Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Sar Kheng warns officials, security forces against complacency

Sar Kheng warns officials, security forces against complacency

Interior Minister Sar Kheng poses with new Kratie Governor Va Thorn. Fresh News
Interior Minister Sar Kheng poses with new Kratie Governor Va Thorn. Fresh News

Sar Kheng warns officials, security forces against complacency

Interior Minister Sar Kheng told provincial security forces in Kratie on Thursday to remain vigilant for any opposition activity in the run-up to July’s national elections, while also warning that a popular opposition movement would only come about from the government’s failure to cater to people’s needs.

“We must join together to keep, protect and strengthen peace, sovereignty and political stability,” he said. “That is the main condition for supporting the process of multiparty liberal democracy and socioeconomic development.”

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of new Kratie Governor Va Thorn, Kheng warned that revolution would only be possible if the people are dissatisfied with the government, though he maintained that the Cambodia National Rescue Party, which secured 44 percent of the popular vote in the 2013 elections, was an illegal entity attempting to sow chaos.

The CNRP was forcibly dissolved last November at the government’s behest for allegedly fomenting a foreign-backed “colour revolution”, though little evidence has ever been presented.

Kheng on Thursday said the decision was right and lawful.

“The competent authorities . . . must pay attention to prevent and take legal action against any activities that attempt to make Cambodian society fall into chaos [and] turmoil,” he said.

However, he noted that any successful anti-government movement would be “born from our inactivity or weakness – from a small issue becoming a big issue”.

“Therefore we need to check even the smallest problem, from the tip of our hair to the tip of our toes,” he said.

Kheng maintained that the Cambodian People’s Party has ruled successfully for decades because it has served the will of the people and made no major mistakes.

“There have been some small mistakes, but they are not serious and it is not dangerous for the country,” he said, going on to call for reform at all levels of government.

“I am not blaming but we need to study and learn what we have done that may have made them not vote for us,” he said.

This is not the first time Kheng has called for government officials to look inward to find the causes of unrest in Cambodia. In 2016, he also warned that government “inactivity” could lead to revolution.

At the time the comments were in stark contrast with Prime Minister Hun Sen’s own rhetoric, which has laid the blame for popular discontent at the feet of criminals and foreign powers.

Paul Chambers, a Southeast Asia expert and lecturer at Naresuan University, said the comments reflect a “personal judgment that the Hun Sen government cannot simply take the people for granted”.

“If it is Sar Kheng’s standpoint, then this could reflect a distancing of opinion between himself and Hun Sen.”

MOST VIEWED

  • Ministry orders all schools, public and private, to close for SEA Games

    From April 20 to May 18, all public and private educational institutions will be closed to maintain order and support Cambodia's hosting of the 32nd SEA Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games, said a directive from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport. Cambodia will host the

  • Newest horror film showcases unique Khmer culture, identity

    At first glance, the trailer to new horror sensation The Ritual: Black Nun looks like a western-produced feature film. As the story reveals itself to the viewers, it becomes clearer that this is a Khmer film, with a strong Cambodian identity and close links to

  • Almost 9K tourists see equinox sunrise at Angkor Wat

    Nearly 9,000 visitors – including 2,226 international tourists – gathered at Angkor Wat on March 21 to view the spring equinox sunrise, according to a senior official of the Siem Reap provinical tourism department. Ngov Seng Kak, director of the department, said a total of 8,726 people visited Angkor Wat to

  • Angkor Beer strengthens national pride with golden new look and fresher taste

    Angkor Beer – the "Gold of Angkor" – has a new look, one that is more stylish and carries a premium appeal, as well as a fresher taste and smoother flavour, making it the perfect choice for any gathering. Angkor Beer recently launched its new design, one

  • Water supply authority assures public shortages over early ‘24

    The Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority (PPWSA) asked for understanding from Phnom Penh residents in some communes where water pressure is weak. They assured residents that all supply issues will be resolved by early 2024, but have suggested that residents use water sparingly in the meantime.

  • Khmer ballet documentary debuts April 1

    A new documentary, The Perfect Motion, or Tep Hattha in Khmer, will premiere to the public on April 1. The documentary film follows two intertwined storylines: the creation of a show called Metamorphosis by the late Princess Norodom Buppha Devi (her very last production) and the