Prime Minister Hun Manet has explained that a culture of dialogue with the opposition abroad will only be possible when both sides agree to maintain a cordial dialogue. If opposition groups abroad continue to insult or slander him, he did not believe such a dialogue was possible.
Manet was addressing nearly 20,000 garment workers during a gathering in Phnom Penh’s Meanchey district on October 3.
“I have been accused of refusing to speak with them. We are all Khmer. However, we had only exchanged a few words when I was insulted and called a bad person. I experienced the same treatment as my father,” he said.
“A culture of dialogue works as long as both sides are honest with each other. If a ‘friend’ of mine insults me and then asks to reconcile, I am afraid this is not possible,” he added.
He recalled how former Prime Minister Hun Sen had constituted a culture of dialogue with Sam Rainsy, former president of the court-dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP). The communication broke down because the latter was not truthful with the former.
“Once they reconciled with one another, they walked hand in hand. [Rainsey] invited his son to meet with Samdech [Hun Sen] and I. We had meals together. We made small talk. Upon leaving Cambodia for France, he began throwing vile insults against Samdech [Hun Sen],” he said.
“Now, his followers mimic this behaviour. In the past, he had disputes with my father. Both generations of the opposition claim to adhere to a culture of dialogue. They claim this, while continuing to hurl insults. How can I engage in dialogue under these circumstances? Where is their truthfulness and integrity?” he asked.
Manet called on those who cast insults to set a better example for the younger generation, noting that they do not have to take their cues from those who came before them.
Yang Peou, secretary-general of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, said on October 3 that a culture of dialogue is only possible when both sides have the same willingness to engage.
He explained that politicians have to respect one another and should refrain from making barbed comments about one another. They must put the national interest first, rather than thinking of themselves as only in opposition to the ruling party.
“Conversation is only possible when both sides identify similarities. If they remain far apart, it will not be possible,” he added.
