Phnom Penh (FN), Sep. 5 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet reflected on the country's painful past, marked by territorial loss, national weakness, and devastating war, which claimed millions of innocent lives, all stemming from the breakdown of internal unity.

The premier spoke on Thursday (Sep. 5) during a certificate presentation ceremony for nearly 2,000 law students and trainees at OCIC in Phnom Penh.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet underlined that while Cambodia cannot alter its history, the focus now and in the future must be on preventing further division.

The prime minister added that if the Khmer people had not been divided, the 1970 coup and the subsequent conflict lasting until 1998 could have been avoided, leading to stronger economic growth and a population exceeding the current 17 million.

On the occasion, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet warned against a planned coup attempt by extremists on August 18, 2024, stressing that it must be prevented to ensure citizens' rights and social stability. He criticized Hay Vanna, a Cambodian opposition figure in Japan, for inciting unrest and trying to destabilize Cambodia's economy, while most Cambodians focus on regional development.
=FRESH NEWS