On the Demonstration at the U.N. : Do the protesters know that the UN can't get involved?

On the Demonstration at the U.N. : 

Do the protesters know that the UN can't get involved?

On Monday August 19, 2013--a beautiful sunny day-- hundreds of people of all ages came from different parts of New York and many other states mostly the East coast of the United States.  They came by cars, buses, and train a well as by air. 

On a sidewalk nearby the park, as I was walking of 1st Avenue toward the crowd, a couple American bystanders asked me what were the protesters doing [protesting about]? I told them it was about the results of the Cambodian election. They asked me why did they protest at the U.N? I smiled and walked on.  

In the crowd, a young lady who was standing beside me in the front line among the deafening and cheering crowd repeating a slogan aloud, " We need Yuon, We need Yuon, We need Yuon"....

When I teased her why did she say she needed Yuon? She said with a smile, “We need Yuon." And of course she meant "U.N." But, when she said it so fast, U.N sounded like "Yuon." :-)

As I looked at the enthusiastic crowd I wondered if they all knew that their voice would fall on a deaf ear. Not that the United Nations is heartless, but it just cannot not get involved in Cambodia's internal affairs without Cambodia's request. And for now, Cambodia is under Hun Sen's leadership. Many local and regional leaders including the leader of China, Vietnam and Thailand seem to favor the results projected by the Cambodian National Election Committee.

The protest was supposed to be held to request the United Nations and internal community to find ways and means to help investigate the alleged fraudulent electoral processes of July 28th, but unfortunately, many protesters also strongly expressed their anger directly toward Premier Hun Sen and his government.

Many protesters shouted, "Hun Sen Must Go!" or must step down and others scolded him with strong vocabularies and adjectives. The demands went beyond the protested theme of "election fraud" presumably committed by the NEC.  

Although it was an exciting moment, the activities went a bit too far that could stain the image of the event. At one point, the police had to tell us to remove all sticks and poles from the crowd and to adjust the sound system that was too noisy and many sound system were not supposed to used.  

Whether it was initially indented or not, this incident could also happen to the so-called widespread protest in Cambodia if such a protest is not carefully planned and controlled properly.  

Nevertheless, the small NYC Park on the corner of 47th St and First Avenue is a memorable place where many Cambodians have been using to vent out our frustrations over various issues for at least 30 years.

What will the protesters in New York and elsewhere expect from this special event?

Besides coming back to cheer each other up about the instant serge of democracy in Cambodia and to vent out their frustrations at the same playground, most of them left New York City with a high hope and anticipation. The hope that one of these days justice will come to their country--Cambodia.

In reality, because of the restrictions, the U.N. may not be able to help, but at least the messages will get to Cambodian leaders on both sides that what ever they do, they are being observed and assessed not just by Cambodians inside Cambodia but in the world.

Today these people may not be happy with Premier Hun Sen's regime and about the elections; tomorrow it will be about something else.

Although the current Opposition leaders may enjoy hearing about the demonstration to support them, they must also realize that such supports will disappear if they break their promises and their words. 

Funcinpec used to experience the same level of supports in the past, but this party has shrunken or self-destructed from 58 seats to 43, 26, 2, and 0 in this past election. 

 Will the fate of CNRP be the same as FUNCINPEC?  Only time can tell.

On widespread protests: Prevent violence is a better choice!

On widespread protests: Prevent violence is a better choice!

It is almost certain that if the widespread protests were to happen, violence would follow.

The violence is likely to happen not because the leaders want it to occur, but because the leaders cannot control the situations in which the emotions of hatred, anger, revenge, fears and jealousy, etc.… are high among the participants. Such emotions have been instilled in people’s heart and mind for quite some time. Mostly are from careless using of political rhetoric.

When you put an angry person by himself to yell and scream on the street, the effect of his anger is small and less harmful; however, when you place thousands of people who are hateful, angry, revengeful, fearful and jealous in the same place, you will multiply the harmful effects by thousands times. It is likened to pouring thousands of gallons of deadly fuel onto a small fire. The negative emotions are high and all you need is a little spark of fire to detonate. 

It is the Universal law. Negative attracts more negatives and they just cannot produce positive results.

