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The return of H.E.Sam Rainsy and the lingering challenges
Now, the futurists, the pragmatists and the traditionalists are at the state of strategic debate on the return to Cambodia of H.E.Sam Rainsy this July 19, 2013 after receiving a pardoned letter from the King of Cambodia.
The Futurists
Courtesy: Facebook
The pardon is not something new as this same incident has been normal in Cambodian politics and it is not the genuine pardoning as the rationals behind this pardoning was politically motivated. So it is logically said politically motivated pardoning. The most recent calculation of this procedure has been referred to previous pardoning when H.E.Sam Rainsy returned to Cambodia, the deal of 50+1 of the lawmakers to ably form the government was achieved. This time, the scenario might be different but at the same leverage of political advantage. The pressure from the international community especially the special resolution of the white-house’s subcommittees of the United States and the omnipresent rallies of oversea Cambodians worldwide are not a comedy for the Cambodian People’s Party to procrastinate this pardon. The futurists concern the term of national reconciliation has been beneficially used by the ruling party to gain the vote especially this party can mobilize this concept via their dominant mass media. However, the ruling party is stunted by the growing support in a daily basis of the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) by those youths and street watchers. At first, the supports were only from silent heart but it has become loudly shouting, to 7 fingers signaling, to providing supplies such as money, food, water as well as to join the daily rally with the CNRP.
Futurists also calculate the possibility of coalition government or continue to lead the strongest opposition as CNRP surely doubles its lawmaker seats if this party couldn’t afford to win during this term.
Futurists also calculate on the aging leaders and the building up of young leaders within both CPP and CNRP. Strategically speaking, this scenario is about the reforming from inside out, not outside in for both parties.
The Pragmatists
Courtesy: Facebook
The argument for this side is about the realistic situation happening in Cambodia right now. The unification of Sam Rainsy Party and Human Rights Party to form the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) is a very attractive scenario for the perception of Khmer unity and national reconciliation. As the matter of fact, many democratic particles of the world especially those are well-known in Cambodia such as the Association of Cambodia Democrats led by Mam Sonando, the Teacher Association of Cambodia led by Rong Chun, the Free Trade Union led by Chea Mony etc. have gradually declared to support and vote for the CNRP. These movements don’t include those business tycoons and individual Cambodians especially youths have been cheerfully expressing support to the CNRP. For the opposition party who has survived by the financial support from oversea Cambodians, this time is busier than other time for those diaspora around the world to donate money, to petition and to rally with the heartfelt support to the CNRP.
Election Watch: King of Cambodia signed a pardon for a safe return and the next challenge
Courtesy: public sharing
Courtesy: public sharing
Courtesy: public sharing
Eventually, a deal has been made on the spirit of national unity and INCLUSIVE POLITICS in Cambodia. In the same day of pardoning letter requested by the Prime Minister, the King signed a pardon on July 12, 2103 to ensure safe return of prominent opposition leader, H.E. Sam Rainsy, president of the largest opposition party: Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) to his political career.
Needless to say on the inquiry of both Cambodians and national communities, the presence of H.E.Sam Rainsy in Cambodia is imperative for fair and free election of this upcoming national election July 28, 2013. But his just return is meaningless to this NATIONAL ELECTION if he is not included into the voting list and electoral candidate. Inclusive politics would be the feasibility of including H.E.Sam Rainsy into the voting list and eligibility of running an electoral candidate within this time constraint.
National unity means inclusion. Exclusion is not an element for any unity process. Putting the interests of the nation first is the soundest scenario and it challenges the behavior of greed, nepotism and fear. National Election Committee (NEC) will be the important player to ensure that Cambodia is heading towards the INCLUSIVE UNITY by ensuring fair and free election to including H.E.Sam Rainsy into the electoral candidate at this time.
By Sophoan Seng, founder of Leadership Skills and Freelancer
H.E.Sam Rainsy: a great Khmer leader in the 21st century
Listening to Hello VOA today, I am extremely inspired by his patriotism and rationals behind his sacrificing including his life during his returning to motherland (Cambodia). Lord Buddha said that រូបំ ជីរតិ មច្ចានំ នាមគោតំ ន ជីរតិ or Rubam Jirati Maccanam Namakotam Na Jirati or means រូបកាយរលត់រលាយទៅ កេរ្តិ៏ឈ្មោះនៅមិនរសាយ or our body eventually diseased but remained only the name on this earth, actually applies to what H.E.Sam Rainsy said “I am now 64 years old, I am very aged and I don’t need anything for personal gain”.
