Phnom Penh, Cambodia — In a reflective social media post, Cambodian Senate President and former Prime Minister Techo Hun Sen marked the 27th anniversary of an assassination attempt on his life in Siem Reap City. The attempt occurred on September 24, 1998. This past Sunday, now acknowledged as a pivotal day in Cambodian history, Techo Hun Sen recounted the events and the implications of their outcome for the nation.
“Fortunately, I am not in danger and continue to be with the people to implement the win-win policy,” Techo Hun Sen stated, emphasizing his commitment to maintaining national peace. The win-win policy, which officially concluded the Cambodian conflict on December 29, 1998, has been integral in achieving peace, national unity, and territorial integrity.
Techo Hun Sen noted the potential ripple effects if he had been harmed in the 1998 incident, suggesting that the absence of the win-win policy’s author could have derailed Cambodia's path to peace and development. “From September 24, 1998, until now, I have lived for 27 years and hope to live for at least another 27 years,” he expressed, sharing personal photographs from the decade following the attack.
However, in a follow-up post on Monday morning, Techo Hun Sen offered expanded insight into the potential aftermath if the attempt had succeeded: “After my death, a bloodbath could have occurred immediately, causing many people to die in Siem Reap.”
He further outlined that political instability could have ensued, with the National Assembly unable to convene or form a government, perpetuating a division between government-controlled areas and those held by the Khmer Rouge. Despite these scenarios, Techo Hun Sen recognized the possibility of emerging leaders advocating for internal reconciliation, leading to peace and more robust development than his tenure achieved.
Techo Hun Sen concluded by encouraging the public to evaluate these scenarios critically, underscoring the complex interplay of factors influencing Cambodia's path to peace.
The anniversary serves as a reminder of Cambodia's tumultuous past and the ongoing efforts to sustain peace and development in the region.
