24 - Reflections on the Future of Cambodia: From My Vantage Point

Summary

INTRODUCTION

Historically, Khmers have fought fiercely to gain control of their territory, and then defended it, but not always successfully, against the invading neighbours. At its peak in the late twelfth and early thirteenth centuries, the Khmer empire extended from the Annamite Cordillera in southern Vietnam to the Gulf of Thailand. The great temples, palaces and other public buildings erected during that time at Angkor are national symbols; the towers of Angkor form the central design of the national flag. The Khmer Empire later declined from the early thirteenth century. Over the next five centuries, Cambodia steadily contracted as neighbouring Siam (Thailand) and Annam (Vietnam) expanded. Although the Khmer Empire has collapsed, the spirit of being hard working and creative has always stayed with the Cambodian people. Angkor Wat has become the modern symbol of the Khmer civilization and identity.

Global realpolitik and ideological differences pushed Cambodia into the flames of war and armed conflict in the 1970s. Our historical and cultural heritage and values were massively destroyed during the Khmer Rouge period. We almost lost much of our national identity and strength. Now after decades of peace and stability, beginning in the 1990s, we are re-discovering who we are and our roots. We are a hard working people with a capacity for great innovations, but we need the right political and economic systems to fulfil our potential.

Globalization and regionalization has taken the centre stage of the world political economy. Cambodia has integrated herself with the region and the world with strong courage and commitment. We also believe that through such processes of regional integration and cooperation, Cambodia can develop and progress from a developing country to one of the developed countries. Many challenges lie ahead, but as long as we accept the truth and speak the truth, then we can find ways to overcome those challenges.

This paper attempts to shed some light on the past development of Cambodia and share my personal views on the prospects of Cambodia's development path. For Cambodia to be successful, we need to generate agents of change. The future generation of leadership determines the future of Cambodia. I have strong hopes that they will bring Cambodia to a higher position in the region and the world in terms of economic growth, social welfare, and social justice.