(1) The Royal University of Fine Arts near the National Museum was established more than 100 years ago

We already know the history of more than 100 years of the University of Fine Arts in our country, which is located in Phnom Penh, near the National Museum […] in the former state of Cambodia, (former Minister of Culture and Fine Arts) HE Chheng Phon visited a place near the old stadium. I used to go there to meet artists and high school students in the fine arts. Later, due to lack of resources, we transferred the place to the private sector (in exchange for a location). We created a new place […] we apply the method of “take palm leaves to pack palm sugar”. In other words, we take what we gained from the achievement of Phnom Penh to develop Phnom Penh, such as the construction of bridges, overpasses, etc. […]

(2) The new University of Fine Arts will be inherited for hundreds of years

[…] Even though it is not sufficient right now, I think it is quite awesome for the moment. We will advance step by step. The Republic of Korea will help us more […] that side is to become the cultural center there […] the base here will be a legacy for hundreds of years to come if we take good care of it. Our old University of Fine Arts has now become a heritage. We cannot demolish it or build anything there. We have this place to solve the training needs of students […] that’s an opportunity for the University of Fine Arts to have a foundation for its work, not just training. Now, ceremonies, sometimes an entertainment event can be organized at the cultural center here […]

(3) Building a foundation is difficult, but making it sustainable is another task

[…] Building a foundation is a challenge, but to ensure its sustainability is another. Let there be effort to maintain and to exercise saving, especially on electricity consumption […] it would be wise to set up a venue for thousands of people […] sometimes if some ministries or sectors ask to rent the building, you may consider renting them. However, we rarely do that because some people rent it for political party meetings […]

(4) 2% to 4% of 1.5 million poor youth to take training of ancestors’ vocations

[…] This is an investment in human resource training. Do not get a wrong perception that fine arts are all about arts. It is not so. We have other subjects like architecture, archeology, visual arts, choreography, music, etc. […] among the training of poor students in the future, the Royal Government will cover the cost of training for 1.5 million youth of poor households, of which 2% to 4% are allocated for the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts to train human resources in ancestral vocation heritage. This is a number that the university as well as the Ministry must pay attention to in cooperation with the Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training and other related departments […]

(5) There is no cultural invasion, only voluntary acceptance

[…] I should remind you all about the fact in 50 or 100 years from now, the younger generation will receive links from us that are not in accordance with the rules. I would like to ask you to be careful, especially the problem of statues. If you do not do the right thing, we do not know what will happen in the future? […] we must be very careful or that wrong things becomes (a legacy model) […] I do not believe in cultural invasion. I still claim that I do not believe in this cultural invasion because it is impossible to invade. The most frightening thing is voluntary acceptance. This is something to be careful about. As we could see it – France ruled us for 90 years. You may ask if France could change us. We do not accept French culture. Our pagodas have been places to store (the Khmer) literature. While ruling other countries, many speak French, use French alphabets or language […]

(6) France invited Krom Ngoy to sing and record

Our neighbors, like Vietnam, originally had Chinese characters […] when the French came, they Romanize their language (using French characters). As for Cambodia, France has not been able to change Cambodian culture. The Cambodians kept them in pagodas. We should also be grateful to France as far as Krom Ngoy is concerned. It is France who called him in to sing and let someone record it. (We) got the French help, or Krom Ngoy is gone. There would otherwise be no Krom Ngoy (narration of life ethics) today […]

(7) Win-win politics saved the Suay dance to life

The implementation of win-win politics brings about national unity and territorial unity, providing opportunities in all areas, including the arts, even the Suay dance that is an inheritance of people from Kampong Speu, Pursat and Koh Kong provinces. Suay dance could have been extinct if there was no win-win political practice, and the end of war, bringing about peace, national unity, and territorial unity. On ground that we have agreed on this territorial unification, our culture teams can come to every part of the country to study immediately, the Suay dance is a case in point […]

All we have to do now is defending the peace, because if we let a dozen or one hundred people destroy the peace of the 17 million people, how can we call it governing the country. Well, we cannot give up easily. Peace is precious and hard to find. Do not wait till you lose peace to shout for it. Only when peace is lost that the value of peace is realized. Now do not wait till you are losing the peace […] we must take care of it […]

(8) The leadership of Buddhist Mahanikaya should meet to resolve disputes and should not resort to Facebook

Last night, the Secretary General of the Buddhist monks’ directors issued a statement criticizing Samdech Sao Chanthol. Can you call each other to sit down and talk? Why do you have to announce the crack of the leadership engine […] who is to talk to these monks? It will have to be me. I beg from a distance to Samdech Preah Sangkhareach, the Royal Council of Buddhist monks’ directors and deputy directors […] to please be patient and talk to each other. Why is it necessary to issue an announcement on Facebook? Now you are arguing on Facebook […] please take back that statement […] we just talked about racial and religious harmony (not long ago) […] the Mahanikaya itself is at odds with each other and within the leadership too […] where is the Minister of Religious Affairs and Cult? […]

(9) Post and Telecommunications to look into Home Internet Service Provider These days, the Internet in our country is not stable. I do not know why […] I want to talk to the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, as well as to the satellite cities that sign exclusive agreement with this/that company […] I would like to point out the worst company in Cambodia “Home Internet” […] the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications should check on the company […] in other countries they are ready to get on with 5G and your internet speed is still at 2G […] also, some people added to my Telegram account and bring in many bothering issues. I want to delete them […] I have a lot of works […] I apologize in advance that I will block anyone who comes in and brings problems […] If you send a message, since I do not have much time, please do not make it too long […]./.

(1) Strengthen women’s economic power

At this point, I should add that the main goal that we must prioritize is to strengthen the economy of women. It is seen that as women hold money, men have no right to protest. Therefore, we must strive to empower women and get them power in decisions related to family economic issues, which are an influential part of the family […]

(2) National movement to build dormitories for female students

At the annual meeting of the Cambodia National Council for Women on February 21, 2023, I entrusted the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports with the task of building more dormitories for female students to facilitate their learning in Phnom Penh and at Provinces. I should clarify a bit here for all of us that (we must try) to make it become a national movement … we have set the direction in the work by continuing to focus on building dormitories for female students, not just in Phnom Penh, but also in the provinces […]

(3) No women in secondary school, no women in higher education

As we build schools, we need to add dormitories for women in high school. Without women in secondary school, we would not have women in higher education. With this effort, by encouraging rural female students to have the opportunity to study in high school with accommodation, we will be able to reduce the gap (between male and female students) between urban and rural areas … I have traveled more than 6,000 kilometers to check on that in high schools where I built with dormitories for both teachers and students, and female students is the priority. Therefore, along with the state budget, we can call on philanthropists in various places to participate in the dormitory for rural female students to reduce the urban-rural gap for our women […]

