Hun Sen lashes out at journos, analysts over comments on reform record

Ben Sokhean | Publication date 03 January 2018 | 19:09 ICT

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Prime Minister Hun Sen slammed journalists and analysts this morning for questioning his administration's reform record. Facebook

“Do not call them scholars, but stupid ones. It is more suitable. They are not economists, so you should call them foolish scholars,”

Hun Sen

The Prime Minister today lashed out at journalists and analysts for questioning the current government’s reform record, a seeming reference to a Post article from December about a speech in which he touted his administration’s progress.

The December article quoted Hun Sen as saying his government had initiated reforms across multiple sectors and would make a final push to complete any reforms promised after the 2013 national elections. In the article, analysts and experts acknowledged that some reforms had taken place, but noted that the major issues of corruption, protection of natural resources and social justice issues had been on the back burner.

Speaking to garment workers today, the premier said reporters and analysts were quick to judge his government, which was attempting to tackle the nation’s problems, something he said no one was above.

“I would like to inform all the analysts and writers: all of you have to remember that even in your life, your family’s, your wife’s or your children’s, there are challenges,” he said.

He then specifically targeted local and international analysts, whom he said did not have the technical wherewithal to comment on complex administrative issues, calling them “stupid scholars”.

“Do not call them scholars, but stupid ones. It is more suitable. They are not economists, so you should call them foolish scholars,” he said.

However, political commentator Lao Mong Hay said the premier was lashing out to distract from the real issues being pointed out by observers and even average citizens.

“For these reforms and the result of this peace, they [commentators] will evaluate the results of the reform based on the real actions that have been done,” he said.