Kep (FN), Nov. 11 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet called on citizens to reject any incitements that could lead to social unrest or instability and to actively participate in maintaining peace.
The premier spoke on Monday (Nov. 11) during an inauguration of the Techo Santepheap Angkol Beach Road at Kep province.
On that occasion, Samdech Thipadei recalled the actions of opposition groups, who have incited and mobilized people to engage in violent, unlawful activities that threaten public well-being, citing examples from 9 November 2019, and 18 August 2024.
The premier advised the opposition, stating, "You may do anything within the law, but do not break the law, especially by instigating unrest or mobilizing people as was done on 9 November 2019, or 18 August 2024," which saw organised violence aimed at challenging the government and undermining constitutional order.
Samdech Thipadei added that if any group exercises its rights illegally, the Royal Government is left with no choice but to enforce the law to preserve stability, national unity, and peace. The Royal Government is firmly committed to safeguarding the security, peace, and stability of Cambodia's 17 million people, ensuring that no group is permitted to disrupt peace or spread false narratives, particularly those encouraging violence or unlawful actions as seen on 18 August 2024.
"The August 18 attempt involved individuals armed with swords, guns, and gasoline bottles thrown at authorities, with plans to deploy drones and burn an officer's home," the premier underscored.
The premier reiterated his appeal to the public: if any call promotes extremism, violence, or threatens national security, citizens should stand united against such incitements by refusing to participate and by working together to maintain stability and unity in the nation.
Addressing the view that "peace in Cambodia lasts no longer than the time it takes to cook fresh water shrimp," which suggests that peace is as fragile and short-lived, the premier countered by saying this peace is not "soft like shrimp in fresh water," but rather as resilient as iron, safeguarded by a public committed to preserving it against any group that seeks to destroy it.
=FRESH NEWS
