A Shitty Honor

Cambodia's topmost ranking army generals: 5-star general Heng Xamrin (L), 5-star general Chea Xim (C) and 5-star general Hun Xen (R)

24 Dec 2009
By Rithipol
Free Press Magazine Online
Translated from Khmer by Socheata
Click here to read the editorial in Khmer

Cambodia which is currently ruled by the CPP is under criticism from all directions, both by the national and international communities, for its violation of human rights, violation of religious freedom, and for the incompetent leadership that could not lead the country to respectful progress. All that these leaders can do is to extend out their hands to beg from donor countries for the country’s needs.

Regarding the severe violation of human rights that took place recently, Hun Xen’s Cambodia came under intense criticism from the international community, including the US and other Superpower nations for the deportation of 20 ethnic Uyghurs back to China. These deported ethnic Uyghurs are not expected to escape the death sentence imposed by communist China and they are used as pawns to exchange for $1.2 billion in Chinese loan. This is tantamount to direct exchange of human lives with money. This situation clearly reflects a shameful behavior for Cambodia, a nation that subscribes to the UN Human Rights Charter.

Furthermore, the government of Cambodia – a sovereign, independent, democratic country that upholds territorial integrity – shamefully provides opportunities to neighboring countries, in particular Vietnam, to encroach along its eastern borders. Under this circumstance, Hanoi’s government of Nguyen Tan Dun ordered the Cambodian government to threaten and take savage measures against those who oppose the Vietnamese mischief and those who dare to defend our national interest. Is this behavior becoming of a fully sovereign and independent nation?

Under this circumstance, numerous political analysts indicated that Cambodian leaders are shamefully debasing themselves to serve foreign interests. In fact, actions that affect or lead to the loss of national interest are nothing more than unforgivable national betrayal.

Not only that, the day before yesterday, the illustrious king of Cambodia grandiosely decided to bestow the topmost title of 5-star general to these Cambodian leaders. This decision was met by great flabbergasting from the Cambodian community who wondered what type of stars these are? Are they thief-stars or are they crocodile-stars?

The Cambodian puzzlement stems from the fact that for an individual in the world to receive such a great honor, this individual must have dedicated themselves to the utmost to their country, and that individual also contributes to the betterment of the world.

For example, US President Barak Obama, who recently received great support from the US population, as well as being the recipient of the Nobel Peace prize, spent an enormous amount of time dedicating himself to improve the US, as well as to defend the US national interest. His action is befitting of a leader of a Superpower nation who has the vision to push the world toward progress and betterment. Under this circumstance, the honoring of President Obama is very fair for his achievement and his dedication to the US and the world.

As for the Cambodian leaders like Samdach Akak Moha Sena Bat Dey Dek Cho Hun Xen, Samdach Akak Moha Pothisal Chea Xim and Samdach Moha Ponhea Chab Srey Heng Xamrin who were recently bestowed the topmost army rank of 5-star general, what have they done?

In comparison to Mr. Obama and other individuals who are honored in the world, the three Cambodian Samdachs above can also be considered top-ranking individuals, however, for them three, they are top ranking from the bottom rather than from the top.

Not a single day that goes without a poor Cambodian lamenting about the loss of their house or land due to the grabbing by the rich and powerful. Poor Cambodians have to work as laborers in neighboring countries where they are looked down at, shot and killed like animals. Allowing neighboring countries to look down on us, to encroach our lands and waters, and the fact that the Cambodian leaders are still extending out their hands to beg etc… is this the kind of honor that is befitting a Cambodian leader? This is mere honor for puppets of foreign countries and for the incompetent Cambodian leaders. Therefore, is it honor or is it shitty honor?