Melbourne (FN), Mar. 3 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet announced that he will not retaliate against a handful of ill-intended groups in Australia, approximately 100-200 of whom came out to protest his visit, despite their offensive remarks.

The premier spoke on Sunday (Mar. 3) during his meeting with Cambodians in Australia and New Zealand.

Samdech Thipadei underscored, "Some people asked me about yesterday when 100-200 people gathered for a demonstration [against my visit], hurling insults left and right. Those who participated today were labelled by them as servants of a dictator. I was asked, 'Why didn't I respond? I have thousands of supporters. Why didn’t I send the message back, which holds ten times more power than them?’, and I responded that it is useless and not beneficial.”

The premier also affirmed that as Cambodians, no matter where we go, we must adhere to the spirit of unity and remain composed. Samdech Thipadei underlined that while the right to freedom of expression should be exercised, it should not extend to violence or the destruction of others' property.

If Cambodians support or oppose each other and shout at each other in Australia, it brings no benefit to the nation, yet only brings shame and breeds hatred.

At the same time, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet thanked Cambodian people living in Australia and New Zealand for attending the meeting. He considered this meeting a reflection of solidarity among Cambodians worldwide, which is crucial for the nation-building process.
=FRESH NEWS