was signed on October 23, 1991 by the four parties in conflict and by the 19 signatory states.
After the 1993 election, those countries completed their mission while the Kingdom of Cambodia also became a sovereign state on the international fora as Mr. Jean David Levitte, former senior diplomat of French Foreign Ministry who was involved in the peace negotiation process for the protracted conflict in Cambodia mentioned during his visit to Cambodia in October 2016.
The same as what he highlighted in his statement, some opposition parties and civil societies should stop repeating the roles of the signatory countries.
Samdech Techo Hun Sen is the only peace founder, ensuring these heritages in particular the guarantee of peace which is the foundation of human rights and national development for the next generation and todays Samdech Thepadey Hun Manet is featured another key leader to navigate Cambodia at a remarkable progress.
Article 15 of the Paris Peace Agreement states that all persons in Cambodia and all Cambodian refugees and displaced persons shall enjoy the rights and freedoms embodied in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other relevant international human rights instruments.
These contents are also listed in the Constitution of the Kingdom of Cambodia in Chapter 3 on the Rights and Duties of Citizens (Articles 31 to 50), which stipulate five basic rights namely, civil rights, political rights, economic rights, social rights and cultural rights.
Article 31 of the Constitution states that The Kingdom of Cambodia recognizes and respects human rights as enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and all treaties and conventions related to human rights, women’s rights and children’s rights .” Khmer citizens are equal before the law, enjoying the same rights, liberties and duties regardless of race, color, sex, language, beliefs, religions, political tendencies, birth origin, social status, wealth or other situations. The exercise of such rights and liberties shall be in accordance with the law.
In this spirit, no one can reject this truth while all the rights of the Cambodian people are guaranteed by the Constitution under the shade of peace.
Yet, if we look at the war in Gaza, Mr. Didier Fassin, professor at Princeton and professor at a French secondary school said on October 13, 2024 that the Western world will have no more lessons on human rights to give to the rest of the world. (https: // f 24. My / AfFT ) .
Thank October 23 – Thank Peace!
Why Thank Peace?
The word “Thank Peace!” has been solemnly applauded by the Cambodian people both locally and externally, as well as the people of the world, and particularly in 2023, Mr. Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General has launched a phrase “New Agenda for Peace” outlining the vision of how the international community can prevent conflict and make peace more sustainably effective while the world is experiencing unprecedented and severe crises. According to the website of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) on September 19, 2023, “New Agenda for Peace” focuses on five points as follows:
– in an increasingly fragmented world, we need to rebuild trust, solidarity and accountability. Platforms like the International Dialogue on Peacebuilding and State Building (IDPS) can help;
– Supporting national ownership of prevention is more critical than ever;
– New solutions require a new voices at the decision-making table;
– inclusivity is paramount for peace to be achievable and sustainability ;
– Prevention Should be a universal goal for every country, not just those experiencing conflict.
Whether this vision is effective or the UN is a coward (l’ONU est un machin), the famous message of Mr. Charles De Gaule, former French president, spoke at a press conference on September 10, 1960.
Every year, the United Nations convenes the general assembly in New York where the heads of state, government, and foreign ministers take turns to deliver their respective speeches.
What did Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister, say on September 27, 2024 during the time his country is at war against Hamas terrorists in the Gaza Strip and in the Middle East?
He strongly criticized the silence of the international community and blamed UN member states for not adequately condemning the actions of Hamas and Hezbollah, which he considered a serious threat to regional peace. he alleged that this silence or neutral attitude of those UN member states is tantamount to a form of tolerance for terrorism, affecting global security and the security of Israel in particular.
The author really wonders why Benjamin Netanyahu dared to use these aggressive tones, blaming those participating countries and they just sat and quietly listened to his blames, or because Israel has a big brother ” the United States ” behind?
No one could really believes that the war between Israel and Hamas could erupt like this as Israel has only had peace for 50 years sharp since October 7, 1973. On October 7, 2023, half a century later, the war broke out while Israel citizens, especially youths, were celebrating its Independence Day, dancing in a confident atmosphere with an enjoyable holiday. Hamas arbitrarily and brutally killed Israeli youths, raped Israelii women, violently thrown babies and held many Israeli people hostage.
For more than two years, the war between Russia and Ukraine has erupted at the gates of Europe, bringing about the unity of the 27 EU member states since the flames of war have spreaded next to its countries and the war will surely spread to their homes if no solution is in place.
We are currently unaware of when the abovementioned conflict can come into an end and how far it will spread out, and whether or not World War III will materialize. No one can foresee the future clearly but what we see right now is that there exists a genuine peace, a hard-won peace through enormous and innumerable sacrifices to be absolutely maintained.
Thank Peace!
The views of individuals with ill-intent, or those who did not experience the great catastrophe occurring in Cambodia in the 20th century, along with those who publicly express their disapproval and criticize the appreciation of peace, claiming that Cambodia has been at peace since the late 1998, reflects a sentiment much like the Khmer proverb which goes:
“For lovers, even river water tastes sweet; For haters, even sugarcane is sour.”

