January 7 reignites debate

Friday, 07 January 2011
Vong Sokheng and Sam Rith
The Phnom Penh Post

It is time for our leaders to wake up and take notice of the general fear ... of losing national independence.

MORE THAN 10,000 members of the ruling Cambodian People’s Party are expected to gather at the party’s headquarters today to mark the 32nd anniversary of the day the Khmer Rouge regime was toppled by Vietnamese troops in 1979.

Senate president Chea Sim is scheduled to give a speech at today’s event, to express the party’s gratitude to the Cambodian and Vietnamese soldiers “who sacrificed their lives to save the Cambodian people”, according to a copy of a prepared statement obtained by The Post yesterday.

“On this occasion, I would like to appeal to all patriots to maintain the precious spirit of January 7 and keep continuing to strengthen the unity of the government under the umbrella of the King, in order to take Cambodia toward glory,” the statement reads.

Som Niyeay Phorng - Op-Ed by Angkor Borei News

Click on the article in Khmer to zoom in

Som Niyeay Phorng - Op-Ed by Angkor Borey News

Click on the article in Khmer to zoom in

From Hue to Hanoi

Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Op-Ed by MP

SOMETIMES men commit treason deliberately for the advancement of their own narrow self-interests; while others commit treason unwittingly through lack of foresight.

Which of the above categories does this reported joint-administration of Kampuchea Krom proposal fall under?

Most Khmer people who follow news of their country today were probably born well after those portions of Khmer territory had been (for whatever reasons) handed over to Vietnamese authority or control. Regardless, as a nation Khmer people feel the burden and pain of the losses in their hearts as if these events occurred yesterday and indeed in context of their country's long history, the losses are certainly recent, smouldering phenomena.

What does the concept of "co-management" of these territories tell the world about their historical-legal status? Like the idea proposed by Bangkok over the Preah Vihear area one of the most feasible assumptions that can be derived out of it is that Cambodia has a de facto recognition that the losses were dictated by legitimate circumstances.

The other related implication is that Cambodians are resigned to relinquishing their claims -if any - on the said territories, and such despondent abandonment of will and determination in the face of adversity in like manner to how a python constricts, crushes and suffocates its prey until it breathes its last, is precisely the End Game of this historical, piece-meal Vietnamese expansionism.

If Hanoi accedes to such a proposal it will not be something out of its character either. After all, the Court of Hue and the Court of Hanoi have in succession pursued their grand imperial ambitions over weaker states through their fostered facades of mutually beneficial co-existence with those states for over three centuries, have they not? They applied tact and diplomacy when they needed to populate new territories, but as soon as Vietnamese influence and presence had been established over those lands they feigned amnesia over their own pledges and sacred vows.

We need not look far into the past to find instances of this co-management schemes being put into practice. Indeed, the idea itself is innate to the Vietnamese State (and I am at risk of repeating myself unnecessarily by pointing this out). It underpinned the Indochinese Workers' Party when critical international assistance was required, then the Communist Party of Laos and Kampuchea to win over patriotic fervour of these neighbouring states as well as to allay fear of outright Vietnamese domination and the loss of their respective politico-economic autonomy.

So yes, if Cambodia and Vietnam were to agree to exercise joint administration over the Mekong Delta and Koh Tral, do not expect the affair to be a drastic departure from anything the Khmer nation has had the misfortune to endure so far, from joint management of forestry and rubber plantations to border delineation and ‘national’ airline.

It would be more worthwhile to build up Cambodia’s case by gathering all the relevant historical treaties and documents and then establish how exactly or what were the circumstances under which the country was forced to cede its territories; how these territories were annexed, and why the Khmer people still feel strong emotional attachment to their losses – if they do. In fact, the Khmer people should be told how exactly Koh Tral, for instance, came to be under Vietnamese control, and if this portion of Khmer sovereignty was seized unjustly or illegally then there should not be justifiable reason for the Khmer people not to reclaim it by appropriate means.

That choice will, of course, be theirs to make, rather than individuals like Mr Soubert or anyone else, this insignificant writer included. Cambodia deserves no more and no less of what is rightfully hers.

MP

KPNLF calls for action on ‘lost’ land

Monday, 21 June 2010
Vong Sokheng
The Phnom Penh Post

A KHMER nationalist group has called for the joint administration of former Cambodian territories in South Vietnam in advance of King Father Norodom Sihanouk’s unofficial visit to Hanoi this week.

In a statement issued Monday, Son Soubert, vice president of the Khmer People’s National Liberation Front (KPNLF), said Sihanouk’s visit could usher in “a new era of frank cooperation” between the two countries.

He also added that “co-management” of Kampuchea Krom – the former Cambodian territories in South Vietnam – would be a “unique” opportunity to improve bilateral relations.

