Government spokesperson Pen Bona. FB
Government spokesperson Pen Bona stated that opposition groups, both in Cambodia and abroad, have almost completely lost support and popularity following the formation of the seventh-mandate government led by Prime Minister Hun Manet.
Bona noted on March 10 that during Manet’s recent state visit to France, no opposition party members protested, due to their “inability to mobilise supporters”.
He attributed the opposition’s decline in esteem to its own weakness and the strength of the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP).
He cited Australia as an example, where many anti-government individuals reside, yet the opposition there has nearly dissipated.
The spokesman added that Cambodians abroad showed significant support for the prime minister, noting that over 2,000 people welcomed Manet’s visit to Australia, with minimal protest.
“When [Manet] arrived in Australia, a small opposition group protested against recognising the prime minister, while Australian Prime Minister [Anthony Albanese] warmly welcomed the Cambodian premier,” he said.
He also pointed out that when these groups called on the Australian government to pressure Cambodia over human rights and democracy issues, it graciously received Manet nontheless.
“Australia also reiterated that Cambodia is a resilient country, having overcome the genocidal regime of the Khmer Rouge,” he added.
Bona emphasised that not only the Australian prime minister but all leaders who meet either Manet or former Prime Minister Hun Sen refer to Cambodia as a “wonder”.
He noted the rapid development of Cambodia after emerging triumphant over the genocidal regime.
Chey Tech, an independent socio-economic analyst, acknowledged the sharp decline in support of opposition groups both at home and abroad, particularly among the Cambodian diaspora.
He said that the decrease was due to divisions within the parties, with some leaders forming new parties.
Tech critiqued the opposition’s leadership for lacking clarity and resorting to personal attacks instead of constructive criticism.
“The decline in popularity of the opposition parties is due to the popularity of the seventh-mandate government under [Manet], who has garnered support and established relations and cooperation with countries such as Australia and the US and members of the EU,” he said.
Rong Chhun, an adviser to the Nation Power Party (NPP), Ly Sothearayuth, secretary-general of the Candlelight Party (CP), and Kim Sour Phirith, head of the disciplinary council of the Khmer Will Party (KWP) – together forming an opposition coalition based in Cambodia – were unavailable for comment on March 10.