CMF: 20/10/2024

(1) Whether winning or losing, the main goal of the game is respect, love and friendship

I do not have much​ to say today. For the past three days, you have been taking parts in the contest with full care and management […] I thank the organizing committee […] and the participation of contestants from many sport federations and/or units – a total of 55 units/clubs federations. This year we organized the three days contest (for the first time) on a small field, in which we could take in only over 400 contestants […] next year, hopefully we can host more. It is worth noting that this time we have 35 elders who master in ancient martial arts joining us. We have the applause of the fans who support (this Cambodian mixed martial arts – CMMA – contest). Whether who wins or loses, the goal of this contest is respecting each other, loving and befriending […]

(2) CMMA contests – a dream comes true

This contest is one of my dreams that comes true. I wanted to organize this CMMA (full-contact fighting) match 4 or 5 years already, especially when I was in the army […] but it did not come true. Today, we have worked it out. The biggest goal is to show the diversity of Cambodian martial arts […] a moment ago, I’m excited almost shedding tears […] in less than 10 minutes of performance, I have seen different forms of martial art and performance arts. We have puppetry, Apsara dance combined with martial arts. These are all left by our ancestors for us. There is no need to separate the arts, culture, martial arts. All kinds of art forms, all kinds of martial arts forms are in one bundle […] under the flag of Angkor Wat […]

(3) Cambodian martial arts come back in the country and in the international arena

(This) has shown the richness of our ancestors’ martial arts and ancient culture […] the Ministry of Culture (and Fine Arts) and the sports federations have come up with such creative ideas […] based on the Khmer identity concept. This is why we are developing and conserving our culture and arts altogether […] today, in China’s Hainan, participating in the martial arts exhibition, the Cambodian martial arts Bokator has made presence with some 56 countries. The Minister of Tourism, HE Huot Hak, is there. This has ascertained that our ancestral martial arts not only come back in the country but also in the international arena […]

(4) Research, dissemination, and implementation to conserve and develop CMA

Efforts made to conserve and develop (the Cambodian ancient martial arts must be) carried out based on three jobs. Firstly, the research collections and compilations. I hope there will be more martial arts to discover in the coming years. Along with setting up the mixed martial arts organizing committee, I decided to set up a committee to compile the “Mystery of the Ancient Khmer Martial Arts” book. Secondly, dissemination (of CMA through) contests like this […] in this era of globalization it is easy to copy culture from outside, but we have our culture and civilization to uplift too. We do not prohibit innovation, but we need to compile and promote our national identity in martial arts […] thirdly, the act of implementing it should be carried out in the units of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, police, clubs, and schools. I hope to promote the use of Cambodian martial arts more. I urge that the Minister of Education, Youth and Sports, HE Hang Chuon Naron, will promote practicing and using Cambodian martial arts in universities […]

(5) No prohibition to foreign martial arts, but uplifting the Cambodia ones

We do not forbid the training of any foreign martial arts. It is recognized as a development. However, we must continue to promote the Cambodian ancestral martial arts. All of you here are the main characters in the development and preservation of the traditional Cambodian martial arts […] I wish you all good health, success in all your duties and together build a more prosperous Cambodia. Let’s protect, preserve, and develop the Cambodian culture, arts and martial arts. Thank you.

CMF: 19/10/2024

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(1) peace prevents war nightmares from occurring among us

Peace – this word will be spoken over and over again. Only peace helps drive nightmares away from us. Even when we are asleep, peace eliminates nightmares (about war) among our people. Here today we are talking about Red Cross youth. If we talk about youth, we are talking about the future, hope and opportunity. We can guarantee these three factors only in the absence of the flames of war. War does not distinguish between old and young or races. Cambodia is at peace, though no one dies from war anymore in the country, we have a young fellow died abroad (Gaza) because of the war […]

(2) War kills people while fighting and by left-over mines and UXOs

War does not distinguish who are the volunteers, and does not know who the Red Crescent Doctors, the Red Cross would be. In Gaza, more than 200 UN volunteers have been killed. Bullets do not know who the Red Cross volunteers are […] war creates mistrust […] the same is true for journalists. They were shot dead in the same way. War not only kills people during battle, but continues to kill people in Cambodia by those mines and UXO (unexploded ordnances) left from war […]

Since 1994, for almost 30 years, we have cleared more than 3,000 square kilometers of land from mines and unexploded ordnance. We still have 1,700 square kilometers left to continue to clear mines and unexploded ordnance. About one million people continue to live in areas with lethal risk by landmines and unexploded ordnance […] we continue to keep the peace, clear mines and do not lay out mines, build up the army to defend the country, and we do not fight internally, the cause of which would lead to national division […] we say peace is like the air that we are breathing every day. We do not see and do not know how much the air around you is worth […]

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(3) Volunteerism through youth mechanisms such as the Red Cross is the right spirit

I would like to thank the volunteers […] it is said that in a country that has just left the war, people do not have a volunteer spirit, because everyone thinks only of themselves, worries and protects themselves […] but, in Cambodia, it is not like that. Helping each other is our cultural tradition. This spirit of volunteerism has been present in our land, both during the war and in the post-war period. The spirit of volunteerism through various youth mechanisms such as the Red Cross is the right spirit. I would like to thank you for volunteering your time and energy to help our society through the Red Cross Youth mechanism […]

