It is time for SRP to do things differently

Traditionally and historically speaking, direct confrontations do not work with most Cambodian leaders. Premier Hun Sen is no exception. Those who confront directly with the CPP and Hun Sen have ended up self destructed. Nothing tangible was achieved for Cambodian people thus far.

Cambodian mind-sets are very different from other people’s attitude elsewhere in the west. We have learned that traditionally Cambodians don't and can't get along after a fight. It can take many years to heal, if it happens at all.

One of my neighbors never spoke to my father again after they had a little verbal confrontation over something insignificant when they were young. Hatred can past on for generations.
When Americans, for example, can shake hands and say, “I am sorry” after a brawl, Cambodians will take their fights to their grave.

In politics, there is no toleration or compromise between the head of parties. Not yet. Many still practice this line of attack: “If I don't win, I will take the whole country down with me to destroy you.” Millions had died from such approaches. Political confrontations can lead to personal fights; hence, many killings can follow. We can find plenty of examples if we just look back to Cambodia’s recent history starting from Prince Sihanouk’s era to these days.

SRP has no means to confront head on with the CPP. Besides its [great] political ideology and principles which are really complicated for common people to grasp; SRP has very little means to continue its fighting the way it has been doing. Financial resources are not there to attract and support the people to help accomplish SRP’s political agenda. A unity with HRP will surely be problematic. Two drunkards cannot walk a straight line to achieve a common goal. Saving a person who doesn't know how to swim from drowning is a deadly act.

A sensible alternative for SRP is to employ situational theories or approaches to work with the CPP to help move Cambodia forward rather than to confront it head on in every issues. Avoid personal confrontation or attack is a better way of getting things done more effectively. Many SRP leaders understand that their party’s future is at the mercy of the CPP. People at the grassroots are not going to be able to withstand the CPP’s financial vacuum much longer and so do many upper level leaders.

Does this mean that SRP is siding with the CPP? No, by changing from confrontational to situational approaches in solving Cambodian problems, SRP will have to present its alternative solutions to get to the bottom of critical issues facing Cambodia now and in the future. When Cambodian people actually see the results, they will rally behind SRP without fearing.

SRP cannot afford to do the same thing and expect different result. It is not going to work. The changes should not be tactics, they are simply different approaches to help Cambodia.
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Opposition to Change Tactics: Sam Rainsy
By Heng Reaksmey, VOA Khmer Original report from Phnom Penh27 July 2009
Opposition leader Sam Rainsy said Monday his party was changing tactics, looking to make changes beyond demonstrations and protests.
“Before, we mainly organized street demonstrations, because we had no other options to be visible,” the leader of his self-named party told VOA Khmer. “Now we can be much more constructive and effective about bringing change through other mechanisms.”
The announcement comes following a defamation trial against SRP Kampot lawmaker Mu Sochua, on Friday, and the suit of 22 military officials, also for defamation, against SRP lawmaker Ho Vann.
Both parliamentarians had their immunity suspended by the National Assembly, now dominated by the ruling Cambodian People’s Party, whose members hold 90 of 123 Assembly seats.
Sam Rainsy said his party would not be drawn onto his adversary’s “battlefield,” as this gained nothing for the opposition.
Human Rights Party President Kem Sokha, whose party has combined in an opposition coalition with the Sam Rainsy Party, said the decision for a change in tactics was up to Sam Rainsy.
The opposition must be strong in its stance when the ruling-party government puts on more pressure, he said.
Rong Chhun, president of the Cambodian Teacher’s Association, said the decision was up to opposition leaders, but he warned they must also think about the best interests of the people and the nation.
His association would continue to back parties that work for the public interest and would continue to watch the Sam Rainsy Party in the future.
Ruling party officials could not be reached for comment Monday, but CPP lawmaker Cheam Yiep told the Cambodia Daily newspaper he was hopeful the opposition would be committed to helping the country develop.
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