By Thet Sambath
THE CAMBODIA DAILY
Compulsory military service could bolster national pride and provide a sense of direction to the young, several members of the public said Tuesday, but some questioned whether the government might use increased ranks of soldiers to serve individual interests rather than the nation.
The National Assembly's commission on interior and defense is debating a draft law on conscription, but lawmakers disagreed on Monday about how many men and women could ultimately be called up for 18 months of national service.
According to a copy of the draft law, anyone who avoids conscription in a time of peace could face three months to two years in prison, while draft dodging in a time of war could merit six months to five years in jail.
"If I am conscripted to be a soldier and to really serve the nation, it is fine. But they do not really protect the country, they defend the party, personal interests and the power of the leadership," said Chan Savoeun, a 21-year-old unemployed man from Kandal province.
Chan Vanny, 21, who sells sugar cane behind the Royal Palace, said he would be happy to be drafted, but added that he was uncertain if he had the necessary schooling.
"I want to join the army even if I am given a small salary because I need to serve the nation," he said.
Sok Nath, a 19-year-old student in Phnom Penh, said his father, who fought during the civil war and lost his leg to a land mine, had advised him to steer well clear of the military.
"He served in the resistance force during the 1980s and 1990s, he gets nothing, and what he receives is a handicap without any sponsorship from the government," he said.
Im Socheat, a 29-year-old motorbike-taxi driver, said national leaders claim they are acting patriotically when they go to war, but are accused of betraying the nation and killing people after they are deposed.
He also expressed concern that officials would use additional soldiers to protect their own financial interests.
"I prefer to be a simple person and moto-taxi driver to make money to feed my family rather than to serve those officials and let them make money to buy villas and a very nice car," he said.
The National Assembly's commission on interior and defense is debating a draft law on conscription, but lawmakers disagreed on Monday about how many men and women could ultimately be called up for 18 months of national service.
According to a copy of the draft law, anyone who avoids conscription in a time of peace could face three months to two years in prison, while draft dodging in a time of war could merit six months to five years in jail.
"If I am conscripted to be a soldier and to really serve the nation, it is fine. But they do not really protect the country, they defend the party, personal interests and the power of the leadership," said Chan Savoeun, a 21-year-old unemployed man from Kandal province.
Chan Vanny, 21, who sells sugar cane behind the Royal Palace, said he would be happy to be drafted, but added that he was uncertain if he had the necessary schooling.
"I want to join the army even if I am given a small salary because I need to serve the nation," he said.
Sok Nath, a 19-year-old student in Phnom Penh, said his father, who fought during the civil war and lost his leg to a land mine, had advised him to steer well clear of the military.
"He served in the resistance force during the 1980s and 1990s, he gets nothing, and what he receives is a handicap without any sponsorship from the government," he said.
Im Socheat, a 29-year-old motorbike-taxi driver, said national leaders claim they are acting patriotically when they go to war, but are accused of betraying the nation and killing people after they are deposed.
He also expressed concern that officials would use additional soldiers to protect their own financial interests.
"I prefer to be a simple person and moto-taxi driver to make money to feed my family rather than to serve those officials and let them make money to buy villas and a very nice car," he said.
2 comments:
Compulsary service will permit the traitor HUN SEN and his collaborators to recruit colonists young Vietnameses to kill les Khmers.
THAT NO BIG DEAL, ONLY THE FRONT FACES ARE CAMBODIANS, NOT EVEN THAT LOOK AT :HOK LANDY, SOAV SOKKHAR, HOR VIETNAME HONG, MEAS SOPHEAR, OM CHIN TEANG, AND MORE THAN 3/4 OF HUN SEN BODY GARDS.
DO NOT BELIVE ME? ASK PEOPLE IN TAKMOA WHO LIVE NEX TO THE FORT. SOME TIME THEY GOT BORRING AT THEIR SPECIAL TOWN THEY COME OUT, THEY SPEAK WITH STRENG ACCENT.
FOR EXPOITATION! HUN SEN HORDE ARE EXPLOITING EVERYTHING WITH LAW OR NOT. DON'T YOU SEE?
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