There was last night three matches of Euro 2016. In addition to those, we also have local TV program The Voice, semifinal contest. It is a popular event and both youth and elderly people like it. Since I have more than one TV in my room, I could watch The Voice and the matches at the same time. As for the last matches, I fell asleep. When I awoke, I saw the German team had one goal shot. I then fell asleep again. Early morning, checking website of Euro 2016, I saw that it was a 2-0 result. As of today, I lost three bets of matches. It is not a bet with money anyway. We have been predicting who would win the match ever since a few events ago. I hope you would not fall asleep while I am giving my speech.
Maritime Silk Road – A Great Initiative of the Chinese Leaders
I am so happy today to be able to join with students of the Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP) once again to hand out diplomas for 3,746 graduates. Secondly, I am here today to declare the official opening of the Cambodian Research Centre on Maritime Silk Road, sponsored by the People’s Republic of China, for which I am grateful and welcoming the presence of HE Bu Jianguo, the Chinese Ambassador to the Kingdom of Cambodia. Though we only mentioned it is the Maritime Silk Road project, originally, if I am not mistaken, it was known to be the Silk Road of the 21st Century. It is however shorter to just say Maritime Silk Road. It is important to remember that the “Maritime Silk Road”, which is a part of a wider project of “one belt, one road,” is a magnificent initiative of the new generation Chinese leaders.
Hun Sen Library Still Popular
I would take this opportune moment to express my sincere appreciation for the efforts made by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, and particularly by RUPP in the sphere of human resource training. RUPP continues to be a leading university in human resource development and training, thanks to cooperation it has with foreign friends. I agree that RUPP will make further efforts for development as is stated by Minister Hang Chuon Naron’s speech. I am still proud with the fact that the Hun Sen library – built and put into use for nearly twenty years now – continues to be popular among researchers, students from both inside and outside RUPP. I will continue to provide supplementary support for staff of the library to work on Saturday.
Education Recruits 5,000 New Staff Every Year
I am proud with efforts of leaders and management of RUPP. As an outstanding university since the beginning, we should recall that RUPP came to existence under the reign of Sangkum Reastniyum (populist society) of Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk, then head of state, Preah Borom Ratana Kaod. RUPP closed once under the regime of Pol Pot. We have been doing everything we can to bring development and progress to this university again by putting in place more buildings and improving its curriculum. I am grateful that RUPP leaders and management have made successful efforts in graduating 37,989 students so far […]
If I am not mistaken, students who finished their studies at RUPP could take exams to become professors and/or officials of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports […] they would stand a chance to meet me twice – once while they graduated and again when they finished their pedagogical education program and started their teaching career. The state ministry allowed to recruit more staff is the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports. Each year, the Ministry recruits 5,000 new staff to answer to growing demand for teachers and to replace those older ones who go into retirement. Demand in education is still big and it is our job to work together to respond to it. The Ministry of Education is the leading institution, but in the whole country, there must be joined efforts of families and communities […]
Royal Government, Families, Communities, Religions against Drugs/Offenses
I am sure today is a magnificent day that brings joy to graduates and their families. We still have some youths who continue to take a wrong turn. We are making more efforts to have them back to our fold. Some have engaged in drugs, gangsters, and other improper actions detested by society. I would urge our people to see through that though it is partly shortages from the Royal Government, but I would urge families to help deal with their families’ members as far as drugs and criminal offences are concerned. We must make efforts together. The Royal Government has created an opportunity for our people through the establishment of peace, political stability, security, social order, and chances for education of all levels, investments in industry, services and other sectors.
We must work on this together and in a synchronized manner. Buddhist monks too must advise people in their Buddhist teaching to refrain from committing those sins. Tomorrow evening, there will be this event to break the fast (Ramadan) of the Muslim people. On 24 June, I will meet with 3,000 people representing those in the Cristian community. We could have some graduation ceremony scheduled to afternoon session because we could deal with rain better now. Someone in France posted in his Facebook Page about flooding in Phnom Penh after rain, while rain flooded the river and city in France. You can now see his intention. He would not post things positive about Cambodia and he chose not to say a thing about (the River Seine) flood in France […]
Let us hope that the river Mekong will have water level as high as 9.50 meters … as predicted by the Ministry of Water Resource and Meteorology. Last year, the Ministry of Water Resource and Meteorology also predicted the flood level to be at 9 meters but it turned out to be at 7 meters only. We could not have boat race event in the water festival. This year, we hope that rain befalls in Lancang basin, Tibet and down through to the Mekong. There was this tradition in our country that the Chinese are offering alms to the water deity so that the flood would not rise too high […]
Eurasia – Opening a Market for Cambodia and ASEAN
Today, we are celebrating, with the presence of HE Bu Jianguo, the Chinese Ambassador, the symbolic inauguration of the Cambodian Research Center on Maritime Silk Road. It is one of the initiatives of President Xi Jinping, as part of the “one belt, one road” initiative. It was welcomed widely not only in China for its extension of international relations and development in relation to connectivity and integration but also among nations in ASEAN, East Asia, Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and Eurasian community. Eurasian community consists on China, Russia and some other countries with whom Cambodia has become partner.
