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./.

His Excellency Lok Chumteav Member of the Royal Government;
Tan Sri Dato Lim Soon Peng, Founder of Lin World Chamber of Commerce
Mr. Lim Singfa, President of Lin World Trade Association
Dr. Chhay Sinath, President of the Lin Family Association in Cambodia
Congratulations to all the members of the Lin family business! 

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[…] To our friends from Malaysia, China, Singapore, South Korea and other countries, I wish to welcome you to Cambodia for it is your first time or your returning trips for this evening. Welcome to the conference and I congratulate on your success in holding the conference of the Lin Family in Cambodia.

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Because we have our friends from overseas, I would like to make a short speech in English […] may I once again welcome our friends from all over the world in the Lin Family to hold the conference here today.

Business needs favorable and conducive environment to operate and strive. I think businesses are (important) just like everyone and every sector, unless you love war and fighting. As for those who love peace and stability as the goals, Cambodia offers that.

With the world situation continuously changes and sometimes in a very uncertain direction, stable and predictable environment become even more a requirement of precondition for setting up businesses, especially overseas business. In this regard, I would like to raise a few key factors that Cambodia could be an attractive destination for investments.

Firstly, Cambodia offers peace and stability. It offers a peaceful and stable environment, a fundamental factor for investors when deciding where to invest. You are visiting Cambodia today and you stay for a few days. Maybe you can see that Phnom Penh or in other places, Cambodia is very safe. I understand that some of you may have heard in the news recently about situations on security aspect of Cambodia that makes a lot of people nervous. But, please rest assured, Cambodia is safe, peaceful and stable for you to conduct business. Please trust Cambodia and be assured we provide security and safety for all – including expats – who live in Cambodia, investors, tourists who visit Cambodia. We take the utmost priority to provide security and stable environment for you just like Cambodians who live here.

Secondly, Cambodia offers macro-economic stability. Cambodia ranks as a top emerging market for foreign investment in 2024 according to FDI intelligence and thank to strong GPD growth, low inflation and an expanding in FDI sector. Over the past few years, inflation has remained below 3%.

Thirdly, we have business friendly and responsive investment environment in Cambodia. Our investment law is liberal with diverse flexible and tailored incentive to investors. We offer 100% foreign ownership compared to some of our neighboring countries that don’t allow that. We have no restriction on remittance of profit and capital, Country’s Specific Special Economic Zone and Industry Specific Special Economic Zone. We have created various consultative channels between private sector and the government to ensure that business operating in Cambodia has a mean to express concerns to and get the government’s attention at all time. We can provide a quick and responsive solutions, in addition to SOP on taxation and special mechanism issued by the government.

Fourthly, Cambodia holds a strategic location and trade-pact opportunities. To invest in Cambodia is not just investing in the market of 17 million people. Investing in Cambodia opens opportunities to many other parts of the world because Cambodia has many agreements including Free Trade Agreements with ASEAN, RCEP, Korean FTA, Korean-China, Korean-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnerships, as well as many other preference treatments to markets in Europe and other countries. Investing in Cambodia means investing with access to other parts of the world. Cambodia is located in the heart of Southeast Asia. The average flight to other Southeast Asia countries is about one and a half hour.

Fifthly, we have skilled workforce. Cambodia has young, dynamic and English-speaking population. About 60% of its population is under the age of 35. Cambodia has undertaken a comprehensive free vocational training and technical program for 1.5 million young people. This ensures that we have the ability to provide businesses, especially oversea businesses that are looking to settle or open operation in Cambodia, with the ability to have access to labor force – ready to meet your needs.

Sixthly, it is regarding infrastructure connectivity. Cambodia has been expanding its infrastructure connectivity to integrate and connect Cambodia’s transport network and key economic corridors, as well as links with neighboring countries and major export hubs in the region. Major infrastructure projects include the Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport, which opened last year, the Phnom Penh Techo International Airport, under construction and is set to open next year. We have the Sihanoukville deep seaport capacity expansion project which is going in four phases to be completed by 2029, which will allow access for sea freight all around the world, and will reduce logistic cost to Cambodia. We have the Phnom Penh Sihanoukville Expressway and earmarked a number of Expressway that is going to be built in the near future.

