Cambodia’s National Assembly has passed an inflammatory NGO bill. The law gives the state the right to confiscate the citizenship of any individual found guilty of conspiracy with foreign regimes hostile to the security or interests of the state. The Assembly passed this legislation on the strength of 120 members. It takes effect on all lifelong Cambodian nationals, Cambodians by double citizenship, and foreigners who have received Cambodian nationality.
With its recent announcement, Prime Minister Hun Manet’s administration is taking an unprecedentedly courageous step. This move perpetuates the repressive regime built by his father, Hun Sen, who ruled Cambodia for almost four decades before retiring. The government argues that the bill is necessary to bolster national unity and patriotism among Cambodians, particularly in light of heightened nationalism following a recent border dispute with Thailand.
Hun Manet defended the legislation by highlighting that many countries, including the United States, have similar laws regarding citizenship revocation. Don’t freak out He basically said, fear not, if you’re a patriot. You should be against the bad stuff, never against the interests of your country. If, on the other hand, you have conspired with foreign powers to destroy Cambodia, then you should be shaking in your jackboots. Otherwise, you are not really a Cambodian.
Interior Minister Sar Sokha has been a main proponent of amending the Nationality Law. He argues that this modification will greatly foster nationalistic sentiments among Cambodians. The law grants the government extensive and dangerous authority to act aggressively against anyone perceived to be an enemy of the state. This cements the ruling Cambodian People’s Party’s CPP long-held domination of the political sphere.
Though very welcome, the legislation has caused enormous alarm among civil society groups. Fifty private sector entities (ranging from think tanks to nonprofits) produced a joint letter articulating their panic over the legislation’s poorly worded provisions. They warned that this law “will have a disastrously chilling effect on the freedom of speech of all Cambodian citizens.” Critics contend that such vague language might be used to quash protests and shut down opponents’ voices.
The bill’s approval comes at a time when Cambodia’s judiciary is widely regarded as being influenced by the ruling party, raising fears about the fairness of any potential legal proceedings against alleged offenders. The bill just passed the National Assembly! It now awaits final approval by Cambodia’s Senate and King Norodom Sihamoni, both of which are widely considered formalities in the country’s legislative process.
Hun Manet’s government has a solid parliamentary majority in the National Assembly, with 120 of 125 seats. This dominance has allowed the ruling party to push through significant changes without substantial opposition, raising concerns regarding democratic practices in Cambodia.