During my visit to Russia, I also visited the headquarters of Eurasia. The most important meaning for doing so is to open market for Cambodia. Before leaving Sochi and heading back to Phnom Penh, it has been some kind of thought that Cambodia is a leading country in establishing relation with Eurasia. There have been questions whether being in partnership with Eurasia must be a move by individual country or ASEAN as a whole. I then had the floor that we should do both – as an individual country or ASEAN with Eurasia. It will provide a huge benefit within the framework of “one belt, one road” as initiated by China, supported by ASEAN and neighboring countries to China, and nations within in SCO and Eurasia (Economic Union).
Maritime Silk Road, Silk Road, AIIB
I must affirm that in late 2014, hosting APEC summit, China invited heads of states and governments non-members of APEC for a meeting in relation to “One Belt, One Road” and “Maritime Silk Road” issue. Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Pakistan, and some other countries neighboring to China were present. The “one belt, one road” project not only reaches out to Southeast Asia but also other regions, through to Europe. President Xi Jinping declared a fund of 30 billion USD, if I am not mistaken. I have, in my intervention, drawn attention about the fact that there are more projects in the region than capital to implement them. I think we are grateful to China to declare its funding for the project so those countries could seek our financial supports.
We have not yet spoken about BRICS – which consists of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, which holds second leading role to the World Bank. China, with help from Cambodia and other countries, has established the Asian Infrastructural Investment Bank (AIIB). Asian countries will seize this opportunity because they will have in addition to funding provided by China, two more sources – “Silk Road Fund” and “AIIB.” It is a good thing that the Bank is now underway. The fact that I have spoken about this is not because HE Chinese Ambassador is here. China never direct Cambodia what to do […]
Don’t Threaten Cambodia with Assistance Cutting
I just tell to some countries not to threaten cutting assistance to Cambodia. All you could think of is cutting assistance. That has challenged me to say if you wish to do so it would be up to you. I would have your attention though that those who would suffer primary effect are the ones working for NGOs. They provided funding to NGOs. I think with two nostrils and one mouth, we could breathe easier. Along with the Asian Development Bank, AIIB, together with the Chiang Mai Initiative, gathering a sum of 400 billion USD, it is a guarantee of safety for developing countries in Asia. I am ready to welcome should there be BRICS Bank in the future.
A Long-Time Relation with China
The fact that “one belt, one road” project will serve the Chinese interest it also promotes connectivity and integration among countries. Before reaching China, we will have to go through Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, or cross the sea. According to historical proves, we noted that relations with China with this region started long ago since the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties – major dynasties in China. In Koh Kong, a Chinese ship sank and just discovered. Extracted objects are on display in Koh Kong and some sent to China for verification of which dynasty the ship was in. We also have a small island in the River of Tonle Sap, Mekong, named after China – Chinese isle. They lived here for generations. In Punhea Loeu district, I saw a number of plates inferring Chinese trade in this part of the world.
On a plate inscribed “river of no return.” In Cambodia, because of meeting of two rivers making four out of two, water flow in and out of the lake of Tonle Sap. The river does return. In acknowledgment of then dynasty, river of no return could have meant that the change from one dynasty to another would not return to the previous one – for example from Song to Ming, or Ming to Qing. You may also remember the fact that Zhou Daguan also traveled to this part of the world by sea. He reached Cambodia in 1292. As you can see, history has it that relation between China and countries in Southeast Asia occurred through trade via sea line, which now China called 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. A master plan is underway for a study to figure out connectivity by air, rail, land and economic.
Last year, we received some 800,000 Chinese tourists. We have to figure out how to get Chinese tourist interested in visiting Cambodia. We have allowed direct flight from Chinese provinces in addition to training more Chinese guides, who will explain to the Chinese about our culture and temples. We also allow use of Yuan currency in the Cambodian financial market. This was a decision we made since when HE Li Peng, then Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, visited Cambodia. I told Premier HE Ju Rongji later there were all sorts of currencies circulating in Cambodia. The fact that Yuan stepped in would not be a problem. As you can see, it is not completely new for Cambodia to this initiative. I hail and thank our Chinese friend for providing support for studies and research on this issue in RUPP.
CPP Would Not Infringe Upon Competency of Institutions
I wish to make a statement from this forum to politicians and those who happen to have to understand Cambodian politics. I gave an interview last Saturday to Fresh News about an instance that there was a coercion brought upon CPP. I have made it clear that (1) there will be no negotiation between CPP and CNRP. The only way out is (to go through) the National Assembly. In fact, CNRP already abandoned that option. And (2), should there be any talk in the time to come (which means CPP has its door open for talk) CPP would not discuss issues that are in the competency of court and/or about those in prison. Doing so would render pressure and sustain impact on procedure of the court.
