TAKHMAO: Prime Minister Hun Sen recited an old Khmer adage to the Cambodian Okhna Association this morning, 6 April 2023, emphasizing that no one succeeds on their own; the rich need the poor and wisdom cannot exist without ignorance. He went on to stress that society cannot thrive amidst class division.

The Prime Minister’s statements come after businesswoman and motivational speaker, Tang Gechlieng was criticized online for her incendiary remarks about the poor, accusing them of “having bad habits” and “dramatizing their plight.” She then tried to minimize her critics by labelling them “lightweights” whose opinion couldn’t affect her status. On the night of 5 April, she released a video publicly apologizing for her mistake and promising to do better. After the apology, the Prime Minister posted an audio message to his official Telegram account requesting that all sides put the issue to rest.

In a meeting this morning, he advised the Okhna Association to work with the Royal Government towards economic and social development, with a focus on reducing poverty. He encouraged the members to strengthen internal solidarity to aid in social work and humanitarian efforts that address the difficulties of the people. Oknha-meaning nobleman or lord-is granted by royal decree to civilians who contribute at least $500,000 USD to Cambodia’s government.

The President of the Cambodian Oknha Association, Oknha Ly Yong Phat, thanked the Prime Minister for his guidance and assured him that the association’s mission is to uphold the integrity of the Okhna title by participating in social and charitable functions, promoting respect for the law and establishing forums, seminars and events to promote partnerships in trade and investment in the Kingdom.

He went on to thank the Prime Minister for accepting the role of Honorary President of the Cambodian Oknha Association.

The Cambodian Oknha Association was officially registered as a legal association by the Ministry of Interior on 25 October 2022. Currently, the association is led and guided by 32 board members who serve with a five-year-mandate.

^{PHOTO: KOK KY}