Hun Sen Warns Against ‘Extremists’

Anybody opposing Hun Xen is an extremist? (Photo: Khem Sovannara, DPA)

By Chun Sakada, VOA Khmer
Original report from Phnom Penh
18 January 2010

Prime Minister Hun Sen on Monday called on naval forces and local authorities nationwide to help in the prevention of illegal armed forces.

Speaking at the inauguration of a new naval command in Phnom Penh, Hun Sen called on authorities to prevent the initiation of “extremists who make social unrest and instability.”

Hun Sen’s remarks come amid a deepening diplomatic crisis and ongoing border standoff with Thailand, and as a case against five suspected Cambodian bomb plotters is under court investigation.

“I would like to request the naval commander, deputy commander and all level of naval forces to continue to make good cooperation with all levels of local authorities in each area.”

A spokesman for the Sam Rainsy Party said the government should be more concerned about problems such as land grabbing, rights violations and injustice.

Extremist Funds Reach Chams: Ambassador

By Taing Sarada, VOA Khmer
Original report from Washington
06 June 2008

Click here to listen the program in Khmer

Although Cambodia's Cham Muslims are a "very peaceful and tolerant group," there is a growing concern they receive funds from outside extremists, the US ambassador to Cambodia said this week.

A lot of money was coming into Cambodia's Chams from groups spreading a violent, intolerant form of Islam, which have a lot of resources and are attracted to poor communities, Ambassador Joseph Mussomeli said at a talk in Washington Monday.

Meanwhile, Cambodia and the US continue to work on counter-terrorism, Interior Ministry spokesman Lt. Gen. Khieu Sopheak said.

The ambassador was right to be concerned, because terrorism can grow if countries don't pay attention, he said.

Adhoc President Thun Saray said many countries face extremism, and not always from Muslims, but Cambodian authorities should pay attention to ensure terrorism is not a threat here in the future.