Wasted youth

Prime Minister Hun Sen yesterday offered praise for poor students and condemnation for wealthy scions, who too often waste the ample opportunities handed to them.

“A few days ago, I heard that they chased to shoot each other. They have cars and they race, while the poor youths do not have even bicycle to ride,” Hun Sen said during a graduation speech at the National Institute of Education, referring to a story that appeared in local media about two rival gangs that chased one another in Range Rovers through the streets of Phnom Penh, opening fire as they did so.

“We are regretful for people who have opportunity and do not use their opportunity,” he added.

While Hun Sen’s children have avoided scandal, other relatives have not been as circumspect. At least two of his nephews have been arrested after allegedly firing shots at nightclubs – only to be quickly released.

Another nephew served 10 months on manslaughter charges for allegedly shooting two people to death after a drag race in the capital. The conviction was later overturned.