Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - RCAF to be strengthened

RCAF to be strengthened

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
Hun Manet, the deputy commander of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF), said military reform aims to strengthen the RCAF and increase battlefield readiness so that it can defend territorial integrity, which he said is of utmost importance. HUN MANET VIA FACEBOOK

RCAF to be strengthened

Hun Manet, the deputy commander of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF), said military reform aims to strengthen the RCAF and increase battlefield readiness so that it can defend territorial integrity, which he said is of utmost importance.

His remarks were made during a promotion ceremony on Saturday to appoint a commander and a chief of staff at Siem Reap Region IV headquarters.

“The strategic direction of the Royal Government in military reform and the role of the army in the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces is to strengthen its abilities and be ready for the battlefield in order to safeguard territorial sovereignty, to protect security and peace for the people and to overcome all types of enemies,” he said.

Hun Manet also defended the appointment of Pov Heng as the new commander and Sok Rina as chief of staff in Military Region 4, which he said had been thoroughly reviewed by the military leadership.

“In the past, there were many other officers who have merits, but these two people were selected because as a first principle we prioritise those who are in the unit. This is a principle that the Royal Cambodian Army takes regarding nominations to every unit."

“And secondly, it is based on will, ability, experience, seniority, and especially leadership and responsibility. Choosing a commander who is able to maintain good internal solidarity is very important,” he stressed.

He said peace and development in Cambodia is the greatest victory given to the Cambodian people under the leadership of the prime minister’s strategic direction, and the government will not allow foreigners, groups or individuals to damage those achievements.

“The Royal Government does not allow any foreigners, groups or individuals to destroy the peace and achievements which have been accomplished by sacrificing lives, through interfering in the internal affairs [and causing] Cambodia to fall into the fire of war,” he said.

Analyst Meas Nee said the government should strengthen the economic sector. He said if the economy grows stronger, it means the military needs to be stronger as well.

“We must strengthen the military sector, but when we strengthen the military sector, it must be in line with economic growth,” he 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

  • Tina rebuffs ‘false claims’ over falling paddy price

    Agriculture minister Dith Tina has shed light on the trade of paddy rice in Battambang – Cambodia’s leading rice-producing province – in a bid to curb what he dubs a “social media fact distortion campaign” to destabilise the market. While acknowledging that the prices of paddy

  • 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