Former King in the Kingdom of Wonder!

(Photo: AFP)

(Photo: Sovannara, RFI)

Sunday, December 12, 2010
Op-Ed by MP

Subject: Norodom Sihanouk’s ‘Declaration’

Whichever way I read this statement I cannot but feel disturbed by the double standard embedded in its contradiction and hence the implied hypocrisy in the writer's mind.

Points 1 & 2 clearly elucidate political opinions. Not only did the royal author reinstated or reiterated points made by himself in the past regarding an incumbent and high profile political figure (note the long official title/prefix embellishing the subject's personal name i.e. Hun Sen and the emphasis placed upon the latter's glowing credential as 'the leader of the Royal Government of Cambodia'. Not only did the author seek to highlight the high estimation he had held of another person, but he clearly did so without much thought or regard for the distinction that can be construed between what amounts to a strictly 'private opinion' (to which any person is entitled), and a 'public opinion', which Points 1 & 2 clearly are, and which, however, run in complete counter to Point 3, which states that the author: 'placed myself into retirement. I will not be involved in politics anymore'.

Significantly, the second half of Point 1 added: ‘. . . the leader of the RGC was supported, 100%, by me and [will remain] (my italics) thus until the end of my life'. Note the words between brackets - 'will remain' - a clause inserted into the sentence to covey the lasting sentiment. In other words, Point 1 is not just a recollection of past endorsement the author had held of someone, but also a reaffirmation of an unchanging position from him, as Point 2 indeed succinctly puts beyond doubt.

Further, this note or communiqué is written under the headline of a 'Declaration' on a piece of document bearing the royal insignia or coat of arm of the Cambodian Monarchy.

As someone has said, it is a ‘Kingdom of Wonder’, so really I am just wondering about the officially retired King Father’s intention in issuing this statement/declaration so late in his twilight years. Of course, not being a constitutional specialist, I welcome constructive comments from better informed opinions than mine. I suspect, however, that in the past the former monarch had made grievous errors of judgement, and this may have been partly due to the misguided influence or counsel of those around him, especially, close family members who had and have been part of his entourage, but that, moreover, this insidious influence has undoubtedly grown even more in the last 10-15 years as aging and its afflictions have severely restricted his freedom of movement and thus increasing his likely dependence upon those around him.

Ok, just wondering . . . He is allowed to express an opinion, but not in a fashion that makes him look as if he fiddles (or sings!) while his country burns. Or does he not know it?