The European
Union (EU), which might decide to partially suspend the preferential trade
system EBA (Everything But Arms) from Cambodia, considers that as a sanction
being imposed on the Phnom Penh Government. But my view is the opposite. I
think this decision will definitely offer Prime Minister Hun Sen a golden
opportunity with «Special Gift».
That Gift is
tantamount to “Raising the Status of Prime Minister Hun Sen”. Why do I dare to
make such a firm assertion? There are a number of possible logical reasons that
could prove it:
First of
all, it is worth noting that when currently the EBA is fully effective, the EU
may still have the pride to speak out or demand this or suggest that from Prime
Minister Hun Sen-led- Government. However, when the EBA is partially suspended,
though not wholly, the EU will no longer be able to exert any influence on the
Cambodian Government. And if I put this assertion in terms of football rule,
such suspension of EBA is tantamount to allowing Prime Minister Hun Sen a "Five
Free Kick Penalty without Goalkeeper." So, what are the five free kicks
that Prime Minister receives from the European Union?
First: Prime
Minister Hun Sen has every logical reasons to explain to the local people about
the EU unfair act of using a double standard regarding the value of democracy
and human rights. The reason is that the EU, which has always used democracy
and human rights as the core value of its international relations, has
suspended the EBA from Cambodia while at the same time has signed a free trade
agreement with Communist Vietnam. And on this point, everyone could clearly
understand what and how the EU is behaving. In the same vein, the Hun Sen Government
will also have another main nationalistic reason relating to the importance of
defending the national sovereignty in order to win the heart and mind from
Khmer people to continuously lend their stronger support for the ruling party
because the words, democracy and human rights, which the western world keeps
mentioning, are nothing but only as an excuse to exploit small countries and
especially as a shield to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries.
Second: This
EU decision will further aggravate the poor relationship between ASEAN and
European Union Bloc because the latter must bear in mind that «Before reaching
any agreement with EU, ASEAN needs a Consensus. » However, currently more than
50% of ASEAN member states are dissatisfied and in dispute with the EU. Those
countries include Malaysia, and Indonesia over palm oil issue; the Philippines
over human rights issues due to the Duterte’s anti-drug campaign, and Burma
over the Rohingya case and etc. Now, the European Union has provoked another
problem with Cambodia which will further deteriorate the ASEAN-EU relations.
Third: On
local politics, the Phnom Penh Government will enjoy the full liberty to
enforce the rule of law at least on three important cases: the fate of
opposition party in Cambodia, the case of pro-opposition civil society and
media that have committed illegal acts and abused the law and specially the
decision on whether to request The Majesty The King or not to give pardon to
Kem Sokha after the closure of his national treason case’s trial. Moreover, the
Cambodian Government would definitely be able to strengthen the law enforcement
against illegal strikes and demonstrations, anti-fake news, restriction on Lese
Majeste, racial discrimination and foreign conspiracy etc…. And all these matters
are the absolute rights to self-determination of the Cambodian Government,
particularly, it lies in the full discretion of Prime Minister Hun Sen, which
no foreigners could again play the role as mediator or could intervene like
what they used to do before the EBA suspension.
Fourth:
Prime Minister Hun Sen-led-Government will use this opportunity of EBA
suspension to « Put the House in order and Clear the Mess by strengthening the
rule of law» so as to ensure its political and economic independence. In this
sense, the Phnom Penh Government will definitely strive to build up good
governance, improve social justice as well as combat corruption, etc… by
continuously «embarking upon the road of democracy but with Cambodian Special
Characteristics » meaning that the EBA suspension becomes a driving force to
push forward both the local reform and the momentum of Cambodian economy.
Most
importantly, based on the extensive and practical experiences learnt over the
past 41 years of the Cambodian People’s Party, particularly Mr. Hun Sen, in
successfully ruling and leading the
country to overcome all challenges and obstacles such as the international political
and economic blockade right after the country’s liberation in 1979, then the
two waves of world economic and financial crisis that impacted in 1997 and
2008, etc… coupled with the two phrases that Mr. Hun Sen keeps telling the
local people ever since this country and her people had nothing up to these
days that they have everything, that «Hun Sen and CPP are always standing by
the side of the Cambodian people during the hard and difficult times » and
«have never left them behind even once.» And with these historical truth and
assertion, the general population could easily place their confidence and trust
and lend their support for Prime
Minister Hun Sen to build a national movement under the spirit of «Not trading
national sovereignty for foreign aid».
Fifth: As
far as the geo-politics is concerned, the EU decision will further push the Phnom
Penh Government closer to China, while the latter is expanding its geo-political
influence to the Asia-Pacific region, with Southeast Asia as one essential
target of this super power, China. Cambodia is already a close friend to China.
As a matter of fact, Chinese President Xi Jinping recently announced that
«Cambodia-China Friendship is an Iron Friendship». During the latest visit of
Prime Minister Hun Sen to China on February 5, 2020, Mr. Xi Jinping had again
underscored that «Cambodia is China's true and loyal friend» since Prime
Minister Hun Sen visit took place at a time when China is facing with the
crisis of Novel Coronavirus outbreak.
In response
to Mr. Hun Sen's sympathy and presence in Beijing during this most difficult
and hard time, «China has decided not only to maintain its existing investment
projects in Cambodia, but also has pledged
to send more Chinese investors to Cambodia and also to continue to provide more
assistance in line with Cambodia needs ».
To make the
matter short and easy to understand, the EU decision has certainly provided Prime Minister Hun Sen-led-Government more
opportunities to further deepen its ties with China. Consequently, please do not blame
or put the fault on PM Hun Sen, because between the EU conditional aid coupled
with an interference in the internal affairs of recipient state and the
unconditional Chinese aid; it is clear that no one will ever deny the Chinese
aid.
The above-mentioned
reasons are proven fact that the European Union, which might decide to
partially suspend EBA from Cambodia, is the most mistaken and unjust decision
in the context of our multipolar world. And this very wrong EU decision will,
in one way or another, contribute to losing its position in Southeast Asia in
general, and in Cambodia in particular.
With regard
to Cambodia's local politics, this EU wrong decision could not be a pressure on
the Cambodian Government. On the contrary, this will be turned into a baton
that will hit hard on the opposition.
Whereas for
the Cambodian Government, through this EU wrong and unfair decision, Cambodia
will become a more independent state, free from any foreign pressure. And at
the same time, Cambodia will also use this occasion to stand on its two feet.
In other words, «Prime Minister Hun Sen’s Status will be raised higher by the EU's
wrong and unfair decision to suspend EBA
from Cambodia».
By: Politico
Coffee Insider
