(Phnom Penh): Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said that while public reactions on social media can shift rapidly, government decisions are made through careful consideration and thorough assessment, guided by national responsibility rather than emotion, speaking on Tuesday (Feb. 10) during a meeting with Grade A high school students at OCIC, Phnom Penh.

“Within a very short time, sometimes just ten minutes, people may react emotionally to images and information circulating on social media, including scenes of casualties, displaced civilians, damaged homes, or military developments, resulting in differing and even contradictory reactions,” Samdech Thipadei said.

He noted that while citizens are free to express their emotions and opinions, decisions taken by the Royal Government carry responsibility at every stage and must be based on careful evaluation. Such decisions, he stressed, take into account territorial integrity, the safety of citizens, and the well-being of the armed forces.

The premier pointed out that unlike social media users, who can express multiple views at once, the government must always choose a single course of action, fully accountable to the nation and its people.

On the occasion, Samdech Thipadei further emphasised that public emotional responses are not wrong, as citizens have the right to feel pain, anger, and concern. However, he underscored that government decisions must be made with full responsibility and guided by the overarching national interest and the well-being of the people.
=FRESH NEWS