PHNOM PENH: Prime Minister Hun Manet has set forth certain goals and policies since taking office in August. Many of his strategies are a part of his economic Pentagon Strategy, a roadmap for Cambodia’s ascent to high-income level status in 2050. In addition to systemic reforms, the current administration is focusing on preserving Cambodia’s traditions, social values and culture in the face of globalization.

This week, the PM highlighted two cultural values that must be preserved to promote Cambodia’s cultural identity: Khmer language learning and traditional femininity.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 2023 Labor Conference of the Ministry of Women's Affairs on January 11, the PM said, "Identity and culture must be maintained from generation to generation. If this generation of young people loses their identity one step at a time, when they become parents, they will lose another step."

He then noted the importance of teaching and learning the Khmer language in schools. He instructed the Ministry of Education to make sure that all schools, including international schools, allow Khmer children to learn the Khmer language. He emphasized that there is no ban on learning other languages, but that learning Khmer is integral to preserving cultural identity.

Prime Minister Hun Manet also had a message to women, emphasizing that while the rights and freedoms of individuals, especially women, need to be promoted, it should not come at the cost of losing social values, traditions and culture.

The comment was apparently a response to recent videos made by female content creators who use sexually suggestive dances and outfits to sell products online. He said that such marketers had lost their Khmer femininity and that they must be “educated” on their wrongs so that they can change their ways.

 "In Cambodia, women's rights and freedoms need to be promoted, but not without limits, especially when it comes to losing the women’s national identity," he said.

The PM also encouraged the Ministry of Women's Affairs to help Cambodian women maintain the value of their national identity.