Mu Sochua's message to supporters

Dear friends and compatriots,

No one would disagree that the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces should not be under Hun Sen. Not even the police forces. 

What is the situation we have to deal with: from dictatorship to democracy and rule of law.

Here is the fact:

I went to prison with other MPs. We face the army, the police, the hired security guards during the months of protests. We have seen and heard from these forces' mouths and through their eyes that they are not with Hun Sen. Our soldiers and police want change and they voted for change.

The police men who arrested us at Freedom Park and those who handcuffed us had tears in their eyes. The one who handcuffed me and interrogated me said with tears rolling down his cheeks: my conscience tells me that I am wrong. It hurts me to see you handcuffed but I must follow orders. We all have to follow orders or we risk being punished very severely.

In July 2013,, these forces voted for change. That is the first step. The next step is:  Pay them decently. Train them properly. Recognize those who deserve merits. This also goes to the civil servants.

In the deal, CNRP has the Anti-Corruption Commissions and 4 others. As chairs we can investigate cases, we can issue independent reports, we bring the voices of the people into the parliament, we move towards reforms of national institutions.

It is a slow process but this process will set the ground for democracy and for transition for power sharing and moving to new power when we will go to the next elections by avoiding bloodshed.

Wishing that Hun Sen go away silently and willingly at this point is only a wish, until we move strategically:

Set the rules for free and fair elections. We have come half way thru the agreement; set the rules for the Loyal Opposition to function inside the National Assembly. Mr. Sam Rainsy is now a representative of the people and Leader of the Loyal Opposition. We chair 5 Commissions in Parliament. They are in the social sectors, and the most heated issues concern social justice.

We need to think long-term gains and formulate our strategies according to a time frame. 

The debates at all levels over the deal set a very healthy environment and engages everyone inside and outside of the country to think together, to scream together, to stand together. There will always be those who will walk out , that is their choice. 

We only ask that Democracy deserves a chance and it is up to us. 

Let us be critical of each other but let us be mindful also of realistic solutions. Personal attacks do not help. reacting to what is posted on facebook make us loose focus. 

United, we will win.

Please accept my sincere respect,

Mu Sochua, MP-elect.

P.S. thanking you sincerely for your support while we were in Prey Sar prison.