Comments at the Inauguration of the Buddhist Temple in Kompong Chhnang

22 March 08



… I would in the name of the Buddhist monks and parishioners of the pagoda of Sovanesnaram in the district of Toek Phos of Kompong Chhnang province thank HM the King for his provision of this water pond which is indeed important for places scarce of water sources. Because the pond has indeed been under Samdech Chaovea Veang Kong Sam Ol personal inspection, it has been built nicely.



Though in his 70s, Samdech Kong Sam Ol has been active in his many duties - Head of CPP team for Kompong Chhnang, a member of Parliament, permanent member of the CPP, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for the Royal Palace, etc.



I would say a few words about an idea to split the Royal Palace into three sections. It was on 05 November 2003, there was a meeting in the Royal Palace under the chairmanship of Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk, who was our King at that time, to resolve political stalemate after the general elections. What I wanted to say though was the fact that Samdech Krom Preah Norodom Ranaridh and Samdech Sereivudh proposed to divide the Royal Place into three parties but Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk rebuked strongly on that idea. They were lucky that we did not have the TV crew with us but we have it in audio-tape.



Again in March 2006, there was this proposal to divide in half the number of schools - from primary to university. I warn them that I have the paper with me and I would use it if I am being forced. They say I bought the senior officials of the Sam Rainsy Party and the price tag was 20 million US dollars. If I were to have this much I would not buy Ngo Sovan (from the Sam Rainsy Party) but builds school.



I told the Cabinet meeting that no one could remove Hun Sen except Hun Sen himself, and only CPP itself could throw out CPP. I mean if CPP does not have cooperation and unity and does not work for the people, it will be weakening itself. As for me if I were to claim land here and there or abuse my power, I would not be credible and this is the truth that all political parties have to take note. In Cambodia there are 57 political parties, and the question is why they do not defect from their parties to join with others. Intellectuals as HE Ngo Sovan and others know full well that to help his country he must join with the ruling party and it is up to them to make own decision./.

EndItem.