Green Economy and Digitization – this is quite a new area and a new priority of the government. Cambodia is committed to sustainable energy with abundant solar and hydropower potential – by which, the renewable (energy has) currently been accounting for 62% of our power (production). Cambodia aims to attain the target of 70% in 2030 positioning our Cambodia as attractive destination for green investment. We aim to realize Carbon Neutrality by 2050. Our law on investment further supports this by prioritizing green industry and offering incentive through accelerating growth in this sector. Recently, the Council of Ministers approved 23 energy projects that are worth 5.74 billion US dollars from 2025 to 2029, almost all of which are renewable. Before coming to attend this event, I just signed an approval for the Ministry of Mines and Energy to prepare the necessary works so that we can issue the renewable energy certificate to provide more competitive footing for the firms that invest in Cambodia.

We have also Cross Border Financial Services. We have been developing digital payment platform, an agreement allowing for ease of settlement for goods and services between buyers and suppliers, and ease of capital remittance and gain repatriation. It contributes to the promotion of trade activity, tourism and financial inclusion within Cambodia and the region. Cambodia is committed to digital transformation and we have embarked on a comprehensive journey establishing Digital Economy and Society Framework.

Finally, there has this Investment Promoting Program that we have promoted in Sihanoukville for 2024. We offer procedural facilitation and special benefit to businesses. The government is rolling out an Investment Incentive Program for 2025 which will be announced in the coming month before the new year.

I just provided a brief to you on the prospect of investment in Cambodia. I understand that you traveled from far away – Malaysia, South Korea, Singapore, China or maybe other parts of the world to join the event in Cambodia. I once again appreciate the Lin Family for choosing Cambodia as a setting for your conference this year. We enjoy our interaction several times this year – meeting you in Malaysia and others, and I hope that your presence in Cambodia is a testament not just holding a conference but a show to your fellow countrymen that Cambodia is safe and open for business. We welcome you to do business in Cambodia.

I’d like to conclude my remark as a saying goes “when you make a speech during a dinner or a lunch, don’t make it too long”. So, once again, congratulation on the successful event for the conference of the Lin Family. I hope, through your event this time, and future interaction with the Lin Family in Cambodia and also other parts of Cambodia will bring the synergy together. Investment potential of Cambodia will open the door to you and through you, we will be connecting to a more business people in your country. I hope you have a chance to enjoy Cambodia and will help disseminate information back home. We welcome everyone to Cambodia in the near future,

Thank you once again!

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(1) Techo Santepheap Angkol Beach coastal highway connected to the community of handicrafts, agriculture and tourism

The achievement of the Techo Santepheap Angkol Beach coastal highway is not only for the people of Kep, but for the people in the country as a whole […] this highway opens access to tourists that they can reach the village or the community. For example, the construction of the road (Techo Santepheap, Angkol Beach, under a concessional loan from the Asian Development Bank) could connect to the salt production community and/or fishing community. We can organize various tourism products […] this achievement is a part of our efforts to score achievements across the country […]

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(2) Studying the construction of cycling routes in the four coastal provinces

According to the plan of (Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Land Management, Urban Planning, and Construction) His Excellency Say Sam Al, we are planning to build a cycling route that will connect all four (coastal) provinces […] from Kep to Koh Kong […] we only have four (coastal) provinces. We should examine the potential of each province as it is an important attraction. We now have an increasing number of bicyclists. Some can ride a bike from Phnom Penh to visit Kep (for) health and comfort, as well as facilitating other forms of travelers […]

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(3) The construction of roads, waterways, railways, and airways ensures sustainable economic growth

