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PM Hun Manet Responds to Opposition During Japan Visit

  • Posted Dec 20, 2023 15:45 by Hun Sirivadh
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Phnom Penh: Prime Minister Hun Manet of Cambodia quietly addressed three anti-government protestors in Japan while attending the Commemorative Summit for the 50th ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation from December 15 to 19, 2023.

Deputy Prime Minister Mr. So Naro, responsible for ASEAN Affairs, shared during a press conference on the evening of December 19, 2023, that Prime Minister Hun Manet had responded quietly but firmly to his opposition after both the head of state and the Japanese government recognized him as Cambodia's Prime Minister.

"Samdech Thipadei, whom they (protesters) demanded Japan not to support, walked down the red carpet and attended the ASEAN meeting fairly and equitably with all the heads of state," Naro stated.

"On his right (PM) was the Sultan of Brunei, and on his left was the Prime Minister of Malaysia. Beyond the two seats reserved for them, the Prime Minister of Malaysia had one empty seat. I don't need to specify the country; they left it empty. So, what does it signify? If an illegal regime was in place, Japan would not have invited him, and they wouldn't have left that seat empty if Cambodia were not legitimate."

It is worth noting that during Prime Minister Hun Manet's visit to Japan, some opposition groups gathered to protest his presence there. However, their protests did not disrupt his visit, as he met with company representatives and received a warm welcome from Japan's head of state and government.

During a meeting with over 2,000 Cambodians living in Japan on December 16, 2023, in Tokyo, PM Hun Manet addressed the issue of his recognition as Prime Minister, stating that it was their problem. Still, his attendance in Japan to commemorate the 50th ASEAN-Japan Anniversary was a sufficient response to them.

"The majority and the minority are the foundation of democracy," he said. "I do not mock those who do not recognize me, but if tomorrow (the day of the demonstration) they can gather only half of today's participants, then you can cough. Otherwise, don't cough too much."

It should be noted that in the 7th National Assembly election on July 23, 2023, more than 8.2 million voters participated, with approximately 6.3 million voting for the CPP, ultimately leading to Prime Minister Hun Manet's appointment as the new Prime Minister.


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