Phnom Penh (FN), Dec. 12 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet stated that the nation endured 500 years of hardship before achieving nearly 26 years of lasting peace. He declared that Cambodia will not permit any country to tarnish its honour and reputation.
The premier spoke on Thursday (Dec. 12) during the commemoration of the 12th National Day Against Human Trafficking, held at Diamond Island Convention and Exhibition Centre, Phnom Penh.
On the occasion, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet addressed the case of a Taiwanese individual who filmed a staged kidnapping video to defame Cambodia. He affirmed that any defamatory content targeting Cambodia would be met with an immediate response from relevant institutions, working in collaboration with national and international partners to resolve and prevent such issues.
Addressing the issue, Samdech Thipadei stated, “We will strive to prevent problems, but if anyone misrepresents us, we have the right to defend ourselves. This is not just about the government; it is about protecting Cambodia’s image for millions of its citizens. […] We must defend our national honour, having endured 500 years of suffering, and now, just days away from the 26th anniversary of the war's end, Cambodia has finally achieved territorial reunification. We have suffered enough and cannot allow foreigners to tarnish our honour for their own gain.”
On the occasion, the premier underlined that Cambodia must enforce the law against those who seek to tarnish its image, whether through theft, destruction, or attacks aimed at undermining the nation. He stressed that Cambodia has a duty to respond, protect its interests, and seek justice, and that there is nothing wrong with this stance.
Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet also called on all Cambodian institutions and citizens to unite in defending the national honour. He urged a collective effort to combat human trafficking and other crimes, for the well-being of future generations, and to ensure lasting peace. He reiterated the importance of maintaining peace, security, and safety, and preventing the return of war.
=FRESH NEWS
