Savage and incompetent acts by Cambodian leaders rewarded by 5 golden stars

Hun Xen receiving his 5-golden-star award

23 December 2009
Free Press Magazine
Translated from Khmer by Socheata
Click here to read the article in Khmer

Unlike other countries in the world where those who are honored are the ones who are skillful, famous and noble for their nation and people, in Cambodia, savage, cruel and incompetent people are honored instead. It was very surprising yesterday when the Cambodian king bestowed titles of 5-star general, the highest army ranking title, to the CPP government leaders. Those who were honored included Hun Xen, Chea Xim and Heng Xamrin, individuals who are severely criticized for human rights violations, for allowing neighboring countries to invade Cambodia – especially the Yuons who encroached on Cambodian territories along the east.

In particular, what is most deceiving was the fact the [Hun Xen’s] government deported 20 Uighurs asylum seekers back to communist China where these political asylum seekers could be killed in exchange for 1.2 billion dollars in Chinese loans.

The action by the Cambodian government should be severely condemned, but instead it was rewarded. This action is ridiculed by both Cambodians and the international community, all of whom are looking for improvement and peaceful life.

Nevertheless, some commentators indicated that what is important to the current Cambodian leaders are: their subservience to foreign interest, their betrayal of national interest, their intention to weaken and frighten the Cambodian people so that the latter would not be able to stand up against the foreigners, in particular those foreigners who are invading Cambodia. Indeed these are the so-called qualities that earn them their rewards – rewards for the destruction of their own nation.