On June 20, 47 years ago, on the Cambodian border, a 25-year-old Cambodian man made the ultimate sacrifice along with four loyal comrades to uphold the right to life of the Cambodian people. This real-life event, reminiscent of scenes often depicted in movies, occurred on the x-16 territory in Tonlong commune, Memot district, Tbong Khmum province, on June 20, 1977, marking the commencement of a mission of self-sacrifice to secure the survival of the Cambodian population, which was on the brink of extinction.
Samdech Techo Hun Sen played a pivotal role in the mission known as “A Fortune out of Ten Thousand Accidents.” One side was the killing field under the genocidal regime that claimed countless innocent lives, while the other side bordered a neighboring country where the Khmer Rouge army frequently launched attacks. This perilous situation mirrored the Khmer proverb, “Going into the water, I face crocodiles, going up on land, I face tigers.” Despite these daunting challenges, driven by a profound patriotic spirit, this exceptional Cambodian son fearlessly risked his life to liberate the nation from the grip of the black-clothing genocidal regime.
Following countless hurdles, the National Liberation Movement was established on May 12, 1978, and the 2nd December Front was formed later that year, ultimately claiming victory in the war on January 7, 1979, thereby safeguarding the lives of Cambodians as intended. However, despite the successful mission to claim the right to life, Samdech Techo Hun Sen and dignitaries of the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) bore the weight of the nation’s devastation, encompassing both social infrastructure and human resources. They simultaneously embarked on the arduous task of rebuilding the nation from its ruins while safeguarding against the resurgence of the genocidal regime.
Reflecting on the journey to commemorate national liberation and the post-Khmer Rouge nation-building efforts, which have yielded remarkable achievements for the nation today, it becomes evident who the human rights hero in Cambodia truly is. Samdech Techo Hun Sen stands out as the founding father, peacekeeper, and unparalleled nation-builder in modern Cambodian history, spanning the last 500 years. While some may choose to overlook or feign forgetfulness for extremist political reasons, the majority of Cambodians cherish and remember this historic event.
The peace and prosperity prevailing in Cambodia today are the direct outcomes of the Royal Government of the Cambodian People’s Party under the leadership of Samdech Techo Hun Sen, the former Prime Minister. These accomplishments are further secured by the incumbent Prime Minister Hun Manet’s steadfast leadership, steering the nation towards realizing Cambodia’s 2050 vision of becoming a high-income country, thereby setting a new historical benchmark for contemporary Cambodia.
Article by His Excellency PEN Bona, Royal Government Spokesperson
