Opinion by Khmerization
25th October, 2009
I have refrained from writing my opinion pieces on this blog for a while now due to time constraint, but most importantly because I thought that readers are sick and tired of my somewhat vitriolic diatribes which are “provocative”, “too opinionated” or “too subjective”.
However, when Cambodia’s national interests are at stake and since the Preah Vihear issue is increasingly in danger of becoming a “lost cause” by the day due to the mercurial behaviours and the lethargic actions of the Cambodian government, I am compelled to voice my opinion once again.
This time, my opinion will be at odds with the conventional wisdom of the so-called “democrats” and “anti-Hun Sen camp” because the target of my diatribes is not the usual ruling party, but the opposition parties that I so often lauded.
The opposition parties are an integral part of the democratisation process in a pluralistic political system which often act as checks and balances to right the wrongs of the government. It is sad that, in relation to the Khmer-Thai border disputes and the Preah Vihear issue, the Cambodian oppositions, namely the Sam Rainsy Party and the Human Right Party, chose to remain silent. They did not react to the two armed clashes between Khmer and Thai troops in October 2008 and April 2009. They did not react when Thai PM Abhisit Vejjajiva, Thai Deputy PM Suthep Thaugsuban and the Thai Supreme Commander Jaggabatra visited Cambodia. They did not react when 5,000 Thai PAD yellow-shirted ultra-nationalists marched to reclaim Preah Vihear on 19th September and most recently, they did not react to the seminar held on 20th October by 40 Thai MPs staking a claim to the Preah Vihear temple.
The silence of the Cambodian oppositions regarding the life and death issue of the Cambodian nation is politically damaging and it should puzzle every Khmer patriot, considering that they are reeling from a massive election defeat recently.
However, the silence of the Cambodian opposition parties can be explained in many folds. First, Sam Rainsy is a good friend of the current Thai PM Abhisit Vejjajiva because both of their parties are members of the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats. Secondly, the Cambodian oppositions have been intimidated into silence through defamation lawsuits brought on by the government against party president Sam Rainsy and two of its star MPs, Mu Sochua and Ho Vann. Thirdly, the oppositions are so pre-occupied with fighting the lawsuits against the government that they have little or no time for other issues.
The Cambodian oppositions must get their priorities right or risked being totally rejected by the Cambodian voters in the next elections. They must grab every opportunity to sell their ideas and policies if they are to survive politically and electorally in the turbulent and, sometimes, cutthroat politics of Cambodia.
The current Khmer-Thai border issue is an issue of national importance and is one golden opportunity that they should not miss to grab. It should be used as a weapon by the oppositions, not to stoke nationalistic fervour, but to pressurise the government into actions and to gain the upper hand against the government that seems to be so incompetent in resolving this Khmer-Thai border dispute satisfactorily.
The Khmer-Thai border dispute and the Preah Vihear issue is a cause of concerns for every Khmer citizen. It is the single most important issue that is facing Cambodia today. For being so silent on the issue, the oppositions risked becoming irrelevant in the Cambodian politics and could be further marginalised if they continue to remain silent. Their continued silence would alienate many Khmer patriots and voters. They must be proactive on this issue or risk being pushed into oblivion and disappear into the Cambodian political wilderness. For the sake of the Cambodian nation and to defend Cambodian territorial integrity, they must break their silence and start doing something. As Martin Porter says ‘All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing’. And it is not yet too late for the oppositions to do something.
25th October, 2009
‘All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing’, Martin Porter
I have refrained from writing my opinion pieces on this blog for a while now due to time constraint, but most importantly because I thought that readers are sick and tired of my somewhat vitriolic diatribes which are “provocative”, “too opinionated” or “too subjective”.
However, when Cambodia’s national interests are at stake and since the Preah Vihear issue is increasingly in danger of becoming a “lost cause” by the day due to the mercurial behaviours and the lethargic actions of the Cambodian government, I am compelled to voice my opinion once again.
This time, my opinion will be at odds with the conventional wisdom of the so-called “democrats” and “anti-Hun Sen camp” because the target of my diatribes is not the usual ruling party, but the opposition parties that I so often lauded.
