On July 25, over 4,000 readers across the country received copies of a book titled Witness to History – The Journal of Cambodia’s Queen Mother.

This book is a journal written by Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk herself, detailing her perilous wartime journey with the late King Father Norodom Sihanouk to the liberated zone of the National United Front of Kampuchea in 1973.

Recently, an announcement from the Documentation Centre of Cambodia (DC-Cam) confirmed the publication of 100,000 Khmer translations of the crusade. This distribution, free of charge, commemorates the 50th anniversary of the historic journey from Beijing amid armed conflict in Cambodia.

In a recent interview with The Post, DC-Cam executive director Youk Chhang revealed that following the public announcement of the book’s availability, over 4,000 copies had been distributed free of charge to citizens across the nation. Notably, the free distribution also targets teenage girls, with the aim of inspiring and supporting their educational and leadership development.

“Some 4,049 books have been distributed to the public. All citizens can download this document for free on our website or from the Sleuk Rith Institute’s Facebook page. People can also get a copy or book from the Queen Mother Library in Phnom Penh,” Chhang said.

DC-Cam plans to publish 100,000 copies of this 118-page Khmer edition annually between 2023 and 2025.

“It’s evident that people throughout the Kingdom adore the book, largely because it comes from Her Majesty the Queen Mother, a figure they deeply trust and respect.

“I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to Princess Norodom Arunrasmy and her husband. Their invaluable help with the final editing stages and obtaining approval from Her Majesty the Queen Mother was crucial to this project,” added Chhang.

The journal offers deep insights into the Queen Mother’s mission to the liberated zone. It extends beyond the war, highlighting the era’s grandeur and prosperity. The 39-day journey is categorised into four distinct stages – starting with the departure from Beijing, the arrival in Cambodia, followed by engagements with the locals, and finally the return journey to China.

Nget Long, a 60-year-old agriculturist from Bak Nim village in Kampot province, expressed his joy at receiving the book, pointing out its historical importance.

“As farmers dwelling in remote regions, occasionally, some historical nuances may slip our memory. However, this book serves as a potent reminder of the epochal transition from one regime to another. It provides us with a tangible account to impart these historical narratives to our offspring,” he said of the journal.

The book not only brings the past to life but also ensures the preservation of history for future generations. It acts as an invaluable educational tool and a poignant reminder of the nation’s journey.