Click on the article in Khmer to zoom in
Showing posts with label Criticisms of Sihanouk. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Criticisms of Sihanouk. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Sihanouk’s Vietnam Visit Disappoints Khmer Krom
Sok Khemara, VOA Khmer
Washington, DC Monday, 28 June 2010
“That’s what [Sihanouk] should do, and if he doesn’t do it, it’s not only me who is disappointed, but millions of people in Kampuchea Krom who are really disappointed,” he said.A US advocate for the Khmer minority in Vietnam said he was disappointed former king Norodom Sihanouk did not discuss alleged rights violations in a visit to Hanoi last week.
The Khmer Kampuchea Krom inhabit parts of the Mekong Delta ceded to Vietnam by the French in 1949. Members say they are restricted in the practice of their Buddhist faith, which differs from the majority of the Vietnamese, and suffer other rights abuses.
Thach Ngoc Thach, president of the Khmer Kampuchea Krom Federation in US, said issues such as reported border encroachments, the treatment of Khmer Krom, and the loss of “Lower Cambodia” to Vietnam were all issues that need addressed.
“That’s what [Sihanouk] should do, and if he doesn’t do it, it’s not only me who is disappointed, but millions of people in Kampuchea Krom who are really disappointed,” he said.
The former king visited Hanoi with his wife and the current king, his son, Norodom Sihamoni. Palace officials say the visit was of a personal nature and not political.
Sihanouk’s four-day visit did include meetings with Nong Duc Manh, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, and President Nguyen Minh Triet, along with other senior officials.
For such a delegation to visit Vietnam and not discuss national affairs was regretful, Thach Ngoc Thach said.
Rather than the former monarch thanking Vietnam, Vietnam should thank Sihanouk for helping make North and South Vietnam one country, he said.
As the US war in Vietnam escalated, Sihanouk struggled to keep Cambodia neutral. He allowed US advisers in Phnom Penh and Viet Cong weapons to route through Cambodian ports. The policy ultimately failed, leading to US bombardment of Viet Cong sanctuaries in eastern Cambodia and destabilizing the country. After the Khmer Rouge took power, they were ousted by Vietnamese forces.
Thach Ngoc Thach said Cambodia’s relationship since has been one of unnecessary “everlasting gratitude,” while issues such as illegal immigration by Vietnamese in Cambodia go untouched.
Prince Sisowath Thomico, Sihanouk’s cabinet chief, said such reactions were confusing and skeptical and the views of a single individual.
Ou Virak, director of the Cambodian Center for Human Rights, said the visit marked a new level in region diplomacy, but he acknowledged it could cause worry among some Cambodians, especially during reports of border encroachment.
The former king’s trip coincided with increased allegations by the opposition Sam Rainsy Party that current border demarcation was surrendering Cambodian land to Vietnam, a charge government border officials say is false.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Painting people into a corner: The communist culture still prevalent in Cambodia
Paint somebody/yourself into a corner
to do something that takes away all of your choices. They've painted themselves into a corner by promising to announce the results of their investigation. The army painted the rebels into a corner, and the only choice they had was to fight. (http://idioms.thefreedictionary.com)
Click on the article in Khmer to zoom in
Friday, June 18, 2010
King Father “Majestic Insult” upon Khmer Injury
"Now that Samdech Sihanouk decided to go and pay homage to the Viet invaders, an unbecoming conduct of a Khmer Kshatrya, he should consider returning all previous titles given him by the office of the Monarchy back to the Kingdom, to include the “Varman” lineage title. He should travel to Vietnam as “Comrade Sihanouk” not as a former Khmer king, nor as a Khmer dignitary. The office of the Khmer Monarchy shall have no business pleasing, nor honoring the arch enemy of the Khmer. If he so desires he can go by his own means and methods not at our expense, with royal standard, parasol, nor with any minute symbol of the Monarchy that would give the enemy the impression that a Khmer King pays them tribute in the name of the Khmers. Better yet Comrade Sihanouk and his immediate entourage should consider getting themselves a one-way ticket on this trip."
Friday, June 18, 2010Op-Ed by Neay Krud'th
Before voicing his protest over His Majesty Former King Sihanouk Varman’s planned pilgrimage to the territory of Khmer’s arch enemy east of the border, this author would like to clarify two concepts which all Khmers must be able to distinguish ― the Persona of a King, and the Institution or the Office of the Monarchy.