Cambodia has gone through such situations many times in the past. That is one of the reasons why its populations have been reduced to where they are now. They have killed each other from within with such negative emotions and attitudes that are not well analyzed and understood.

Cambodians have spoken their mind on the 28th of July. They had chosen to go to voting booths to use the ballots because they wanted peaceful solutions to their many challenges in life. There is no reason political leaders cannot do the same—using all peaceful means to help those who voted for them.

Help fulfill their dreams rather than break their heart and trust. Stop the rhetoric and prevent violence while you still can.

It’s a better choice.

Peace!

Timothy Chhim

New York 08-08-13

Fact or Fiction: Can you tell?

Fact or Fiction?

Whether it is off line or on line, if an author is a scaremonger, scandalmonger, rumormonger, manipulator, or hate writer who write with the intention to confuse readers, to harm or hurt individuals, to threaten or destabilize a society or a country; that author is out of line.

A sample from FaceBook

The majority of Cambodians still live in a fragile society. They have good heart yet are prone to believe in misinformation and deception. 

A sample of one of the publications posting on KI-Media

Hearing, seeing, reading any false publications can have adverse effects to their thinking---which require more training and learning how to think accurately.

http://www.pressocm.gov.kh/site/videoplayer/4814.html#.UaDoCWT71Us

A sample of one of the publications posting on Cambodia's Government Press

As for a reader, it is important that he or she "can read” and knows how to read.

The ability to "read" should include the skill to separate fact from fiction; understand the truth versus false and to think accurately and to analyze with care if the given information is just propaganda for political gains.

Misinformation, disinformation and deception are the effective works of the Devil.

Beware!

Timothy Chhim

http://www.phnompenhpost.com/2013052465832/National/online-or-out-of-line.html

Cambodian Politic: Brother Enemy and Family Business

Cambodian Politic: Brother Enemy and Family Business

http://www.khmer.rfi.fr/kem-sokha-attacked-by-his-own-brother

Political fighting between family members is family business as usual.

In business if one brother works for Coke, the other works for Pepsi, regardless of which company wins or does well in the market place, both brothers will benefit from the success of their respective company.

In Cambodian politic, thus far, like many politicians, Kem Sokhon and Kem Sokha have defected a few times—that is Cambodian political norm. Both brothers claim that they have been seeking for a better solution for Cambodian people. Can anyone guarantee their moves in the future?

Something to think about:

Social activists use social issues as their business venture, religious workers use religion to make a living, entrepreneurs use business enterprises to enrich themselves, and of course politicians use politics to proper.

Benefits may come in different forms. Some prosper with money, others with name and fame; many with “title” designations.

A few good men/women who want to get into politics for national interests don’t last.

In the end it is the supporters who pay the price--financially, mentally, and spiritually.

Meanwhile Cambodia is still waiting for a better team.

Timothy Chhim

"Silence is not necessarily golden"

Stop Drunk Drivers and save Khmer lives

Stop Drunk Drivers and save Khmer lives

The 4Ds

Drinking is a serious issue that needs to be addressed. The accident that nearly took Khemarak Sereymon's life and caused death and injuries to many of his friends is another wake up call for the Cambodian Government and Cambodian communities to do something now to stop this madness.

Cambodians must stop playing in the Devil's playing grounds and bring back our morality to fight devilish activities.

Photo: Kohsantepheapdaily.com.kh

110 Buddhist Monks came to the accident scene to bless the Highway after the many accidents that had happened at the same area in the past few years. However, the real cure to this problem is to help prevent it from happening in the first place. Human errors and the [bad] attitude of drivers have been the main reason for such fatalities. Drinking is one of the main causes of illnesses and ill attitudes.

Cambodia is a Buddhist country. Her citizens should at least respect Buddha’s daily 5 precepts. Drinking irresponsibly and using drugs is the last warning.



We have seen so much commercials everywhere embracing alcohol (liquor, beer, wine, etc...) as one of ingredients of happiness in Cambodian society. This must be stopped!

Unfortunately, storms of commercials are being promoted in television programs which are very popular among Cambodian youths enticing them that drinking is a remedy for good health and happiness. 

Nearly all TV channels which promote sports such as Khmer boxing programs are being sponsored by the companies that make or import harmful drinks. All Championship bells are being awarded by these companies. 