(4) Domestic violence tends to decrease

According to the report, the violence has decreased, but some serious cases still occurred this time, such as the shooting and killing by men of wife or other forms of violence. We must strive to eliminate it through action by both men and women. We always say that when you get married, whatever year the woman may be, she will become the one born of the year of the tiger. The truth is not so. It was the man who turned into a tiger … so far, how many women raised their hands to beat their husbands? it is the man who raised hands at his wife […] it is requires both men and women to act simultaneously in mutual respect … (there had been cases where) men and women divorced and separated and they brought their stories up in Facebook. Following my call for them to stop doing that, using Facebook and other social media to blame one another reduced […]

(5) To sign/seek no pardon for politicians who commit criminal offenses

[…] while the whole family were in shock and tears that my sister lost her life … they (the opposition) came out to attack my sister, my wife and my family. If Excellencies, Lok Chumteavs, Ambassadors and foreign friends are my sister, my wife, can you get it? I do not govern the state based on sentiment of, but we must enforce rule of law … the person is already dead and why they kept attacking? This is why I declare not to sign any amnesty for politicians who commit crimes … it is too bad […] my sister-in-law, my wife are also women, why did they insult them to that extent? Some foreigners even came to talk to me and instead of talking about insults, they even defended those insulters. It is enough. Please respect the dignity of the Cambodian people […]

(6) Decided to provide allowances for workers at 71 suspended factories

[…] Let me send a message to 26,000 women out of 32,000 workers who are losing their jobs … I have signed a (decision to provide) subsidy in the event that the factories suspended (their operational) … I have decided that (those) workers receive the same amount of financial (support) as (the one we provided to workers of the factories suspended during the time of) Covid-19 period … as these 71 factories (closed), in Kampong Speu, on the other hand, there is a demand for about 30,000 workers … I am asking the Ministry of Labor to figure out how to recruit those female workers […]

At the same time, I also recommend increasing the money assistance for pregnant women to give birth to children, and keep supporting them until their newborns are 2 years old […] We are ready for the election and a new government will be formed in the second or third week of September. Some people may want to know (about the composition of the new cabinet), for which I can say that the Minister of Women’s Affairs and the Minister of Culture and Fine Arts are going to be keeping their jobs […]

(7) The last three polls – more women than men like “Hun Sen”

[…] Speaking of the last three polls – January 2022, October 2022 and January 2023, (among) those who like Hun Sen, women have a higher rate than men … this support rate means the voice/votes. (This survey) has always been (done) and not by Cambodians … the support rate may vary to high or low (by) region, but no matter how high, no matter where, Hun Sen’s satisfaction rate among women is higher than among men. I am researching why women support Hun Sen? … maybe because women can benefit so much from the peace and development that I have led […]./.

(1) The CPP-led Royal Government a symbol of change in the Kingdom of Cambodia

[…] We have heard some parties say they are a symbol of change. I would like to emphasize that the CPP (which) leads (the Royal) government is a symbol of change of the Kingdom of Cambodia […] why the CPP (which) leads (the Royal) government dares to claim that it is a symbol of change? We have already seen the transition from killing fields to survival, the transition from war to peace, the transition from impoverished country to one that is a low-middle-income country, one with the transition to become a high-middle-income country by 2030, and to become a high-income country 2050. Not long, we will get out of the (least) developed countries list. This is the most realistic change we have seen […] in the past, Phnom Penh did not have high-rise buildings. The highest building is only 7 floors and there is only one building. Phnom Penh now has not a 7-storey building but 20-storey, 30-storey, 40-storey building. That is a symbol of change. The CPP is the only party that leads to changes […]

(2) (CPP) is not just a symbol of but a real change

… From now on, the (Cambodian People’s) Party also speaks of itself as a symbol of a certain changes, and we do the real thing. Previously, there were no schools or there were, but there were few students who had not previously learned or learned little. Now Build Bright University for instance, in addition to branches in Phnom Penh, also has branches in the provinces. From a country where student had not schools to go to, students now have access to schools, isn’t that a symbol of change? It is not just a symbolic change. It is a real change. A palm cannot hide the sun […] in fact, in all provinces and the capital development is remarkably visibly real […]

(3) The opposition groups boast themselves a symbol of regime change

Who makes (real) change? You can only talk about the symbolism of regime change. You want to be a symbol of regime change. If you talk about the symbolism of the transition from war to peace, from genocide to survival, from nothing to anything, there is something, I cannot believe you. You did not do that. You just dream of power. I do not mean to insult anyone, but they have been talking too much about the symbolism of change. In response, the CPP from now on will declare itself a symbol of change in Cambodia. This is a political message […]

(4) Reopening the country on November 1, 2022, back to 5.2% Growth

We reopened the country on November 1, 2022 […] we borrowed the building at the Olympic Stadium (to be used as a treatment for patients with Covid-19). We borrowed buildings at Koh Pich for treatment as well. We allowed no citizens with Covid-19 to go without a place to stay/treatment. To avoid borrowing (those buildings anymore), we build a hospital (with a capacity of) 10,000 beds, which can be considered as the largest hospital in the country and may be the largest hospital in ASEAN […] along with effort to reopen the country, we have revived the economic growth after falling into the negative area in 2020 to move up to 3% in 2021 and 5.2% in 2022 […]

(5) May the sacred Buddhas of Chek and Cham reserve no pity at those accused CPP burning the Royal Palace in Siem Reap

I would like to express my condolences for what happened in Siem Reap. The fire of the Royal Palace. On that day, I followed it up with the provincial governor online. Before 5 a.m., Samdech Kong Sam Ol contacted me and asked to arrange a helicopter for him to go there. With regard to this fire incident, please explain it according to the announcement of the Ministry of the Royal Palace, and do not go beyond that. Those cunts interpreted what they wanted from outside the country that this is an arrangement of the CPP and the government. I would appeal to the sacred Buddhas of Chek and Cham to reserve them no pity for accusing the CPP burning the Royal Palace in Siem Reap […]

(6) Do not panic over the collapse of the US Banks

Another thing is the widespread fear after the collapses of the US banks. This should be confirmed to our citizens. (Please) do not panic in the face of the collapse of the Banks in America. This is something that happened before. The first collapse was when the Asian financial crisis occurred in 1997. There was a real turmoil of banks in (some) countries, including banks in Cambodia. Our bank at that time were small […] again in 2008, the global economic and financial crisis caused collapses of an American bank. It did not hurt Cambodia, of course, but at that time we tried to prevent the risk by raising the obligation rate from 7% to 12% in reservation for the bad situation. Now, as the banks know how to manage their own risk, we have reduced reserve requirement obligation to only 7%. I call on our citizens, those who have money in the bank, not to panic, because panic will cause us to lose benefits […]

