The Cambodian National Assembly (NA) today approved a draft amendment to the Kingdom’s Citizenship Law, with a unanimous vote by 120 lawmakers. The new legislation will allow the revocation of Cambodian citizenship from individuals who “collaborate with foreigners to commit acts of treason against the Khmer nation”.
According to an NA press release, the law aims to “purify the patriotic spirit of Cambodian citizens toward their homeland and people, with the goal of promoting national ideals, patriotism and sincere loyalty to the motherland in all circumstances”.
The statement noted that approximately 150 countries worldwide, including France, the UK, the US, Germany, Australia, Italy, Belgium, India, South Korea and Singapore, among others, have similar laws.
It explained that the law provides a “robust legal framework to prevent and counter foreign interference in Cambodia’s internal affairs, particularly to oppose acts of treason and collusion with foreign states or agents”.
It also claimed to “strengthen loyalty to the nation, patriotic conscience and the supreme national interest”.
“Revoking Cambodian citizenship serves to sever legal and political ties with individuals who betray the nation and alerts the international community to exercise caution toward those stripped of citizenship due to threats or harm to global security”, it added.
The precise content of the proposed legislation has not been made public.
The approval of the draft amendment coincides with ongoing Cambodia-Thailand border disputes, which have led to clashes and numerous casualties, with tens of thousands displaced from their homes.
The NA warned that during this critical period, some individuals have sided with foreigners against the Khmer nation.