For a few hundred dollars per bell Cambodian youths are being used to beat each other  up in the rings to help promote products that are the main causes of chaos in the current Cambodian fragile society. 

Series of these commercials are being openly broadcast to all audience. Babies are included!

Perhaps Khemarak Sereymon and Neay Koy will use this opportunity to help campaign against drunk drivers by using their talents to help stop or slow down this social disease.

I encourage Khmemarak Sereymon and Neay Koy to help bring back good morality via their talents and popularity.

You can do it!

Timothy Chhim
New York 

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Khemarak Sereymon: Lucky to be alive

Published: 08-Mar-13 05:40PM

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Cambodian pop-star Khemarak Sereymon (photo: Khemarak Sereymon's facebook)

PHNOM PENH (The Cambodia Herald) -- Cambodian pop-star Khemarak Sereymon has recovered from a horrible accident Thursday night that took the lives of his friends but he is still in shock from the incident.

"He's okay now, but his mental state is uncertain, he is still terrified from the accident," Sunday Production general manager, Lay Sok Chamroeun told Cambodia Express News (CEN), an affiliate of The Cambodia Herald.

"Sereymon was slightly injured in his left leg and will be leaving for Phnom Penh this evening or tomorrow," he said Friday.

"The semi truck's driver was drunk and crashed into his Tundra which was trying to turn onto another road."

Chamroeun, had asked eye witnesses at the scene and said, Sereymon was lucky because he bent over when he saw that the semi truck was going to hit his Tundra.

The accident that took place on National Road four in Sihanoukville’s, Prey Nop district, killed four entertainers and injured five others, who were on their way to perform at a concert commemorating International Women’s Rights Day.

Two of the victims killed in the accident were identified as the Chi Virak, son of comedians Neay Koy, whose body is currently at a funeral pyre in Phnom Penh, and Den Ny.

One Monk to Watch...

Is Cambodia lucky enough to have Ven. Loun Sovath

to hepl protect Human Rights?

Enthusiasm is a double-edged sword that can make or break an individual if it is not properly controlled.

I like Venerable Loun Sovath’s courageous activities to help bring justice to Cambodian victims of human rights abuses. And I also like his enthusiasm and passion in doing his gracious works to let the world know about Cambodia’s need ---to improve its human rights record. It is a much needed record for the Cambodian government, IF it wants to be recognized as a civilized and dignified government.



It is indeed a tough job for Ven. Loun Sovath…for being a prominent monk who must balance between Buddhist disciplines and the day-to-day life and politics of laypersons; especially, when he is in a spotlight and being watched by thousands.

Any activity contradicts to Buddhist rules of conduct can become problems. Problems that may hinder his own progress toward his personal purposes as well as the long-term progress of thousands of people who may count on his works.

It is very important for Ven Loun Savath to control his enthusiasm. Turn it on when it is necessary and tune it down when it is not. Watching his own steps and actions is one of the most important things he must do.



It is understandable that sometimes, people unconsciously do things that may cause adverse effects to his/her success or the success of the majority. But, for Ven. Loun, he must not let his personal pride and pleasure control his mood and actions. He must not give weapons or alibis to his opponents who may effortlessly use to destroy his good cause.

Buddha preaches proper balancing and adhering to certain behaviors and ethical conducts to achieve your goal. Follow his path and you will surely reach your destiny.

Timothy Chhim

Jan 16, 2013 



For those hopeful MP candidates: What to look out for...(cont)

For those hopeful MP candidates: What to look out for...(Continues)

4-Watch for the misinformation:

It is tricky indeed when "misinformation" becomes the only "information" you are given and you need to really digest.

As an outsider who have been exposed to different standard of morality, belief and background. You will have to learn how to separate facts and fictions on your own. Propaganda is being used and abused not only to mislead the public, but you can be deceived as well.

You may hear statements like these: "The whole country is supporting us! (like the collapse of the Earth and Water )", "The CPP is crumbled and many of its members will join us!", "Renown elites with high educational backgrounds or degrees will be supporting us and many of them are supporting us in secret."

The above statements may be used to lure you in, to secure your support and to give you hope. One of the biggest misconceptions is the notion that many CPP members or people who work  for the CPP support the CPP because they have no choice. It's a delusion. 

All CPP members are in "the CPP" together for better or worse. With Cambodia's national resources under its management for decades, this organization has become financially strong and it has given plenty of benefits and reasons for its members to bind together for life. Thanks to the many overseas Cambodians who have used their skills to help make that happen.

Although some of the so-called hidden well educated people may be sympathetic with your cause, they are not courageous enough to join your party. Their self-interests are still bigger than what we call national interests and in addition they do not have much confidence in your leaders. Your leaders know this quite well that  your party will never get the real support from the "ghosts," but telling you the truth is not an option. Those invisible educated individuals will remain unknown, perhaps, forever.

The best way for you to deal with this is to ask your leaders point blank for the names of those would be supporters. Generally, you will hear silence or you would be told that those names are being withheld for future announcement or for their safety. Be prepared for the "no show" meetings from those ghosts.

Most information you receive are distorted.  You will hear some party's leaders misinform you about the many things including the half-truth about your party and its organization. 

What you call the "political party" is merely a group of individuals who operate their political business as a private enterprise owned by a few influential people. This must be restructured . Hence, do not expect to see your party leaders use democratic principles as you know or learn them in the West. Whether it is intentionally or not, the word "democracy" is improperly used and in principle it is grossly misapplied and manipulated.

Most importantly you should take notice and be aware that the organizational structures of your party are still weak and fragile.  It is unquestionable. Most of its leaders are not well trained or simply inexperienced to lead or to follow. Some are just the "24-hour" recruits. This may relate to the financial problems--the problems that can be addressed with the changing of the mental and moral attitude of your political leaders.

Financially, your party is mostly backed by dwindling donors from overseas Cambodians. Unless a drastic change is made the supports from these people will come to an end. Leadership qualities, integrity, good morality and skills must be installed. 

Regardless how much you love your country, if you don't have the money to run the campaigns, you will not get enough votes to win additional seats. 

You may wonder if such an organization can effectively run Cambodia, right? 

Just remember this: if you have doubt about your organization, other Cambodian people will surely have the same impression.

To be continued...

Cursing for help! Will it work?

Cursing for help!

While Sam Rainsy is awaiting a possible compromise from Premier Hun Sen and the Cambodian King Sihamoni for a potential return of Sam Rainsy to Cambodia, SRP’s supporter staged a rather hostile protest condemning Hun Sen as a traitor to Cambodia by stepping on and burning Hun Sen’s portrait.

Pictures: RO of SRP-Europe

Such a protest probably was not approved by Sam Rainsy; regardless, it probably had gone too far under this particular circumstance.

It makes Sam Rainsy's recent request to Hun Sen meaningless. It may also mean that there is a lack of coordination between Sam Rainsy and SRP’s supporters.

We should also learn that hostile protests have never been really effective. Trained world’s leaders do not pay much attention or want to help any people who “curse for help.”

Peaceful demonstrations with positive slogans and appeals would bring positive results.Reacting make things worst, responding makes things better.

Democratic lovers should behave better than some dictators who know very little about good manners.

A good manner does matter.

Timothy Chhim
October 23, 2012

It’s still a good time to reconcile!

It is not too late to reconcile!

As a Khmer, not a politician, at the time of Cambodia’s great mourning; Sam Rainsy has done his part. Now it's up to the King and Premier Hun Sen to decide.

There is no one else in Cambodia except Cambodia’s King and Prime Minister that Sam Rainsy can ask for help for such a special request. 

King Father Sihanouk has passed and for Sam Rainsy to go through Vietnam, China or other nations for help is inappropriate because according to Premier Hun Sen Cambodia is independent.

The rejection from the part of Hun Sen’s regime only gives Sam Rainsy a new ammunition to fight on to gain his credibility. 

Communications among Khmer brothers must be continued. Without communication, we will not be able to help each other build Cambodia.

Reaching out to his opponent does not mean that Sam Rainsy is weak. It takes courage to request his adversary's help in time of a great national grief and respect.

If he believes that Father King Sihanouk was the father of all Khmers, Premier Hun Sen should be able to show his courage to help. It is much better for Hun Sen to help Sam Rainsy now than to have some foreigners to intervene later on or to handle future problems---putting Sam Rainsy in Cambodia’s jail when Sam Rainsy decides to go in on his own.   

Politically speaking, Hun Sen should not be worried about Sam Rainsy if he believes that the CPP is completely in control of Cambodia’s political landscape.

To let Sam Rainsy in at this time Hun Sen will both save his face and will prove that Cambodia and his regime is independent from any foreign’s domination and interference.

It’s still a good time to reconcile!

Timothy Chhim

October 22, 2012

----------------------------

David Chandler On King Sihanouk!

http://www.opendemocracy.net/david-chandler/norodom-sihanouk-cambodian-life

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Mourners offer incense near a photograph of King Father Norodom Sihanouk outside the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh on Friday. (Lauren Crothers/The Cambodia Daily)

Sam Rainsy Seeks Return To Bid King Father Norodom Sihanouk Farewell

By Dene-Hern Chen and Chhorn Chansy - October 21, 2012

Opposition party leader Sam Rainsy has sent a request to Prime Minister Hun Sen and King Norodom Sihamoni asking for permission to return to Cambodia in order to pay his respects to the late King Father Norodom Sihanouk, who died October 15 in Beijing.
Currently in self-imposed exile in Paris—where he has now been for three years—Mr. Rainsy wrote his request in two letters sent and delivered October 18 to the Council of Ministers and King Sihamoni’s cabinet.
“During this time of great sadness, I would like Samdech’s help and understanding to allow me to pay my respects to his soul and see the King Father’s face for the last time in Phnom Penh,” Mr. Rainsy wrote in the letter.
“I was very close to the King Father and I owe him a lot. So the least I could do is pay my last respects,” Mr. Rainsy said by telephone from Paris.
“I would be happy [to return], even for 24 hours,” he said.
Mr. Rainsy was sentenced in 2010 to a total of 12 years in prison on charges of incitement, disinformation and destruction of public property for removing a temporary border marker along the frontier with Vietnam. Although critics slammed the verdict for being politically motivated, Mr. Rainsy has remained abroad, often communicating with his supporters through video link.
He recently vowed that he would return to Cambodia in December to lead the national election campaign of the Cambodian National Rescue Party, a newly merged coalition between the Sam Rainsy Party and the Human Rights Party.
Prince Sisowath Thomico, chief of cabinet for the late Norodom Sihanouk, confirmed that King Sihamoni’s staff had received the letter, but admitted that it was not something the King could intervene on.
“There is an arrest warrant against Sam Rainsy. So if the King allows him to come and pay his respect to the King Father, then what about the arrest warrant? The King cannot decide this case,” Prince Thomico said.
“This is a decision from the royal government.”
Prince Thomico added that in the spirit of honoring Norodom Sihanouk, the government should consider issuing a blanket amnesty for all political prisoners, and under those circumstances, Mr. Rainsy could return without fear of arrest.
“King Sihanouk is a symbol of national reconciliation and I think it would be a good opportunity on this occasion for the government to grant an amnesty to all political prisoners,” Prince Thomico said. “This would be a great opportunity to show that the royal government is paying respects to the King Sihanouk.”
Phay Siphan, spokesman for the Council of Ministers, referred questions to officials at Mr. Hun Sen’s Cabinet. Deputy chief of the prime minister’s Cabinet, Lim Leangse, declined to comment.
Mr. Rainsy was one of the first members of Funcinpec, the royalist party formed by Norodom Sihanouk when he was in Paris in 1981. Though he went on to become a Funcinpec minister of finance after the 1993 elections, Mr. Rainsy was subsequently expelled from the royalist party in 1994 after a disagreement with his party leader, Prince Norodom Ranariddh, and CPP leader Mr. Hun Sen, who were sharing the role of co-prime ministers at the time.
Mr. Rainsy said that any disagreements he had at the time with Prince Ranariddh and Funcinpec did not extend to the King Father.
“[Norodom Sihanouk] gave me a lot of advice when I was minister of finance—he encouraged me to stop corruption in government, and to stop deforestation,” Mr. Rainsy said by telephone from Paris.

Yes, We Can Win Without the God King

Yes, we can win!

Losing a God King? Let's respectfully mourn and move on.