(4) Ask not what Red Cross can give but what can I do to help people and society

(We should try to) improve attitudes and mindset. A phrase that one former US President (John F. Kennedy) said (in his inaugural address) was – “ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country” […] I am asking (you) to have the same mindset – “ask not what Red Cross can give you – ask, through the mechanism of the Red Cross that I am a member of, what can I do to help the people and the society?” […] or what opportunities can the Red Cross give me to achieve the desire to volunteer, dedicate time, knowledge, physical and mental strength to help the society […] I think you come here with the desire to help and through the mechanisms that have already shown positive achievements […]

(5) The true value of the Red Cross lies in the views and values ​​given by people

Where is the real value of the Red Cross? The true value of the Red Cross is not just about being an international organization. The true value of the Cambodian Red Cross is not only that it is a mechanism with Samdech Kittipritthbandit (as the President), and the Queen Mother as the honorary president. The true value of the Red Cross lies in the views and values ​​given by the people […] when people face with difficulties, they see the Cambodian Red Cross (coming to help them) […] this is something that creates, maintains and increases the value of people’s trust. We offer help to everyone no matter what political tendencies they belong. That we help people when they are in trouble, it creates, maintains and increases the value of the Red Cross in the hearts of the Cambodian people […]

(6) New CRC members uplift the energy for better activities

With mor or with less, we are giving help to people in difficulties. This is to create, maintain and uplift the value of the Red Cross in the hearts of the Cambodian people […] the value of tens of thousands depends on the actions of each member […] do not be a burden to society, but help society, help your family, help yourself. You offer help not for money, but by doing good deeds, helping by adhering to morals and virtues. Joining hand to help friends in need is good, and it is in difficult times that value surfaces […] we make the Red Cross stronger with new members coming in not only to preserve the value but uplift the energy to create better activities for the nation, people and other youth […]

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(7) Youth is the key to maintaining or exploding the national division

In era of digital age, there are a lot to consider. The concept of unity on a subject must be carefully taken into consideration. It is time for us to make decision and to implement with all our heart and will […] we have the patriotic spirit and we also must have the spirit of nationalism, but we must not be extremists in nationalism, as it lacks thinking and leading to national division. Youth is the key to maintaining or exploding the national division because it is a piercing force […] I say all this because I used to be a youth […] in the last months, because of uncontrolled emotions and incomplete information, it creates friction between Khmer and Khmer […]

(8) Strengthen and maintain national unity to defend land, support/promote culture

Do not worry about this or that country that wanted this or that (from Cambodia). What we need to do is together think and promote our culture (because that will make us strong) […] if you want to compete with other countries […] it is prime to strengthen (your culture) […] make footages and promote them. That’s a positive thinking. This positive attitude makes us act positively […] young people need to have a positive attitude. If you are worried about the disappearance of your culture, you do not sit and cry, and/or curse. We must come together to strengthen and maintain our national unity, to defend our land, promote, and support our culture, our arts […]

You volunteer to join the Red Cross to help people in difficult times. That’s a positive view. You have my compliment […] a few years ago, I often see people posted their works on Facebook […] but there were not many people taking much interest […] these days, I see people share and give likes to posted pictures of Khmer costume or martial art. This is the spirit of nationalism. Together, take care of the culture, take care of it together. Let us not blame on anyone but let us build and promote each other […]

(9) Should Cambodia decline, no one would care

If we want to protect the territory, we must build and develop the country, and build the strong base in the border area. The important thing is to unite in the name of Cambodia to protect and strengthen the nation […] when our nation declines, no one has a headache with us. Other countries think only of their national issues. Even universities compete. We have to strengthen ourselves […] we have a scout mechanism, a volunteer CRC youth mechanism […] we have done well so far, but not yet perfectly. We must strive to be more perfect by increasing own capacity […] we strive to strengthen capacity […] to help each other in the name of the Cambodian nation, the Cambodian youth in building the nation […]

(10) making time to think and to serve people who need the Royal Government’s attentions

Yesterday, I covertly visited and talked to grandmothers in (the humanitarian organization in) Stung Meanchey. The day before, I sneaked to watch (the Khmer Mixed Martial Arts) contestants practiced sports. These are the people for whom I should have spent time thinking about as the head of the Royal Government […] meeting with the private sector a few days ago and meeting with the aviation sector to find ways to facilitate and make flights to our country competitive. Every day, I making time to think about that. If I were to wake up to just sit and watch what they are blaming (the Royal Government), those negative things would spoil my sleep with nightmares, and I would not be able to do a thing […] and it is no different for the Cambodian Red Cross. We have to think about setting a goal on a yearly and monthly basis to help those who need help […]

(11) Someday in the future, Cambodia may have her first astronaut.