From the previous terms, (the Royal Government has set strategic goals on) people, roads, water, and electricity. Efforts for the construction of roads, infrastructure, roads, waterways, railways, airways are important. This is a principle and a basis to ensure sustainable economic growth and direct benefits in transport and consumption to our people, and to increase economic activity at the local level. On this occasion, we can summarize (the work results of the Royal Government) for more than a year […] including roads and bridges constructions. Today, we have more than 12km of roads, a major achievement of Kep in tourism. We are building the Funan Techo canal, preparing the Sihanoukville Port, expanding the port, plus preparing and strengthening the logistics system. In the last 15 months, the new government has done a lot of works […]

(4) Why are there new achievements to inaugurate if the RGC did not do anything?

I would like to send a message to James Sok […] who said “the new government could do nothing …” […] what really disappointed me was when he said – firstly, (that) the government does not do anything. How come the government has been inaugurating achievements […] while he blames the government for doing anything, he acknowledges that the government has been inaugurating (achievements). Well, I do not understand (what he is trying to say). If the government does not do anything, how come it has (new) achievements to inaugurate? And secondly, that he is living and sitting in a room on the other side of the earth, he is making an assessment that the state is not moving forward […]

Expressing an opinion is his right. I welcome the fact that he positions himself as an analyst who make constructive criticism, but I am begging for a scientific, not emotional, analysis. This emotional analysis creates negative hypothesis, which links to negative, if not false, evidences, while rejecting every other fact […] if one is a real analyst and wishes to provide constructive information, I welcome him to come to Cambodia to meet and listen to the ministers of relevant ministries […] because when a ministry or an institution is under attack, it is not just the minister but also all officials who have worked hard, for instance, in trade negotiations and market expansion […] are under attacks […]

(5) Techo Santepheap Angkol coastal highway improves the infrastructure of Kep province for better economic flow

Obviously, some may consider the today’s achievement of the 12 kilometers Techo Santepheap Angkaol coastal road a small achievement? It is not. Comparing to tens of thousands of kilometers of road across the country, this 12-kilometer coastal road may seem small, but it has provided huge benefit to the people. On the one hand, it has to do with the image and attractiveness of Kep’s infrastructure to improve and to organize tourist sites, and more than 6,000 families can travel more easily […] those who live here enjoy the road which facilitates the creation of an economic stream and income and recognize that this road is beneficial to them. This is the result of our efforts to achieve the goal of enabling local people to get the maximum benefit possible […]

(6) ADB acts as a multi-sectoral partnership with the government

Take this opportunity, I thank the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for its support to the development of many key sectors in Cambodia. Since becoming a member of the ADB in 1966, especially since 1992, just one year after the signing of the Paris Peace Accords, to date, Cambodia has enjoyed partnership in many important areas, as mentioned by the ADB representative. In addition to the public work sector, the bank has extended partnership to energy, agriculture, natural resources, vocational training and many other sectors. Therefore, through His Excellency Mr. Anthony R. Gill who is also present here today, I would thank the leadership and ADB institution for their partnership, and hope to continue to be a partner to build long-term development in the future […]

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(7) Kep province development born of joint sacrifice and peace factor

The fact that we can bring development to Kep to this day, and to continue to grow to the future, has gone through a history […] we can develop only when the country is reunited. The crucial factor that makes Kep become what it is today, with this growing potential, and development, and have the basis for further development, is not by chance or destined by the angels to be so. It has come from sacrifice, from unity, and it is a story of sacrifice and national unity, so that we can end the war together and rebuild the country. This is a real factor and a real situation […]

The key factor is peace and stability. These words may be heard over and over again […] we cannot let go the value of these words. Without peace, Kep may not be able to get here. People may not visit Kep, as well as any provinces in the war-torn country […] once peace is absent, even a province as small as Kep territory could also become a realm of instability with fighting. Not only the Cambodians, but even foreigners would not come because of killing. Once there is instability, no one comes […]

Once peace is lost, it is not just the opposition party or the opposition people, the people all over the country, not only the officials, the supporters of the CPP, by anyone who support any political party are to be affected by the war. There is no distinguishing between political parties. If the country fights and kills each other, it would be the Khmers who kill Khmers, peace will disappear, all will suffer, all will die, everyone will lose […]

(8) Why is government elected by 8.2 million people and according to the Constitution illegal?

