Minister of Civil Service Hun Many has described the Cambodian people as a “shield” of national defence, standing behind the armed forces.
Many, who also serves as president of the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia (UYFC), presided over the “Football Tournament to Raise Funds in Support of Frontline Heroes”, held at the National Olympic Stadium on Saturday.
As he addressed the crowd, Many firmly asserted that the people’s defence shield will continue as long as threats persist from neighbouring countries that encroach upon Cambodia’s territorial integrity and threaten the peace, stability and well-being of the Cambodian people.
Featuring four matches, the event was accompanied by performances from well-known singers, and notably featured a collective rendition of patriotic songs in support of frontline soldiers, demonstrating a unified spirit in defending Cambodia’s territorial integrity.
In the emotionally charged atmosphere, Many shed tears as he spoke about the events and hardships faced by the Cambodian people at the Cambodia-Thailand border, caused by the ill intentions of the Thai side in threatening and encroaching upon Cambodia’s territorial integrity.
“These tears reflect tenderness, driven by emotion and love for our nation, but let me be clear — they are not a sign of weakness toward enemies or invaders of Cambodia,” he said.
He also expressed pride in being born Khmer and witnessing the solidarity, unity, voice, will and love of the Cambodian people for their territorial integrity. He believed this was demonstrated through their collective effort as a defence shield behind the frontline forces, who stand vigilant, resolute and courageous in their mission to protect the nation from threats and violations by Thai forces.
Many also drew attention to the participants from all walks of life, emphasising that the gathering was a manifestation of the people’s defence shield. He recalled May 28, when Thai invading forces attacked and killed a Cambodian soldier —an undeniable act — followed by continuous provocations from the Thai side, which insulted Cambodia and the capabilities of the Cambodian government.
“I sincerely thank all our brothers and sisters who joined us here. As long as there are attempts to invade and threaten the peace Cambodia enjoys, the people’s defence shield must continue,” he said.
“Whenever and under all circumstances, if there are threats or invasions against Cambodia’s territorial integrity, peace, stability and the well-being of the Cambodian people, the Cambodian people will not remain silent! We will rise continuously with strength, unwavering spirit, a unified voice, a single will, and one heart ready to support the Royal Government and our frontline forces. This is the spirit of all Khmers,” he added.
From 2pm until after 8pm on Saturday, participants came together to raise funds and sing patriotic songs, creating a powerful gesture and demonstrating their resolute spirit in contributing to the nation, particularly in uplifting the morale of frontline soldiers defending the Cambodia-Thailand border.
“Let this voice resonate in all directions, making it clear that the Khmer people are truly united under the leadership of the Royal Government and the armed forces. We are ready to continue as the people’s defence shield for the peace Cambodia enjoys, which is the foundation for long-term development for the benefit of all generations of Khmers in the future,” added Many.
Prior to the tournament, Prime Minister Hun Manet expressed gratitude to the Khmer family for coming together for the second time at the football tournament to raise funds for frontline heroes, following a June 18 Solidarity March.
“This gathering was a tremendous encouragement to Cambodia’s frontline soldiers, who stand firm with vigilance, determination and courage to protect the nation, sovereignty and territorial integrity, ensuring not even a millimetre is lost.,” he said, on July 5.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to peaceful resolutions through two mechanisms: first, bilateral technical mechanisms via the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), and second, international legal mechanisms, including the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
However, he stressed that Cambodia is fully prepared to respond with armed force in the event of reckless violations of its sovereignty through military means.
“I wish strength to Cambodia’s frontline armed forces, both in active and support roles, who strictly adhere to the orders of the Supreme Command and all levels of leadership. Our armed forces must remember that the Royal Government and the Khmer family stand with our frontline brothers and sisters, providing full support in every way and under all circumstances,” he said.
