For a society that strives for equality and justice under the law,
title can be inconvenient or even misplaced the merit of the actual
accomplishment of the individual. The surname of Norodom or Sisowath
alone is enough to invoke power, prestige and social status. When
folks add prince or princess to individuals who have these surnames,
they may feel obligated to convey feeling of respect and special
considerations.
The Khmer Royal Family has been in existence for about 2000 years. It
has become a tradition along with the Khmer culture, Angkor Wat,
Angkor Thom and Apsara. These things help the Khmer people to feel
connected culturally and spiritually for centuries.
That was before the advent that we now are moving into something that
is call democracy where equality and justice are accepted for
everyone, regardless of social origin. As Cambodian people who have
long tradition and who are yearning for the new political platform of
governance, we must learn to accept balance, ethical equilibrium and
social etiquette for a more harmonious society. Such an acceptance
would create some friction but then that's what life is all about.
It's may be inconvenient. But it can also be necessary because our
identity has been shaped through centuries of development, mutation
and refinement. There exists only 1 Khmer culture in the world. We may
have to learn to live with it somehow as we come to welcome democracy,
modernity and human progress in science, industry, business, commerce
and governance. It will only make us richer intrinsically speaking.
How do we like this one?
Samdech Akkak Moha Sena Padei Decho HUN SEN, Prime Minister of.
Kingdom of Cambodia
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