(7) Nothing is wrong that Cambodia strengthens Cambodian military seaport

[…] Cambodia has already announced it, and there is no need to prove from satellite, (and the work at Ream seaport is presided) by Samdech Pichey Sena Tea Banh (Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense). Since we have already revealed it to the public why there is a need give suspicion? One would not do that unless one wants to find fault with it. Nothing is wrong that Cambodia strengthens the capacity of the Cambodian military seaport? This is the Cambodian territory and so Cambodia has the right to expand its naval capabilities. Our original water depth is only 2.7 meters, and we have to pump out the sand and deepen a path for larger ships […] we need to strengthen our naval capabilities. It has not been easy for us to get capital from China to do this. Cambodia has the right to get capital from different sources available to do it […]

(8) Cambodia understands you, you do not understand Cambodia

With regard to nuclear submarines, for example, AUKUS Tripartite Alliance has been trying to explain to ASEAN countries because Southeast Asia is a nuclear-free zone. You have come to explain that this is not a nuclear weapon, it is a nuclear submarine. Why I can understand you when you come to explain to me. And when I explain to you, you do not understand? The other day I spoke with and made it clear to the Australian ambassador that I understand that this is not a nuclear weapon, just a nuclear-powered submarine. However, why do you not understand me when I explain that I need to build the capacity of the Cambodian navy to defend sovereignty, to fight against human trafficking/drug smuggling (and) illegal fishing or crossing border crimes in the sea of Cambodia […]

(9) There are no foreign troops in Cambodia, once built welcomes joint exercises

Let me send a message back. There is no need to campaign against Cambodia. Cambodia has the right to implement its constitution to defend its territory. (I wish to) reiterate that Cambodia does not have any Chinese or foreign troops in its territory. Once we finished the construction, Cambodia will welcome all countries to dock in the port of Cambodia and we can exercise together. We welcome (visiting ships) from all countries. This is an accusation from a group that refuses to understand. If you do not understand, I have no other choice but to not understand you. We are considering with other ASEAN countries […] we also have concerns because on land (there seemed to be distrust), how about going down into the water. They say there is no nuclear, what if there is a nuclear? Will they let us check on their submarines? They will not […]

(10) Be a good partner with ASEAN members

You talk as if you cannot hear each other. If they refuse to listen, we will not listen to them too. I pointed out already that “please do not look at Cambodia only as a country alone. Look at Cambodia a little further from Cambodia.” It means that Cambodia has a partner within the framework of ASEAN. If you want to be a good partner of ASEAN, you have to be a good partner with all ASEAN member countries to avoid any objections from (ASEAN) members, including Cambodia […] this message is for foreign friends not to campaign against Cambodia and do not forget that Cambodia is an ASEAN member. When you want ASEAN relations, you need to see beyond that Cambodia is a responsible member of ASEAN and has the right to prevent a consensus. If you want to have good relations with ASEAN, do good work with ASEAN members. It is an interference in the nature of a campaign to tarnish Cambodia’s image and destroy its reputation at the time that Cambodia prepares for elections […]

(11) Acts that increased distrust lead to inability to sign an amnesty

A while ago I told an ambassador that you have been contributing to the punishment of people who have just been sentenced. You visited the person now and then. Meeting had been so frequent. Do you not think the court does not care about that? It also creates a point that Hun Sen does not trust (to) request pardon for anyone […] your actions are wrong, create a reason for the court to find a story of conspiracy, and it increases distrust that the Prime Minister cannot raise his hand to sign an amnesty for anyone in this case. This is a message to inform related parties, and it is because diplomacy sometimes requires to be speaking honestly […]./.

(1) 99% of villages and 90% of houses nationwide are connected to the electricity network

[…] Nationwide, 99% of villages … and 90% of the houses are already connected to the national network. It is the age of electricity, not the age of incandescent lamp, the use of candles/lanterns […] the current solution of electricity also requires solving in a way that it does not pollute the environment. Therefore, hydropower is considered as a type of renewable source that does not affect climate change […] so far, 62% of electricity in Cambodia has come from renewable sources. We are trying to improve the remaining 40% […]

(2) Electricity demand increased from 30 MW to over 2,000 MW nationwide

[…] In the 1990s, we had a consumption of only 30 MW in Phnom Penh and in the provinces was even less. Now our consumption capacity (nationwide) is over 2,200 MW […] as predicted, electricity demand will increase. We need to find a source of electricity […] some have blocked (our efforts on) hydropower generation, but they also demanded that we address their electricity need. How to solve this then? (Electricity produced using) fossil fuel is too expensive. Coal pollutes the environment. To generate electricity in form of hydropower destroys the forest, causing the flooding of some areas. Do we have to go back to burning candles/kerosene lamps? Phnom Penh (previously needed) only 30 MW, now Phnom Penh alone uses up to 1,000 MW […]

(3) The return to coal-fired power generation makes climate change agreements meaningless

Let me talk a little bit about electricity prices. In Europe, the price of electricity has gone up. Firewood is now hitting a high price in Europe. Some European countries impose heavy sanctions on Russia. Russia does not cut off (its gas supply), but some Europeans do not buy gas from Russia. People who used gas for heating or cooking, they do not have (heating power) anymore […] supermarkets in the UK/Germany have had firewood in store for sale […] some European countries have been forced to re-use coal after they announced in 2021 that they would not build coal-fired power plants. Now European countries have re-used coal. Therefore, climate change agreements are no longer meaningful […]

(4) Damnak Ampil Dam, Charit Dam provide water for the dry season, Stung Pursat Dam reduces flooding

I have been wanting to build the Damnak Ampil dam since 1986 […] then HE Ros Sreng was the provincial governor […] it was my intention to build the Damnak Ampil dam […] we have got the Damnak Ampil Dam. From there, before dropping water to the Tonle Sap, there is another dam – Charit. I declare (building) the Charit dam from Canberra, the capital of Australia […] the people of Pursat benefit from the (two) dams. According to the study, building a dam on the Pursat River reduces flooding of the provincial town of Pursat […] in the rainy season and provides water well in the dry season […]

(5) To establish the fourth economic pole as a corridor of fish and rice covering 4 northwestern provinces

[…] I came up with the idea of creating a fourth economic pole that would cover four provinces in the northwest – Pursat, Battambang, Banteay Meanchey and Pailin. It all started from the negotiations between me and Chinese President Xi Jinping, in which we will create a fish and rice corridor project, because in this direction we have a lot of rice and fish. As for fish it does not refer to just fish from Tonle Sap, but also farmed fish. We also have other products […] I believe that China also looks to help with investment in the construction of national road 55 […]

