Exclusive interview with Mr. SAM RAINSY (Part 2 of 2)

With all the controversy circulating Mr. SAM RAINSY. I am jumping into the eye of the storm. He have granted me an exclusive interview. He is currently in EXILE. I went one on one with the man whom millions around the world say; he COULD and SHOULD be the next PRIME MINISTER of CAMBODIA!

- Here is ( part.2/2 ) of the exclusive interview with Mr. SAM RAINSY.

- You moved to France in 1965, studied and worked in a variety of Parisian financial companies and became very successful. What motivated you to return to Cambodia and get in to politics?

I must seize the historical and unique opportunity to repay my debt to my Motherland.

- Knowing that Hun Sen was a former KR, do you think he should also be held accountable and trialed as a perpetrator?

The Tribunal must first conduct an investigation on any suspect.

- Where were you from 1975-1979 ? The Killing Fields affected all Khmer in some way or from. We are still haunted by the past with mental illnesses and trauma (PTSD). How can we put it to the side and learn from this horrific event? Many school in Cambodia does not teach about ‘the Killing Fields’ and kids, our youth is growing up not know what really happen What would you do to educated the kids? Because they are our future.

The Killing Fields must be taught in history books. Free discussions on the Khmer Rouge-related past must be encouraged.

- The DRUG EPIDEMIC. Kids young as 4 years old are sniffing glue, ecstasy pills, heroine and cocaine is find it way into the streets at an alarming rate and into the hands of the people. Where is it coming from and how can we help prevent it from destroying the county even more?

Same answer as for human trafficking: We have to fight against poverty, ignorance and government corruption. The rule of law and the end of impunity must be ensured in order to effectively tackle this issue and other crucial issues.

- DEPORTATION. Khmer from the United States whom are not U.S. citizen are being deported back to Cambodia. Separated from their families after they already serve their sentences. Some become drug addicts. Some form gangs some even end up committing suicide because they can’t adjust. But there are few who change their life around. What is your take on the Deportation Law? Do you think the punishment fit the crime? Can Cambodia do anything about it?

It was a bad agreement between the US and the Cambodian governments that has allowed the deportations. The Cambodian government accepted the deportation of poor young Khmers from the US in exchange for powerful and rich CPP officials and their families easily getting entry visas to the US. We should renegotiate this unfair agreement.

- THE KR WAR TRIAL: What are your thoughts on the war trial? Almost $100 million was spent. Did you think it was worth it and how do you feel about Duch’s sentences knowing that he might get his freedom and walk again among his victims?

A little justice is better than no justice. Delayed justice is better than never-happening justice.

- Many students are graduating from schools and universities but there are little to no jobs for them to go to. We are rank as one of the poorest country in the world. What would you do to create jobs and stimulate Cambodia’s economy?

Make our agriculture and industry more efficient and more competitive. Attract legitimate investors who can provide decent jobs to our youth. This implies and requires the implementation of many structural reforms we have been advocating for a long time. On top of the list: ensuring the rule of law, reforming the justice system and curbing corruption. To devise a credible development strategy we need leaders with long-term vision, not like those currently in power who are only preoccupied by their short-term political survival.

- The GREEN MOUNTAIN. Families of scavengers are living on the dumpsites. Kids are excited to see the trash trucks as if there were ice cream truck. Some thing is seriously wrong with that picture. The fume itself is toxic and hazardous to the health. Their life span is cut in half, maybe even shorter. Shouldn’t the dumpsite be closed to the public, sign posted up with security informants?

Yes, but an alternative living, more decent, must be provided to the concerned families.

- THE MEKONG RIVER. The Mekong is one of the world’s longest and most resource-rich rivers. The Mekong, which flows through China, Myanmar, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Thailand, and provides food, water, and transport for about 65 million people is now at its lowest level in two decades due to a prolonged drought. China has five operational dams and plans to construct about 15 more hydropower dams upstream, while Southeast Asian states talks about building 11 dams further downstream. This threaten one of the most productive regions of wet rice cultivation, while erratic water currents may block the spawning migration of fish in what is now the world’s largest freshwater fishery. The Mekong will be endangered if this problem is not resolve soon. What are your plans and thought on the dams and the current conflict fishermen deputing about territories?

We have to call for international cooperation based on international laws and practices and mutual respect (with each country taking into account the concern and interest of neighboring countries).

- There has been and on going dispute with Thailand about the Preah Vihear temple, how would you resolve that matter?

Go back to the 1991 Paris Agreements on Cambodia which guarantee Cambodia’s territorial integrity.

- AIDS and HIV. It’s a global pandemic. U.S. support for HIV/AIDS programs in Cambodia is $18.5 million this year and Cambodia was praise for recognizing the threat and for the HIV prevention education. I was there for the ‘wrap it up‘ HIV prevention benefit concert at the Bassac a while back. Major cities like Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Battambang are inform but how do we reach out to the people in the rural area?

There are experts in public health who know the situation in Cambodia and who can give us very good technical advice.

- Thai is Thailand. Vietnamese is Vietnam. Chinese is China. Do you think the world should recognize us as Cambodia, Kampuchea or Srok Khmer?

The Finns call their country (Finland in English, Finlande in French) “Suomi”. The Germans call their country (Germany in English, Allemagne in French) “Deutschland”. The Hungarians call their country (Hungary in English, Hongrie in French) “Magyar”.

- LANDMINES. Cambodia is one of the most heavily mined areas in the world. Cambodian Mine Action Center (CMAC) estimates 2 to 3 million mines still hidden underneath the ground. The land is also littered with other kinds of unexploded ordinance (UXO), left over from half a million tons of bombs dropped on Cambodia by the United States in the late 60s and early 70s. Do you think the U.S. and other counties who was involve in the bombings should send people to help with the clearing?

Yes.

- You are running for prime minister of Cambodia, why should the people vote for you?

Each voter will make up his/her own mind after observing and comparing different candidates.

- Who or what inspires you?

It depends on the topic.

- What is your favorite Khmer food and why?

“Num banchok”. It’s the taste of my childhood.

- 7 things you would put in your time capsule?

I am continuously refining ideas and information that would make a better Cambodia.

- 7 words to best describe yourself.

I might not be objective regarding myself. I would rather let other people describe me.

- Any last words?