Positive thinking gives us time to focus on positive actions and outcomes. We are not 100% perfect […] but setting a goal to strive for 100% in the future […] whether volunteer work or daily work requires high commitment to participate regularly. Let our youth, especially the youth of the Red Cross today, think positively together. Let us ne patriotic together through unity, increase positive outcomes to contribute to the positive effects of society to make Cambodia stronger […] ten or 20 years ago, we were not able to build robots. Now (students of) the new generation high schools can make their own robots and won contest abroad. Someday in the future, we may have Cambodia’s first astronaut. Let there be no division, no war or infighting that young people, instead of learning, have had to turn to fighting each other or death in battle, leading to the loss of opportunities […]./.

(1) 7 types of Khmer traditional martial arts to compete according to the formula similar to Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)

Today I came unofficially to view your prep exercises because we will be launching the match on the forthcoming 18th (October). This match arrangement has a slightly different purpose than before, which is to have a mixed Khmer martial arts match. We have pulled out seven different types of Khmer traditional martial arts to compete with each other, using a formula similar to Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), which I announced a few months ago. I have had this idea for five or six years ago or since when I was in the army […] we used to have Khmer martial arts match or Bokator match. This time we will try the mixed Khmer martial arts (MKMA), but they all are within the Khmer martial arts framework […]

(2) 500 traditional Khmer martial arts registered for the three-day match

[…] This is the first time we have worked on organizing an event that is along the line of the Mix Martial Arts formulation. We have invited the various types of Khmer martial arts to prepare this mixed martial arts event […] initially, we could not tell how many contestants would join this event. According to the report, the preparing committee has registered […] for the 3 days event […] almost 500 sportsmen/women […] therefore, the commission asked to suspend the reception […] if we get more, we will not be able to finish the match within three days […]

(3) Recording the remaining traditional KMA, exchanging experiences and making new friendships

[…] The first goal (of this mixed Khmer martial arts match) is to collect all the (ancient Khmer) martial arts together to show them to the people, especially the youth. Even the preparing committee wanted to know how many martial arts were left in Cambodia? […] the second objective is to inspire martial arts that people have had training in different clubs to come and compete, both performing and fighting, so that we can exchange experiences and make new friendships […]

(4) Compilation, dissemination and utilization of tradition Khmer martial arts

[…] We have set up a research committee to compile Khmer martial arts, chaired by HE Vath Chamroeun, and invited senior trainers to help compile the documents. As far as compilation is concerned, there are three main activities – compiling, disseminating and implementing – in the purpose of inspiring, preserving and promoting […] regarding dissemination, I have seen and thanked our people – both teachers and trainee, who have used Facebook and/or TikTok to publicize their practices of martial arts, (including performances of) long and short cudgels (or Dombang in Khmer) and martial arts […] and thirdly, for the sake of utilization […] through the clubs and among the military units […]

(5) Ensure that there are always enough food, accommodation and getting problems solved

I am taking tis opportune moment to thank the Special Forces Command for making their accommodation available and the Division 99 for providing vehicles for transports. Please ensure there are always enough food, accommodation and getting problems solved. I thank the working team for handling this work competently. As for this place, we are using it for match and for logistics. Therefore, we cannot put dining tables here. You have got to prepare you boxed meals […] I thank our ancient martial arts teachers and hope that the teachers will help in researching documents and compiling more […]

(6) Each martial art has different legal techniques, there are many forms of arts but some are at risk of disappearing

Congratulations to the sportsmen/women who competed in a friendly spirit, obeyed the rules of the committee […] each martial art may have different legal techniques […] as a commitment, the preparation (for the match) is done by experienced persons […] the work team has worked hard in all aspects, including logistics and provision of other guarantees, and promotion […] again, I thank all the martial arts elders who were invited to participate in the competition and for encouragement. Hopefully in the future they will be able to share and to participate in researching, compiling and promoting, in any way that we can, various martial arts, especially martial arts that are at risk of vanishing […] we have many types of martial arts, and some of which are at risk of unaccounted for. This is no different from arts. We have many forms, and some forms are at risk (of disappearing but we have made effort to) reassemble them […]./.

CMF: 15/10/2024

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(1) Peace is valuable for people of all ages, all generations, all religions

I would like to highlight the essential factors in maintaining peace in our country absolutely […] peace is like air. We do not see but we use it for free. It is around us, and only air has the greatest value. When do we know that the air is priceless? It is when this air is absent. Peace is the same. We can hear it and some people get bored of hearing […] we have had peace for over 20 years now […] but the real value of peace would strike us when it disappears […] for people of all ages, generations, and regardless of religion. No matter where you live, whether in the city or in the provinces, whether it is the armed forces or the civilians, peace is of the same value […]

(2) Born after 1998, Cambodians in Gaza: “we now knew what the value of peace is”

I met some of the younger generation people who are currently in war-torn areas (and asked) if they think that peace is only valuable for the elderly, Cambodian people, leaders, parents, grandparents, who went through the war and those who were born before this generation of peace? It is not (like that). On October 7, 2024, at around 4 pm, I received the news that one of our students in Israel had been killed in the fight at Gaza […] there were three students at the time. (After one died, the other two) saw people in uniform knocking doors from room to room. They could not be certain as to who (those armed persons) were from which side. They then said “now we knew exactly what the value of peace is”. This came from young men born after 1998. Parents at home (in Cambodia) live in a country with no war, but their children are there (caught in the fight at Gaza) […]

