Phnom penh: Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Hun Many has called on Cambodia’s younger generation to understand the profound sacrifices made by past leaders and cadres of the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP). He emphasised that this understanding is crucial for ensuring the party’s continued strength and its success in contributing to national development.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, H.E. Hun Many, who also serves as a member of the CPP Central Committee Standing Committee and as Minister of Civil Service, spoke on July 13 at a public forum on ‘Public Administration Reform in Cambodia,’ held at the CPP headquarters in Phnom Penh. He urged young party members to delve into the CPP’s history of national commitment. He stressed that a thorough grasp of these past struggles would better prepare them to address future challenges facing the party.

‘The CPP is unique. While it is easy to celebrate its achievements and victories, it is equally important to understand the journey and challenges the party has overcome since 1979,’ Mr. Many stated. ‘Preserving solidarity and internal unity while developing strategies to remain the people’s choice in every election are lessons drawn from the commitment and sacrifices of our senior leaders.’

H.E. Hun Many underscored that younger party cadres must recognise the true value of these experiences, beyond just the outcomes. ‘When we only look at the final outcomes, we miss the depth of their struggles,’ he said. He highlighted that many senior leaders, despite lacking advanced degrees or foreign education opportunities prevalent today, made immense sacrifices driven by their ideals and dedication to the nation.

He cautioned young party members against underestimating the older generation based on academic credentials, noting the complex path they navigated to protect and develop the country. ‘Their unwavering commitment and sacrifices to place national interests above all else are lessons we must continue to study and uphold,’ he added.

Separately, Dr. Chrun Theravat, a member of the CPP Central Committee, Deputy Head of the CPP Central Youth Wing, and Chairman of its Standing Committee, explained that the forum was organised to enhance youth understanding of public administration reforms. These reforms have been implemented by the Royal Government during the seventh legislature of the National Assembly over the past 22 months.

He emphasised that the event aimed to equip CPP youth with accurate knowledge, transforming them into effective communicators for the party. This is particularly vital as Cambodia prepares for the 2027 commune elections and the 2028 general elections.

The forum saw an attendance of 3,500 CPP youth members, who listened to the Deputy Prime Minister’s remarks. The event reaffirmed the party’s commitment to cultivating capable and informed youth leaders, ready to advance the CPP’s mission of serving the nation.