ADVERTISEMENT

PM likens opposition's policies to Khmer Rouge

"Business people were threatened that there would be a tribunal to prosecute them,"

PM likens opposition's policies to Khmer Rouge

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen warned on Monday an opposition win in the 2018 election would create civil war, likening the party's policy agenda to that of the Khmer Rouge when it eradicated businesses and executed intellectuals.

In a speech at a university graduation ceremony, Hun Sen, a former Khmer Rouge soldier who defected to eventual conquerer North Vietnam, said opposition leader Sam Rainsy's promises to target connected businessmen engaging in unlawful practices would create chaos.

"Business people were threatened that there would be a tribunal to prosecute them," Hun Sen said of Rainsy's election pledge. "Civil war will break out, it must break out."

Hun Sen said a proposed crackdown on crooked tycoons would be like that of Pol Pot, the architect of the Khmer Rouge's 1975-1979 "year zero" revolution, when he persecuted officials from the previous government.

ADVERTISEMENT

Surviving leaders of the Khmer Rogue have been indicted by a United Nations-led tribunal handling cases related to the deaths of as many as two million Cambodians.

Hun Sen has several times warned that without him in charge, the country would return to the conflicts of the 1970s and 1980s. The self-styled "strongman" is currently facing the biggest challenge to his three-decade rule from Rainsy's Cambodian National Rescue Party.

CNRP lawmaker Yim Sovann dismissed Hun Sen's threats and said the public was tired of hearing about war.

"Whoever wins an election that is free and fair, it will be constitutional to assume power," he said. "Nobody will want to cause any war."

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Wike thanks Tinubu for the opportunity to serve

Wike thanks Tinubu for the opportunity to serve

Barrister Bida pens special birthday prayer for President Tinubu, Nigerians

Barrister Bida pens special birthday prayer for President Tinubu, Nigerians

Tinubu’s aide distributes food items to 1,750 persons in FCT, Kwara

Tinubu’s aide distributes food items to 1,750 persons in FCT, Kwara

Court grants senator accused of forging NYSC certificate ₦50m bail

Court grants senator accused of forging NYSC certificate ₦50m bail

Delta monarch declared wanted by military surrenders to police

Delta monarch declared wanted by military surrenders to police

Renowned Canada-based Nigerian playwright, Oguntokun is dead

Renowned Canada-based Nigerian playwright, Oguntokun is dead

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT