Colour revolution still a threat to Cambodia

Interior Minister Sar Kheng at a press conference. Pic FB

Prime Minister Hun Sen and Interior Minister Sar Kheng have reiterated their instructions to the National Police to prevent a “colour revolution” movement in the Kingdom, saying the possibility of Cambodia facing one is still a threat.

However, a former opposition lawmaker said yesterday the government should not be concerned over an alleged “colour revolution” as he did not believe any group has intent to stage a coup.

In his message during the 75th anniversary of the National Police Founding Day over the weekend, Mr Hun Sen also instructed the National Police they must be vigilant about “enemies” from within and outside the Kingdom.

“Currently, at this time when our country is peaceful, the National Police must work closely with the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces to protect the territories and maintain peace,” he said.

“[You] need to work hard to take action against terrorism, transnational crimes and especially against the enemies in and out of the country,” he added.

Mr Hun Sen also called on the National Police to maintain peace, stability, public order and social safety.

“[You] must defeat the colour revolution movement that attempts to topple the legal government and hold power, which is an act against the Constitution of the Kingdom of Cambodia and liberal multi-party democracy,” he added.

He said last year, Cambodia faced police pressure from “foreign powers” intending to destroy the government and attempting to provide an opportunity for “rebel groups” to stage a coup to seek a regime change.

Despite Mr Hun Sen not naming the “rebel group”, it is inferred to the alleged coup attempt led by Sam Rainsy at the end of last year.

Rainsy vowed to return to the Kingdom to restore democracy and human rights on November 9. However, the government accused him and his allies of planning a coup. As such his planned return failed to materialise.

In September, Phnom Penh Municipal Court charged Rainsy and eight other former senior members of the dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party in absentia for attempting to overthrow the government.

They were charged for attempting to return from exile and staging a coup. If convicted, they face 15 to 30 years each for violating Article 451 of the Criminal Code.

During this same period, more than 70 other former CNRP activists were arrested in Cambodia over an attempted coup but latter were later released on bail.

“However, the government stands by a firm commitment to independence, sovereignty and trumping any plans of plots from rebel groups through national solidarity,” he added. “We will continue to maintain peace, political stability and internal security.”

Mr Kheng in his message also praised the efforts of the National Police to protect the interest of the nation as well as the people. He echoed Mr Hun Sen’s statement over issues of the colour revolution.

“The situation in the Kingdom in 2020 could still face many challenges which are complicated because of the global pandemic outbreak,” he said. “It is necessary for the National Police to strengthen security and pay attention to maintaining peace and social stability.”

“[You] need to prevent terrorism, protect the King, nation, religion, and the legitimate government, as well as prevent colour revolution to return to the Kingdom,” he added.

Mr Kheng said despite no new cases of the coronavirus, the National Police need to maintain good hygiene and implement the Ministry of Health instructions to prevent a second wave of the virus.

Former opposition lawmaker Ou Chanrath said yesterday he did not believe the former CNRP or any other group has any intention to stage a coup or a colour revolution in the country.

“I don’t think there is any group attempting to stage a colour revolution,” he said. “It seems to be a ploy to make people feel afraid to express their opinions over political issues.”

He said some of the former CNRP activists remain concerned they could be arrested over alleged colour revolution attempts.

“I met them in the provinces where they said they were being monitored by the local authorities. It has affected their daily living,” he added.

Credited: Khmer Times