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24 - Reflections on the Future of Cambodia: From My Vantage Point
- from CAMBODIA'S FUTURE
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- By Hrh Norodom Sirivudh, Dauphine University
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- Book:
- Cambodia
- Published by:
- ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute
- Published online:
- 21 October 2015
- Print publication:
- 26 March 2012, pp 385-402
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- Chapter
- Export citation
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Summary
INTRODUCTION
Historically, Khmers have fought fiercely to gain control of their territory, and then defended it, but not always successfully, against the invading neighbours. At its peak in the late twelfth and early thirteenth centuries, the Khmer empire extended from the Annamite Cordillera in southern Vietnam to the Gulf of Thailand. The great temples, palaces and other public buildings erected during that time at Angkor are national symbols; the towers of Angkor form the central design of the national flag. The Khmer Empire later declined from the early thirteenth century. Over the next five centuries, Cambodia steadily contracted as neighbouring Siam (Thailand) and Annam (Vietnam) expanded. Although the Khmer Empire has collapsed, the spirit of being hard working and creative has always stayed with the Cambodian people. Angkor Wat has become the modern symbol of the Khmer civilization and identity.
Global realpolitik and ideological differences pushed Cambodia into the flames of war and armed conflict in the 1970s. Our historical and cultural heritage and values were massively destroyed during the Khmer Rouge period. We almost lost much of our national identity and strength. Now after decades of peace and stability, beginning in the 1990s, we are re-discovering who we are and our roots. We are a hard working people with a capacity for great innovations, but we need the right political and economic systems to fulfil our potential.
Globalization and regionalization has taken the centre stage of the world political economy. Cambodia has integrated herself with the region and the world with strong courage and commitment. We also believe that through such processes of regional integration and cooperation, Cambodia can develop and progress from a developing country to one of the developed countries. Many challenges lie ahead, but as long as we accept the truth and speak the truth, then we can find ways to overcome those challenges.
This paper attempts to shed some light on the past development of Cambodia and share my personal views on the prospects of Cambodia's development path. For Cambodia to be successful, we need to generate agents of change. The future generation of leadership determines the future of Cambodia. I have strong hopes that they will bring Cambodia to a higher position in the region and the world in terms of economic growth, social welfare, and social justice.
Foreword
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- By Hrh Norodom Sirivudh, Dauphine University
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- Book:
- Cambodia
- Published by:
- ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute
- Published online:
- 21 October 2015
- Print publication:
- 26 March 2012, pp ix-x
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- Chapter
- Export citation
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Summary
When I was requested to draft a foreword for this book, I inquired into the origins of the book proposal, and was immediately struck by its timeliness, as 2011 is the 20th anniversary of the 1991 Paris Peace Conference which brought about a diplomatic resolution of the protracted Cambodia conflict. I also liked the way it focused on the future prospects of Cambodia, looking ahead and putting past acrimony behind, which is in tune with the concept of national reconciliation, which we practice in Cambodia. Thirdly, I was amazed by the appropriate nationalities of the three scholars from ISEAS, who are the co-editors of this book. One is a Cambodian, another is Singaporean and the third is Australian. Those who know the history of the diplomatic efforts to help resolve the Cambodian conflict will recognize that these were the three countries intimately involved in bringing the conflict to a negotiated settlement. Let me express my appreciation for the hard work, organization and initiative of the three co-editors who guided this useful book to fruition.
2011 is also the year in which Singapore's Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew's thoughts, recorded through interviews by a team of journalists from the Singapore Straits Times, were published in a book entitled: Lee Kuan Yew: Hard Truths to Keep Singapore Going. What struck me most was a quotation from Mr Lee, who said: “Singapore is my concern till the end of my life.” (Straits Times, 22 January 2011) When I read it, I was impressed by the dedication and passion of Mr Lee, whom we all know as the Father of Modern Singapore. I have been lucky to meet Mr Lee, and also know that it was his strong support for King Sihanouk and for Free Cambodia that kept the efforts going for over ten years.
What I wish for my Cambodian compatriots is that same patriotism and drive to make our country a modern, peaceful, prosperous and forward-looking country. After all the terrible conflicts, killings, sufferings and turmoil, all Cambodians would surely share my wishes for our beloved country. In a sense, I wish to dedicate this book to our two great leaders, HM King Sihanouk and to MM Lee Kuan Yew, and their ministers and officials, who achieved peace and freedom for democratic Cambodia.