The Devil that they don't know

The devil that they don't know

The Cambodian People's Party (CPP) has been gaining its grounds in most towns and cities in the U.S.A. where Cambodian populations are highly concentrated. Various Cambodian associations are now either sympathized with the CPP or being neutralized. Many overseas vocal activists are getting old and weak both physically and financially. Those who used to be against the CPP now are working with this organization openly and covertly. Many politicians have switched to rally behind the CPP and Hun Sen. Business entrepreneurs have little choice but to cooperate with the government of Cambodia to gain maximum profits and to be safe. Politicians who have businesses inside Cambodia are subjected to the same condition.

The recent opening of a Cambodian consulate in Lowell, Massachusetts, was a real blow to the oppositions and those who counter to the government’s policy. The CPP has picked an ex-SRP’s official to head the consulate. This has added a thorn in the eye of the SRP’s political organization in North America.

CTN and TVK are the main sources of government and the CPP’s propaganda. These television stations have reached many Cambodian families, including retail business locations in the U.S. By watching their various programs that show all “great” news about economic achievements, social developments and various entertainments, many Cambodians are now at ease with the government and some even praise the works it has done in spite of of the charges by some national and international community that it is one of the worst administrations in the world.

In regards to Preah Vihear, it is a symbol of nationalism and patriotism for the majority of Cambodian populations. It undoubtedly helps boost the image of Premier Hun Sen and his political party. The people will rally behind Hun Sen if there are more fights at the borders. The majority of Cambodians feels that Hun Sen is doing the right thing to protect Cambodian interests and disregard any political theaters staged by both Cambodia and Thailand.

So far the oppositions are seen to be on the wrong side of this issue. Eng Chhay Eang's letter (and its contents) to protest against a ceremony held in Massachusetts to commemorate Preah Vihear was counterproductive. It was a bad move by SRP’s camp with regards to Preah Vihear issue. It seems that SRP is only looking to be in opposition to anything and everything that the government does. The lawsuits initiated by Mme Mu Soc Hua at this juncture will not help SRP in this particular issue either. It will be viewed as a “wicked” strategic move of the oppositions to weaken Cambodian government; hence, they indirectly help Cambodia’s enemy.

It is very difficult to fight the devil, but it can be done: One must not be the devil him/herself. Otherwise it will just be an endless vicious cycle. So far, many people have realized that the oppositions are not necessarily better than the ruling party. The lack of strong and effective organizational structures, the absence of self sustainable political infrastructures and the moral indifference among members of political parties give the Cambodian people little choice but to stick around with the devil they have and they know.

By nature, people are afraid to change, especially the change from the devil they know to the devil that they don't know.

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