“A formula of co-management of Kampuchea Krom, ex-French Cochinchina, known also as the Mekong Delta, by the Kingdom of Cambodia and Vietnam will inaugurate a new era of peace and prosperity in the framework of the construction of ASEAN,” the statement reads.

It notes that such co-management exists in the Pyrenees region of France, where the principality of Andorra has been under joint French-Spanish sovereignty since the 17th century.

The KPNLF was one of three antigovernment resistance groups to join in the decade-long civil war against the Phnom Penh government during the 1980s.

Cheam Yeap, a senior lawmaker for the Cambodian People’s Party, dismissed concerns about Vietnamese border demarcation, saying it is being carried out smoothly.

Sihanouk said in a statement last week that his visit to Hanoi, set to begin Tuesday and to last for two or three days, is of a strictly personal and “non-diplomatic” nature.

Request for King-Father to raise the Kampuchea Krom problem

Son Soubert (L), son of the late Son Sann, the founder of KPNLF (Photo: The Phnom Penh Post)

21 June 2010
Everyday.com.kh
Translated from Khmer by Socheata

The Khmer People’s National Liberation Front (KPNLF), the former resistance movement against communism which signed the 1991 Peace Agreements on Cambodia, issued a statement on Sunday, calling on King-Father Norodom Sihanouk to raise the longstanding Khmer historical problems – Kampuchea Krom and Koh Tral Island – with Vietnam during the latter’s visit to Hanoi between 22 and 25 June. Son Soubert, KPNLF vice-president, wrote in a statement that “this is a special historical opportunity to end the longstanding suspicions between the two neighboring countries.” He declared that Cambodia never agreed with Colonial France which transferred the Kampuchea Krom territories to Vietnam. Nevertheless, CPP MP Cheam Yeap said that the CPP does not object to the KPNLF’s statement because it is the latter’s freedom of expression rights. Cheam Yeap said: “We are working hard on the planting of border posts with neighboring countries based on maps deposed at the UN. As for other problems raised by the opposition, they cannot be considered as useful.”

Cambodian political [Son Soubert] leader to receive honorary degree

Son Soubert (L) (Photo: The Phnom Penh Post)

Friday, 16 October 2009
Written by Dave Mabell
Lethbridge Herald (Canada)

A political leader who’s also an educator and humanitarian will be an honoured guest today in Lethbridge.

Son Soubert, first elected to Cambodia’s parliament in 1993, will be awarded an honourary Doctor of Laws degree during fall convocation ceremonies at the University of Lethbridge.

He’ll join Juno Award-winning Calgary musician Paul Brandt — a Doctor of Fine Arts, as of today — and hundreds from a fall graduating class of nearly 350 during public events starting at 10 a.m.

Soubert, educated in archeology and classics in France, met students in the university’s Rotaract group Friday and described his nation’s colourful history and future opportunities.

Now leader of the new Human Rights Party — one of several contenders in the Kingdom of Cambodia, which combines a constitutional monarchy with a multi-party parliament — Soubert traced his nation’s influences back to the time of the Roman Empire. It’s been profoundly influenced by trade with China to the north and the power of India to the west.

Canada’s influence is more recent, he said, dating back to the 1950s. During the 40 years that followed, however, Cambodia survived many political changes — including more than a decade of occupation by Vietnamese troops.

Since democratic government returned in 1993, he pointed out, many Canadian doctors, dentists and many other volunteers have responded to the nation’s many health issues. Malnutrition remains a major concern, and HIV poses another ongoing threat.
Canada’s federal government seems less interested, Soubert suggested.

“Canada closed its embassy in Phnom-Penh this year,” making things more difficult for Canadians who wish to visit or volunteer.

Soubert also works with his nation’s orphans — their parents are still alive, but too poor to feed them — and he described their improved living conditions and educational opportunities. Today, he said, some of those children have done well enough to attend university classes.

On the political front, Soubert and his father helped found the Khmer Buddhist Liberal Democratic Party. Later he was elected president of the Son Sann Party before moving on to help found the Human Rights Party.

Just what those rights are, he said, depends on many cultural, religious and political factors. Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and — in some parts of the country — Roman Catholic teachings are involved.

Competing values and beliefs are at play in many of Cambodia’s neighbouring nations as well, he pointed out. Still, some political leaders hope to expand economic ties between the ASEAN countries.

Soubert admitted he’s doubtful about how that could occur.

“How are the ASEAN nations, with so many differences, going to build something like the European Union?”

