Public is condemning radio and TV commentator Chhim Phal Virun and government spokesperson Phay Siphan when both of them appeared among nonviolent mass demonstration on September 15th, 16th and 17th, 2013. This incident occurred after the first condemnation was happened to a news outlet manager and TV commentator Soy Sopheap who was surrounded by the youth group during his lining up to cast his vote on July 28th, 2013.
The Return of Sam Rainsy and the Unresolved Challenges
Dear Editor;
The futurists, the pragmatists and the traditionalists are now engaged in the state of strategic debate about today’s return to Cambodia of HE Sam Rainsy, after receiving a letter of pardon from the King of Cambodia.
The Futurists
This pardon is not something new as this same type of thing has happened before in Cambodian politics.
The pressure from the international community, especially the special resolution debated in the congressional’s subcommittees and the omnipresent rallies of overseas Cambodians worldwide served as more than just a spectacle for the Cambodian People’s Party in relation to their decision to request this pardon.
The term of “national reconciliation” has been used abstractly as political propaganda. However, the ruling party is stunted by the growing support, on a daily basis, of the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP).
The Pragmatists
The argument for this side is about the realistic situation happening in Cambodia right now. The unification of Sam Rainsy Party and Human Rights Party to form the CNRP is a very constructive model in the perception of Khmer unity and national reconstruction. Publicly, many NGOs in Cambodia have gradually pledged to vote for the CNRP. These movements don’t include those businessmen and individual Cambodians, especially the youth, who are cheerfully expressing support.
For the opposition party who has survived through the generous financial support from Cambodians overseas, this is the most crucial time to raise funds from those diaporas.
Pragmatists see the returning of Sam Rainsy as very positive for the party because it is sure to boost its popularity. While Sam Rainsy has been known for his historical courage, clean record and integrity in Cambodian politics, HE Kem Sokha who is deputy of CNRP has been known for his formidable public-speaking skills and his sharp political instincts.
The return to Cambodia of Sam Rainsy from self-exile, while avoiding a lengthy jail term, raises major concerns about his safety and access to full political freedom. Taking Philippine’s Leader Benigno Aquino as the example after returning to his home country from exile in the US, we don’t want to see this incident happen in Cambodia. More than this, HE Sam Rainsy must be able to exercise his full political career in Cambodia by including him in the voting list and candidate rolls.
The support of the intellectuals, youth and urban citizens for the CNRP can be countered with those rural Cambodians who support the ruling party. CNRP has difficulty in garnering support in those remote areas, while the media that reaches them are visibly dominated by the ruling party.
H.E.Sam Rainsy is kneeling down to kiss his motherland (land, soil and earth). Of course, Cambodia land is belonging to every Cambodian. But his gesture in love and homesick by such kneeling down, kissing the ground and in tears dropping down in the moment tells every Cambodian that “the bone and blood of our ancestors have become this land for all Cambodians to live till today”.
All Cambodians must love this land, take care this land and sacrifice for this land at any margin of life cost.
I could not stop my tears and I must wipe them out several times…I think you all experience the same.
If we are honest and ready to sacrifice for our beloved land, our name and our cause will be immortal. More than that, the expression of H.E.Sam Rainsy is a sign of winning at all struggles.
Lord Buddha pointed to the land as his witness when Mara (devils) tried to claim back his seat of Enlightenment. Finally, Mara was defeated and Buddha fulfilled his Attainment.
First of all, I would like to thank everyone who has voted for ONLINE VOTING CAMPAIGN of 28 July 2013. Until now, the turnout is 116. The result is following:
The futurists, the pragmatists and the traditionalists are now engaged in the state of strategic debate about today’s return to Cambodia of HE Sam Rainsy, after receiving a letter of pardon from the King of Cambodia.
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