Leadership share best wishes with public in leadup to New Year’s Eve
Neang Sokunthea
AS PEOPLE welcomed the New Year, leaders of the government, ministries and various state and private institutions extended their best wishes to all citizens and members of the armed forces.
Prime Minister Hun Manet conveyed his New Year’s wishes to people throughout the Kingdom for 2024 in a December 31 social media post.
“As New Year 2024 approaches, my wife and I wish all compatriots good health, happiness and success in their endeavours,” he said.
The prime minister also extended his goodwill to King Norodom Sihamoni and Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk.
“As we welcome the new year, on behalf of the government and civil servants across the country, my wife and I wish both of you good health, longevity and the continued ability to care for the nation and your subjects,” he stated.
He acknowledged their dedication to Buddhism, education, social welfare, humanitarian efforts and the overall well-being and livelihoods of the people.
Bun Rany, president of the Cambodian Red Cross (CRC) and the wife of former Prime Minister Hun Sen, also expressed her New Year’s regards to the King and Queen Mother in writing.
“My colleagues and I extend our deepest gratitude to both of you. We wish you good health and longevity to continue caring for your subjects,” she stated in the letter.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sar Sokha sent a New Year’s letter to the National Police forces, civil servants and prison officials, praising their dedication and sacrifices in fulfilling their duties throughout 2023.
He highlighted their significant achievements and commitment to their professions, which enhanced the nation’s prestige.
He urged them to maintain their focus on their responsibilities and missions to ensure security, public order and social safety, and to serve the people more effectively.
“We need to respect and implement the directives and principles of the interior ministry and the government, as well as the safe villagecommune policy. This is part of the first phase of the Pentagonal Strategy, under the guidance of the prime minister,” he stated.
Sokha urged the group to set exemplary standards and act as trustworthy servants for the nation and people, thereby enhancing public confidence.
He outlined the “Three Don’ts” principles and emphasised the necessity of adhering to them.
The first principle, “don’t get involved”, includes abstaining from dealing, distributing, using drugs or colluding with dealers.
The second, “don’t intervene”, discourages obstructing the enforcement of laws against drug criminals, even if they are family members, relatives or friends.
The third, “don’t forgive”, involves relentless enforcement of the law against drug offenders.
He insisted that all police officers must strictly enforce the laws and maintain honesty and professionalism, which entails respecting and adhering to the law.
The ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) extended wishes to its leaders for good health, strength and longevity, hoping they will continue to steer the country forward with important achievements and maintain and develop peace and various sectors.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries shared its good tidings with its leaders and civil servants, hoping for their continued health and success in maintaining their good work and achieving new milestones.
Yang Peou, secretary-general of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, offered hopes for good health to all citizens.
“Health is the foremost wealth for everyone. I hope that the government’s reforms of the seventh mandate ensure that all people receive equal opportunities for healthcare. Peace is the primary wealth of the nation and vital capital for all aspects of a democratic process, human rights and socio-economic development,” he stated.
“Social equality and justice are the first wealth of social stability, and economies are the first wealth of national forces. I hope for the government to accelerate economic diversification and a quick recovery from global crises,” he added.
Peou noted that the crises have prolonged significant global issues, including the pandemic, wars and geopolitical competition.
“For the coming year, the government needs to continue reforming state institutions, governance and public financial management, while maintaining a peaceful stance to ensure social stability, national independence, democratic space, freedom and human rights,” he said.
He recommended that the government diversify and enhance competition by improving the investment climate, digitalisation, economy, infrastructure, logistics, energy, water and electricity.
He added that the government needs to ensure social equality in health systems, provide social protection for poor and vulnerable households, maintain social security and order and intensify efforts to combat drugs and human trafficking.