(6) Let us turn Pursat river into a tourist area

[…] I wanted this area to be an attractive tourist destination in the future. The company (who are working on hydropower dam) can think of building resort. I heard that Veal Veng has a number of resorts. Originally this was a war place. It has now become a tourist destination. That is the fruit of peace. Some people do not dare to talk about peace. You can now see how much the people benefit from peace. Even those who do not dare to talk about peace for fear that (people thank) CPP for peace, they also benefit from peace. Soon they are going to places campaigning what they are going to do for people if the people will vote for them […]

(7) CPP RGC brings real benefits to people

The (Royal) government never promised but bring people the real benefits. You have already benefited from peace […] from the beginning, Veal Veng had not had roads. It was a fighting place […] the military engineering team under Gen. Kvan Siem’s command built national road 55 and 56 […] now we have a paved road to the border and we have another ring road connecting from Battambang and Pailin to Pursat, and connecting to Koh Kong. Are they not the benefits (that) the people have already received? Electricity prices go up in many countries. Cambodia does not go up in price. Our neighbors used to have lower electricity prices than us, but now they are starting to rise above ours […]

(8) Hope Pursat people will continue to vote the 4 seats for CPP

When it comes to electoral campaigning, people promise much more (than) we do. The funny thing is, while living in a shabby home, s/he goes out promising people concrete houses. I believe the people now are not like before […] as for Pursat, I do not wonder, is very supportive of the CPP. That is the truth. In 2008, we won all the four seats. This year, I hope (CPP) gets four more seats. But in order to get 4 seats, you will have to vote for the CPP so that we can all develop and then I will come to visit (people in Pursat) ay a later stage […]./.

(1) Where there is no peace, there is no talk about democracy or human rights

[…] I wanted to emphasize here that we continue to prioritize peacekeeping efforts in our country. We do not care what (might) happen. Whoever intends or acts to destroy the peace in our country, (we) will not be afraid to use all means to take action at any cost to maintain peace and ensure the development of the country. Peace must come first. Without peace, there can be no talk about democracy or human rights. We have to think about the right to life first. I hope that the Cambodian people who have gone through the hardships of war as well as the genocidal regime can understand the measures that the Royal Government had taken in the past to maintain peace […]

(2) Weaponizing at the request of Kompong Thom’s then governor Do Sohan to thwart the Khmer Rouge

Some (of the leaders from those days) are old and some are dead, such as Do Sohan and Keo Horn, then party secretary and provincial governor. I came here. I brought along four of my five children here. Maybe my eldest daughter can still remember. At that time, Manet did not come. My wife went to Laos. I stayed here for a few nights. Perhaps Samdech Pichey Sena Tea Banh remembers […] when HE Do Sohan, who came to welcome me at the border between Kompong Thom and Kampong Cham, insisted on requesting weapons to equip the forces being attacked by the Khmer Rouge at that time. From National Road 7 in Baray district, I called to Samdech Pichey Sena Tea Banh, who was in Phnom Penh, to transport 700 pieces of weapons to Kampong Thom province immediately. At that stage, even in this city, there was no electricity. It was very difficult […]

(3) At all cost, no hesitation to destroy forces that seek to destroy peace

Later, HE Sin Song came to rest at that same house (that I did with my children). The house where I brought my children to rest was later shelled (by the Khmer Rouge forces). Accompanied my tour then, His Excellency Cheam Yeap, who is currently the First Vice President of the National Assembly, is still alive. Others, such as HE Em Sam An and HE Chhim Seng, passed away already. War it like this. Separation occurred. Now, we no longer have fear (because of the war). In the war time, we did not have the opportunity to meet like this. If there were such a rally, the Khmer Rouge forces would have shelled into the city of Kampong Thom. In this regard, I repeatedly emphasize that, at all costs, we are not hesitant to take actions to destroy forces that seek to destroy the peace […]

(4) Villages, communes and localities organize and maintain security to attract tourists

[…] I should say that no tourists want to visit places of insecurity/instability. Therefore, all villages, communes and localities must take responsibility if they want to have both national and international tourism (coming to their areas). Let us ensure that there are no thieves, robbers or any insecurity for tourists there. (Having done this, we will be able to develop) not only for the tourism sector (but also for) the production exhibited in the booths of the provinces and communities this evening. I am satisfied (with those achievements) and reminisce about the past (and) compared to the present […]

(5) Imagine that Cambodia will produce the most cashews in the world

Each booth (in the water festival exhibition here in Kompong Thom) has a responsible and quality production that can supply the local market and export. I am imagining that we will become the largest cashew producer in the world. To date, our (cashew products) have surpassed that of Cote d’Ivoire – who produced 1.1 million tons. Cambodia now has 1.18 million tons. I hope that in the future, with peace, combined with the policy of safe villages and communes, Cambodia will attract tourists, but more importantly, the production that serves the needs of the people as well as the supply of tourism […]

(6) Less land management problems in the Tonle Sap region

At this point, I should emphasize and thank His Excellency Deputy Prime Minister Chea Sophara, as well as the leaders of relevant institutions, provincial authorities, who have done a good job (in resolving land management issue in the Tonle Sap region). So far, not much problem is left. I would like to remind you to finish it completely. We have divided Tonle Sap into three zones – Zone 1, Zone 2 and Zone 3. In the first area we allow ownership of property to the people. The second area is where people can depend on in cultivation and fishing, etc. The third area is a no-touch area. However, we also allow some villages, communes, to stay there since people have been living for 200 or 300 years already. We cannot get them out. We have to border their location and let them stay as a special case […]

(7) Infrastructural connectivity between Kampong Thom and Kampong Chhnang provinces, and Kampong Thom and Kratie provinces

[…] As His Excellency Sun Chanthol, Minister of Transports and Public Works, traveled and confirmed, and I also confirmed it in Kampong Chhnang, we now need to build a bridge and a road from Kampong Chhnang to Kampong Thom. We have decided to apply for a loan from the People’s Republic of China to implement this project […] on the other hand, we would like to inform the people of Kampong Thom that Kampong Thom also connects by another river, the Mekong River, so that traveling to Kratie will be easy and closer. In Kratie town, we have already launched the construction of the bridge across the Mekong River. The Tonle Sap and the Mekong, which were previously far apart, are being brought closer by connecting transport infrastructures […]

(8) For the 58 km road, many bridges needed to facilitate water flow and traffics

To build this road-bridge connectivity (between Kompong Chhnang and Kompong Thom), we have to have open gates for waterway traffics. In the course of HE Sun Chanthol’s works with the (construction) company, the project has had to withn the span of only 58 kilometers so many bridges to facilitate the flow of water and traffic of people in the rainy season. I mention this point so that people understand before making any comments. Though I consider the people of Kampong Thom to be the lucky ones, there is one unfortune thing for them. It is fortunate that Kampong Thom sits on the way to Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Kampong Cham, Preah Vihear, and Kratie, and soon Kampong Chhnang too – but travelers do not stop and stay […]

