(Banteay Meanchey): Samdech Techo Hun Sen, Acting Head of State of Cambodia, warned opposition groups against undermining national unity while the country faces external challenges along the border, urging citizens: “If you cannot help the nation, do not betray it.”
He spoke on Tuesday (Jun. 9) during his meeting with 3,318 displaced families at the Sla Kram Temporary Settlement in Svay Chek district, Banteay Meanchey province.
Samdech Techo criticised certain opposition figures living abroad for using social media to call on Cambodians not to celebrate Khmer New Year festivities and accused them of attempting to create unrest inside the country.
He urged citizens not to be influenced by overseas opposition groups or engage in activities that could disrupt public order or hinder the Royal Government’s efforts to address border tensions peacefully. He added that several individuals had been detained for allegedly using social media to spread false accusations and attack the government with malicious intent.
At the same time, Samdech Techo underlined that Cambodia continues to uphold freedom of expression, noting that constructive criticism and public opinion are welcomed. However, he said insults, defamation, and attempts to destabilise the government do not fall within legitimate freedom of expression.
“I would like to reaffirm once again that some countries would place the nation under a state of emergency in such circumstances, but Cambodia has not declared a state of emergency or martial law,” he stated.
He added that the government would continue taking legal action against individuals accused of attempting to overthrow the government outside the constitutional framework, while reiterating that political parties remain free to compete through democratic means.
Samdech Techo further warned opposition groups against using social media to attack the government illegally and disclosed that monitoring teams are tracking online activities deemed to incite unrest or threaten national stability.
On the occasion, Samdech Techo Hun Sen assured displaced families staying at temporary shelters that their situation is temporary while the Royal Government continues efforts to resolve border disputes and reclaim territory through peaceful means rather than military confrontation.
=FRESH NEWS