Some (are still trying) endlessly to mobilize people and work on breaking up (the country). These days, there has been formation of a movement abroad, such as a shadow government, with only the Prime Minister and a Facebook page […] and it is said that the government in Cambodia is an illegal government. How could the government elected by 8.2 million people in July 2023 under the Constitution be considered an illegal government, while the one they just formed it alone and has only Facebook and TikTok followers is considered legitimate? What does that mean? This means that they are insulting the 8.2 million Cambodian voters, and that also include the nearly 30,000 Kep voters who went to the polls in 2023 […]

(9) The 9-November-2019 and 18-August-2024 attempts to burn the country have lose faith and support

(The attempts on) November 9, 2019 … calling on and mobilizing people to volunteer to die […] and on August 18 (2024) by inspired people to push Cambodians young people in Japan (to go against the government) […] who have now woken up to join the government […] are losing faith in the mobilisers […] they can no longer use those people […] lately someone took a fly to Korea trying to inspire and deceive the people, and/or the workers there regarding the CLV-DTA […] if the CLV-DTA cooperation is as bad as they think or say, why is it that when they were members of the National Assembly, their political party never brought it up for discussion? This group met every year, there was no reaction from them […] I thank the people at home and abroad for understanding the will and sincerity of the Royal Government, especially in relation to the CLV-DTA, either through supporting the Royal Government in the past decisions, as well as refusing to participate in the further calls of extremist groups that are trying to burn this story […] we have never, at any time, allowed loss of territory and/or national sovereignty […]

(10) No sale of ITC, but another branch is to be built along the win-win road

Yesterday, VOD said that the government is to trade away ITC, while in fact (we in the Government) do not know about it […] the ITC is standing there. One fact is that there are now more students to take in. In this regard, they are setting up another branch along the win-win road. We will keep this ITC and set up more branches […] the ITC and the Ministry of Education (Youth and Sports) have both come out and clarified the matter, but as you know for false information, there would be hundreds of thousands of viewers. However, when we clarify with fact, there would be 4 to 10 or 1,000 viewers […] as a professional journalist, no one can expect to correct all the time.

However, a responsible journalist, when one knows that what one published is not correct, one must recognize the fault and clearly it in erratum […] that fact that we are asking (for correction) is to maintain our integrity […] some have been exercising the injustice upon us because we have been submissive. Let me make it clear now that you can “exercise your rights and freedoms, but do not violate the law. Act peacefully, express your views, but be responsible, do not do anything, assign or mobilize people to take action that leads to “damaging security, social order, or the disintegration of the country as what they did on August 18 (2024)” […]

(11) Five recommendations for Kep to become a diamond province of tourism

Partnering with the national level can help to some extent, but the important point is the local authority must turn the province into a diamond of tourism, thus creating the potential that we have such as mountains, forests, seas and biodiversity in the sea, so that we can ensure […] firstly, organizing aesthetics, urban planning and zoning, and good construction; […] secondly, taking care of sanitation issue; […] thirdly, working on security and safety; […] fourthly, producing rich tourism products; […] whereby organizing the coastal of Angkaol as a public beach as we would need more natural beaches where people can take a sea bathing; […] keeping the mangrove forest as an attraction; […] creating a group of provinces with potential to work together to create more sharing products; […] and fifthly, ensuring good customer services […] which is not just the service or product, but the response to concerns or problems […]./.

Dear brothers and sisters!

