The Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) has officially called for the strict implementation of laws pertaining to the revocation of citizenship and other criminal offenses against former opposition leader Sam Rainsy and his associates. This strong appeal comes in response to what the RCAF describes as the dissemination of fabricated and misleading information designed to demoralize and insult the armed forces.
The RCAF’s request was formally communicated through a letter issued on September 4th. In this letter, the military command unequivocally rejected recent statements attributed to Mr. Sam Rainsy and his group, who are based abroad. These statements alleged that “the Royal Government has threatened and cut the salaries of frontline troops.”
The Royal Cambodian Armed Forces condemned this information as a deliberate distortion of the truth, asserting that such actions severely undermine the morale and dignity of the RCAF. They highlighted the broader implications for the nation and the Cambodian people, particularly those affected by border violations. The RCAF emphasized that the Royal Cambodian Government, the Ministry of National Defense, and the General Command are highly committed to providing essential provisions and additional support to frontline soldiers, alongside special benefits for fallen and disabled military personnel who have sacrificed for the homeland.
The RCAF further asserted that, in stark contrast to these efforts, Mr. Sam Rainsy and his associates are actively working to diminish the honor of heroic soldiers and victims, thereby fracturing national unity. This comes at a time when the Royal Cambodian Government, Cambodian citizens both domestically and abroad, and the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces themselves are dedicatedly struggling and fighting with unwavering resolve, prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice to defend territorial integrity, national sovereignty, and the welfare of the people.
In a related development, Cambodia is advancing a draft law concerning an amendment to the Law on Nationality. This legislative initiative aims to refine and expand the legal framework regarding the loss of Cambodian citizenship, specifically through revocation, for individuals residing within the Kingdom or abroad. This amendment is designed to align with the updated Article 33 of the Constitution.
The proposed draft law is considered a crucial legal instrument intended to guarantee constitutionality, protect peace, safeguard national sovereignty, and prevent any activities that could jeopardize the supreme national interest, the dignity of the nation, and its people. Furthermore, the amendment signifies a strengthening of the legal framework dedicated to national defense.
This draft law received unanimous approval from the Cambodian Senate on September 1st, with 54 senators voting in favor without any amendments.