The opposition parties are an integral part of the democratisation process in a pluralistic political system which often act as checks and balances to right the wrongs of the government. It is sad that, in relation to the Khmer-Thai border disputes and the Preah Vihear issue, the Cambodian oppositions, namely the Sam Rainsy Party and the Human Right Party, chose to remain silent. They did not react to the two armed clashes between Khmer and Thai troops in October 2008 and April 2009. They did not react when Thai PM Abhisit Vejjajiva, Thai Deputy PM Suthep Thaugsuban and the Thai Supreme Commander Jaggabatra visited Cambodia. They did not react when 5,000 Thai PAD yellow-shirted ultra-nationalists marched to reclaim Preah Vihear on 19th September and most recently, they did not react to the seminar held on 20th October by 40 Thai MPs staking a claim to the Preah Vihear temple.
The silence of the Cambodian oppositions regarding the life and death issue of the Cambodian nation is politically damaging and it should puzzle every Khmer patriot, considering that they are reeling from a massive election defeat recently.
However, the silence of the Cambodian opposition parties can be explained in many folds. First, Sam Rainsy is a good friend of the current Thai PM Abhisit Vejjajiva because both of their parties are members of the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats. Secondly, the Cambodian oppositions have been intimidated into silence through defamation lawsuits brought on by the government against party president Sam Rainsy and two of its star MPs, Mu Sochua and Ho Vann. Thirdly, the oppositions are so pre-occupied with fighting the lawsuits against the government that they have little or no time for other issues.
The Cambodian oppositions must get their priorities right or risked being totally rejected by the Cambodian voters in the next elections. They must grab every opportunity to sell their ideas and policies if they are to survive politically and electorally in the turbulent and, sometimes, cutthroat politics of Cambodia.
The current Khmer-Thai border issue is an issue of national importance and is one golden opportunity that they should not miss to grab. It should be used as a weapon by the oppositions, not to stoke nationalistic fervour, but to pressurise the government into actions and to gain the upper hand against the government that seems to be so incompetent in resolving this Khmer-Thai border dispute satisfactorily.
The Khmer-Thai border dispute and the Preah Vihear issue is a cause of concerns for every Khmer citizen. It is the single most important issue that is facing Cambodia today. For being so silent on the issue, the oppositions risked becoming irrelevant in the Cambodian politics and could be further marginalised if they continue to remain silent. Their continued silence would alienate many Khmer patriots and voters. They must be proactive on this issue or risk being pushed into oblivion and disappear into the Cambodian political wilderness. For the sake of the Cambodian nation and to defend Cambodian territorial integrity, they must break their silence and start doing something. As Martin Porter says ‘All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing’. And it is not yet too late for the oppositions to do something.
42 comments:
SRP has a relationship with Thai Democratic party.
SRP can not talk about Preah Vihear much because it would make CPP even more popular.
SRP learnt from the past election. When Son Chay criticised CPP over Preah Vihear, it lost poularity and it lost 1 parliamentary seat in Phnom Penh.
If u wanna know more about "why?", go and ask Sam Rainsy himself.
Dear Khmerization,
Sam Rainsy leadership is weak, and he is just as corrupted as those whom he criticizes. Why has he been so quite over Preah Vihear issue? Because he places his personal interest over national interest. He is so afraid of doing anything that could offend Thailand, and is willing to do anything to please Thailand. When Abhisit came to power, Sam Rainsy was the first Khmer leader to send formal congratulation letter to Abhisit, although he knew fully well that the way Abhisit came to power was undemocratic and that Abhisit has no regard for Khmer sovereignty. Sam Rainsy never hesitates to go to Thailand to talk down Khmer authority or system at Bangkok.
There is good reason why many Khmers abroad prefer to remain neutral rather than supporting him. That monkey is just one of sick politician who exploits Khmer suffering to make his personal gain.
Thanks God, the majority of Khmer people clearly see Sam Rainsy's true color - personal gain and dictatorship.
He claims to be honest and democrat, as long as he is or remains the boss. Isn't that an irony?
