PHNOM PENH: Prime Minister Hun Sen called his enemies ignorant for failing to see the consequences of their actions and giving the Cambodian People's Party (CPP) more power. He did not name names, but was likely referring to Sam Rainsy, exiled leader of the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), who fled to France in 2005.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony for students of the National Institute of Education on the morning of 25 April 2023, the PM said that the opposition was foolish to support the 2006 amendment of the Constitution that changed the ratification requirement from two-thirds to 50 plus one which allowed the CPP to become the powerful party it is today. 

"Having an enemy who is smart is better than a friend who is ignorant. But this is an enemy who is ignorant."

In early 2006, the CPP along with Sam Rainsy's CNRP voted to amend the constitution, forming a government from a 50 plus one majority instead of two-thirds. This allowed the CPP to consolidate its power, with Norodom Ranarridh resigning his National Assembly presidency and FUNCINPEC losing its power in the coalition government. The CPP was able to monopolize power with the new formula and the PM credits Sam Rainsy's participation for their current stronghold.