Phnom Penh (FN), Feb. 19 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet addressed public reactions to the Grade 6 supplementary history book published by the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sport, following controversy over the misconception that the book was intended to express gratitude to Viet Nam.

The premier spoke on Wednesday (Feb. 19) at the graduation for students of the Asia Europe University, held at Diamond Island Convention & Exhibition Centre.

Samdech Thipadei stated that the book is not meant to thank Viet Nam but rather to educate Cambodians about their history and prevent national division and weakness.

Samdech Thipadei also explained that the misunderstanding arose from the misconception that the Win-win Memorial monument depicted on the book’s cover is a Cambodia-Viet Nam Friendship Monument. Many of the criticisms circulating on social media were made without reviewing the book’s contents.

Prime Minister Hun Manet added that this supplementary history book does not replace the existing history curriculum but serves as an additional resource, incorporating visuals to enhance students’ understanding.

Samdech Thipadei underscored, “The accusation that this book was written to express gratitude to Viet Nam is unfounded. It contains only a brief mention—two lines—about the Cambodian National Salvation Army’s cooperation with the Vietnamese Volunteer Army to overthrow the Khmer Rouge genocidal regime. The rest of the book focuses on Khmer history, the achievements of Khmer ancestors under the king’s reign, and the unification of the Khmer people to achieve peace, ensuring that past mistakes are not repeated.”

Samdech Thipadei instructed the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sport to digitise the history book and make it publicly accessible so that citizens can read and understand its true content.

Regarding concerns over the book cover, the premier reaffirmed that the Win-win Memorial monument is not a Vietnamese monument but a Khmer-style structure and a clear national symbol.
=FRESH NEWS