He can not work with any other people except his supporters. He can not even unite with other oppositions, how can he claim to be democrat or real leader working for Khmer interest?
It's time for him to go before someone kicks him out.
To all Bozo,
Who is in charge of the current government? Is it SRP or HUN SEN?
First so many times that SRP spoke and got banned or arrested eventhough the members of SRP went to the border to show support to our troops and they hadn't have good welcome. What is the point?
I guess you all just being dumb and stupid. Need to think before you talk...
7:53PM - right, you're so smart that's why you've been brainwashed by the loser.
Did you ever ask yourself why the majority of Khmer intellectuals abroad, including CPP opponents, are not supporting Sam Rainsy?
May be you're the one that need to think a bit more...
This is a good text to read for a Monday morning.
In fact I agreed with your opinion. However I do believe as a political party, SRP has to weight its gain/loss effect on such issues.
anyhow SRP will have to prove to voters that they care, I dont' doubt that they do care.
Well look at in Svay Rieng. SRP making the Kathen there and actually they he or they pulled the border post that the YOUN planted in the rice field and Khmer's farmer lost 2 hectar of lands. Who is there to removed the border post? Was it CPP or SRP??
Of course SRP can't go to the border of Preah Vihear. This place is a hot spot and how do you know SRP is well protected there?
What about if he got shot or wounded in the area of Preah Vihear? The government will have a good cover up and fabrication. I bet SRP have a lot to say about Preah Vihear. If the government protect or welcome SRP with the visitation of Preah Vihear he will surely come to visit. I bet you all he is probably more concern about Preah Vihear then you all.
After seeing him in opposition so long, I have little or no interest in Sam Rainsy good intention. The most important attribute of a leader is his ability, not his intention.
I am sure my village chief is more honest and patriotic than Sam Rainsy. But that does not mean he is a better candidate to govern the country.
Many Cambodians started to ask themselves whether Sam Rainsy and his party want to overthrow Hun Sen or to serve Cambodia.
They may reply: well, we can serve the country only if we can take over the power. It's typically khmer. Without me, others can not do anything or do badly.
Because they worry about getting the power. They don't care about losing the territory.
We can look at this situation under different light:
1) PM Hun Sen is fighting the thais
2) Mr. Sam Rainsy is fighting the viets
Both thais and viets are our enemies.
let see how we become blind :D
26/10/2009 i'm not a supporter of rainsy but to be honest, rainsy has no power to oppose to hun sen absolute power. his role is barely symbolic to save hun sen face on international level. For this, cpp clones should thank rainsy. Rainsy political moves or freedoms are limit to filed or border line allowed by hun sen or cpp as hun sen was allow by yuons.
Prah vihear issue is barely thai and yuon fight to share Cambodia together diverted into abhisit and taksin fight of power. And as taksin and hun sen are friend, it becomes barely hun sen personal affairs. It’s nothing national affairs. But these cronies use national flag to murder Khmer people again and against. Remember, each time khmer has issue with thais, it is always for the benefice of yuons - yuon products, yuon trades and yuon industries have been imported or implanted to replace those of siams. So rainsy has nor interest nor power to intervene in this issue against yuons, hun sen or thai.
Phkp
Like everyting else you do in life, what do you get from blaming your opponents for your own misery, inability or lacking?
Any political party that contents with such strategy will never win, especially in an under-developed country like Cambodia.
I agreed with 9:46 PM. Behind the scene it is Yuon and Thai's fight over Khmer land. It could be Viets' trick to provoke the fight between Khmer and Thai while the Viets stand to benefits from the result of the Khmer-Thai war. In the past how many times we had been tricked by the Viets?
The Viets have always tried to trick us, and they will never stop their evil intention. But this time it is the stupid Thais that don't see the Viets benefiting from this conflict at their (Thailand) expense.
Thai wants the land while as Youn wants to change entire Cambodian identity.
CPP, with all mighty power it has, dare not to protest Youn, SRP with no power dare to challenge Youn.
