The Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) is set to mark the 68th anniversary of its establishment on June 28 with 30,000 people expected to attend. The function will be held in the presence of Prime Minister Hun Sen, said CPP spokesman Chhim Phal Vorun.

Phal Vorun said on Tuesday that the CPP has always accepted the truth of its history – the party was established along with the Communist Party of Vietnam and Lao People’s Revolutionary Party to oppose French colonialism in 1951.

After the three countries gained independence, the three parties were separated and had autonomy.

He said his party had gone “through rains and storms” but succeeded in liberating Cambodia from France and the “US Empire”, and overthrew the Khmer Rouge regime.

“The CPP is not like other parties. We do not hide the truth . . . others do. The CPP maintains its documents and accepts the truth. Even while training party officials, we speak the truth, too,” he said.

Phal Vorun added after the Khmer Rouge regime was toppled, the CPP restructured the party with the late Chea Sim, Heng Samrin and Hun Sen at the senior leadership.

He said the new era of the CPP began after the Khmer Rouge departure, but the party has not abandoned its history.

“The duties of the CPP connect with the reality of the national society of the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s, and the national society in this era of our development. The CPP is evolving politically and is taking greater responsibility for the fate of Cambodian society,” he said.

Phal Vorun said the CPP would continue its efforts to serve people and continue gaining their trust from one mandate to another.

“We do not strive to achieve power. We strive to build the country responsibly. The people will, in turn, provide us with their trust,” he stressed.

On Monday, Phnom Penh Municipal Governor Khuong Sreng notified people to temporarily avoid Koh Pich, where the CPP is set to hold its anniversary celebration, from 6am to the end of the event. He asked for the people’s understanding and ordered the authorities to publicise his notice.