(3) Though at peace, Cambodia never forgets people who live and suffer in war-torn areas

I would like to convey this information to the parents who watched (this broadcast live) that even though our country is at peace, we have not forgotten our people who live and suffer in war-torn areas. I have instructed the suspension of sending student volunteers for internships in Israel and asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (and International Cooperation), the intelligence institution and the Ministry of Agriculture (Forestry and Fisheries) to liaise regularly with the 220 students who are currently staying there (Lebanon) and report to me on a regular basis, and prepare necessary plans in case of extreme situation, especially students and people living in the red area […] we are still monitoring. Cambodia hopes that all parties will be able to end the fighting and reach a negotiated settlement, and will not allow this war to escalate into something else […]

(4) Losing peace is like losing air to breathe

For the (Cambodian) 184 blue beret troop, well 177-strong platoon of engineering and multi-skills in Lebanon […] I have called them, in addition to the information that HE Tea Seiha and HE Sok Chenda Sophea (provided) in order to monitor and alert them […] in war, even the blue beret would be attacked. Five UNIFIL blue beret soldiers have been wounded in southern Lebanon […] this should indicate the need to maintain peace and stability in our country in order to keep on working, the livelihood improvement of the people, and to rebuild the economy, rather than to engage in all sorts of fighting and/or risks – not only for the armed forces but also for the people all over the country. That is why we must unite, especially the armed forces, to maintain peace at all costs like not to lose air (for breathing) […]

(5) The army is the key to creating and ending war, or maintaining peace

Our history confirms the participatory role of the armed forces, especially during and after the war and in the peace-making phase. Historically, if we talk about the period between 1970s until now, the army was a major player in starting the war. Without the military coup of 1970, our country would not have fallen into the flames of war. Without the army participating as operators in the win-win politics in 1998, we would not have been able to end the war. It is not certain that political leaders would agree, or the military would agree. This is a testament. Thus, the formation of war also involved the army as a key factor, the end of the war also involved the army as a key factor. More so, peacekeeping also has had the role of the army. Should the armies of all parties joining since 1998 do not trust each other, (we could not find and keep the peace) […]

(6) Strictly enforcing the law, and maintaining national security to ensure peace and stability for the people to be able to earn a living, organize celebration and help the national economy

The latest example was the August-18 event set by a small number of extremist groups to take advantage of people’s concerns over territorial issues related to the CLV-DTA to set the country on fire. Patriotism is a good thing. We all have it. No one betrays the nation […] The army is the one who participates in defending the territory, and keeping the peace […] if we do not hold the August-18 movement in line, we would suffer a break in the unification and national unity […] we must all have a nationalist spirit and patriotism, but extremist nationalism is dangerous […] I thank the ministries and institutions, the sub-national administration, and especially our armed forces of all kinds, the national police, the military police […] for participating strictly in enforcing the law, and maintaining national security […] to ensure peace and stability for the people to be able to earn a living, organize celebration and help the national economy […] please continue to be responsible and loyal to the nation, religion and the King […]

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(7) Cambodia has evolved from being a recipient to a provider of UN peacekeepers

Our army is not only involved in ensuring peace, promoting the development of the nation, helping our people in times of emergency, but also enhancing the country’s prestige on the international stage. Every time I meet with foreign leaders, I always mention that about 30 years ago, Cambodia was the recipient of the UN peacekeeping force (but now) we have become the ones who send troops out (under the UN umbrella). We have sent nearly 10,000 people to 10 countries since 2005. We currently have 627 men and 130 women on duty in four countries […]

(Regarding what is happening) after discussions with the Minister of National Defense, His Excellency Tea Seiha, and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, His Excellency Sok Chenda Sophea, I decided to reorganize the National Commission for the Deployment of Troops to the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission, which formerly was led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and with one or two Secretaries of State, and representatives from the Ministry of National Defense. The missions have related to national defense and to the armed forces, (thus we) have been decided to re-assign this job to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense as the chairman, to coordinate and lead the PKO. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall appoint the Secretary of State as the Deputy Chief for coordination […]

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(8) Training is an opportunity to transfer knowledge by sharing military experiences as well as gathering knowledge and compiling new documents

The army school, training centers […] are places we people are trained regularly […] lessons need to be consistent, the whole standard updated according to the changing situation, especially changes in technology […] training is an opportunity to transfer knowledge from the first generation of officers to the second and third generations of officers by sharing military experiences as well as gathering knowledge and compiling new documents […]

(9) Three benefits to practicing martial arts

Martial arts training is a must. No army in the world does not practice martial arts. It is just that they had to choose which martial arts. In war, one does not expect guns to have bullets all the time. There are three benefits to practicing martial arts. The first is to complete the necessary tactics. Tactics, weapons, combat skills, and combat serving skills are all skills that need to be developed, and secondly, health. Practicing sports for health. Thirdly, the participation in and preservation of martial arts that our ancestors left behind, like Bokator, Kham martial arts, combat martial arts, not just for show […]

