Prime Minister Hun Sen starts to be active on his Twitter account on July 8 following his last post since May last year. PM VIA TWITTER
In a push for greater digital engagement, Prime Minister Hun Sen has urged his followers to connect with him on Telegram, Twitter and TikTok.
Although he has deactivated his Facebook account, the premier emphasised his continued ability to field comments and requests from the public.
“Earlier, my Facebook account served as a platform for people to seek information or aid from me. Now, after discontinuing the use of my Facebook account on my own accord, I have transitioned to Telegram, Twitter and TikTok,” he announced via Telegram on July 8.
Asserting his commitment to open dialogue, he shared that all three platforms are primed to accept public commentary. He further encouraged national and sub-national level officials, as well as armed forces personnel, to follow him on these apps.
“Despite discontinuing my Facebook usage, I am still accepting feedback and suggestions from the people via Telegram, Twitter and TikTok,” he stated.
Yang Peou, secretary-general of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, viewed these platforms as an effective tool to receive wider information from the populace in lieu of Facebook.
“This broader information exchange bodes well for the public, who in turn receive political messages and updates from the head of government,” he said.
Peou went on to underscore the far-reaching impact of the prime minister’s social media presence.
“TikTok predominantly targets the youth, while Twitter appeals to intellectuals and politicians. Several overseas politicians are already utilising these apps. Hence, when the prime minister uses these platforms, we get a more comprehensive picture of the government’s activities and national development,” he elaborated.
Lim Bora, a young intellectual leader at a pagoda in Phnom Penh’s Chamkarmon district, echoed Peou’s sentiment, saying that direct social media connection with Hun Sen is critical for speedy updates on the premier’s activities.
Bora also shared that he had linked his own accounts with the prime minister’s after the announcement to abandon Facebook in favour of Telegram and TikTok.
“Upon hearing that [Hun Sen] has started using Twitter, I plan to create a Twitter account to stay updated,” he added.
“When the prime minister uses Twitter, as a Cambodian citizen, I intend to use it to receive information from him and disseminate it to others. When everyone is linked with him, we can stay abreast of his activities,” he explained.
