The top leadership of the Kingdom’s armed forces on Sunday urged the authorities at all levels to collaborate in maintaining peace and thwart any attempt to overthrow the government through a “colour revolution”.
The appeal was made by Minister of National Defence Tea Banh and Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) Sao Sokha during a ceremony to commemorate the 26th anniversary of the establishment of the Military Police in Tbong Khmum province.
“Military Police forces must collaborate with relevant ministries and institutions at all levels to continue their participation in maintaining hard-won peace, political stability and national security. We must not let extremists like the opposition groups destroy national interests,” he said.
Banh also urged Military Police forces to continue protecting democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law which he said were vital to sustainable development. He said macroeconomic stability and poverty reduction cannot be achieved without peace.
“The forces must be strengthened to effectively maintain security and public order. Besides clamping down on every offence, the forces must also contribute to humanitarian and social work including the rescuing of disaster victims,” he said.
While calling on Military Police forces to create a mechanism to prevent corruption and abuse of power, Banh also urged the forces to keep their eyes on opposition movement against the government.
“The movement of nation-betraying rebels backed by foreigners is ongoing. They haven’t abandoned their ambitions and attempt to cause instability, so soldiers and Military Police officers must fulfil their duties in ensuring peace and security for the people,” he reiterated.
He praised National Military forces for making great achievements in maintaining national security, political stability and social order, and in thwarting previous attempts by “ill-intentioned” politicians who had colluded with foreigners to overthrow the legitimate government through a colour revolution.
RCAF Deputy Commander-in-Chief Sokha echoed Banh’s remarks.
“[Military Police forces] must participate in maintaining security and strongly oppose incitement and colour revolution.”
On the social security front, Sokha said over the past year, the Military Police have tackled various crimes totalling 2,085 cases. Of these, 3,813 suspects were detained for questioning, and after investigation, he said 3,363 were sent to court.
He said Military Police have received 282 complaints, 119 of which were addressed while the remaining 163 are pending further legal procedures.
The forces had also received 4,156 court orders, 2,606 of which have been executed while 1,550 others are pending.