Today I would like to comment a bit on the latest situation that some leaders of the CNRP, and (which) last night at 3:57am, Mr. Long Mota sent an email to the CNRP party leadership regarding what they have tried to prevent the leaving trend from the CNRP, which is close to dissolution […] by reaffirming that this party is not going to be dissolved. Traitor Sam Rainsy has said that Hun Sen would declare his surrender, while the (CNRP) insiders also raised the issue that if the party is going to be dissolved, why does Hun Sen call for commune councilors to unite with the Cambodian People’s Party.

Let me clarify these points. This is a really good intention that I want you who are working hard to get support from the people and who do not know the filth of the traitor to the nation, who leads the party, to involve these people, who do not commit any of the wrongs. I am asking you to understand that I have no need to do as they say – “Hun Sen and the Cambodian People’s Party are threatening”. However, you have to understand that if the CNRP is not dissolved, then what do I need to call on you (to join with us)? This is in fact relating to your future in serving the people. If the CNRP is not dissolved, would it be necessary for me to call for you to continue to serve the people or not? […]

It is based on the assumption that the people at the bottom do not know and do not understand the treason of some leaders who lead the party to cause destruction to the nation, and the people, that I want to give those of you who have been elected as members of the Commune/Sangkat Councils or as the Commune/Sangkat Chiefs or as members of the District Councils, members of the Provincial Councils the opportunity to leave the Party before the Party is dissolved. It is no doubt that by participating in the commune elections or running for provincial or district council, you all wanted to serve the people. Now the CPP, of which I am the chairman and (when I was) the Prime Minister, I have been giving you the opportunity to leave the CNRP before it is dissolved.

The dissolution date set by the Supreme Court is on 16 November (2024)

After the dissolution of the CNRP, the ballots will be re-organized and redistributed to the political parties that stand in the same commune, and in a number of communes there stand only two parties. Therefore, in the case of only two parties, the CPP will take all the seats in the two-party commune/sangkat, while in the commune/sangkat with three, four or more parties, the candidates will be divided accordingly. However, even if one party, two parties, three parties, four parties standing together (name), the CPP still has the better chance of winning the overwhelming majority of seats […]

Such a situation will provide an opportunity to prepare those who have left the CNRP to join the CPP and to reorganize the list of seats (of) those who are commune/Sangkat chiefs or deputy chiefs or members of commune/Sangkat councils […] they would be the commune chiefs coming from the framework of the CPP, and not from the CNRP, which will be dissolved when the date set by the Supreme Court trial – November 16 (2024), from which there are only 12 days left, arrives […]

Some CNRP lawmakers will be deprived of political rights

I want to give you an opportunity but some people (have tried to) prevent it by showing that the CPP, the Supreme Court or the government of Hun Sen, would not dare (to enact) it. I would like to emphasize that I do not control the judiciary, but who is the Ministry of Interior? The Ministry of Interior is an institution of the Royal Government. It would not be the case that when the Minister of Interior filed a lawsuit, and the Prime Minister did not know. I would like to confirm this. It is not just about dissolving a party. More than a hundred people will be barred from political rights for five years, of which I should say, what demanded by Interior Ministry lawyers is a political ban on the Standing Committee and the Board of Directors.

Therefore, almost all MPs on the board of directors will be deprived of political rights for five years […] you may want to listen to this clearly. Deputies have already come to the CPP, even though the CPP announced its readiness and that it will not accept all 55 CNRP seats. Then FUNCINPEC or any other party will get seats. However, as far as I know, there are (two) parties that do not accept seats. If the two parties do not accept the abandoned seats, then the CPP will accept the seats that the two parties abandoned. Therefore, the CNRP MPs with seats (in the National Assembly) who came to cohabitate with the CPP can return to the House of Representatives and accept those seats, only this time not within the framework of being a member of the CNRP, but CPP members […]

Those who joined (the CPP) would also be untouched by the five-year political ban and would be able to retain their seats in the National Assembly and continue serving the people. What you have to remember clearly is that the CPP or myself, who have spent their whole lives to serve the people and put into practice the win-win politics, would not want to see those of you who do not know the depths of the above leaders, and their deep division (are being misled). In the course of their divisions, they have been serious enough to accuse their ranks and files like Mao Monyvann and even Pol Horm, as being Hun Sen’s people and wanting to carry out a party coup. Furthermore, they have warned people not to come to the meeting in Chak Angrae for fear of being called a party coup people.

