Hun Sen's Cambodia slides even further into dictatorship

[geovalin]

Lindsay Murdoch

Cambodia’s ruling party has drawn-up a five-year plan that critics say will entrench the dictatorship of strongman Hun Sen through intimidation, harassment and arrests.

 

The plan crushes hopes that Hun Sen would allow a return to political freedoms and a semblance of democracy after mid-year elections.

 

The party has said it will increase surveillance, shut out any opposition “force” and prevent the spread of information that “twists the truth,” according to the plan, obtained by the Phnom Penh Post.

 

read more http://www.smh.com.au/world/hun-sen-s-cambodia-slides-even-further-into-dictatorship-20180214-p4z0b8

 

 

[Ulic]

So, no surprises.

[spidermike007]

Hun Sen himself is the mafia in Cambodia. He is a money grubbing, power hungry, land grabbing multi billionaire, who stops at nothing to maintain his power, and amass more fortune. In addition, his resume includes many years as a commander in the Kymer Rouge, where he engaged in serial killing. Quite a leader. He is getting old, and is paranoid. His personal security detail numbers over 5,000 men. There are countless people who want him dead. Of course he is trying to curb the media. Of course he is trying to limit democratic freedoms. That has always been his M.O. 

 

The real scandal, is why are all the western powers complicit in these crimes? 

Where is the condemnation?

Where are the sanctions?

Where is the UN in all of this?

And what about all of the dozens, or hundreds of NGO's that operate in Cambodia? Are ANY of them speaking out? Or is too much money being made, and nobody wants to upset the apple cart?

[phkauf]

22 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

 

The real scandal, is why are all the western powers complicit in these crimes? They are quite because of the guilt they feel from their silence during the KR regime's terror, so they just throw money at this regime to assuage their consciences.

Where is the condemnation? There is plenty, but Hun Sen has taken on China as his new "sponsor" so he doesn't care what anyone has to say.

Where are the sanctions? Sanctions targeting the regime would be great, but otherwise would hurt the poor Cambodian people - very tough call.

Where is the UN in all of this? You must be joking, right - the UN is the most useless piece of shit organization going. Look at all the millions murdered "under their watch".

And what about all of the dozens, or hundreds of NGO's that operate in Cambodia? Are ANY of them speaking out? Or is too much money being made, and nobody wants to upset the apple cart? Most NGO's are about people wanting to say they do good things, while living a cushy expat lifestyle in an exotic country. I had an interesting chat with someone in Phnom Penh who was consulting with one NGO and he suggested they change their business plan to lower their salaries and admin expenses to be able to provide more aid to the people. It was quickly rejected.

 

[Cats4ever]

1 hour ago, spidermike007 said:

Hun Sen himself is the mafia in Cambodia. He is a money grubbing, power hungry, land grabbing multi billionaire, who stops at nothing to maintain his power, and amass more fortune. In addition, his resume includes many years as a commander in the Kymer Rouge, where he engaged in serial killing. Quite a leader. He is getting old, and is paranoid. His personal security detail numbers over 5,000 men. There are countless people who want him dead. Of course he is trying to curb the media. Of course he is trying to limit democratic freedoms. That has always been his M.O. 

 

The real scandal, is why are all the western powers complicit in these crimes? 

Where is the condemnation?

Where are the sanctions?

Where is the UN in all of this?

And what about all of the dozens, or hundreds of NGO's that operate in Cambodia? Are ANY of them speaking out? Or is too much money being made, and nobody wants to upset the apple cart?

I suspect we now realise that China is the dominant power, and we wish to hang on to slivers of influence.

[joecoolfrog]

3 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

Hun Sen himself is the mafia in Cambodia. He is a money grubbing, power hungry, land grabbing multi billionaire, who stops at nothing to maintain his power, and amass more fortune. In addition, his resume includes many years as a commander in the Kymer Rouge, where he engaged in serial killing. Quite a leader. He is getting old, and is paranoid. His personal security detail numbers over 5,000 men. There are countless people who want him dead. Of course he is trying to curb the media. Of course he is trying to limit democratic freedoms. That has always been his M.O. 

 

The real scandal, is why are all the western powers complicit in these crimes? 

Where is the condemnation?

Where are the sanctions?

Where is the UN in all of this?

And what about all of the dozens, or hundreds of NGO's that operate in Cambodia? Are ANY of them speaking out? Or is too much money being made, and nobody wants to upset the apple cart?

You make some good points !

Although there are some very brave local organisations speaking out the international NGO's seem happy just to drive around in a new Lexus and not rock the boat.

As for the aid giving Western governments , especially the USA , I have long suspected that they just want the old tyrant to keep quiet and are happy buying him off.

Hun Sen , both figuratively and literally , knows where too many bodies are buried.

[thaidrew]

Actually Cambodia is no longer the laid back relatively safe place it used to be. Having spent some years there l can now see a major difference and it is only going to get worse. If you intend to spend time there you would be well advised to stay under the radar, just look at the latest saga from siem reap. Any complaint from a lady, a competitor, an upset neighbor will result in attention and that will cost you money or worse. Hun sen must retain his power even though he is not popular with the general population, if the unthinkable happened and he were to lose the election, then his successor would investigate and take back some of his vast fortune, and remove the power of his offspring, plus the same thing to his many generals that also have amassed tremendous wealth and power. Understand that he and his elite control everything, the courts,  parliament, the army, police the lot, so there is no recourse if you become a target. Stay away or stay invisible, it is only going to get worse. 

[phycokiller]

5 hours ago, thaidrew said:

Actually Cambodia is no longer the laid back relatively safe place it used to be. Having spent some years there l can now see a major difference and it is only going to get worse. If you intend to spend time there you would be well advised to stay under the radar, just look at the latest saga from siem reap. Any complaint from a lady, a competitor, an upset neighbor will result in attention and that will cost you money or worse. Hun sen must retain his power even though he is not popular with the general population, if the unthinkable happened and he were to lose the election, then his successor would investigate and take back some of his vast fortune, and remove the power of his offspring, plus the same thing to his many generals that also have amassed tremendous wealth and power. Understand that he and his elite control everything, the courts,  parliament, the army, police the lot, so there is no recourse if you become a target. Stay away or stay invisible, it is only going to get worse. 

sure but in general expats and tourists have no influence on politics and harassing them will just aggravate things unnecessarily for them and cost them income. if you mean by staying under the radar not attending political rallies I agree but otherwise I dont think there is much to fear