PHNOM PENH (Khmer Times): Prime Minister Hun Manet has accused former opposition leader Sam Rainsy of being a political opportunist, claiming that he aligns himself with winners while distancing himself from those who face difficulties.
In a political statement shared on Sunday, Hun Manet referred to a video interview of Rainsy with The Cambodia Daily in September last year. In the interview, Rainsy criticised former US President Donald Trump, describing him as dishonest and demagogue.
“Trump does not often speak the truth. He lies, and he enjoys demagoguery. Some people believe him too easily. People should choose leaders who act and speak based on facts,” Rainsy said.
Hun Manet said on Sunday that upon watching the video, he was reminded of Rainsy’s past political behaviour, which he characterised as opportunistic.
He noted that Rainsy had aligned himself with Myanmar’s Aung San Suu Kyi when she won the 2015 election but later distanced himself from the struggling politician.
The Prime Minister suggested that Rainsy’s criticism of Trump before the US election indicated that he believed Trump would not win, based on polling at the time. However, contrary to such expectations, American voters elected Trump as the 45th President of the United States.
“I am waiting to see how this veteran opportunistic politician, Rainsy, who always boasts about US support, will now seek assistance from the Trump administration. Will he shamelessly change his stance and speak positively about Trump to gain support? The evidence of his past criticisms is clear,” the Premier added.
Yang Peou, Secretary-General of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, echoed Hun Manet’s view, arguing that Rainsy has long been disconnected from political realities. He pointed out that despite Rainsy’s years of political activities in the US, he failed to grasp the country’s political dynamics and instead attacked Trump while simultaneously seeking US support.
He added, “If Rainsy were a conscientious politician, he would not deserve another chance to set foot in the US, as he clearly misunderstands America, particularly Trump’s political stance. This is an embarrassment for him.”
“Rainsy is an outdated politician who speaks based on emotions rather than solid political or legal analysis. He incites hatred against the Cambodian government by falsely claiming strained relations with the US, when in fact, Cambodia and the US maintain good relations,” Peou said. - Khmer Times
