HEADLINE-CIVIL WAR | MYANMAR: Fighting near Kalay leaves at least 10 civilians dead
CAMBODIA: Cambodia’s painful past serves as lesson for future vigilance
The Kingdom of Cambodia solemnly marked the 54th anniversary of the coup d’état that shattered the nation’s stability, plunging it into a devastating civil war and paving the way for the harrowing era of the Khmer Rouge regime.
As the nation reflects on this dark chapter of its history, historians urge the younger generation to delve into the past, drawing vital lessons to safeguard against repeating such catastrophic events.
Sambo Manara, a distinguished historian, emphasised the pivotal role of historical events like the 1970 coup d’état, which saw the overthrow of Prince Norodom Sihanouk amid political turmoil, leading to internal crises and ultimately the rise of the Khmer Rouge. He underscored that these events serve as cautionary tales, illustrating the perilous consequences of leadership failures and external interventions.
Manara highlighted the detrimental impact of neighbouring countries and superpowers meddling in Cambodia’s affairs, exacerbating internal conflicts, and fuelling hostilities. He lamented the lack of foresight among leaders, emphasising the need for goodwill, nationalism, and a genuine commitment to the welfare of the populace.
Expressing concern over the indifference of contemporary Cambodian youth towards their history, Manara attributed this trend to societal neglect and a failure to instil the significance of historical awareness. He urged educators and scholars to prioritise historical education, ensuring that future generations grasp the lessons of the past to navigate the challenges of the present and future.
Echoing these sentiments, Pov Sok, advisor to Prime Minister Hun Manet, reflected on the profound impact of March 18, 1970, describing it as a tragic turning point that unleashed unimaginable suffering and tragedy upon the Cambodian people. He cautioned against the dangers of historical amnesia, urging young Cambodians to critically examine history and resist divisive narratives that threaten national unity.
Sok emphasised the pivotal role of youth in shaping the nation’s destiny, urging them to approach history with scepticism and discernment rather than succumbing to manipulation or misinformation. He emphasised the enduring significance of March 18 as a poignant reminder of Cambodia’s resilience in the face of adversity, urging all citizens to honour the memory of those who perished during this tumultuous period.
As Cambodia commemorates this solemn anniversary, the call to action resonates strongly; to remember the past, learn from its lessons, and collectively strive towards a future of peace, unity, and prosperity. In the words of Sok, March 18 serves as an indelible reminder of the nation’s painful past—a lesson that must never be forgotten.
Memento Maxima Digital MarketingMYANMAR: Fighting near Kalay leaves at least 10 civilians dead
Most of the victims were killed by junta artillery or drone attacks carried out in response to clashes for control of a Pyu saw Htee village
At least 10 civilians were killed by fighting in Sagaing Region’s Kalay Township over the weekend following a series of resistance attacks on villages controlled by the pro-regime Pyu Saw Htee militia.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Kalay People’s Defence Force (PDF) said that it had captured the Pyu Saw Htee village of Kyaung Taik, about five miles north of the town of Kalay, on Saturday after two days of fighting.
The junta forces retreated to the nearby village of Aung Myin Thar, which is also dominated by the Pyu Saw Htee, the statement said.
At least five junta troops and two resistance fighters were reportedly killed in the clashes. The fighting also claimed the lives of at least three civilians, according to a local volunteer.
“Two villagers who were injured passed away yesterday, and we also received a body from Kyaung Taik this morning. . .
SINGAPORE: WP chief Pritam Singh charged with lying to Parliament over Raeesah Khan’s case, pleads not guilty
SINGAPORE – Leader of the Opposition and Workers’ Party (WP) chief Pritam Singh was charged on March 19 with two counts of lying to a parliamentary committee, two years after the police opened investigations into his conduct before the Committee of Privileges.
The charges relate to his testimony before the committee, which had been convened in November 2021 to look into a lying controversy involving his party’s former MP Raeesah Khan.
The committee called Singh as a witness and said later that he had not been truthful during the hearings while under oath. It recommended referring him and WP vice-chairman Faisal Manap to the public prosecutor for further investigations with a view to consider criminal proceedings, which Parliament later endorsed.
THAILAND: Thai soldier faces disciplinary action for threatening motorist with gun
PHOTO: ENVATO
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ANN/THE NATION – A Thai soldier faces 21 days in jail, along with a raft of other penalties, for threatening a motorist with his gun.
The announcement by the Royal Thai Armed Forces yesterday came after a video clip published on the ‘Satisfied to fight’ Facebook page on Friday went viral.
The clip shows a soldier holding up his gun to threaten another motorist for overtaking.
In response, Chief of Defence Forces Ge neral Songwit Noonpackdee ordered the soldier’s detention on Saturday and the setting up of a committee to investigate the case.
Armed forces spokesman Lieutenant-General Teerapong Pattamasingh Na Ayuthaya said the soldier had violated several military regulations, including disobeying a commander’s order, failing to observe good manners, using rude language, threatening others and destroying the military’s image.
So far, disciplinary actions lined up for the accused include a 21-day detention, no pension contribution for this fiscal year, 15-day disciplinary training and no carrying of weapons.
Teerapong said the division the soldier has been assigned to has acknowledged his misdemeanour and apologised to the motorist.
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