Cambodia marked the 46th anniversary of January 7 Victory Day with a call for unity and balance in leadership from Hun Sen, President of the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP). Speaking in Phnom Penh, Hun Sen urged a rethinking of leadership narratives, advocating for a blend of youthful strength and elder experience. “Young people are strong, know the way, and old people have experience,” he said, proposing an updated perspective on leadership.
Reflecting on his decades in leadership since 1979, Hun Sen credited Cambodia’s younger leaders, including himself, Heng Samrin, and Chea Sim, for their pivotal roles in liberating the country, restoring peace, and rebuilding after the Khmer Rouge regime’s atrocities. He contrasted their achievements with the instability of the 1970s, when older leaders misdirected Cambodian youth, leading to national turmoil.
Victory Day: A Symbol of Liberation and Unity
January 7, 1979, marked the end of the Khmer Rouge regime, which had claimed over two million lives through genocide, starvation, and forced labor. With support from Vietnamese forces, Cambodian patriots liberated Phnom Penh, bringing an end to the darkest chapter in the nation’s history.
Hun Sen described January 7 as Cambodia’s “second birthday,” a turning point that transformed despair into hope. He praised the older generation of peace leaders for securing the country’s future and preventing the return of the Khmer Rouge.
Highlighting Cambodia’s enduring friendship with Vietnam, Hun Sen lauded the solidarity between the two nations as instrumental in defeating the Khmer Rouge and laying the foundation for long-term cooperation. Cambodian scholars and media have reiterated the importance of this partnership, emphasizing its contributions to shared progress in politics, trade, and cultural exchanges.
Safeguarding Peace and Stability
Hun Sen used the occasion to stress the importance of protecting Cambodia’s hard-won peace. He proposed a new law to classify attempts to overthrow the government as acts of terrorism. “Any person or group conspiring to create chaos, provoke conflict, or overthrow the legitimate government should be brought to justice,” he stated, underscoring the importance of stability as Cambodia moves forward.
Sitting alongside his son, Prime Minister Hun Manet, Hun Sen called on authorities to remain vigilant in preserving the progress achieved since the end of the Khmer Rouge regime. He emphasized the role of strong governance and unity in ensuring a stable and prosperous future for Cambodia.
Cambodia-Vietnam Partnership: A Cornerstone of Progress
Hun Sen underscored the historic solidarity between Cambodia and Vietnam, which has been pivotal in the country’s liberation and reconstruction. Cambodian scholars have described this partnership as a cornerstone of national progress, continuing to thrive through initiatives in trade, education, and cultural exchange.
As Cambodia celebrates this milestone, the government is committed to fostering development and strengthening ties with Vietnam, ensuring a future rooted in mutual trust and shared prosperity.
A Legacy of Resilience
The legacy of January 7 endures as a symbol of Cambodia’s resilience and its commitment to peace, unity, and progress. For Cambodians, the day is a reminder of the sacrifices made to secure their future and a call to continue building on the foundations of liberation and solidarity.