(9) Kampong Thom should have special local products for sale to tourists/passers-by

Kampong Thom may be in a difficult situation (in attracting tourists to stay.) Tourists go back and forth. They do not stop and stay. Building a hotel in the provincial town of Kampong Thom is difficult (for business), but if you build a restaurant, the business may be good because people will stop for food. Food could be attractive in Kampong Thom. Traveling to Siem Reap, people/tourists stop and enjoy food/lunch in Kampong Thom. Kompong Thom authority needs to find something to compensate so that the people of Kampong Thom can get benefits. One thing is they can sell things that are local and special products in the province. Tourists/passers-by can buy, and take with them as souvenirs […]

(10) Kampong Thom’s potential is agronomy/agriculture, cashew nuts in abundance

Although less favorable in the tourism sector, only the hotel sector is affected. Do not forget that tourists will come to visit Sambor Prei Kuk and other places […] and the strength of Kampong Thom is agriculture, crop cultivation. We saw it in the booths (at the exhibition). Cashews in this province are abundant. I expect that when we have enough processing industry, Kampong Thom will have more cultivated land (for cashew nuts). Nationwide, if I am not mistaken, there are now up to 700,000 hectares. When processing is in place, we can expect a million hectares (under cashew nuts) […]

(11) Supply for tourists’ consumption or export on the spot – a priority destination

It can be said that Cambodia will become a leading country in exporting and supplying the world market for cashew nuts. Our production above does not only refer to cross-border exports. Supplying to tourists have been the goal and priority of our policy from the beginning until now, and there has been no change. It is the export on the spot. We produced and brought to tourists for consumption – both good rice, meat and other products […]./.

[…] I have approved the request of HE Mam Bunheng, Minister of Health, to transfer back 15 million doses of vaccine that has not yet been shipped to Cambodia, as we currently have 6 million doses left in stock and there is only a small number of people to get it … we transfer to our China friend so that they can share it with countries that are in need. (On the other hand) we cannot hold the vaccine for its expiration […]

(2) From hungry stomach to full, to be full and delicious, and now to be safe too

[…] After the Pol Pot regime, we just did whatever we could to fill our stomachs … later, not only are we full, we try to be full and delicious. Now the problem has arrived, it has to be delicious and healthy. That is the problem that we have to think together … (taking) the case of a beautification, someone died in a surgery at a beauty salon …  there are numerous cases concerning beautification. We do not know what the next day will bring … (as for this food safety) it has to do with production as well. If the production is appropriate, it provides the healthy food for our people and they are safe and healthy […]

(3) Do not allow Cambodians to be subject to drug testing by any country

[…] Before importing anything, make sure it is safe. Do not let Cambodians be the ones to be tested for drugs by any country. They use it effectively and clearly safe, we then order to use in our country … I still remember exactly what I said. Cambodia is not a dumping ground for outdated technology. I announced in 1988. Cambodia does not have to accept anything that is outdated, including digital systems. There is no such thing as “old stuff in other countries become new ones in our country” […]

(4) Singers do not take drinks with high sugars, just sip it, to avoid diabetes We must now respond to challenging problems […] we must try every way we can to avoid problems causing from unhealthy food as it increases the (country’s burden). I am worried about singers and entertainers (that they may have diabetes in the future). Why will they catch diabetes? Contracting to sing for Carabao (energy drink), they had to Carabao. Tomorrow, they will go to the Bacchus to taste Bacchus. After tomorrow they sing for Ichitan (they also drink Ichitan). I would like to reprimand the singers as well as the MCs who have to taste them, to just sip it […]./.

(1) With Covid-19 under control, economic growth rose from -3.1% in 2020 to 5.2% in 2022

[…] It can be considered that Cambodia succeeded in controlling Covid-19 and reopened the country, which boosted the growth rate after declining to -3.1 (percent). We had economic recovery growth of 3% in 2021 and 5.2% in 2022. That is the result of joint efforts. We have done well (in the fight against Covid 19), and it is because Cambodia is well vaccinated […] to ensure that our people do not face death […]

(2) Three hurdles to overcome

Note that some countries leave people sleeping in inappropriate places and some bodies are not properly buried. For Cambodia, we do a good job. We must not forget that we are stepping away from (the valley of death), but this is not over yet. Ancient soothsayers used to tell the story of “3 fields/hurdles to overcome”. What are the “3 hurdles”? It would be a thing that the Buddhist monks here may understand already. We have already crossed two fields but the world seems to be swimming across the third field/overcome the third hurdle and I doubt if we will get out of it for good […]

(3) Passed the war field on December 8, 1998 (Field 1)

The “first field” is war. This field has been chronic in our country. We have successfully extinguished this battlefield. (We) finished it on December 29, 1998. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the end of the civil war, bringing about national/territorial unity for the first time in our history. Hopefully there will be no reactionary force to bring Cambodia back to war. We do not tolerate any action, at any cost, by those who intend to destroy the peace in Cambodia. We understand the intentions of some people through the concern that some foreigners delivered to us […]

(4) Hope that there is no initiation of the color revolution, destruction of peace, and creation of war again

We also want to let you all know that you should understand our concerns. The Kingdom of Cambodia is a poor land where you have contributed to the destruction and war in our country in the past. “Hopefully, you will not burn the war flame by helping out to initiate the color revolution to destroy the peace in our country and recreate the war that the Buddhist prophecy has spoken so far regarding the transition of three fields,” among which war was field 1. It was difficult for us and many lives have lost to achieve this peace […]

(5) Do not make mistake for the third time

[…] Please do not pretend to love Khmer more than the Khmers do anymore. When Cambodians die, foreigners do not come to die with Cambodians […] when there is peace (in the country), they show concern for us on this/that issue. They are not interested or concerned about our concerns related to peace and war […] please do not make the third mistake […] any country that supported Lon Nol’s coup to overthrow Norodom Sihanouk in 1970 had in fact burnt the war in Cambodia. Considering themselves democracy but they supported a military coup […] the second mistake is that you supported the Khmer Rouge at the United Nations for 12 years from 1979 to 1991 […]

Even the Ream seaport (you have made it) your concern. (While you are) at a distance of tens of thousands of kilometers from Cambodia, you make it the concern for your security, but you did not express your concern for Cambodia’s national security for the color revolution that aims to bring down the legitimate government. I have received a lot of credible news from former opposition youths who have joined the CPP in recent weeks. That is something to think about. (They let us know that their plan) did not need to use the government. They would use only NGOs to destroy …

(6) Crossed the hunger field (field 2)