To avoid head-on collision with our Khmer tradition namely the duty to uphold, honor, and faithfully protect and defend the office of the Khmer Monarchy, the author will stay away from this realm out of respect for the spirit of our ancestors who have made ultimate sacrifice throughout our history to ensure the perpetual existence of the Khmer Kingdom and the Monarchy which we all inherited. As much as he personally would rather see it go away, the author understands that it is not his call and would rather leave it to the Khmer people to decide.
The author would like to ask the readers to examine the old photograph above. On the right, two rows of Baku Purohita (Brahmins) are performing series of rituals during a royal ceremony (Water Festival/Bon Om Touk in this instance) at the royal pier on the Tonlé Chatumuk (in front of the Palace) as prescribed by the Vedas scripts of Brahmanism custom and tradition of the Khmer Royal Court handed down since ancient time. The water, the royal pier, and the Brahman priests represent the office of the Khmer Monarchy.
The person on the left is to occupy the office of the Monarchy and fulfill the role of a “Divine Kshatrya” (God King and Warrior) which in most cases for life, where he should live his life in accordance to the Brahmanism precepts of kingship. He is supposed to rule over the land with the guidance of the council of Brahmans and Buddhist scholars, to include organizing collective infrastructure and water work, mobilize the population for war of expansion and/or in defense of the kingdom against all enemies, maintain peace and prosperity, justice, law and order. Requirements of the job includes ruling with wisdom and to have dashing courage in time of war and be willing to make ultimate sacrifice for the sake of his kingdom and his subjects ahead of his army. This person is a Persona of the Monarchy who assumes the public role with lofty character, honesty, integrity and quality of a leader worthy of praise, inspiration and respect of all people, at home and abroad.
Unfortunately, after more than half a century of Samdech Sihanouk’s authoritarian rule and involments as king and as political figurehead, Khmers have seen disunity, internal strife, genocide, Communist Vietnam invasion, and utter misery. Many Khmer people woke up too late from his sweet lullaby of demagoguery to realize that the “King Father” has been nothing but a scam and a fraud. Patriots and courageous servants who dared oppose his warped ideology, especially his collusion with Communist Viets, have been viciously branded as “traitors” and brutally eliminated from the political scene. This man believes he owns the country and every single soul in it, that he was entitled to pawn the destiny of the Khmer as he pleases, without their consent. He has used and continues to use the office of the Monarchy to satisfy his egotistical excess despite of the terrible consequence on the lives of millions of ordinary Khmers. He has sold and resold the Khmer people down river to the Communist Viets many times over without the slightest regret, just to get even with his nemeses. His criminal record is as long as the Khmer Rouge clique and the Communist Viets themselves. He has been steadfastly sided with Communists and Khmer enemy for so many years. Now on top of the misery we Khmer have to endure, he is going to kick us in the chin by stamping his own seal of approval on the Viets’ long-term plan of keeping their choke-collar around our neck.
The author would like to ask the readers to look back in time to the old way in which our predecessors defined the office of the Monarchy and the Persona of a Kingship.
The Bayon bas-relief above illustrates the office of the Monarchy and the Persona of the King in action. The ancestors meant to tell us that when the Persona of the king properly discharge his duty within the spirit, precept and code of conduct of the office of the Monarchy, a dynamic power is created for the benefit of the state and its citizenry. Here the office of the Monarchy is represented by foot soldiers with shields and spears, cavalry of elephants, troops carrying multiple golden parasols, royal standard, military guidons, and battlefield signaling flags, accompanying the decorated war elephant driven by the courageous Mahout (elephant driver). The Persona of the Warrior King is battle-stationed on the elephant riding platform, bow and arrow drawn. Traditionally, Khmer king and his warriors crossed the enemy threshold not for paying homage, nor offer apology to the opponents, nor kiss -and-make-up, but strictly to inflict casualties and claim victory for the kingdom. Khmer warriors have not been known to be “diplomatic” when they follow their king into enemy territory. All eyes are on the two characters riding the office of the Monarchy elephant. The outcome of the battle depends on the experience, knowledge, judgment, decision and gallantry of the Mahout and the King as they both scan the battle landscape looking for the path-of-least-resistance to ram the elephant through, and breach the enemy frontline. Note that the Mahout is given a Java Rhinos horn (which was believed to possess magical power to deflect arrows and spear from a warrior’s body) headgear for his protection. As for the King himself no additional protection was needed ― he is “Divine” and is always protected by the various deities until his “time is up”. These two brave individuals must have had tremendous gut and nerves of steel to be aloft without much in a way of body protection just to be the center of gravity of the friendly combat formation. They lead the charge through raining salvos of arrow and spear faithfully fulfilling the duty and responsibility of King and warrior. Similar theme from the bas-reliefs of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom, bear many such powerful reminders for all Khmer descendents not to bow down in front of any aggressors.