SRP should not get involving with Thai and Viet border issue because that is Hun Sen's job. SRP should get involving with Cambodian's daily living condition. He should fight for improvement of employment, elimination of corruption, and better education. Camboida govertnment should speak with one voice, and that is Hun Sen's job! SRP might be blamed if thing is not going right with Thai and Viet.
The author of this article should also write the title " Hun Sen should step down for not getting resolve the Preah vihear issue."
Why the Thai is not talking with Hun Sen?
How long this matter been last?
What is Hun Sen going to do?
Who is on Cambodia side?
This is not atypical or peculiar to those who were marginalized and oppressed--in some cases 'abused'--like the opposition leaders.
CPP Traitor
8:22 PM
If something would happen to Mr. Raimsy, you'll find out fast what will happen to oppressed regime, and yes, you can mark my words.
One thing I can surely say: his (Mr. Rainsy) protection is worth more than the one-eyed un-Cambodian leader's 4000
personal bodyguards and his political clunkers, and yes, again--I can certainly assure you.
8:22 PM
If something would happen to Mr. Raimsy, you'll find out fast what will happen to oppressed regime, and yes, you can mark my words.
One thing I can surely say: his (Mr. Rainsy) protection is worth more than the one-eyed un-Cambodian leader's 4000
personal bodyguards and his political clunkers, and yes, again--I can certainly assure you.
CPP Traitor
10.05pm: you are partially right. it's not only in youn's benefit that khmer are fighting with thais but also its immenent agenda for the two to fight each other or to deviate khmer attention from those intrusions by youns with hun sen being his barking dog.
remember there is no civil war now, no one khmer wants to stage war among ourself, not with hun sen, not with any khmer. (period).
What about the facts that youn own and operates AngkorWat?
Hun Sen should be charged of treason!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
To all Bozo,
At least SR didn't sell the lands.
He has been protested last time was got suited for defaming HUN SEN on the YOUN-Khmer border situation.
In all major modern and developed country like the U.S. and Europe,
It enacted a criminal offense under the Penal law, The fact of holding intelligence with a foreign power, with a company or foreign organization or foreign-owned or their agents, to foster, to provoke hostilities or acts of aggression against his country.
Is subject to the same criminal offense from providing to a foreign power, a company or a foreign organization or foreign agents or the resources to engage in hostilities or to perform acts of aggression against his country.
In Cambodia, such a criminal offense it exists in the Cambodian criminal law?
On the issue of Preah Vihear, the relationship of Sam Rainsy and the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats which are also members the former executives of Thai party now in power in Thailand, the attitude, and conduct of Sam Rainsy as a politician, deputy who took the oath of fidelity and defend the Constitution can they described as intelligence or collusion with enemy?
The government should initiate a discussion over there as a matter of national security in case of armed conflict with Thailand .
The Sam Rainsy’s case opens discussion.
Do you know what is the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats?
It is a private political club where various politicians and activists came to learn and give advice and assistance on the procedure to reverse the power in their country.
And for Cambodia is to overthrow Hun Sen.
To the Author,
First and for most, your editorial prep-page if I may called.!....chewing Mr. Sam Rainsy out in attempt to discredit him this way....is none sense because Sam Rainsy is NOT the Prime Minister of the Cambodia. So, having to Interfere with international matter such as "Preah Vihear" issue between Thailand is the duty, responsibility, and obligation of the Mr. Hun Sen as the PM of the Kingdom of Cambodia, and NOT Mr. Sam Rainsys. Having said that, Mr. Sam Rainsy is fully vine with Mr. Hun Sen on this.....international matter....However, Mr. Sam Rainsy has left the door wide open for, if in case,....Mr. Hun Sen needs any opinion(s).
Secondly, Mr. Sam Rainsy WILL NOT AND ABSOLUTELY NOT OVERIDE HIS FRIENDSHIP WITH PM. Abhisit over Cambodian nation...! nor will he allow a fugitive to find a sanctuary in Cambodia either.
8:05 PM,
Knowing for the fact that you WILL loose your heritage, integrity, and dignity...would you still support...well, in this case...CPP?