I have spent more than half of my life doing negotiation. If they suggest a discussion to draft so and so laws, I would not hesitate to agree. However, issue of faking treaty or maps is a court matter. Why is it the CPP’s responsibility? Why CPP has to negotiate on that? They should be aware of the fact. What happened where? They will take action respectively. CPP does not have any dispute with anyone, why making it CPP responsibility to talk about? As President of the Cambodian People’s Party, I never knew of any talk. It had been a scoop here and there about possible negotiation. I have the duty to make thing clear. They have a problem with the court. They need to find a lawyer to join the legal process. Please do not be confused of roles. Seeking to negotiate with the Cambodian People’s Party, they have piles of issues for CPP and CNRP to cover those culprits. That is more reason for CPP not to talk with.
The Cambodian People’s Party will not discuss any issue that is not within its competency. It is our official position. Individual must challenge with own problem. When you have a legal problem, you must face an arrest, and/or a subpoena. It is not a matter under the competency of the Cambodian People’s Party. CPP has no rights to interfere in court matter. CPP is a ruling party in the Royal Government but CPP has no rights to interfere in the executive power’s matters. Some foreigners did not have full knowledge of what is going on. They should rather not say about it or they would infringe upon rights of a sovereign state. It would be better if they could tell person committed wrongdoings to correct himself.
Don’t Threaten with Demonstration
I told one of the ambassadors … that there are only two options – (1) allow the person to instigate and cause turmoil leading to war between Cambodia and Vietnam, and (2) arrest and bring him to court on ground of falsifying documents and using fake documents. Which one do you prefer? Do you want a war between Cambodia and Vietnam? I even said now that Vietnam has become your friend, would you like a war between the two. If we do not abide by law, what should we refer to now? Legal process is a correct thing to do. Would it be better to use gun? We do not need it here. We destroyed some 300,000 of them. It is a small matter. The person should not employ the whole party in his protection.
I warn that please do not threaten with demonstration. You did that once only to ask for the post of Vice President of the National Assembly. This time, because of your female relation issue, you challenge people to demonstrate. How reasonable is that? Sexual matter is a court matter. He should proceed accordingly. Instead of doing so, he appeals for people to demonstration. Authority has the obligation to provide security and social order. Where is the crisis? The person creates a crisis himself. He had to take charge. They called ministers to give answers in the National Assembly. When the minister accepted and got himself ready to do so, they did not attend […]
Insult to Me, My Family Deserves Invaluable Compensation
I have a matter. It is not a small issue. I suffered a severe damage. If you do not pay me back, you will not be relieved. I will not do anything in your favor. You have insulted me must to severe. Accusing my wife a wife of a former leader of Vietnam Le Duc Tho and Hun Manet is not my son – is too extreme. Would anyone accept this kind of insult? Leaders of CNRP and their activists have done it. Such an insult is unforgivable. I would wish diplomats to answer me if that was a freedom of expression. I am sending this message to the Secretary General of the United Nations, leaders of every countries, and embassies – if they say your wife is a whore and your own son is not yours, would you treat that a freedom of expression? I would not forgive it. I demanded use of term “criminal” … lately they even bothered that my last child who is daughter in law to Sok An is not my own daughter. It is an individual issue. I will take this matter as individual matter. I will not touch your party […]
Assessing, Researching and Using Other Means to Verify Thumb Prints
Another matter that I need to clarify is that I never say anything about fake thumb prints. HM the King Norodom Sihamoni sent me a letter together with boxes of papers stamped with thump prints. In some places, people complained that they gave their thumb prints to request for water wells, not for releasing so and so. Having received the letter, I wrote on it my instructions to Samdech Krola Haom Sar Kheng to (1) make an assessment of the prints. In the past, we had incidents, and CPP officials included, that people used thumb prints to cheat. Some used one thumb print under many names; (2) conduct a research in local level to find out whether owners of thumbs have printed for that matter or not; and (3) seek other means to verify them. I did not say yet they are not true. I have written so because the issue is concerning HM the King and people. We cannot afford to fake them. We must assess them. We must have people’s verification. We do not allow cases where thumb prints for schools are being used for other purpose […]
Writing Instruction on Matter Letter – Prime Minister’s Way
There is a person who is a member of the royal family said something about the fact that (I had my) instruction written on letter of HM the King. The Constitution does not in fact forbid that. It is my way of doing thing. HM the King has never forbidden me from writing on his letter and the letter is in fact written to me. He seemed to have suggested that instruction should be written on a separate paper. I would suggest that they go ask HM the King if my doing so is wrong. Maybe, they call for a new law forbidding anyone writing anything on letter of HM the King. Picture of HM the King too should not go into people’s pockets. We should have that law then. We may have to reprint banknotes in Cambodia starting from 100 Riel and up because they all have HM the King’s picture.
We may write in the Constitution (forbidding any writing on letters of HM the King) … that is the first thing to do. The second point is that letter of HM the King, no one should discuss. You may want that HM the King’s letter is refrained from being disclosed to anyone other than addressee. HM the King wrote and sent the letter to me, to Prime Minister. I wrote on the letter and sent it to Samdech Krola Haom for action, was that an insult to HM the King. You did not obey HM the King when he convened you to the National Assembly meeting, was that not an insult? Did you not think about it? That is my way of working. I would rather not have my instruction on relevant issue going different way […]./.
