PHNOM PENH: The Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces and Commander of the Army, Lt. Gen. Hun Manet, has expressed his belief that increasing the number of people who practice religion in Cambodia can help reduce negative issues in society, as well as strengthen family harmony and contribute to human resource development.

Speaking at the ceremony to inaugurate the new upgrades at Thom Vipassanaram pagoda (also known as Taphem pagoda) in Phnom Penh on Thursday, 16 March 2023, Lt. Gen. Hun Manet said, “Religion has an active influence in society and family as well as among each individual.”

He added that he believes religious education and science needs to go hand in hand to ensure the production of knowledge, skills and virtues for all generations of Cambodians, which will help strengthen national independence and allow the country to compete at both the regional and global levels.

He further affirmed that the Royal Government, led by Prime Minister Hun Sen, is committed to building and developing a stronger religious base in Cambodia, as well as to addressing all shortcomings and strengthening and expanding on positive achievements, in order to foster a more prosperous nation for generations to come.