Looking at Khmer Krom situations! If you are Khmer Krom and knowing horrible traumas that Viet. Cong has caused and barraged upon you and your family every day. Would you still bash SRP, and support CPP. Don't get me wrong, I understand your point..and I do respect your opinion!..but I am as carious as others....as to how far can you see....!
2:46 AM or khmerisation, you're period one same weird cpp clown. you are a good yuon adept. You may can trick some people but not all people.
why just dont take responsibility of your acts and belief rather wear a mask to trick on people? What’s shame on you and all people of your kind
HA!HA! HA! HA!
After I read all of your view above, at the first I though all of you are most high education people. And after I read carefully again again I think many of you are so stupit! Stupit! Stupit! MEAN TEN. because some of you not dare criticize or say anything concerning with Hun KVAK or other than.
As all you awared that Hun KVAK he has been destroy many thing in our Cambodia since 1979 and he has been doing every thing for Vietnam and for the other country. He careless to our poor Cambodian.
Why? Whay? Whay? don't you criticize Hun KVAK and whay alway criticize people no power like that? You are KOM SAK! if you really want to be like Sam Rainsy you must dare to pulled out many of border poste along the border which Vietname and Hun KVAK have been doing illegel.
Please! don't be crazy with Hun KVAK and Thaksin political game.
Please! don't forget that,
Vietname and Hun KVAK they have been trying to created the situation at the wast border and attractive our uneducation Khmer to look only only Preach Vihear and forget at east and the south Cambodia border with Vietnam.
Spean Tep
Khmerization, I appreciate your balanced opinion. As far as I am concerned, Sam Rainsy shows neither respect nor loyalty to our nation when he chooses to talk down his compatriots or government at Bangkok, while Thailand is having territorial dispute with us.
I am not a CPP supporter, but as a Khmer national, I’m appalled by Sam Rainsy's attitude. He should be charged with treason.
3:17AM - I appreciate your civilty. But do you really think Sam Rainsy can solve those problems? Perhaps, you don't know SR well enough or simply let your frustration cloud your judgement.
I hope this is not on the request for assistance of Abhisit Vejjajiva that Sam Rainsy seeks to create the 2nd Preah Vihear to the border with Vietnam for to torpedo Hun Sen’s strategy to defend Peah Vihear and help Thaksin his eternal friend to regain power and overthrow Abhisit Vejjajiva.
Khemerization
Thank you for your view regarding your encouragement on SRP involvement in Preah Vihear issue.
In developed democratic world, role of defense is a combined effort from any party within the government.
It is ,however, constrained by many issues and interests in cambodia. Cambodia is not in the clear state of integrety and sovereinty per say.
Some constraints have been indicated, avoiding any unnecessary conflict on current athmosphere.
SRP has not been in position to be allowed to act in democratic way. Many have expressed that. Due to all restrictions SRP faces, SRP has not yet served other country for its political interests.
In contrary, CPP has been seen worldwide for non transparent management of cambodian government.
Signing of the extension of vietnamisation agreed by Nhek Bun Chhay while Chea Sim was away with Hok Lundy in thailand, was somewhat a misery that cambodians have to face again.
Speaking on international platforms seem to be only way to persuade RGC focuses on national issues, in order to comply with our ultimate aim on achieving national constitution implementation.
Gentlemen can interprete any way you feel over the issue, but 18 years has been too long for clear commitment and transparency of RGC to implementing our constitution.
Corruption closed chapter of republican, it will also close chapter of current government.
Thank you khemrization for you independent democratic view.
Neang SA
Khmerization's article is a reminder to the SRP to be more proactive and involved in borders, not just with Vietnam, but with Thailand.
It is a very balanced article in the sense that he gave critiques to both the ruling CPP and SRP in a balanced way.
Rainsy has done a very good job on borders with Vietnam but a little bit quiet on the Thai side.