Now that Samdech Sihanouk decided to go and pay homage to the Viet invaders, an unbecoming conduct of a Khmer Kshatrya, he should consider returning all previous titles given him by the office of the Monarchy back to the Kingdom, to include the “Varman” lineage title. He should travel to Vietnam as “Comrade Sihanouk” not as a former Khmer king, nor as a Khmer dignitary. The office of the Khmer Monarchy shall have no business pleasing, nor honoring the arch enemy of the Khmer. If he so desires he can go by his own means and methods not at our expense, with royal standard, parasol, nor with any minute symbol of the Monarchy that would give the enemy the impression that a Khmer King pays them tribute in the name of the Khmers. Better yet Comrade Sihanouk and his immediate entourage should consider getting themselves a one-way ticket on this trip.
To avoid head-on collision with our Khmer tradition namely the duty to uphold, honor, and faithfully protect and defend the office of the Khmer Monarchy, the author will stay away from this realm out of respect for the spirit of our ancestors who have made ultimate sacrifice throughout our history to ensure the perpetual existence of the Khmer Kingdom and the Monarchy which we all inherited. As much as he personally would rather see it go away, the author understands that it is not his call and would rather leave it to the Khmer people to decide.
The author would like to ask the readers to examine the old photograph above. On the right, two rows of Baku Purohita (Brahmins) are performing series of rituals during a royal ceremony (Water Festival/Bon Om Touk in this instance) at the royal pier on the Tonlé Chatumuk (in front of the Palace) as prescribed by the Vedas scripts of Brahmanism custom and tradition of the Khmer Royal Court handed down since ancient time. The water, the royal pier, and the Brahman priests represent the office of the Khmer Monarchy.
The person on the left is to occupy the office of the Monarchy and fulfill the role of a “Divine Kshatrya” (God King and Warrior) which in most cases for life, where he should live his life in accordance to the Brahmanism precepts of kingship. He is supposed to rule over the land with the guidance of the council of Brahmans and Buddhist scholars, to include organizing collective infrastructure and water work, mobilize the population for war of expansion and/or in defense of the kingdom against all enemies, maintain peace and prosperity, justice, law and order. Requirements of the job includes ruling with wisdom and to have dashing courage in time of war and be willing to make ultimate sacrifice for the sake of his kingdom and his subjects ahead of his army. This person is a Persona of the Monarchy who assumes the public role with lofty character, honesty, integrity and quality of a leader worthy of praise, inspiration and respect of all people, at home and abroad.
Unfortunately, after more than half a century of Samdech Sihanouk’s authoritarian rule and involments as king and as political figurehead, Khmers have seen disunity, internal strife, genocide, Communist Vietnam invasion, and utter misery. Many Khmer people woke up too late from his sweet lullaby of demagoguery to realize that the “King Father” has been nothing but a scam and a fraud. Patriots and courageous servants who dared oppose his warped ideology, especially his collusion with Communist Viets, have been viciously branded as “traitors” and brutally eliminated from the political scene. This man believes he owns the country and every single soul in it, that he was entitled to pawn the destiny of the Khmer as he pleases, without their consent. He has used and continues to use the office of the Monarchy to satisfy his egotistical excess despite of the terrible consequence on the lives of millions of ordinary Khmers. He has sold and resold the Khmer people down river to the Communist Viets many times over without the slightest regret, just to get even with his nemeses. His criminal record is as long as the Khmer Rouge clique and the Communist Viets themselves. He has been steadfastly sided with Communists and Khmer enemy for so many years. Now on top of the misery we Khmer have to endure, he is going to kick us in the chin by stamping his own seal of approval on the Viets’ long-term plan of keeping their choke-collar around our neck.
The author would like to ask the readers to look back in time to the old way in which our predecessors defined the office of the Monarchy and the Persona of a Kingship.
