Phnom Penh (FN), Apr. 3 – Samdech Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate, recalled the attempted murder on his life on 24 September 1998 in Siem Reap, addressing the first session of the Senate of the 5th legislature on Wednesday morning (Apr. 3).

Reflecting on the gravity of the situation, he noted that had the attempt succeeded, Siem Reap would have been plunged into chaos, likening it to a killing field. Although four rockets were fired at his car while traveling on the road to Siem Reap, fortunately, none hit their mark, the premier added.

Samdech Techo Hun Sen also reminisced about the establishment of the Senate, a significant initiative following the resolution of the Cambodian political crisis by the Late King Father Norodom Sihanouk. Despite the election being termed "miracle along the Mekong river," dissatisfaction among certain political factions led to post-election turmoil. The attempted murder in Siem Reap further exacerbated the situation.

Samdech Techo Hun Sen recalled, "Perhaps some of you still remember the attempted murder on me on 24 September 1998 in Siem Reap. At that time, the meeting in Phnom Penh was unable to proceed. There may have been an agreement for the first parliamentary session to be held in the Royal Palace, as I had to send two helicopters to transfer the late king father from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh. However, later, his majesty decided to convene a parliamentary session in Siem Reap. This attempt, I consider it fortunate for the nation, or perhaps for my own fate. If I had died, Siem Reap then would have turned into a killing field, with pools of blood staining the city."

At this point, Samdech Techo Hun Sen underlined that while the attempt to murder him in Siem Reap was unsuccessful, some of his generals advocated for an attack on the city. Four rockets were detonated, resulting in a tragic event. However, despite the attempt, Cambodia managed to convene a parliamentary session and proceed with the swearing-in ceremony in front of Angkor Wat.

Samdech Techo Hun Sen continued with the aftermath of the National Assembly meeting. The formation of the Royal Government of Cambodia was delayed due to security concerns following an attack on Samdech Techo's residence in Phnom Penh by a group of assassins. A small group of demonstrators camped outside the National Assembly, prompting Samdech Techo to issue an order prohibiting individuals from leaving Phnom Penh and traveling abroad.

Samdech Techo Hun Sen also recalled an incident during talks in Siem Reap where Tol Las questioned Samdech Techo Hun Sen's decision to prevent MPs from leaving the country, arguing it was incorrect with regards to immunity. Samdech Techo clarified that MPs did not possess immunity until the parliament was officially convened. Despite this clarification, some deputies left the country, prolonging the political deadlock in Cambodia.

On the occasion, Samdech Techo Hun Sen also highlighted that the idea to establish the Senate was originated from Samdech Sok An, which was also discussed with Prak Sokhonn. This initiative aimed to resolve the political stalemate. Upon its establishment, the Senate played a crucial role in ending the deadlock. The distribution of power following the Senate's formation included Samdech Chea Sim as the President of the Senate, Norodom Ranariddh as the President of the National Assembly, and Samdech Techo himself as the Prime Minister, eliminating the positions of First and Second Prime Ministers.
=FRESH NEWS