Son Soubert to receive an honorary doctor of law from U of Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada

Son Soubert (L) (Photo: The Phnom Penh Post)

Impressive list to receive U of L honourary degrees

Friday, 13 March 2009
Written by Lethbridge Herald
(Excerpt)

This year’s lineup of University of Lethbridge honourary degree recipients includes the famous and well-known from southern Alberta and beyond.
...
Son Soubert, from Phnom Penh, Cambodia, is scheduled to receive a doctor of laws this fall. Soubert is an educator, politician and humanitarian who has worked to establish responsible politics in Cambodia and established two orphanages.

Kem Sokha picked as HRP PM candidate, accuses Mam Sonando of ill will and defamation against him and the HRP

Rong Chhun (L), Kem Sokha (C) and Mam Sonando (R) after their relase from jail in 2006. Kem Sokha now accuses Mam Sonando of ill will and defamation against him and his HRP party (Photo posted at SamRainsyParty.org)

Kem Sokha picked as HRP PM candidate

Thursday, February 28, 2008
Everyday.com.kh
Translated from Khmer by Socheata

Kem Sokha, HRP president, was selected by his party members to be the HRP PM candidate for the upcoming July 2008 election. At the same time, Keo Remy, who previously was the party vice-president, was moved to the position of chairman for the party regulation committee.

This decision was made during a party extraordinary congress held at the party central committee office located in Boeng Kak 2 commune, Tuol Kok district, on 27 February.

At a press conference held during that time, Kem Sokha rejected all criticisms made against him, claiming that he tried to avoid the (Beehive) radio program for the face-to-face meeting between the HRP, the SRP, and the NRP. He indicated that the HRP sent an official letter to the Beehive station to delay the meeting because the HRP was busy preparing for the party extraordinary congress. Kem Sokha explained that Mam Sonando had ill will and wanted to defame him personally, as well as the HRP.

Regarding uniting the political parties, he said that, based on the goals set by a democratic society, there should be many political parties to provide more choice to the public, and they can choose whichever party they like. He also reminded that the SRP and the NRP are not interested in national unity, and that, he and HRP officials, such as Pen Sovann, used to negotiate for this unity also, but it did not provide any results.

Kem Sokha added that the HRP still maintains the national unity stance, but that it must be based on the democratic goal, such as, imposing 2 terms limit for the party president, and the separate division of the 3 powers(?) within the party.

Son Soubert also indicated during the press conference, that he met with Sam Rainsy during a get-together meal to discuss about the union, however, Sam Rainsy told him that the SRP is comparable to a large tree with multiple branches. Because the atmosphere was not conducive to successful talk, Son Soubert said that the plan was to meet one more time at another neutral location. However, Son Soubert claimed that Sam Rainsy did not provide a reply.

The HRP extraordinary congress was attended by almost 1,000 party members from both inside and outside the country, as well as a number of local and international guests, such as representatives of the Russian and French embassy in Cambodia.

Son Soubert: Cambodia has 1 reigning King, 1 retired King with the status of a King, 1 Queen of the retired King ... and 1 confusing constitution

Click on the letter to zoom in

SON SANN FOUNDATION / FONDATION SON SANN

DECLARATION OF THE SON SANN FOUNDATION ON THE SO-CALLED QUESTION OF IMMUNITY.

Recently because of an obscure and anonymous organization which did not have the courage to state their points of view openly and seems to work for foreign interests to the detriment of the National interests of Cambodia, raised confusingly the question of the "so-called" immunity of the King Father. It is a pity that serious organizations like the UN or the Hong-Kong based ASEAN Human Rights organization fell into this comedy without sound consideration and discernment.

In the Chapter 2 of the 1993 Cambodian Constitution on the Monarchy, there is no mention of immunity as it is conceived for the People's Representatives or the Members of the National Assembly as stipulated in the Chapter 7, Article 8 of the same Supreme Law. As a Head of State, either the King or the President of the Republic is an inviolable (Chapter 2, Article 7), since He or She is the personification of the State or Nation that is untouchable. Any critic or insult to this Function and by extension to His/Her Person is a matter of Lese-Majesty in the case of the King. Another privilege of the King is that His Message to the Senate or to the National Assembly cannot be debated (Article 18 New). There is no mention of immunity that can be lifted. The status of inviolability of the King is also extended to the King Father and the Queen Mother, since the National Assembly of the Kingdom of Cambodia unanimously adopted a law bestowing on Them the titles of Father and Mother of the Nation. Although He is retired, the King Father still retains the status of a King whose Person is inviolable, that is why in the public offices and places, we can see the Portrait of the King Father and/or of the Queen Mother hung with that of the reigning King...

The Parliamentarian immunity is well defined in the Constitution, in the Rule of Procedure of the National Assembly and in the interpretation of the Constitutional Council, to elaborate once again on this, except the notion that this immunity is confined to the mandate of the members of the National Assembly in the exercise of their function and could be lifted in case of flagrant criminal offenses. This is completely opposite to the concept of inviolability of the Person of the King.