The Bayon bas-relief above illustrates the office of the Monarchy and the Persona of the King in action. The ancestors meant to tell us that when the Persona of the king properly discharge his duty within the spirit, precept and code of conduct of the office of the Monarchy, a dynamic power is created for the benefit of the state and its citizenry. Here the office of the Monarchy is represented by foot soldiers with shields and spears, cavalry of elephants, troops carrying multiple golden parasols, royal standard, military guidons, and battlefield signaling flags, accompanying the decorated war elephant driven by the courageous Mahout (elephant driver). The Persona of the Warrior King is battle-stationed on the elephant riding platform, bow and arrow drawn. Traditionally, Khmer king and his warriors crossed the enemy threshold not for paying homage, nor offer apology to the opponents, nor kiss -and-make-up, but strictly to inflict casualties and claim victory for the kingdom. Khmer warriors have not been known to be “diplomatic” when they follow their king into enemy territory. All eyes are on the two characters riding the office of the Monarchy elephant. The outcome of the battle depends on the experience, knowledge, judgment, decision and gallantry of the Mahout and the King as they both scan the battle landscape looking for the path-of-least-resistance to ram the elephant through, and breach the enemy frontline. Note that the Mahout is given a Java Rhinos horn (which was believed to possess magical power to deflect arrows and spear from a warrior’s body) headgear for his protection. As for the King himself no additional protection was needed ― he is “Divine” and is always protected by the various deities until his “time is up”. These two brave individuals must have had tremendous gut and nerves of steel to be aloft without much in a way of body protection just to be the center of gravity of the friendly combat formation. They lead the charge through raining salvos of arrow and spear faithfully fulfilling the duty and responsibility of King and warrior. Similar theme from the bas-reliefs of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom, bear many such powerful reminders for all Khmer descendents not to bow down in front of any aggressors.
Now that Samdech Sihanouk decided to go and pay homage to the Viet invaders, an unbecoming conduct of a Khmer Kshatrya, he should consider returning all previous titles given him by the office of the Monarchy back to the Kingdom, to include the “Varman” lineage title. He should travel to Vietnam as “Comrade Sihanouk” not as a former Khmer king, nor as a Khmer dignitary. The office of the Khmer Monarchy shall have no business pleasing, nor honoring the arch enemy of the Khmer. If he so desires he can go by his own means and methods not at our expense, with royal standard, parasol, nor with any minute symbol of the Monarchy that would give the enemy the impression that a Khmer King pays them tribute in the name of the Khmers. Better yet Comrade Sihanouk and his immediate entourage should consider getting themselves a one-way ticket on this trip.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
It's better for any monarchy to perish fulfilling its role to help the people in need and suffering than to live for ... meaningless existence
Cambodia's monarchy: Is it still a relevant institution for Cambodia?Thursday, June 17, 2010
Opinion posted by Anet Khmer
King Father Norodom Sihanouk will make the biggest mistake in his life if he does not take or use this opportunity to ask to meet with the Khmer people in Kampuchea Krom!
By meeting with them King Father can listen to their concerns and can use His prestige and friendship with Vietnam to act as a go-between person to help reduce their suffering and the injustices as much as possible.
Vietnamese officials, while on official visits to Cambodia recently, had asked to meet and speak with Vietnamese who are living in Cambodia and had also provided them with schools to learn Vietnamese and other materials to help make their lives in Cambodia a little bit better.
King Father can ask to do the same things under a humanitarian consideration and love for His Khmer compatriots. Such an honorable act will never be political, considering the fact that Vietnamese grip on Kampuchea Krom is currently unshakable anyway and Vietnam has no justifiable reasons to reject this request at all.
Going to visit Vietnam on its invitation as a private retired former King of Cambodia gives the King Father an advantage and a great opportunity to make such requests as His visit has nothing to do with the state affairs nor does it have anything to do with the current government of Cambodia who genuinely prefers to be subservient to Vietnam.
King Father, You must have the courage to request to visit the KKK people and bring them some gifts since You have never brought them any gifts in the past. This is the opportunity to show to the whole world that You always consider them your loved children.
Your advisors are not good at all, especially Prince Thomico who continues to look after his interests more than Yours.
Cambodian monarchy will die a disgraceful and painful death in the future and I can guarantee You on that fact if You have no courage to make those requests.
It is better for any monarchy to perish fulfilling its role to help the people in need and suffering than to live for a sole purpose of its own meaningless existence for we all know that to die in dignity for the people is to exist eternally in their hearts and this kind of death is quite memorable, courageous and purposeful.
Anet Khmer
By meeting with them King Father can listen to their concerns and can use His prestige and friendship with Vietnam to act as a go-between person to help reduce their suffering and the injustices as much as possible.
Vietnamese officials, while on official visits to Cambodia recently, had asked to meet and speak with Vietnamese who are living in Cambodia and had also provided them with schools to learn Vietnamese and other materials to help make their lives in Cambodia a little bit better.