I do not want you to suffer because of the bad deeds of the leaders, and I want you who are striving for the position of commune chiefs, deputy commune chiefs, deputy councilors to have the opportunity to serve the people. This is my wish. However, if you continue to believe in those party leaders, you may as well continue to do so. I did not forbid it. I just remind you […] to ponder how serious the situation is when there was this action to arrest and handcuff the party leader at 12 o’clock at night?

Rebels split into two groups

City rebels are not pardoned and unforgiving. They have made a color revolution. They have done it many, many times, but they have not succeeded. They keep going on. Therefore, we do not give the city rebels a chance to escape. These city rebels are currently splitting into two groups – one group is fleeing abroad and is attacking the city rebels in the country […] I have carried out two works within the framework of the rebels – dissolving the political organization by the Khmer Rouge military and prosecuting the Khmer Rouge leaders. As for the commanders of the army, the fighters and the other divisions at the lower ranks were not convicted at all. They have also worked with the CPP and the government so far.

Now, the city rebels have come out and their bosses have been taken into custody awaiting trial. I would confirm that it is not a case of prosecuting the party president Kem Sokha that it is necessary to dissolve the party. The party must be dissolved first, according to a date already set by the Supreme Court. I would like to confirm that (their) message last night is still being shared, but despites all that sharing, it is not going to happen […] I would like to confirm that the people are now having fun in the capital for the celebration of the Water Festival, and the floating lanterns ceremony. Only the city rebels suffered. It is not just the urban rebels in politics such as the leaders of the CNRP, but the urban rebels as in drugs, armed robberies and other atrocities are in fear. For the people, however, there is no fear at all. They are happy with the big royal ceremony.

A confusion that the CNRP will not be dissolved

I would like to reiterate that you should not be confused (to think) that the CNRP is not going to be dissolved because if it does why Mr. Hun Sen call for the departure to join the CPP? This is a question that you have misrepresented about my true intentions. It is because the party is to be dissolved that I wish to send a message to urge those who want to continue within the framework of commune chiefs, commune deputy chiefs, commune councils, district councils, and provincial councils to continue to serve the people and leave (that party) and then return (to the jobs at hands) with their inclusion to the Cambodian People’s Party. It is because of the confusion from one step to another that led to the misery of the party, and to the trial. It is not for one person, but for many people to do this work systematically.

I do not want to take too long to say (this). Ladies and gentlemen, whoever wants to come can come. It is also up to you not to come […] or to hear or join any other political party […] I just want to confirm that I want to provide real opportunities to include you to continue working as commune leaders, leaders in the district or provincial councils, or can be members of the National Assembly or the senators. However, this is not to mention about the CNRP senators. However, I can say that you are grabbing the crab shell on the issue of preparing the list of candidates for the Senate […] it seems that you are accusing Mao Monivann of betrayal, Kem Sokha of not respecting the agreement that requires consensus. I should say (on this) that it was just (fighting over) a crab shell. You have no right to vote for the CNRP because there is no more CNRP.

Therefore, the shelter for the future work of commune councils, provincial councilors, district councils, up to MPs and up to senators can only be in the CPP, if you so want to continue to serve the people. This is your desire to reform at the grassroots and in state institutions. Your chance (to make that happen will be open) only will on the 16th. Of course, I will also give more opportunities, but that time it will not be as wide as it is now. (If) you (wait) until you hit the deadlock to leave the (dissolved) party, that will not be a good choice.