Stop accepting that we are the victim: the victim of the French colonialist, the past unsuccessful policy of King Sihanouk, the failed policy of Pol Pot, the Vietnamese cruelty and the regime's brutality, etc… because when we think and accept that we are the victim, we are the victim—forever.

We must rise above being the victim for we are not. We were born as Khmer and as Khmer we can become as strong as anyone out there in the world and we have proofs. The proofs are not just thousands of monuments and footprints out there throughout Southeast Asia and the world but they are in our blood, heart, mind and spirit.

Picture: From Travelog.Org

What ever happened in the past can be used as seeds, as stepping stones and as great lessons for us to move forward to rebuild and construct a bright and dazzling Cambodia. We must learn from all factors that have led to Cambodia’s temporary defeats with the understanding that every defeat carries with it the seed of an equivalent or greater benefit when we have the right and positive mental attitude—the attitude of being the victor instead of being the victim.

We have to realize that each defeat is just a temporary setback and not the total failure and we have to understand that it takes many defeats to achieve the final victory—comparing to a baby who needs to learn from his falls… so many times in order for him to stand up, walk and then run.

We must get off our knees and stand up to face all current challenges: immorality, poverty, oppression and foreign control.

To get off our knees is to take possession of our mind and use it. And we must use it … with the positive mental attitude that we are now and will be the victor---we are no longer the victim: No more crying for help, no more self pity, no more belittling ourselves, no more fearing and no more accepting any notion that Khmers are losers and cannot win--- for a loser and a victim are all the same.

From now on we declare that we are the winner and we can do whatever we want to rebuild and construct our own life as well as our country… and we can do it as a person, a family, a society and finally as a great nation.

Take possession of our mind, put our mind and thoughts together collectively and harmoniously and the victory is awaiting just a few steps away.

Yes, we can win! And we can win without the former King.

Timothy Chhim

October 18, 2012

Negative Campaign: It will not work!

Negative Campaign: It will not work!

Let’s hope that Cambodian political campaigns are more about serious issues and not about who can scream the loudest or who can curse better. However, until now leaders of the oppositions as well as the ruling party are trying to outshout each other hoping to win voters’ attention, to show their power or perhaps in order to gain their respect.

Besides the shouting matches, the oppositions somehow do not like President Obama to visit Cambodia. Many people think that they shoot themselves in the foot.

Obama’s visit should be encouraged. Let him see the truth and judge Hun Sen’s regime on his own. The oppositions should not be worried or fearful about the visit of any leaders of the world. The culture of trying to stop any leader from visiting Cambodia should be discontinued. It is backfired. There are other ways to bring our concerns to them. Disorganized demonstrations against political leaders or random petitions only show how week the oppositions are and for many years they have not been helpful.

Shouting, cursing, demonstrating and petitioning may not earn much respect from the world’s leaders as well as from the Cambodian people. Good leaders gain respect by the manner they conduct themselves. Good morality is among other behaviors that the world and Cambodian people want to see. Negative attitudes repel supporters.

Perhaps it is time for the leaders of oppositions to change themselves first before declaring that they can change Cambodia. They must demonstrate to the people that they care about them, about Cambodia and about their supporters. They must show that they will always look out for people’s interests, not their own interests. Living in a luxurious villa while the people are hungry is a bad example to be a leader. Fooling around with people’s money is a destructive behavior.

A good officer always makes sure that the troops are provided for before he takes care of his own needs. If you ever expect to have authority over others, you must first prove yourself worthy. If you look to gain respect you must respect others, including your opponents. Remember, negativity repels. 

Timothy Chhim

09-30-12

Politcal Merger: The new golden boy?

Political Merger: The new golden boy?

It is clearer now that the merging between Kem Sokha’s “Human Rights Party” and Sam Rainsy’s “Sam Rainsy Party” was likely created to help rescue Sam Rainsy as well as to prolong the life of Kem Sokha’s political profession. However, the persons who will probably benefit most from the merging are Kem Sokha as well as Hun Sen.

Picture from VOA.

It appears at the moment that Hun Sen will not allow Sam Rainsy to return to Cambodia, unless, like in the past, Sam Rainsy does something drastically to help benefit the CPP better than Kem Sokha can do.

