Kep (FN), Nov. 11 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has responded to criticism from James Sok, a social media commentator who accused certain ministers of inaction and lack of achievement during the first year of the seventh-mandate Royal Government.
The premier spoke on Monday (Nov. 11) during an inauguration of the Techo Santepheap Angkol Beach Road at Kep province.
Samdech Thipadei considered James Sok’s criticism to be based on incomplete information, leading to incorrect conclusions. He stated that if James Sok wants accurate data or wishes to meet with the ministers he criticised for alleged inaction, he is welcome to come directly to Cambodia, with all expenses covered by Samdech Thipadei.
Samdech Thipadei underescored, “I am surprised by his claim that the government does nothing but inaugurate accomplishments. If each inauguration is a repeat of the same achievement, it would be reasonable to think that way, but every inauguration celebrates a new milestone. He says, ‘They do nothing, just walk to inaugurations.’ I don’t understand—how can there be achievements to inaugurate if no work has been done?”
Since the formation of the seventh-mandate government, Sok Sokun, also known as James Sok, has launched a series of critical remarks, targeting nearly all ministers, including those from the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Commerce, and Ministry of Public Works and Transport.
The premier further underscored, “On the other side of the world, he remains in his room, assessing things as if no progress is being made. I have nothing against James Sok personally—his expression is his right. Constructive analysis is welcome, but it should be clear and based on objective, scientific reasoning, not on emotion.”
Samdech Thipadei continued, “Emotional analysis often creates a biased view, collecting only certain pieces of evidence to fit a narrative while disregarding the broader picture. A truly scientific analysis gathers data from all perspectives before drawing conclusions.”
Samdech Thipadei added, “If James Sok is genuinely committed to providing constructive analysis, I welcome it. And I would welcome it even more if he came to Cambodia to meet with all the ministers and hear their perspectives firsthand.”
James Sok has reportedly obtained information from informants in Cambodia; however, these sources do not possess complete information. Samdech Thipadei underlined that if James Sok were to visit Cambodia, he would not be detained and would be permitted to meet with the ministers he criticised as ineffective. Furthermore, Samdech Thipadei assured that if James Sok wished to broadcast the meeting live, he would be allowed to do so.
Samdech Thipadei underlined that James Sok criticised the rate of tourist visits during Cambodia's low season yet remained silent during the high season. The premier added that James Sok’s criticism of one ministry’s achievements was not only an attack on the minister but also on the leadership and efforts of all officials who have worked diligently. He noted that James Sok lacks comprehensive data.
“Sometimes he observes from afar and thinks there is no progress, but that doesn’t mean work isn’t happening,” Prime Minister Hun Manet said.
Samdech Thipadei also criticised James Sok for overlooking the report presented by the Royal Government detailing achievements from the past year. He reiterated his willingness to cover all expenses for James Sok to visit Cambodia to witness the Royal Government's and ministries’ achievements over the past year.
=FRESH NEWS
