Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - New ‘Doctor of Peace’ title bestowed on interior officials, drawing criticism

New ‘Doctor of Peace’ title bestowed on interior officials, drawing criticism

National Police chief Neth Savoeun, seen speaking at an event earlier this year, was among the 13 high-ranking officials awarded the title of ‘Sante Bandit’, meaning ‘Doctors of Peace’, on Monday. Facebook
National Police chief Neth Savoeun, seen speaking at an event earlier this year, was among the 13 high-ranking officials awarded the title of ‘Sante Bandit’, meaning ‘Doctors of Peace’, on Monday. Facebook

New ‘Doctor of Peace’ title bestowed on interior officials, drawing criticism

Thirteen Interior Ministry officials have become the latest government officials to be assigned honorifics after a Royal Decree bestowed on them with the title of “Sante Bandit”, which loosely translates to “Doctor of Peace”, a designation met with consternation by activists, observers and the opposition yesterday.

The diktat, signed by acting head of state Say Chhum on Monday, gives prominent ministry officials, such as National Police chief Neth Savoeun, ministry spokesman Khieu Sopheak and prisons director Chan Kimseng, the newly created title.

“[The] Creation of title of Sante Bandit of the Police Academy of Cambodia is for leaders of the Interior Ministry who have received honourable doctorate certificates in the field of security and public order,” the decree reads.

The list also includes prominent secretaries of state Em Sam An and Ouk Kimlek, former prisons director Heng Hak and head of the identification department Mao Chandara.

Reached yesterday, Kimlek said the titles were the government’s recognition of the hard work put in by the honourees, and would be an inspiration to future generations.

“It is also encouragement for the authorities to crack down on colour revolutions and attempts to topple the government,” he said, invoking a term used to refer to nonviolent protest movements that have toppled several authoritarian regimes, but more often used by Cambodian security officials to refer to purported threats to the CPP-led government.

Other recipients of the title could not be reached or refused to comment.

But the Neth Savoeun-led police forces have been repeatedly criticised by local and international civil society groups for their use of violence in breaking up mostly peaceful demonstrations and protests by land rights activists, NGOs and garment workers.

In one incident, dozens of police personnel looked on and in some footage of the event, appeared to participate – as a wave of thugs led a violent night time crackdown on a peaceful protest organised by Boeung Kak lake activists at Wat Phnom in 2013.

The ensuing melee resulted in land activists, journalists and rights workers being shocked with electric prods and shot with marbles fired from slingshots, with the perpetrators yet to be identified.

“This shows the impunity in our country. This will encourage them to use violence because after they beat us and use violence they get promotions, honours and reputation,” said Boeung Kak activist Chan Puthisak.

Phnom Penh police officials, along with the military police and armed forces, were also involved in the violent break up of unruly garment worker protests on Phnom Penh’s Veng Sreng Boulevard in January 2014, firing live ammunition at demonstrators and killing five of them.

CNRP lawmaker Cheam Chhany said it was inappropriate to honour and celebrate police officials whose past work was contradictory to their implied duty – protecting the Cambodian people. “This is like encouragement for those who have committed inappropriate acts. And this is encouragement we cannot support,” he said.

Political commentator Meas Ny likened the latest announcement to the promotions given to three Bodyguard Unit members who were convicted for beating up two CNRP lawmakers outside the National Assembly in 2015.

While honorifics have been common in Cambodian society, Ny said the recent proliferation of such titles suggested an almost caste-like system, where only the loyal and privileged were rewarded by the government.

Human Rights Watch’s Phil Robertson was more blunt, calling the new titles a “charade”.

“The sad thing is these rights abusing CPP appratchiks have no idea how ridiculous these awards look to the international community,” he said.

MOST VIEWED

  • Bareknuckle champion wants Kun Khmer fighter

    Dave Leduc, who is the current openweight Lethwei boxing champion in Myanmar, has announced that he will travel to Cambodia this year to challenge SEA Games gold medallist Prum Samnang any time that is convenient, after their planned match later this month in Slovakia was

  • Five-year-old Hanuman dances his way into hearts of Cambodia

    A young talent from a new-established settlement has emerged, captivating the online world with his mesmerising performances of the traditional Cambodian monkey dance. Roeun Kakada is a five-year-old prodigy who has taken the social media sphere by storm with his exceptional dance skills and dedication

  • Fresh Covid warnings as Thai hospital fills

    A senior health official reminds the public to remain vigilant, as neighbouring countries experience an increase in Covid-19 cases, with the latest surge appearing to be a result of the Omicron XBB.1.5 sub-variant. Or Vandine, secretary of state and spokeswoman for the Ministry of Health,

  • Honda shutters Siem Reap football club

    Japanese football legend Keisuke Honda, the owner of Siem Reap football club Soltilo Angkor FC, has been forced to shut the club down, after it failed to attract sponsorship for the upcoming season. Honda, the former manager of the Cambodia men's national football team, said

  • PM declares ASEAN Para Games open

    The 12th ASEAN Para Games officially kicked off on the evening of June 3 at Morodok Techo National Stadium in Phnom Penh, with a spectacular opening ceremony featuring fireworks and performances by some of the Kingdom’s most accomplished talents. Tens of thousands of sports fans

  • Hun Sen warns of regional tensions

    ASIA is becoming a dangerous geopolitical hotspot, with several countries announcing that they intend to send naval vessels towards Southeast Asia and on to the South China Sea, warned Prime Minister Hun Sen. “Heated geopolitical issues can easily escalate, namely to war. I am not