(Tokyo): Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet stated that, unlike in Cambodia, opposition groups in Japan do not engage in organized, daily attacks against the government on social media.

The premier spoke on Saturday (May 31) during a meeting with Cambodian community in Japan.

Samdech Thipadei explained that freedom of expression exists everywhere, including in Japan. While opposition groups may call on the government to act in certain ways, the government also has its own mechanisms for dialogue. In Japan, even if the speaker of the senate or Parliament does not adhere to the opposition’s demands, they are not accused of being traitors to the nation.

“People say that wherever Hun Manet goes, there are embarrassing protests. I agree that not everyone loves me—but not everyone hates me either. No one, not even the Buddha, was free from criticism. This implies that even thousands of years ago, regardless of one’s actions, there were always those who disagreed. That is their right. What’s important is that the choice to protest or express an opinion is a personal freedom. The Cambodian People’s Party and the Royal Government also have their supporters. Political figures from opposition parties are not universally loved either. But that doesn’t mean people must stage protests. If they choose to come, that is their freedom—just as it is mine. Whatever actions you take, please respect Japanese law. They claim that more than a thousand participants at this event were hired and flown in by the prime minister,” the premier underscored.

Samdech Thipadei continued, “The Cambodian community in Japan know well. Is there any political party without opposition? There is no political party in the world that receives 100% support, nor is there one that fully agrees with another party’s policies. However, I’m not sure if, in Japan, someone goes live on Facebook or TikTok every single day to insult the Japanese government—does that happen? No. People have the right to speak, but they are busy working. Do what you wish, but what matters most today is mutual respect. If you gather to protest and express your opinion, so be it. No one should insult or belittle you. Therefore, please show respect to the 1,600 Cambodians here today who have travelled from afar, voluntarily, to gather and listen to the Head of Government, to learn about the country’s situation, and to express national solidarity. Please do not insult them or accuse them of being paid actors or anything of the sort.”

On the occasion, Prime Minister Hun Manet also offered advice to the opposition, stating that the culture of labelling someone a traitor when they support the government—but a patriot and good person when they support the opposition—should be discarded. We may have different views, but we are all Khmer.
=FRESH NEWS