King Father can ask to do the same things under a humanitarian consideration and love for His Khmer compatriots. Such an honorable act will never be political, considering the fact that Vietnamese grip on Kampuchea Krom is currently unshakable anyway and Vietnam has no justifiable reasons to reject this request at all.
Going to visit Vietnam on its invitation as a private retired former King of Cambodia gives the King Father an advantage and a great opportunity to make such requests as His visit has nothing to do with the state affairs nor does it have anything to do with the current government of Cambodia who genuinely prefers to be subservient to Vietnam.
King Father, You must have the courage to request to visit the KKK people and bring them some gifts since You have never brought them any gifts in the past. This is the opportunity to show to the whole world that You always consider them your loved children.
Your advisors are not good at all, especially Prince Thomico who continues to look after his interests more than Yours.
Cambodian monarchy will die a disgraceful and painful death in the future and I can guarantee You on that fact if You have no courage to make those requests.
It is better for any monarchy to perish fulfilling its role to help the people in need and suffering than to live for a sole purpose of its own meaningless existence for we all know that to die in dignity for the people is to exist eternally in their hearts and this kind of death is quite memorable, courageous and purposeful.
Anet Khmer
See no border encroachment, hear no border encroachment, talk no border encroachment: Bravo!?!?
Two faithful friends meet each other indeed: When the left one is in need, the right one just sent his unopened request letter back. Hopefully the left one still remembers this episode, but again, as his mouthpiece announced: he has nothing to discuss, nor does he see or hear anything!BRAVO Your Majesty?!?!
No Politics Expected on Former King’s Vietnam Visit
Sok Khemara, VOA Khmer
Washington DC Wednesday, 16 June 2010
“His majesty has nothing to discuss, because he is retired.”Former king Norodom Sihanouk will not discuss some of the country’s most pressing issues with Vietnam when he visits later this month, a royal spokesman said.
Norodom Sihanouk will visit the country some time after the birthday of former queen Norodom Monineath Sihanouk, who was born on June 18, 1936, in Saigon.
The visit is private, according to royal spokesman Prince Sisowath Thomico, but the former king is expected to express his gratitude to Vietnam for its help over the past three decades of war and strife.
Advocates say they want the former king to address the issues of ethnic Khmer living in a southern portion of Vietnam that once belonged to Cambodia. His visit also comes as Cambodian officials are facing criticism from the opposition for its border demarcation policies.
“His majesty has nothing to discuss, because he is retired,” Sisowath Thomico said.
In a June 14 statement, the former king said his visit will be “totally private” and is being undertaken at the invitation of Vietnam.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Sacrava's Political Cartoon: Yietnam & I
Cartoon by Sacrava (on the web at http://sacrava.blogspot.com)Monday, June 14, 2010
Sacrava's Political Cartoon: Yuon Croc
Cartoon by Sacrava (on the web at http://sacrava.blogspot.com)Thursday, January 10, 2008
King-Father accused of not providing a good role model for the general population
Photo: NorodomSihanouk.infoBy Sam Borin Radio Free Asia
Translated from Khmer by Socheata
Former monarch, King Norodom Sihanouk, was severely criticized by elder people – from both his supporters and those who oppose him – for not providing a good role model to other younger generation of Cambodian elders.
In a recent interview with RFA, the last former president of the Khmer Republic regime, 94-year-old General Saukam Khoy, said that Cambodian leaders should look at the example set by leaders in neighboring countries on this issue.
General Saukam Khoy said: “Look at foreign countries, how do they behave in these foreign countries? Are they behaving like (these Cambodian leaders) or not, around Cambodia and far away from Cambodia? Did you see their State leaders singing, dancing like mere commoners and artists? Is it OK to behave this way? There’s no need to look at state leaders, even just for provincial governors, do they sing and dance like this? We should look around also, we should act properly also. Each time, one sings and dances, how much money does it cost?”
In a recent interview with RFA, the last former president of the Khmer Republic regime, 94-year-old General Saukam Khoy, said that Cambodian leaders should look at the example set by leaders in neighboring countries on this issue.
General Saukam Khoy said: “Look at foreign countries, how do they behave in these foreign countries? Are they behaving like (these Cambodian leaders) or not, around Cambodia and far away from Cambodia? Did you see their State leaders singing, dancing like mere commoners and artists? Is it OK to behave this way? There’s no need to look at state leaders, even just for provincial governors, do they sing and dance like this? We should look around also, we should act properly also. Each time, one sings and dances, how much money does it cost?”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