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(10) Ensuring finances and logistics; continued supply of military personnel regime in a timely and with quality

In Khmer we have this saying that goes – “farming with water, fighting with rice”. The living standard of the army must be improved […] efforts must be made to guarantee ample financial support and logistics, and more so pay attention to the continued supply of the military personnel regime in a timely and with quality […] (and regarding) the quality of military equipment, I have entrusted the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense to pay close attention to it from head to toe. Quality must be guaranteed […]

Concerning pensions and disability assessment […] accuracy must be guaranteed […] O may advise to pay attention to officers, lieutenants, and soldiers of the second category who have lost their ability to work and have applied for retirement. For demanded skilled soldiers, and whereas s/he is still healthy, please save her/him because we are lacking many skilled officers to adapt and train to take over skills in tanks, artillery, and engineering […]

Relating to the assessment of disability, please strengthen this mechanism to ensure transparency and the truth, so that we can increase the accuracy of the assessment […] the assessment commission of the Ministry must ensure accuracy, because it will increase efficiency, especially the benefit for real disabled soldiers who have merit in the cause of defending the motherland […]

The Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, especially the Army, should be prepared to support the Royal Gendarmerie and the National Police in the fight against major crimes affecting national security in the future. The first is the crime of natural resources, the second is cross-border drug trafficking and the third is the crime of online fraud […]

(11) Managing the issuance of police and military number plates and prepare to change the leadership of “M1” (Prison)

I have seen that the Ministry of National Defense and the General Department of Technical Equipment issue guidelines on the subject of those cars using the military and police number plates […] from now on, the use such number plates will be allowed only for senior officers […] and we must pay attention to strengthening the control of weapons and ammunition in each unit and well as to exercise well-organized security for ammo arsenal […]

I have discussed with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior – His Excellency Sar Sokha – on searching for, reforming and strengthening prisons across the country. Yesterday, HE Sar Sokha reported to me. I agree. The first measure is to strengthen this “M1” (prison) by changing the leadership to strengthen this institution […] both the Ministries of Interior and of National Defense play an important role in the performance regarding national security duties […]

(12) Registering state and private lands, fraudulent land acquisition in national parks must face the law

In relation to natural crimes, I have signed two agreements. One of them is to allow for more request to cut the land from the state listing […] those who want to simulate that way (of cutting land from the state listing must) face with legal action. Doing so would be no different from deception. People who are really landless, we set up a mechanism to provide them with land […] we have to have a clear data as to which are the state land, and which are the private land, and where those land locate […]

Let us work together to take care of natural resources. The word state land means it is common land/property. The state is not the owner of the state land, just the caretaker. This land is the land of the people and of the country. Our duty is to protect. We must take action to resolve the matter for people who are really landless, but to what extent will we provide them. We cannot allow those who – for the reason of being landless to encroach on common land […]./.

CMF: 14/10/2024

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(1) Cambodia becomes a low-middle-income country and one of the promising in Asia

As of present, Cambodia has become a low-middle-income country, and one of the promising in Asia. Where does this (situation) come from? It is not born of chance or of angels being kind to us. It comes from setting clear policies and a long-term vision. In her speech, the Minister of Trade, Ms. Chamnimol, stated that we joined the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2004 […] (the process seeking accession had) taken a decade from the beginning of the negotiations in 1994 […]

As the war ended in 1998, and the country embarked on it first stage strategic direction of the country’s development in the Triangular Strategy, […] laid down from 1998 to 2003, where are three angles – one angle is to build, strengthen and sustain the recently won peace […]; the second angle is to implement full fledge integration. The third angle is to promote national development and reduce poverty […] with which we became a member of ASEAN in 1999 and joined the WTO in 2004. We have joined regional and global mechanisms and have reaped numerous benefits for the country […]

(2) Accession to WTO not just for formality but transforming from diplomatic and economic isolation to multilateral mechanism integrations

More than 100 people from different institutions participated in the negotiation of (accession to) WTO membership for the benefit of the people […] Cambodia at that time was difficult to meet the required conditions, but the political will demanded that we must accomplish it […] We enter the WTO not just for formality. Should we pursue that line of action, it would have been a loss. That means we would have achieved only formality but not real results […]

In the last 20 years, the results have been (demonstrated) by (the fact that Cambodia has been) transforming from diplomatic and economic isolation to integration with multilateral mechanisms, a process of which has made Cambodia prosperous […] we have attracted investment (to the country). Opening a business is a two-way process. That we put in motion the outflow of products (to the outside world), we should also anticipate the inflow of products, in addition to technology and investment capital, (from outside) […] the flow of technology and (goods) is what enables us to build human resource capacity, infrastructure capacity, and investment climate capacity […]

(3) The competition in the trade battle is to strengthen the internal capacity

There have been some who asked, if we Cambodians are poor, why else should we join the WTO? How could we expect to win the competition […] well, a vision for integration is “we are making ourselves strong” […] primarily, our market is small […] and secondarily, the door is for entry and exit. We cannot open the door to work with them only when we are sure that we are strong, but when it comes to what we are weak, we would close the door not to let them in. The same goes for other countries […] the competition to strengthen ourselves in the trade battle is to strengthen the internal capacity […] whereas our aim to open this market is not just to widen it, but to raise the standard since we bring our products to those markets in the countries with high standards requirement.

