Right to left: Prime Minister Hun Manet, Pa Chanroeun, Ou Chanrath and Kim Sok. Phnom Penh Post
Prime Minister Hun Manet has questioned the political merits of opposition figures who call on international communities, such as the EU, to put pressure on Cambodia for political reasons.
He pointed out that this comes at a time when Cambodia and other nations are grappling with global challenges, including US tariffs and other uncertainties.
“They go to Europe and say, ‘Don’t forget to sanction the Cambodian government.’ We are already facing trade challenges and US tariffs that affect our people’s livelihoods, yet they still don’t forget to urge Europe to prepare sanctions against Cambodia. What kind of sanctions? Mostly economic ones, like withdrawing EBA. Does this benefit our workers,” he asked, as he addressed a May 1 International Labour Day event.
He noted that those advocating for sanctions on Cambodia are aware that economic pressures impact citizens’ livelihoods, especially workers, yet the opposition continues to call for European nations to take such actions.
Manet highlighted recent actions by former opposition parliamentarian Mu Sochua and Kim Sok, a political analyst and current member of a movement called the Cambodian National Resistance Council (CNRC), who recently met with European parliamentarians. He also named Sam Rainsy, former opposition leader, as someone who has conducted similar campaigns.
Via social media, Kim Sok claimed that the dissolution of opposition parties and the government’s failure to extradite two Cambodian suspects in the murder case of former opposition lawmaker Lim Kimya to Thai authorities as reasons for Europeans to put pressure on Cambodia.
“If the EU does not act quickly regarding Cambodia’s situation, I fear Cambodia will become a ‘killing field of democracy’. The EU has taken note and responded that they stand with Cambodia’s democrats,” he wrote.
“I explained to Europe that when Cambodia had an opposition party, it was an attractive investment destination due to EBA and GSP. But without an opposition, Cambodia has become a marketplace for drug trafficking in nearly every village nationwide, with Khmer teenagers becoming drug buyers,” he added, in a May 2 post.
Manet described Kim Sok’s remarks as akin to sabotaging Cambodia’s development.
“What kind of person goes around calling for more pressure while people are facing difficulties? The pressure placed by the US isn’t enough, so they remind Europe not to forget to add more? Think about this, brothers and sisters,” said the prime minister.
Analysts’ Perspectives
Yang Poeu, secretary-general of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, believed that opposition members abroad maintain a stance of opposing everything at all times, which equates to opposing national interests. He suggested that opposition should focus on constructive viewpoints.
“This small group offers only opposition with no exceptions or consideration for timing. This can be seen as opposing Khmer national interests, not just political views for constructive purposes,” he said.
Ou Chanrath, founder of the Cambodia Reform Party, explained that foreign pressure has never improved Cambodia’s economy, especially under the current circumstances. However, opposition politicians’ calls to cut aid or preferential trade systems may stem from the fact that they lack other means to promote respect for human rights and democracy in Cambodia.
He noted that he had previously advocated for maintaining preferential trade systems and aid for Cambodia during difficult times after the dissolution of the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP).
“We understand that a change through pressure or crises is one approach, but fostering economic growth and an informed populace is another way to drive change. Demanding respect for human rights and better democracy is also valid,” he said.
“The key is that international pressure doesn’t depend on demands from outsiders or activists. It depends on the issues within our country. If we act correctly according to agreements and commitments with other nations, they won’t cut aid or impose pressure, regardless of who demands it,” he added.
Pa Chanroeun, president of the Cambodian Institute for Democracy, said Manet’s remarks reflect the consequences of Cambodia’s political conflicts following the 2017 dissolution of the CNRP, which led to some members being imprisoned and others fleeing abroad.
As a result, these members and related individuals continue to seek ways to persuade major powers to put pressure on the current government.
He noted that the EU’s partial withdrawal of the EBA (20 per cent) was likely not due to the lobbying of a few opposition politicians, but rather the EU’s own assessment of democracy and human rights in Cambodia.
With the US imposing tariff pressures under the Trump administration, Chanroeun suggested that Cambodia should turn to the European community to maintain preferential trade status, even as EBA is set to expire in 2029 when Cambodia graduates from the least developed countries group.
He suggested that the Kingdom negotiate a free trade agreement with the EU. Additionally, to reduce international pressure, Cambodia should address lingering political conflicts from late 2017.
“This is to prevent the US or the European community from using these issues as excuses or reasons to impose additional pressure or burdens on Cambodia, especially when geopolitical and economic pressures are already severe,” Chanroeun said.
