Phnom Penh: Senate President and Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) leader, Samdech Hun Sen, has issued a stern warning about an extremist group's attempt to establish an illegal “government-in-exile” (GiE). Speaking at the 73rd anniversary of the CPP’s founding at the party’s headquarters on Friday, Hun Sen revealed that he had received leaked information regarding this plot by a group based abroad.

"The initiative to form a GiE has begun," Samdech Hun Sen stated. "Any political party or organization in Cambodia that has ties to it must be dissolved to protect national interests. These extremist groups aim to oppose the legitimate government and undermine the peace and security of the Cambodian people."

Samdech Hun Sen emphasized the need for decisive action to protect the nation. "To ensure the protection of peace and the people, the Royal Government and citizens must work together to defeat political parties connected to the illegal government and severely punish the extremists involved."

Senate President Hun Sen also called for legislative measures to address the issue, suggesting amendments to laws on political parties or other relevant regulations to impose stringent penalties on those participating in the formation of a GiE. He stressed that maintaining peace for all Cambodians is paramount and that any extremist activities that threaten the country must be prevented.

Drawing a parallel to recent remarks by French President Emmanuel Macron, who warned of potential civil war if far-right or far-left parties gained power, Samdech Hun Sen asserted that Cambodia faces similar risks if extremist groups continue to operate. He recalled the CPP’s historic role in overthrowing the Khmer Rouge regime on January 7, 1979, and its ongoing efforts to prevent a resurgence of such brutality.