Dear Editor,
What has just happened to Prince Norodom Sirivudh in Cambodia has sent a major
shock wave for those who have been following Cambodian affairs.
It is absolutely and outrageously sensational! What else could have surprised us
more from the Kingdom?
Cambodia's political stability is the single most important aspect for that nation's
social, economic and environmental improvement or development. With many cases of
political instability within the last two years, everything that the world community
and the Khmer themselves have done and is now working very hard for is in serious
jeopardy.
Let's forget the idea of "Western Democracy." Let's just focus on "Khmer
Democracy." Then again, what is a "Khmer Democracy?" Is it a dictatorship
and a chaotic system where those in power are always right about everything and the
rest are wrong? If it is as what happened in the last two decades, then the Khmer
might as well bring Pol Pol (Saloth Sar) and his gang back from the border (Thailand)
to Phnom Penh and let them finished the job. They are much, much more confident,
experienced, and certainly more efficient in doing it.
At this juncture, it is a bleak future prospect for Cambodia and her people following
a euphoric hope for peace, reconciliation and prosperity.
Personally, I am in a process of deciding whether to commit two years of my life
to help with the improvement and development of Cambodia, in the area of environmental
conservation and social intervention. It will be two years of many sacrifices, such
as being away from my family, love ones, friends, a career, and a safe and comfortable
life in the U.S. Whatever for? It is for Cambodia and her people, and, of course,
for my sanity as well. Why? It is simply because, as a native Khmer, I care. It certainly
won't be my first time. I never learnt from my bitter past experience in Cambodia.
If a famous Prince, a well-respected-high ranking politician, the King's half-brother,
the First Prime Minister's uncle got thrown in T3 prison (Cambodia's most infamous),
all by the accusation of an unknown or perhaps unethical Khmer reporter/calendar
salesman (who has much to gain), it could happen to anyone.
I don't believe that something such as this could have happened in any other place
in the world, with the exception of the Kingdom of Cambodia.
I am beginning to question my sanity of wanting to return to assist Cambodia, a place
where my family and friends simply referred to as the "Pit" or "Black
Hole" - a place to stay away from.
I don't really care about Khmers' politics, but I couldn't force myself to overlook
recent political development in the Kingdom. It appears to be "deja-vu"
all over again. It is not logical; it's frightening and it's insane.
When one has been burned once under this type of system in the past, one tends not
to ever forget it. Perhaps my family and friends are all a lot smarter than I thought
they were.
Perhaps I am not as wise for wanting to come back to help Cambodia once again. Perhaps
I ought to think twice about writing this letter. Who knows, I may be targeted for
expressing my opinion about Cambodia. Then again, it won't be the first time either.
All Khmer (anywhere in the world) should have gotten used to this kind of thing by
now. Yet, this fact alone doesn't make it any easier for anyone.
It's the reality in Cambodia as Princess Christine Alfsen Norodom put it best: "We
are not dealing with rational people." It will take a while before the Khmer
learn to be wiser and more rational. Twenty-five years of warfare, internal conflicts,
and "hardball" politics took their toll on all Khmer morale and dignity.
The Khmer need time to recover.
I too have had a lot to consider before I decided to step on Cambodia's soil, no
matter how noble my heart may be for my native homeland and her still suffering people.
- Ronnie Yimsut, Oregon, USA.
Contact PhnomPenh Post for full article
Post Media Co LtdThe Elements Condominium, Level 7
Hun Sen Boulevard
Phum Tuol Roka III
Sangkat Chak Angre Krom, Khan Meanchey
12353 Phnom Penh
Cambodia
Telegram: 092 555 741
Email: [email protected]