Herewith a New Year message from Samdech Akka Moha Ponhea Chakrei Heng Samrin, President of the National Assembly, as Cambodia prepares to welcome the Year of the Rat on Monday evening:
“On the occasion of the upcoming Khmer New Year, my wife and I are pleased to express our utmost joy and wishes to citizens both within the country and abroad for success, prosperity and happiness in the coming year while joining with the Royal Government to build and develop the Kingdom of Cambodia to flourish and constantly progress.
“I deeply appreciate the strong determination and efforts of the Royal Government and our compatriots in proactively working together with success and positive outcomes to maintain and take good care of our health while strengthening peace, political stability, security and public order for national harmony.
“Under the wise and consummate leadership of Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, the nation is developing in all spheres under the rule of law as a country with territorial sovereignty and national unity, respected on the regional an international stage.
“On this auspicious occasion, I express on behalf of the National Assembly my profound gratitude to our compatriots, government, development partners, national and international organisations and all stakeholders that actively support the core duties of the assembly in adopting laws and monitoring elected members, upholding the rule of law in a country based on democracy with rapid socio-economic development and people living in dignity, full of expression and harmony.
“As we welcome the Khmer New Year, the COVID-19 pandemic is spreading with thousands of lives lost and impacts on economic growth, especially the daily lives of people, in Cambodia and across the world. The National Assembly and the Royal Government are taking strong and effective measures to prevent the spread of this disease. In these circumstances, I appeal, encourage and advise our compatriots to implement and promote appropriate healthcare measures with healthy lifestyles and sanitation while following the advice of the Ministry of Health.
“Once again on this auspicious occasion, may the Three Precious Jewels, spiritual sacredness and the New Year Thevada Koreakak Devi bless His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni of the Kingdom of Cambodia and Her Majesty Queen Norodom Monineath, the mother of the Khmer people, with freedom, dignity, happiness, longevity, good health, strength and wisdom to protect their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren in eternal harmony.
“I also wish Samdechs Supreme Patriarchs General and all monks longevity, strength and wisdom to eternally protect fellow Buddhists in the Kingdom of Cambodia and wish all compatriots, officials, members of the armed forces, students, young people, workers, employers, business people and investors in Cambodia the Four Gems of Buddhist blessings of Longevity, Nobility, Health and Strength.”