The “first field” is the war field. We have already swum across the second field, which is the hunger fields. Remember, during the war, especially after the Pol Pot regime, famine spread across the country. Hunger in the Pol Pot era was deadly. In addition to killing, there is death by starvation. That we had no medicine is another thing. After liberating the country (from the Pol Pot regime), we started production (by) … people have had to see the consequences from the war to the famine (which) threatened across the country, not only those in Cambodia, our brothers and sisters who fled to Thailand also suffered from hunger, (that humanitarian organizations had to provide assistance to refugee in camps in Thailand) … famine is no longer in Cambodia. We have worked hard to provide our people with enough food. We now have food for export. We have at least 6 million metric tons of rice per year, which is more than 4 million metric tons of milled rice for export […]

(7) From hunger to ensure a full and delicious and healthy food consumption

… This famine field is no longer a problem for us. If our farmers continue to work as hard as they do today and are as peaceful as we are today, our irrigation system will be more abundant, and some places cultivate rice up to twice or even three times (with) our rice varieties … I was told by the Ministry of Agriculture that we have a rice variety that it harvestable in 70 days, less than 3 months … we are looking at the possibility of using these varieties to promote cultivation among our people. Previously, we were hungry, and we had to do everything to get our stomachs full. After that, we had to eat full and delicious. Now is the time to eat full, delicious and to ensure health … consumer safety is a point to pay attention to with the production no overusing chemical fertilizers. We encourage the production of organic fertilizers as it ensures safety and health […]

(8) Swimming across the field of disease eradication (Field 3)

As for the “third field”, we have been swimming and maybe this “third field” is not over. One disease is out and another is in. That is the disease hurdle. Old time soothsayers said so. I do not know if there are any other interpretations besides that. After the bird flu, we had this swine flu and I had it too. My wife had it from me […] (as for crossing the hurdle 1, I have posted a number of footages) … if there were no meeting between me and His Majesty the King Father, which we call the Sihanouk-Hun Sen-Fère-en-Tardenois meeting, would we Cambodians be able to resolve it? What can foreigners do without the role of Khmer insiders? That is a fact. It requires local compatibility. It is understandable that this is a kind of message to defend peace, independence and national sovereignty. Hopefully those who once supported the military coup and the genocidal regime at the United Nations do not make the third mistake on our poor land […]

(9) The Royal Government of the People’s Party does not give empty promise but actual implementations

[…] For workers who are suspended, we need to discuss with the factory owner […] “the Royal Government will provide US$ 40, and the factory owners will share US$ 30” and this should be implemented from April (2023) […] through the Ministry of Social Affairs, we have intervened for “poor families living with impacts of Covid-19” – round 12 for the second time […] for this February, we spent 123 billion Riels […] equivalent to more than 40 million dollars […] I have instructed the Ministry of Economy and Finance to increase the amount that a woman receives in time of pregnancy […] if this year we cannot increase it because the budget law has already been issued, we should implement it next year […] we also have cash intervention for families affected by inflationary pressures […] and programs of cash support for families affected by the recent floods […]

(10) Unemployed for more than a year, is it still possible to live comfortably and go on strike?

Orders from other countries are declining. Less that orders drop due to human rights issues? No. In fact, that country has no money … in time of Covid-19, millions of workers in the world are unemployed? … in our country, some workers have not been employed for more than a year, but can afford to go on strike for more than a year too … the other day I talked to a foreigner about a place where there is this protest initially by more than 300 people, and now only more than 100 people left. The rest accepts compensation and find work. The Ministry of Labor helps find jobs. I pointed out that for places where the money was supplied to the protesters, I could have caught them. Please do not think that I do not know … for those who really do not have a real job, can they live? They should understand Cambodia clearly. It is not that Cambodia is not bright enough […]

(11) Foreigners/Cambodians abroad should come to “Angkor Sankranta and SEA Games” in the Visiting Cambodia Year

We think about people’s lives. This year is a happy year because we have (1) Angkor Sankranta and (2) SEA Games. I invite Cambodian brothers and sisters abroad to visit the Khmer New Year or to watch the SEA Games in our country …, which I have issued a circular regarding the year to visit Cambodia. Both foreigners/Cambodian brothers and sisters abroad may want to come visit the country. Now, whoever cannot come because of the court order (s/he can) bring me the order. I will work with the court, but there are some people, we do not have to worry about them … it is now March and we are in a pretty cool weather condition … my real concern is the rising price of gasoline/fuels … we are going to put hundreds of buses in actions to transport people for the New Year. Those who do not have the (transport) means can travel by bus …

(1) Youth for national culture

[…] At this point, I would like to emphasize that in the past we chose a different topic for each year. Since 2015, the theme of youth for national culture has been consistent at all stages of every year, because the youth will be the ones to take turns from us. Therefore, in the future, there is no need to bring up a different topic than youth for national culture […]

(2) Attention must be paid on Khmer writing

At this point, I should emphasize that we must make efforts with special attention to the issue of Khmer writing. So far, I have noted incorrect use of our language, where people confused with words, used wrong words for wrong context, etc. … this is a small point in the evolution of Khmer literature, and with the increasing use of social media, incorrect writing appears to be worried. It is a good thing that in each smart phone there is always a dictionary of Samdech Preah Sang Chuon Nath there. But we must continue to work to strengthen the capacity of Khmer literature for our citizens […]

With only 64 days away, Cambodia will have the honor of hosting the SEA Games, an event that I have been waiting for more than half of my life.

(3) Statues or Buddhist statues required correct standard and style

[…] I would like to mention that the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, as well as relevant institutions, that they must pay attention to the construction of statues or Buddhist statues as those artifacts must be done in style. If the construction is not in accordance with the rules and is incorrect, when the official ceremony is celebrated, no one will dare to demolish it as they are afraid of supernatural danger. Well, that thing would be left untouched for hundreds of years to come, leading the next generation to misunderstanding the real Khmer art form […]

(4) Despite the modern material, keep the tradition of things from the past

At this point, I have already decided that out of the 1.5 million students who need to be trained in technical expertise, between 2% to 4% is reserved for the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts to train ancestral professions heritage. We must take this point into account, and not neglect and underestimate. What I fear most is the loss of (those professions and products for) modern equipment. Everything is modern, people are abandoning the traditions and things we used to have in the past. I urge you to pay special attention to the construction of statues and Buddhist statues […]

(5) Buddhist philanthropists or wealthy people sponsor Pin Peat and Chai Yam music bands

[…] We must be striving to urge the Buddhist monasteries to help us with at least two important traditional music bands – Pin Peat and Chai Yam. I am calling on all the monks, pagoda head monks, as well as the pagoda committee to increase the attention in attracting the support of philanthropists, Buddhists perishioners or the rich to help the temples acquire their music bands of Pin Peat (and Chai Yam) […] we need to train people to use this Pin Peat music insturments. At the same time, there should also be the Chai Yam music band in the Buddhist temples […] the temples can contribute to the preservation of the ancient orchestra, the Pin Peat and Chaiyam […]

(6) Find diplomatic ways to avoid conflicts over cultural issues

[…] I would like to make a suggestion regarding the ownership contest. This issue should not nurture a protracted conflict […] today, there are things that happen in boxing martial arts, which Cambodians call Kun Khmer and Thais call it Muoy Thai, while Laos and Myanmar have their own versions. We know that in our temples there is a real martial art bas relief, but can we (based on this argument to) have a dialogue […] and coordinate with the countries involved? Can we register together in the framework of UNESCO Intangible Heritage, as we have previously registered together in rope pulling game […]

I want to use diplomacy to contribute through cultural relations to the promotion of political relations. On this point, I would like to suggest the Minister of Culture to figure out research, and start a consultation process with local elders of related sectors in Cambodia. What are the things that we can raise as initiatives as there are going to be meetings in the framework of CMV or CLMV […] and especially in the framework of ACMECS which includes Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam?