Therefore, it is required that our local producers have certifies their (products) standards […] to ensure the sustainability, stability and continuity of the correct policies […] we cannot separate our country from this bloc to join other blocs. We must continue to implement and strengthen the policy of neutrality based on the rule of law, independence, national interest, cooperation with all countries and further integration in the world organizations […]

(4) Being a prosperous country means the per capita income is high

It takes time and effort to take care of the positive achievements that have achieved before. We are moving on. The method may be slightly different, but we are on the same direction. The approach to expanding integration (may be different) as the world situation keep changing, and the geopolitical competition intensifies, and spreading to trade competition […] the UN Committee for Policy Development has made an assessment that Cambodia […] can leave the status of one of the least developed countries (LDC) in 2029. We have not only met the conditions require but also achieved more […]

Leaving the status of one of the least developed countries, what will we face? We will lose certain favorable principles in trade and finance, etc. […] however, we have no choice but to strengthen our independence and ownership by leaving the LDC status to further strengthen ourselves […] being dependence is uncertain. It makes us lose effort. If we do not face difficulties, we would remain stagnant […] A prosperous country does not refer to a rich state, but to a GDP per capita, meaning that the per capita income is high. How can it be wrong as the Royal Government sets a goal to uplift the living standard of each and everyone […]

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(5) Growing global competition requires constantly modernized internal investment conditions

(Trade) negotiation is not easy. Once the agreement is reached, follow-up will start […] this is the key to our success […] the fact that we can export a lot, especially agricultural products, is because we have been able to guarantee the standard that proves our responsibility as this is a very sensitive matter. Many countries, especially European countries, have high criteria that require us to regularly monitor and inspect product quality. Opening a port is difficult, but maintaining this port is very difficult, and business is no different from selling products. You must always win the trust of customers, otherwise credit will be damaged and it will be difficult […] growing global competition requires us to constantly modernize our internal investment conditions […], sharpen internal reform standards […], and increase the use of technology to reduce costs and complexity […]

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(6) Cambodia does not join any mechanism with a political agenda to compete with or oppose to any bloc

The Royal Government certainly continues the policy of integration […] the other day there was a suggestion for us to examine the possibility of participation in some mechanisms. There are now many mechanisms in place in the region, especially some that are not related or less relevant to the economy but more to the security policy nature and that could affect our neutral policy […] Cambodia does not join any mechanism with a political character set up to compete with or oppose any bloc. We join a bloc (or mechanism) that aims to maintain harmony, peace, prosperity in the region, promote joint development in the region, and especially the economy and mechanisms that maintain peace in the region. Cambodia needs peace […] internal peace must be maintained, whereas regional peace is necessary because it involves us […]

We continue to seek mechanisms whereby we can expand ourselves, expand the possibilities in all areas to interconnect. We continue to do so on a regular basis. The relevant ministries and institutions are still working on this. It is not just a trade mechanism. Whether they are mechanism for national defense and/or security, as long as it is in the nature of keeping peace, stability and transboundary crime zones, we will say yes to it. If those mechanisms are formed to oppose so and so, we will not participate at all […] we remain a member of the United Nations as well as ASEAN, an active group that maintains peace, stability and development in the common interest […]

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(7) Negotiation on improvement of north-south rail and examining the possibility of the rail from Phnom Penh to the east

We are planning and negotiating more on the road infrastructure system, the highway system, and beyond that, the railway system. We have a north-south railway to negotiate. I have given the principle to the relevant ministries and relevant companies to negotiate to reach an MOU by the end of this year. It has been stuck for decades. We can no longer leave it at that. In the future, we can examine the possibility of connecting the railway from Phnom Penh to the east to helps in transportation and reducing costs […]

About the waterway, the (soon to be the Funan Techo) canal will connect the sea to the (areas along the) river. Now we are looking for river rehabilitators, especially in the upper part […] in order for our waterway to connect, we will build the 50C road from Kampong Thom to Kampong Chhnang province where there will be a multi-purpose port […] which will increase attention to the principles of strengthening infrastructure to reduce total costs […] including electricity, fertilizer, water, transportation to compete with outside […] we have some budget to study the railway, but the negotiation has not yet completed. We had to wait […]

We have 300 million yuan that China has provided as a grant for this railway. As negotiations have not yet come to a conclusion, (we cannot yet move on with it.) Therefore, we must get the job done and make sure that we start upgrading our north-south rail […] and continue to attract direct investment, internal investment, and strengthen what we have, both air, waterways, land and railways […]

(8) Central and provincial chambers of commerce should act as representatives of the private sector working with the state

