Cambodia clarifies 'biased' article that criticised Hun Sen

The Nation published a politically biased article which was full of lies and manipulations. In this regard, I wish to clarify the following points:

First, it is completely slanderous and very cheap for The Nation to try to discredit Samdech Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister of Cambodia, by lying to the public. To state that Samdech Techo Hun Sen has “a record of using force to crack down on opposing voices,” The Nation has simply made a sweeping statement without facts and evidence to support its completely fallacious argument. Anyone could look at the facts that the opposition party, the Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP), had actively and freely campaigned before the election day on July 28, without any incidents of violence and intimidation. After the election day, the opposition party had already organised at least three major demonstrations, and again without crackdowns. In addition, the opposition party had even used the derogatory and abusive language against the leaders of the ruling party and government, once again there have not been any crackdowns, as alleged by The Nation.

Second, it is not The Nation to decide if “it could spell the end of his political career”, as it is entirely dependent on the people of Cambodia. However, in case of violence which may lead to instability, anarchy and looting in any society in the world, it is the duty of the government to maintain peace, order and public security for the country.

Therefore, I would strongly urge The Nation to stop once and for all engaging in the dirty politics of demonisation of Samdech Techo Hun Sen and Cambodia. I wonder if you have been paid to be a strong critic of him and Cambodia. 

Truly yours,

Koy Kuong

Spokesperson

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation 

Kingdom of Cambodia