The ruling CPP is of course responsible for all the border problems because it runs the country, but the oppositions should use border issues to its advantage and for the interests of the Cambodian nation as well.
good question! maybe they have something to hide about being a traitor to cambodia with the pad thugs! they've been silent about the issue so far! i mean, we have to wonder about them, really!
to 7:38 pm
why?
there have to be a place and time that sam rainsy can only talk down about khmer criminals?
sam rainsy was invited.
where have you been?
let me tell you something, i can criticize mf hun sen, mf chea sim and mf heng samrin regardless of place and time. i won't spare mf hok lundy even if this mother fucker is already dead and in hell.
these mother fuckers are khmer rouge, who's responsible for murders millions of khmer peoples. and you are khmer rouge supporter.
why does someone supports khmer rouge, who's responsible for murders millions of khmer peoples?
cambodia is run by criminals.
3:27 AM,
Sam Rainsy has the right to speak with and to any media outlet....to criticize either Hun Sen and/or anyone in the World. This is called Democracy and NOT A TREASON! If hun sen does not want to be criticized then he must wakes up and smells the coffee.....!
Democratic Kampuchea Pol Pot Khmer Rouge Regime had committed:
Tortures
Brutality
Executions
Massacres
Mass Murder
Genocide
Atrocities
Crimes Against Humanity
Starvations
Slavery
Force Labour
Overwork to Death
Human Abuses
Persecution
Unlawful Detention
Cambodian People's Party Hun Sen Khmer Rouge Regime had committed:
Attempted Murders
Attempted Murder on Chea Vichea
Attempted Assassinations
Attempted Assassination on Sam Rainsy
Assassinations
Assassinated Journalists
Assassinated Political Opponents
Assassinated Leaders of the Free Trade Union
Executions
Executed members of FUNCINPEC Party
Murders
Murdered Chea Vichea
Murdered Ros Sovannareth
Murdered Hy Vuthy
Murdered Khim Sambo
Murdered Khim Sambo's son
Murdered members of Sam Rainsy Party.
Murdered activists of Sam Rainsy Party
Murdered Innocent Men
Murdered Innocent Women
Murdered Innocent Children
Killed Innocent Khmer Peoples.
Extrajudicial Execution
Grenade Attack
Terrorism
Drive by Shooting
Brutalities
Police Brutality Against Monks
Police Brutality Against Evictees
Tortures
Intimidations
Death Threats
Threatening
Human Abductions
Human Abuses
Human Rights Abuses
Human Trafficking
Drugs Trafficking
Under Age Child Sex
Corruptions
Bribery
Illegal Arrest
Illegal Mass Evictions
Illegal Land Grabbing
Illegal Firearms
Illegal Logging
Illegal Deforestation
Illegally use of remote detonation on Sokha Helicopter, while Hok Lundy and other military officials were on board.
Illegally Sold State Properties
Illegally Removed Parliamentary Immunity of Parliament Members
Plunder National Resources
Acid Attacks
Turn Cambodia into a Lawless Country.
Oppression
Injustice
Steal Votes
Bring Foreigners from Veitnam to vote in Cambodia for Cambodian People's Party.
Use Dead people's names to vote for Cambodian People's Party.
Disqualified potential Sam Rainsy Party's voters.
Abuse the Court as a tools for CPP to send political opponents and journalists to jail.
Abuse of Power
Abuse the Laws
Abuse the National Election Committee
Abuse the National Assembly
Violate the Laws
Violate the Constitution
Violate the Paris Accords
Impunity
Persecution
Unlawful Detention
Death in custody.
Under the Cambodian People's Party Hun Sen Khmer Rouge Regime, no criminals that has been committed crimes against journalists, political opponents, leaders of the Free Trade Union, innocent men, women and children have ever been brought to justice.
To Khmer Rouge supporters
Ah PPU aka Ah Anthony
Ah New Phally
Ah Khmer-Australian
Ah Khmer-in-Sydney
Ah Krama Man
Ah Thana
Ah Thes Meas
Ah Mercedez Benz (Identity Thief)
Ah Rorleay
Ah Aust
You're supported the Cambodian People's Party Hun Sen Khmer Rouge Regime who is responsible for killing almost two million innocent Khmer peoples and counting.
Please do me a favor don't ever tell anyone that you are Khmer, because you make Khmer peoples look bad.
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