To my mind, the central and provincial chambers of commerce should act as representatives of the private sector working with the state. Now we have the Oknha Association, the entrepreneurs, SMEs, and various representations, to work directly with the state. Anyway, they can meet with me personally, because sometimes meeting at the relevant ministries and institutions may have been useful, but they may not be able to deal with so many complex issues. Sometimes, a meeting with me would bring about a clue how to deal with the issue […]

One of the tasks is to monitor and help solve the problem […] if the government does not succeed, who would be in difficult situation? People and the private sector. Therefore, we have to be flexible. I am not going to do the job on behalf of His Excellency and Lok Chumteav, ministers. I can only encourage you to do the job. Sometimes, I help you so that you can help me back. Talking about that, who do we all help? We help the nation, the people, and our private sector so that he can help the farmers, help our people by creating jobs and business […]./.

CNV: 29/09/2024

After exchanging greetings and conversations with the girl victims (fostered by) and staff of the AFESIP, Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo, President of the Cambodian People’s Party and President of the Senate, has made the following excerpted remarks:

[…] The reason that we (Samdech Techo and Samdech Kittipritthbandit) are coming here is firstly to pay you, our grandchildren, a visit, and secondly, to be aware of the situation of the grandchildren […] (1) we have made collective effort to turn the difficult situation that we all have learnt into a peaceful community, through which some grandchildren have got jobs, some have families and some have returned to work at this center […]

The story of what happened to you in the past, even though it has haunted us, and we cannot change it, […] but things have already happened, and become the past. No matter how much we reminded them, it would not change the situation. However, (2) our effort, both the managers and the grandchildren, the caring teachers and the sponsors, is to set the goal for the future (and that is focusing mainly on) training and education […]

(3) Every girl victim who comes here must have the opportunity to learn and receive at least an associate’s degree. The goal, however, is to get a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, and, if possible, a doctorate. Why talk about associate degree? […] in case the grandchildren do not pass the (baccalaureate) exams, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports will still allow them to study for an associate’s degree. The Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training also allows (skills) training […]

(4) We have two options. The first option is to study hard to take the Baccalaureate exam again next year, and the other option, which is a good option, we apply for an associate degree and lean to take the Baccalaureate exam again next year […] the center should set a goal for all grandchildren in this center to have a bachelor’s degree or at least an associate degree […]

Do not worry about the collapse of this center. (Although) there are people who wanted to overthrow the Hun family, they cannot afford to do that. Even though I am no longer the Prime Minister, I have found successors to take over the task of supporting this center, even if (in the future) we – your grandfather and grandmother – are no longer here. Today, the wife of the Prime Minister is here too. (5) You (the first lady) have to remember. Once we – your parents – are gone, you must keep up with what is the legacy of your parents here and you can share the responsibilities with siblings. This is to affirm that even if we are no longer here, we still have our children to take over, and after our children, there will be our grandchildren to continue this responsibility. This center would not collapse […]

I insist on begging those fathers, stepfathers, and/or child abusers to stop (this atrocity). Of course, (6) I once came here and said that I was preparing to request for (the reinstatement of) the death penalty. Then there were immediate reactions of all kinds. Now that we do not have (capital punishment), we call for the avoidance of sexual abuse on children. Person performs such act is even worse than an animal […]

The grandchildren here went through a sad time. Do not let them continue to be sad again […] Somaly, (the manager of the center) must be sure when allowing their mothers to take back their adult and trained grandchildren. You must inspect this case and be clear about it. Sometimes, some mothers take their children back but do not take care of them, whereas tragic incident recurs […] therefore, (7) before allowing them to return to (their family and society,) concerned responsible persons must check out with the family (first) […] and in addition, send personal files to local authorities – provinces, districts and communes, especially administrative police posts to prevent recurrence (of the past incidence) […]

The (8) important thing here is that we – the grandfather and grandmother, as well as the philanthropists – want our grandchildren to have a never dried-out treasure or the knowledge in your brains. The 100,000 riels a month that we – the grandfather and grandmother – offer will all be spent. What we wanted to do here is when the grandchildren spent all that money, they still have money in their brain – that I call the money from your knowledge that you would have plenty to spend […]

The position of the first lady falls now to my daughter-in-law, and the role of Prime Minister falls to my son. Although I hold a higher protocol hierarchy than the Prime Minister, the Prime Minister is in power. Telling the concerned Minister to accept staff (in AFESIP) is the job of the Prime Minister. (9) Hopefully the Prime Minister will pass without having to administer the exam […] (the first lady) is also in charge of the scholarship […] that will be sure that our grandchildren here do not lack scholarships to continue their education […]

We – the grandfather and grandmother – do not leave you unattended. (10) Let us reiterate, “even after we the grandparents, there will be our children, and after our children, there will be our grandchildren.” By that time there would be no more beasts. AFESIP may later become a center for something else other than sexually-abused children. Immoral men will gradually be abolished. AFESIP remains a symbol that helps people, especially women in crisis […] AFESIP does not collapse. We have Cambodian plus foreign philanthropists (to share the resource for that job). If there are no foreign philanthropists, there are also philanthropists in the country […]./.