CPP exultant, CNRP circumspect on outcome
PRIME Minister Hun Sen yesterday declared that his endorsement of Donald Trump in the US presidential election had been proved correct by the billionaire’s victory, as ruling party and opposition officials both said they hoped the result boded well for their side.
Trump, the Republican candidate, declared victory over Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton yesterday afternoon Cambodia time, and Hun Sen, who had endorsed the billionaire businessman in a speech last week, said he was pleased with the outcome.
“Congratulations to His Excellency Donald Trump, who has achieved victory in the American presidential elec- tion,” Hun Sen wrote on his Facebook page shortly after Trump delivered his victory speech in New York.
“A few days ago, when I showed my support for your candidacy, there were some who came out to attack me and accuse you of being a dictator, so that was why someone like me supports you.
“At this moment, what is clear is that the American people need your excellency to lead them, and so my support was not wrong,” Hun Sen wrote.
The premier last week endorsed Trump’s candidacy because he believed the businessman, who has promised a less interventionist foreign policy, would be less likely to start a war with Russia than Clinton.
Council of Minsters spokesman Phay Siphan, who is a US citizen, said he helped campaign for Trump because of his foreign policy views but had been unable to vote for him because he misplaced his passport. He said he was looking forward to Trump’s presidency.
“Well, in Cambodia, we have the