One would remember that the main reason why Sam Rainsy changed his Party’s name from the Khmer Nation Party to his personal name was to avoid a possible internal coup staging by those who may be bought by the CPP. Such a coup has destroyed nearly all opposition parties thus far and the Cambodian political history speaks for itself. Now, Sam Rainsy has finally given up to such a long-term belief.

Recently, Sam Rainsy announced in advance that he would be the only Candidate for Cambodia’s Prime Minister representing the so-called National Rescue Party to oppose Hun Sen. Therefore, Hun Sen must allow him to return to Cambodia otherwise the election will be meaningless. Such an announcement has raised some eyebrows of some democratic lovers who thought that internal electoral processes among both parties (as well as others) should take place before any announcement is made.

Looking closely, people may also note that there are no such democratic processes, because the motives behind the merger was never meant to include any other individuals nor to truly embrace democratic processes to allow any other smaller opposition leaders to get involved. The top positions of the newly merged Party had already been previously handpicked. That is one of the reasons why people believe that the merging is not about saving Cambodia--- it is about saving individuals’ profession.

Nevertheless, if Sam Rainsy is not allowed to return, (which is more than likely) the second person in command of the not-yet-born “National Rescue Party” would be Kem Sokha. Without the presence of Sam Rainsy in Cambodia, Kem Sokha would push his way to run as the candidate for the Prime Minister against Hun Sen. Unquestionably, Hun Sen will win again.

It is well-known that Kem Sokha has a much closer relationship with Hun Sen than Sam Rainsy does. Kem Sokha’s brothers and relatives are members of the CPP holding good positions there. If Kem Sokha is used by Hun Sen to break up the New Party, there is no chance that Sam Rainsy can recuperate. The cooperation between Kem Sokha and Hun Sen in the future may be seen as the return of an old comrade in arm for Hun Sen and as a new victory for the CPP, but it would spell the end of the Sam Rainsy’s styled opposition as we know it until this day.

We should send a clear message to all Cambodian politicians that regardless how cleverly you package yourselves; people will eventually see through your masquerade and recognize you for what you really are. As a general rule, people will accept you for what you say you are until you prove yourselves to be otherwise. Don’t take advantage of the goodwill of the Cambodian people. They have suffered long enough from your game. As President Abraham Lincoln once stated, “You may fool all the people some of the time, you can even fool some people all the time, but you can’t fool all of the people all the time.”

"Silence is not necessarily golden"

Timothy Chhim
08-20-12

Save Khmer Youth to Save Cambodia

"Silence is not necessarily golden"

Hun Sen to Pen Sovan: He hates Vietnam but married to a Vietnamese!

Hun Sen to Pen Sovan: He hates Vietnam but married to a Vietnamese!

Please click the above headline to hear what Hun Sen had to say about one of his old comrades.

02-02-2012: From TVK-a part of Hun Sen's Speech at Graduation Ceremony of the Police Academy of Cambodia..

:

Pen Sovan: This story appeared on page 25 of Asiaweek 3/6/92

Timothy Chhim's Collection

"Silence is not necessarily golden"

Hun Sen Challenges Khmer to Rise?

Hun Sen Challenges Khmer people to rise up against Vietnam!

http://www.box.com/shared/934yiiq9s3

By oppressing Khmer people, Hun Sen indeed challenges Khmer people to rise up against Vietnam-a country which helped put Hun Sen and the CPP team in power. Oppression and unfair treatment of Cambodian poor people may lead to countrywide people's unrest. Maybe this is what Hun Sen wants-- for Cambodians to rise up.


Hun Sen has signaled and hinted many times that the Vietnamese presence in Cambodia is real and dangerous. He mentioned one time that he would armed anyone who dare to fight the Vietnamese but he would also provide him/her with a coffin. The warnings have been misunderstood as threats, but they could also mean that Hun Sen was telling the people to look into the other approach to fight the Vietnamese.

He has continuously warned the oppositions to unite and challenge him. However, the oppositions are not strong enough to even oppose Hun Sen and the CPP-- the Vietnamese puppet.

It's up to all Khmers to liberate ourselves from the Vietnamese claws.


"Silence is not necessarily golden"

http://www.spreaker.com/page#!/user/timothychhim/hun_sen_dares_khmers_to_rise