Most (of the issues) are related to the four countries in the framework of CLMV, and we can have a way to help solve the conflict on (intangible arts) ownership. Of course, our brothers and sisters have the right to express their concerns on this issue and what I am talking now is just a consideration on the matter. We are not going to lose anything, and if we were to take it from Thailand, would Thailand be willing to give it to us? They do not want to give, and if Thailand wants to take from us, we do not want to give them too. That will be the dead end […]./.

(1) Education restarted with empty hands in war and unjust punishment

… His Excellency Dr. Hang Chuon Naron made a report just now. We are putting into operation two new building in the vicinity of the Institute of Technology of Cambodia (ITC). Secondly, we have this graduation ceremony and diplomas conferment for 4,617 graduates […] demonstrating the progress of education and human resource training in our country. At the moment, HE Hang Chuon Naron mentioned of how he started his study in ITC. The same thing had been done everywhere at the national level at that time – both teachers and students swept and repaired schools in order to normalize schooling. It was like that. It’s a start from scratch and in dire straits, the war continued with unjust sanctions inflicted upon Cambodia from some foreigners […]

(2) Foreign friends must not make the third mistake

I have reminded some foreign friends, who came to see me, to please do not make a third mistake on us. What was the first mistake? What was the second mistake? The first mistake was that while claiming themselves democracy, they gave supports to a military coup in Phnom Penh (in 1970) […] plunging our country into a war that paved the way for Pol Pot (to come to power) […] as for the second mistake, do you remember that you continued to support the Khmer Rouge at the United Nations from 1979-91? You have never expressed regret over your foreign policy attitude towards my country. I just advise you not to make the third mistake in Cambodia […] some have acknowledged that was a big mistake in the past, but they did not dare to speak in the meeting. They whispered to us while leaving and never apologized or expressed regret […]

(3) Two Legacies of CPP for Cambodia and Cambodians

[…] I have spoken with up to two Singaporean delegations yesterday […] with one of them I have said that the success that comes from hardship is a success that is valuable and must be protected. l then referred to the peace factor that we have made great and relentless efforts to search for. We have to take care of it (because) it is the most valuable thing. What are the legacies that the CPP leaders left for the motherland? First of all, do not forget about saving lives through the day of liberation on January 7 (1979). If there is no day of liberation on January 7 (1979), do not talk about anything else, there would be just death. That is the truth. Does anyone dare to claim that s/he would still be surviving if there were no liberation on January 7 (1979)? However, these people have disfigured the facts of history. The second legacy is the participation of the government of the former People’s Republic of Cambodia and the State of Cambodia led by the Cambodian People’s Party in seeking peace for Cambodia through the establishment of the Paris Agreement. When it was over, we then entered the stage of implementing a win-win policy […]

(4) Ensuring Cambodia is free of landmines by 2025

The other day I talked about the history and the factual relationship between peace and war. We now have the opportunity everywhere to destroy all landmines by 2025 to ensure that people have access to land safely, or that travelers to remote and formerly inaccessible areas do not have mines dangers in mind. We will work to destroy and make the country mines free by 2025. It has taken us 30 years to clear mines, but as the country was torn apart by all-out war on a large scale, it is not over yet. Well, let me just remind you that whatever happened in our country in that period was difficult to imagine […]

(5) Economic resilience does not depend on occasional incomes, but on knowledge

We have been working gradually (on restoring and improving education) so far […] both in hardware infrastructure and software development – the human resource. We are encouraging investment in both hard and soft infrastructure. Human resources is a software infrastructure that we are focusing on […] within the framework of the whole country, we have a multi-billion dollar school buildings […] our partners can help us more on building infrastructure necessary for training human resources […] we should not be afraid to spend capital because the return (from such expense) is very large. Building school buildings and salaries of professors/teachers for providing knowledge for our youth and our people is majorly economically profitable for national development, and resilience for the economy does not depend on occasional income, but on knowledge at this stage […]

(6) Cambodia does not declare Kovid-19 as a common flu, please continue to protect

We have the opportunity to get together once again […] we are able to do more because we have Covid-19 under control. I do not think we declare Covid-19 a common cold as some countries did. We are a country with weak (health infrastructure), we must be careful. We do not impose the obligation to wear masks, but we also encourage people to continue wearing masks wherever for protection. We have not yet dropped our defenses. There is a European country that wanted to provide more vaccines to our country. His Excellency Mam Bunheng has already written a letter of thanks to the country. We cannot accept the vaccine at this time because we still have some 20 million doses of vaccines ready to shipped to Cambodia and some 6 million doses in stock […]

(7) Urgent review of relevant wildlife legal issues from restriction to incentive

[…] I have issued (an order) and asked for an urgent review of relevant legal issues. (Should there be one,) it needs to be amended from a restriction to an incentive to increase wildlife (population through protection and husbandry) […] raising wild birds should be encouraged rather than punished because there is no loss. On the contrary, it makes this country rich in birds, especially peacocks, which are rare and endangered species. (We may be) selecting some endangered species and encouraging breeding, providing real possibilities for the people to engage in this effort. (At the zoon) in Phnom Tamao, I am not sure if we can raise them well […] Last year, I saved a lion too […]

(8) Claiming to be democrats but do not respect true democracy

[…] I am taking this opportunity to call on all political parties in Cambodia to respect the rights of the people. For some time now, the youth groups or NGOs that used to support the opposition party and engaged in protests against the Royal Government on this/that issue are coming out and supporting the CPP and the Royal Government. Claim to be democrats, those people (in the opposition) do not respect true democracy. As long as people support them, they considered those supporters good persons. When the same people support the Royal Government, they call them people who sold put ideals, and more seriously insulting is that these people are foreign slaves and spending foreign money/staying abroad to fight against the Cambodian people […] these people, however, have been insulted by some political parties/individuals […] (in doing so,) you do not respect the political freedom of these young people. They know very well (that) it was useless to support the opposition in the past […]

