Phnom Penh (FN), Aug. 15 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet noted that in 1999, there were not only the Cambodian People's Party (CPP) who obtained seats at the National Assembly, but also several other parties, including the Sam Rainsy Party. He questioned why, despite holding 55 seats, the Sam Rainsy Party did not object to the development triangle cooperation at that time.

The premier spoke on Thursday (Aug. 15) during a meeting with Buddhist priests at the National Institute of Education.

"I wonder that this cooperation agreement has been in place since 1999 and the CPP did not lead the parliament alone; there were three parties involved. Sam Rainsy was also in the parliament. Why did not he object back then? The silence suggests that he understood this agreement was not dangerous. And what about the seats in parliament?” the premier asked.

Samdech Thipadei also questioned the younger generation who are swayed by incitement, asking why their hero did not protest when he was in parliament. The parliament's term lasts five years, yet from 1998 to 2017—nearly 20 years—there was silence. Now, seeing the wave of protests, they emerge to fan the flames, pushing the youth into dangerous activities.

Samdech Thipadei continued, "If you are worried about losing the country in 25 or 50 years, why create territorial divisions and instability now? Doing so weakens the Khmer people, making them more vulnerable and more likely to lose territory and self-reliance."

On the occasion, Prime Minister Hun Manet also questioned those listening to provocations from abroad, asking, "Is preparing bombs, gas canisters, sticks, and ammunition really the preparation for a non-violent demonstration?" He added, "Their intention is clear—it is not just about withdrawing from the CLV, but about overthrowing the government."
=FRESH NEWS