Everyday.com.kh
Translated from Khmer by Socheata
Prime minister Hun Sen showed his desire to end the use of royal honorific words for politicians who are members of the royal family. During a speech given at the inauguration of a library in Kratie province on Tuesday, Hun Sen indicated that he wants to remove the use of the words “Preah Ang Mchas” (Prince) and “Toul Bangkum Kh-nhom” (the word “I” used to address to a royal) at the National Assembly, the Senate and the government. Hun Sen added that: “We defend the monarchy, but a politician should not have different rank or different immunity from any another politician. If they are involved in politics, they should be equal. If you attack others, they will attack you back, you cannot claim that you are a prince and nobody can attack you back.” Hun Sen also said: “There are some princes who earn their respect because they are not involved in politics. But, if they are in politics, there’s no need to respect them.” Muth Chantha, NRP spokesman, said the use of royal honorific words existed since before the Angkor-era, they were not made up by the law or by Hun Sen. Muth Chantha considers the removal of the use of royal honorific words as a first step towards removing the monarchy.
