(Preah Vihear): Samdech Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate, called on the minister of Justice to consider amending the law to revoke the citizenship of individuals who collude with foreign powers to harm Cambodia.

Samdech Techo spoke on Friday (Jun. 27) during a meeting with members of the provincial, city, district, commune, and sangkat councils in Preah Vihear province.

This proposal comes amid intensified opposition activity abroad, particularly by extremist groups led by Sam Rainsy, who have allegedly acted against national interests during the ongoing Cambodia-Thailand border dispute. These groups have criticized the Cambodian military and demanded that the government release documentation related to its submission to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Samdech Techo Hun Sen stated, “If you oppose the government and go so far as to conspire with foreign entities, it may be necessary to amend the Constitution. I therefore urge the Minister of Justice to study the possibility of legal and constitutional amendment related to the revocation of Cambodian citizenship for those who collude with foreign powers to undermine Cambodia.”

Currently, the Cambodian Constitution does not allow for the revocation of citizenship from any Cambodian national. Also, Article 7 of the Nationality Law stipulates: “A Khmer citizen cannot be deprived of their nationality, exiled, or extradited to another country, except through mutual agreement.”

Despite this, Cambodia has had laws in the past that permitted revocation of citizenship, including during the Lon Nol regime. Samdech Techo recalled that under the Khmer Republic, the Lon Nol court had stripped the late King Norodom Sihanouk of his citizenship.

Samdech Techo Hun Sen emphasized that the time has come to consider such amendment, as the Cambodian people have become increasingly aware of the actions of those who oppose national interests. He added, “This serves as a guarantee that Cambodia will not be interfered with by foreign powers using Cambodian nationals to serve their own agendas.”

On the occasion, Samdech also cautioned opposition groups against excessive actions, including demands for the government to reveal documents submitted to the ICJ. He clarified that even in ordinary courts, we do not have the right to demand disclosure of specific documents.

He further expressed concern over the growing gap in understanding between those in power and extreme opposition politicians, warning that such a divide could pose serious challenges.
=FRESH NEWS