(9) CPP always respects the right of members to choose

The CPP has never prevented its members from joining other parties. For those who go to other parties, we just respect their choice. Previously, there were three people who left the People’s Party (1), His Excellency Kong Koam, now he has claimed to stop doing everything and resigned. (2) Pi Tach, who left for a while and asked to come back. And third, Sam Sundoeun about whom I heard is in money exchange business. Those who left the CPP did not have a bright future. Those who once went, and have come back. We receive them back. Previously, some went to FUNCINPEC. In the FUNCINPEC era, they were rivals of the CPP, but when they returned to the CPP, We, in the CPP, accepted them. I think other parties should learn this and (have) a clear understanding of true democracy, respecting the people’s right to choose […]

cnv: 20/04/2017

Khmer New Year and Gold Medal

May I invite Excellencies, Lok Chumteavs, ladies and gentlemen, to join me in welcoming sportswoman Ouk Srey Mom, who has brought Cambodia, during the Khmer New Year, a new success and honor for the our nation and people […] I would take this opportune moment to express my sincere appreciation for the efforts made by both sportsmen/women and their trainers. I hope that we will continue to score more successes through tireless training to increase your skill and strength. The medal Ouk Srey Mom won today has gone through competition among 45 countries. It is not a simple matter. I am conveying my thanks to the federations of Petanque for their hard works […]

I used to have information about Petanque development and successes in every competition through the late Deputy Prime Minister Sok An. That he already passed away, I am glad that Samdech Krola Haom Sar Kheng agrees to chair the Petanque federations. I agreed to allow Cambodia to host the world Petanque competition in 2019. I hope that more of our sportsmen/women will attend the competition and score more medals.

Today, with pride, I wish to thank the presence of Ms Ouk Kimly, mother of Ouk Srey Mom for her wonderful daughter who has brought fame for our nation. Captain Ouk Srey Mom will be a Major bestowed upon by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense. Captain Nhem Bora is also now a Major. This is our way of encouraging our sportsmen/women in both military and police ranks to make further efforts […]

On April 4, 2017, we had a meeting to inaugurate the indoor section of the Morodok Techo Sports Complex and launched the groundbreaking ceremony to build other sections at the cost of 157 million USD. We have already built grounds for volleyball and basketball and other indoor sports competitions. We have moved in gradual step to victories or we can say a status of being equal in rights and footing with other countries. As I said, it is not always true that a bigger, richer, more populous country is doing better in sports. The key here is to have knowledge and to make efforts in training to betterment our skills and strength.

Time has passed. We have tried together to avert the past tragedy, to remove obstacles and destructions, and make our way in gradual manner to a new era. That we never score gold medal before, we now do in world, regional and sub-regional (Sea Games, etc.) level competitions. We will have to make it to more sports subjects. I am calling on people who like sports to continue to offer encouragement and support our national sports movement as we have always done in the past […]

An Honor for Our Nation

Today, almost the whole cabinet is here present to welcome a victory that is bringing fame for our nation. The honor does not belong only to Ouk Srey Mom, Nhem Bora and Sreang Sorakhim, but to the whole nation. People who never like Cambodian achievements will continue to dissatisfy. Why do I say so? If they are satisfied with our national achievements, in this auspicious occasion, they could have sent a congratulatory message in social media to our heroes. They did not. They would not do anything like that because it would be an applause to the (ruling) Cambodian People’s Party. It is a sad thing. They should know that this is not political party issue but one of our nation and political tendency should not be a matter here.

Is there congratulatory message from any social media of those groups of people? Not only for this victory but also for every victory the Cambodian sportsmen/women did before. That is one very strange nature of Cambodians. They would rather talk around later that Hun Sen spent too much money on sports. It could be a topic for their attack. When we organized boat race event in the water festival, they said we wasted money. When the water was low and we cancelled the boat race event, they blamed us for disrespectfulness of the tradition and/or mocked us for being afraid of demonstrations. Well, we have enough supports to represent our nation – the Royal Government born from the elections with a majority of the people. We represent the nation […]

A Naivety in Politics

It is indeed a good time to say a few words. When I received the ASEAN Lifetime Achievement Award, for some clever dudes, they would send a few words to Hun Sen. Doing so would put Hun Sen in an awkward position. However, thanks to the naivety, Hun Sen owes no gratitude to anyone. In fact, a message saying “To Samdech, my congratulation to your award,” would corner me and I would have difficulty either to reply or not to reply. To reply, there would be no other words by thank. Not to reply I would be seen a mean man. That is politics. With such naivety, there is no need to communicate. We must remember that when one is in despair, we share it. On the contrary, in our despair, not share with us, but also insulted us. However, such extremism would leave a mark for our people to note of their discriminatory nature. That is how much already they could do even when they are not in power yet.

Voting for Peace or War

That the Cambodian People Party is in power everyone can live together. Peace is real. Everyone can do their business according to their ability and resources. Youth would also have rights to choose what they wanted for their lives. We also have open chances for everyone in sports. When the Cambodian People Party is, however, not there, are we sure that there is going to be peace? Accusing so and so of being so and so, insulting, disgracing continues to be in the minds of their leaders and supporters. It is an advice for the forthcoming elections. Shall we vote for continuing peace or returning to war? The Cambodian People’s Party would definitely be a choice of peace and chance for development. This is not a campaign. It is just an advice for peacekeeping for the country to guarantee continued development.

Now look at what tragedy they have had so far in Iraq, Syria, Libya, etc. Would our Cambodian people want those? The role of a ruling party is so important for peace. It would not be peace and national reconciliation because of just a few words as Pol Pot promised in exchange for drops of arms (when they took power from Lon Nol). What happened then? War and genocide came. Would it be a way to go about changing the country to do thing like the coup on 18 March 1970? It changed the country indeed, from peace under the leadership of Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk to a real war, and went on to genocide. Is that what voters want? Do we vote to build up peace or to remove it? We vote for continued development or remove it?

There would not be sports competitions under exchange of fire. Our sportsmen/women would not risk their lives to compete in such situation and I, as Prime Minister of the country, would not allow you to go too. Aside from ISIS threat, we have other risks of terrorism. We all should see the value of peace. For those shortcomings, we must continue to rectify them. The same is true in sports […] Trainers have rules to follow and no one can just make them sound good in words.

Perhaps I have spoken too much. I just remind you that the Peace Palace is not a war headquarters and I did not build it for me to be in here until I die. No one lives to be one thousand. I do hope though to live to no less than 90 years old. I would not be a Prime Minister until I got to that age. However, these buildings are for younger generations. Our sportsmen/women or their children may find your careers to work here. This is a meeting room where heads of states and governments, including the President of the United States of America, gathered. We bestow congratulatory and reward on our sports heroes in here too./.