We will provide an opportunity for those who have left first, and that is a good opportunity. Otherwise, we will have to wait another five years, (and you never know) which party to stand on, because the CNRP can be revived. The Supreme Court verdict is a dismissal with prejudice to the appeal. I would like to clarify (that) the Prime Minister would not be unaware when the Ministry of Interior is suing. We already know about the fact that the lawyers are demanding the denial of political rights for the nearly 30 members of the Standing Committee and the nearly 90 members of the Board of Directors – a total of about 112 members […] the people who post messages are those on the list of political rights denial, and this is not just a story in Cambodia. So many countries have done it […]

Let me affirm one incident when (the political leaders in the opposition) requested for the United States to fire missiles into my house, the army to turn their weapons against the government and other activities under foreign command, are in the turning point and in the context, which political parties are dissolved through the law, and this law is a continuation of the previous law. We have just added some paragraphs to put together (to deal with) the wrong-doing political party. Previously, they only fined individuals. There were also points related to dissolving the party and disorganizing the party or deleting the party’s name. Now the situation has come to its end. It is not just one person, but many ore and the number of people who will lose political rights will be more.

Once again, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to emphasize that you must leave immediately and do not believe in what is claimed that “Mr. Hun Sen does not dare.” If Mr. Hun Sen did not dare, Mr. Hun Sen would have asked the Minister of Interior to withdraw the complaint from the court. But (as you know) we are still in the process of filing a complaint (as dated) by the Supreme Court on November 16 (2024). Our lawyers are ready to make the necessary demands regarding the dissolution of political parties and the denial of political rights of the Standing Committee and the Board of Directors, including those names in the Board of Directors that will lose political rights for five years. I would reiterate that I do not want commune councilors, districts, Khans, capitals, provincial councilors to be affected by the mistakes of the above-ranking leaders. I want to give everyone the opportunity to continue to contribute to building the country with the CPP to serve the people at the commune, district and provincial levels.

Thank you and wish our compatriots the best ritual ceremony on the occasion of the Royal Water Festival, Ok Ambok, and floating lanterns ritual ceremony./.

CMF: 01/11/2024

On August 22, 2024, I announced the establishment of the “Border Infrastructure Fund,” with a primary focus on the construction of the border ring road. Commencing on August 26, 2024, the fund team will begin accepting voluntary contributions from Cambodian citizens, both within the country and abroad.

The “Border Infrastructure Fund with a focus on the construction of the border ring road” donation drive will conclude on October 31, 2024. The initiative garnered widespread support from Cambodians from all walks of life, both within the country and abroad. A total of 720,105 individuals contributed to the fund, raising a combined amount of 32,952,442,044 Riels and 18,729,998 USD (approximately 26,967,609 USD).

The donations will be utilized for the construction of a border ring road. To ensure appropriate, transparent, and focused budget management, a task force will be established to manage the Border Infrastructure Fund, with a primary focus on the construction of the border ring road. His Excellency General Kim Bunthan, Minister Delegate to the Prime Minister and Deputy Director of the Cabinet of Prime Minister, will lead this task force. Furthermore, a press conference will be held on Friday, November 1, 2024, where the Working Group will present a comprehensive plan outlining the utilization of funds for the construction of the border ring road.

I am delighted to inform you that our foundation has garnered tremendous support from esteemed individuals, including the King, Queen, dignitaries, leaders, monks, government officials, members of the Armed Forces, educators, students, workers, entrepreneurs, farmers, and Cambodians from all walks of life, both within the country and abroad. This outpouring of support reflects the spirit of Khmer national unity and is deeply appreciated.

I extend my deepest gratitude to esteemed monks, Your Majesties the King and Queen, Samdech, Your Excellency, Lok Chumteav, distinguished guests, grandparents, uncles/aunties, and fellow citizens, for your invaluable contributions. Your unwavering commitment and patriotic spirit are truly commendable. As we strive to build, defend, and develop our beloved nation of Cambodia, your sacrifices in the National Movement are highly appreciated. Together, let us uphold the principles of people’s defense and safeguard our homeland in all circumstances.