Phnom Penh, 07 September 2007
(Singed) SON Soubert
President of the Permanent Committee

Human Rights Activist Launches His Own Political Party

Cambodian Human Rights Party leader Kem Sokha greets his supporters in front of his party's logo upon arriving at the National Olympic stadium during the first new party congress in Phnom Penh July 22, 2007. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea

2007-07-22
AP

PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA: A prominent human rights activist once jailed for criticizing Cambodia's prime minister moved directly into the political arena Sunday (July 22nd) by launching his own party.

Kem Sokha, 54, unveiled his Human Rights Party at a well-attended congress, making it the latest political force trying to challenge the iron grip on power of Prime Minister Hun Sen and his ruling Cambodian People's Party at the next general election scheduled for July 2008.

The Sam Rainsy Party is the only opposition force in Parliament against Hun Sen, while the royalist Funcinpec party, which once was a significant rival, is a partner in Hun Sen's government and has been significantly weakened by its own internal disputes.

One of the goals of the Human Rights Party is "to raise the living standard of the people and change Cambodia into a society that offers equal choices and opportunities for every citizen in seeking their future," Kem Sokha said in an opening speech at his party congress, which organizers claimed was attended by some 10,000 supporters.

Kem Sokha has a long-standing reputation for advocating social justice and fighting against corruption and human rights abuses.

He used to be a lawmaker of the now-defunct Buddhist Liberal Democratic Party, one of the challengers to Hun Sen's party in the 1990s. After his party was dissolved, Kem Sokha joined the royalist Funcinpec party and became one of its senators before resigning the post to create the Cambodian Center for Human Rights in late 2002.

Some other well-known political figures joining Kem Sokha's party include Pen Sovann, former prime minister of a communist Cambodian government in the early 1980s; Keo Remy, former lawmaker of the Sam Rainsy Party; and Son Soubert, the son of former Cambodian statesman Son Sann, who founded the defunct Buddhist Liberal Democratic Party in the early 1990s.

Early last year, Kem Sokha was jailed for several weeks along with two other human rights workers, a union leader and a journalist on criminal charges of defaming the prime minister.

Hun Sen ordered their release following strong international condemnation of his government's repressive action.

The new party's first order of business Sunday was to discussing its platform and structure, and it was also expected to formally elect Kem Sokha as its president, organizers said.

HRP: A rebirth attempt of the defunct Son Sann party? The list of candidates to the party leadership seems to say so

Kem Sokha displays the composition of candidates to the HRP leadership

Thursday, July 19 2007
Rasmei Kampuchea newspaper
Translated from Khmer by Socheata

Kem Sokha, HRP interim president, revealed the candidates to the HRP leadership along his side. These candidates include Keo Remy, Son Soubert, Keat Sokun, and a number of other important people, as well as those coming from overseas.

Kem Sokha told Rasmei Kampuchea (RK) that Keo Remy position as vice-president of the party has received the support already. As for Keat Sokun, the former financial officer of the defunct Son Sann Buddhist Liberal party is another candidate for the party vice-presidency. He added that “up until now, we have not decided on the number of party vice-presidents nor the list of candidates for the candidates to the party leadership yet.”

However, Kem Sokha said that Son Soubert, Son Sann’s son, will be candidate for the party steering committee or candidate for the position of chairman of the party regulation council. He said that he did not have a final discussion with Son Soubert yet because the latter is actually in Paris, France. He said that a number of other leader positions for the 3 branches of the party (of which the party president is already known to be Kem Sokha, the position of the chairman of the regulation council, and the chairman of the party steering committee) will be handed over to people from overseas. Nevertheless, the names of candidates from overseas have not been revealed yet. Kem Sokha only indicated that these candidates could be people coming from Canada, France, or the US.

As for the party secretariat, it will be led by a group of four people: 2 candidates from Cambodia, and 2 candidates from overseas. There are currently two candidates to the position of secretary-general and deputy secretary-general: Nhiek Vannara who is from Cambodia, and Ou Chanrath who is from overseas.

Keo Remy said that on 20 July, the party founders will hold a meeting to make a final decision of the list of candidates to the party leadership structure before the list is being presented for approval on 22 July.

Kem Sokha and Keo Remy claimed that Mao Veasna, the president of the Students Movement for Democracy, had decided to join the HRP. Kem Sokha said that “we will welcome them because the party needs a new generation to take over.” He said: “The party goal is that we think about the future of the youth. They will take over the organization of the party in the future.”

Kem Sokha said that besides Pen Sovann’s party, two other parties sent official letters to merge with HRP. The two parties are: the National Construction Party, and the National Liberal Democratic Salvation Party.

Even though Pen Sovann did not demand any position, he will become an advisor to the party, or he can become a vice-president of the party.