Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Kingdom marks Independence Day

Kingdom marks Independence Day

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
Balloons are released at the Independence Monument during a ceremony marking Cambodia’s Independence Day in Phnom Penh on November 9. AFP

Kingdom marks Independence Day

Members of the Senate and National Assembly, government officials, the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF), diplomats and students gathered at Independence Monument in Phnom Penh on November 9 to celebrate Cambodia’s 67th Independence Day.

The late King Father Norodom Sihanouk achieved independence from the French on November 9, 1953.

King Norodom Sihamoni attended the royal ceremony, which also marked the birthday of the RCAF.

Prime Minister Hun Sen did not join the ceremony as he remained in quarantine.

In a Facebook post, he said people should be reminded of the King Father’s mission to help the country and Khmer people and his wisdom and struggles to demand true independence for Cambodia.

Kem Sokha, former leader of the Supreme Court-dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) who is barred from political activities while awaiting trial on treason charges, also posted his congratulatory message but questioned whether the country was truly independent given what he called a lack of national unity.

Sohka cited a Royal Message of the King Father dated November 9, 1962: “To protect independence, national unity must be strong. Maintaining strong unity cannot be accomplished unless personal ambition is put away. Do not seek revenge, forgive each other, start to have a conversation, give up insulation, stop endless disputes.”

“I would like to pray for Cambodia and real independence,” he said.

Kin Phea, director of the Royal Academy of Cambodia’s International Relations Institute, said the congratulatory display put on by politicians, even on the opposing sides, shows national unity, independence and sovereignty.

“This serves to remind Cambodians about the value of independence. When there are internal problems, we should join each other to solve them. We should not depend on foreigners to interfere in our internal issues and shout we love independence,” he said.

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
King Norodom Sihamoni arriving at the ceremony celebrating Cambodia’s Independence Day on November 9. AFP

Political analyst Lao Mong Hay told The Post that Independence Day was a special day for Cambodians to unite and live as a nation.

He said Cambodia had lost its independence, sovereignty and territory and suffered many times since the Siam (Thailand) invasion in the late 16th century. It has been ruled by Siam, the Dai Viet kingdom, France, Japan and Vietnam, he said.

Mong Hay said some people used to call Cambodia a puppet state of Japan between March and October 1945. Cambodia was also called a puppet state of Vietnam from January 1979 to October 1991. The Khmer were once divided by the Siam and Dai Viet, and dominated by the French.

“After realising the loss of national independence and the tragedy of the Cambodian nation, we should be determined to work together not to lose our independence again.

“We commit that we are the same Cambodian people. We do not consider any Cambodian an enemy, even in the face of competition for power. Such a joint commitment is to strengthen national unity, and this national unity will strengthen national independence,” he said.

Cambodian Centre for Human Rights (CCHR) executive director Chak Sopheap said Cambodia should solve its problems on its own by establishing a national dialogue and upholding national interests, sustainable development, mutual tolerance and social equality.

“Politicians should do good things for the next generation and open up opportunities for people of all levels to enjoy in the streets, in embassies and at home, both inside and outside the country, as other countries have celebrated without fear or threat,” she said.

MOST VIEWED

  • Joy as Koh Ker Temple registered by UNESCO

    Cambodia's Koh Ker Temple archaeological site has been officially added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List, during the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on September 17. The ancient temple, also known as Lingapura or Chok Gargyar, is located in

  • Famed US collector family return artefacts to Cambodia

    In the latest repatriation of ancient artefacts from the US, a total of 33 pieces of Khmer cultural heritage will soon return home, according to the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts. In a September 12 press statement, it said the US Attorney’s Office for the

  • Cambodia set to celebrate Koh Ker UNESCO listing

    To celebrate the inscription of the Koh Ker archaeological site on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, the Ministry of Cults and Religion has appealed to pagodas and places of worship to celebrate the achievement by ringing bells, shaking rattles and banging gongs on September 20. Venerable

  • Kampot curfew imposed to curb ‘gang’ violence

    Kampot provincial police have announced measures to contain a recent spike in antisocial behaviour by “unruly’ youth. Officials say the province has been plagued by recent violence among so-called “gang members”, who often fight with weapons such as knives and machetes. Several social observers have

  • PM outlines plans to discuss trade, policy during US visit

    Prime Minister Hun Manet is set to meet with senior US officials and business leaders during his upcoming visit to the US for the UN General Assembly (UNGA), scheduled for September 20. While addressing nearly 20,000 workers in Kampong Speu province, Manet said he aims to affirm

  • Manet touches down in Beijing for high-level meetings

    Prime Minister Hun Manet arrived in Beijing on September 14 for his first official visit to China, where he is slated to attend the 20th China-ASEAN Expo and meet other leaders including Chinese President Xi Jinping. Upon his arrival, Manet laid a wreath at the Monument