As a democratic leader and a role model of the most clean politician, H.E.Sam Rainsy has never succumbed to fear, intimidation and jailing term on any consequences about his act to protect national interests and sovereignty, social justice and principle of the democracy. His role model has not heuristically been disclosed by his instinct but strongly engaged to the past historical heroes of Cambodia such as Ouk-nha Khleang Muong and Ouk-gha Son Kuy. Young Cambodians have learnt that about last 500 years, Ouk-nha Khleang Muong sacrificed his life in order to deter the aggressive warriors of Siam in Western Cambodia regions in subjugating Cambodia. In about last 200 years, Ouk-nha Son Kuy sacrificed his life in front of Vietnamese imperialist to show his love in Khmer culture, Buddhism and race, and accepted to be sentenced to death with a pledge not to eliminate Khmer culture, Buddhism and race. Khmer Kampuchea Krom people who are strong nowadays in advocating for their basic rights in Southern Vietnam are strongly influenced by the heroic leadership and sacrificing of Ouk-nha Son Kuy.
The struggle spirit and sacrificing of H.E.Sam Rainsy this time has been evidenced by his heroic leadership since his present in the border camp to fight against the Vietnamese occupation over Cambodia, the tireless rally to support factory workers for fair treatment and compensation, the courageous rally to advocate for justice system reform in front of the parliament, refusing to surrender any type of tyranny or dictatorship leadership in Cambodia, and finally the expression of his patriotism at the border area on the scheme of unequal border demarcation with Vietnam.
In the speech, H.E.Sam Rainsy affirmed on selflessness and placing the interests of the nation first. Those interests are inclusive regardless of political tendency, faith, race and background. Cambodia has been built by the descendants of Angkor the Great whose talent and development wholly rest on participation from all, not from a selective group and individual.
H.E.Sam Rainsy called on greater unity of Cambodian people to pursue the interest of the nation and her people as well as to brightening future for the children of this beloved country.
Bravo H.E.Sam Rainsy!
Bravo Cambodian Youths!
Bravo Cambodian People!
by Sophoan Seng, Founder of Leadership Skills and Freelancer
Election Watch: H.E.Sam Rainsy will return to Cambodia before July 20th
The latest update on the hottest news of Cambodia Election is about the confirmation on the return to Cambodia of H.E.Sam Rainsy, the president of Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), before July 20th, 2013. The confirmation posted by The Phnom Penh Post which is confirmed by the permanent members of the CNRP.
There are many debates, analysis and reporting on the “cause and effect” on the decision of H.E.Sam Rainsy to return to Cambodia prior to the election day of July 28th, 2013. But I am very blissful after listening to his affirmation and affection on his firm decision without fear of jailing or any possible ill-will to cause his life. His returning to motherland is not an intention to campaign vote for his party, but for everyone regardless of what party do you like, it is his will and his time in a life to sacrifice for his beloved motherland.
In the interview, Sam Rainsy also appealed to all youths and his supporters not to ignite any anger or violence.
Please, listen the video below:
In the meantime, there are huge campaign to protect H.E.Sam Rainsy from the youths and supporters in Cambodia. To what I have seen in facebook, there are text support, like support, change profile support and audio message support with the video clip. The clip below is from an active youth whose age might be around 18 years old to rally support and stated that he can sacrifice whatever he can do to protect H.E.Sam Rainsy.
But to what Cambodian government under the rule of the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) as their strategists must do brainstorm right now is the pressure from the United States on an insurance to ensure that H.E.Sam Rainsy can return to Cambodia safely and no arrest will be happened. The ruling party of Hun Sen this time might be facing with the challenge of their own political legitimacy and the pressure from the most powerful democratic country, the United States. In the hearing of more than 1:30 hours, the themes were opened by chair specifying Cambodia as the main issue focusing mainly on the nature of totalitarianism of Mr.Hun Sen, rampant corruption, abuses on human rights, deprivation on political opponents, distorting genuine democracy and enfranchising or manipulating the election etc. Six witnesses were present and members of parliament as well as senate from both parties were present in the room.
The theme was concluded in the anticipating of fair play in election and it is repeatedly stated that this Election in Cambodia must be fair and free and acceptable by the international standard, if not so USA will cut its aids or imposing on Cambodia by other possible means.
The election must free and fair must absolutely include H.E.Sam Rainsy in the play game or it simply means allow H.E.Sam Rainsy return to Cambodia without obstacle.
Subcommittee Hearing: Cambodia’s Looming Political and Social Crisis
[Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific | 2172 House Rayburn Office Building Washington, DC 20515 | Jul 9, 2013 2:00pm]
Opening Statements
Witnesses
Mr. John Sifton
Director
Asia Advocacy
Human Rights Watch
[full text of statement]
[truth in testimony form]
Ms. Evi Schueller
Legal Consultant
Cambodian League for the Promotion of Defense of Human Rights
[full text of statement]
[truth in testimony form]
Mr. Patrick Merloe
Director
Election Programs
National Democratic Institute
[full text of statement]
Mr. Daniel Mitchell
Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director
SRP International Group
[full text of statement]
[truth in testimony form]
***Any changes to witness list will be reflected above.