Premier experiencing Rainsy selfie remorse

Premier experiencing Rainsy selfie remorse

ppp Thu, 14 January 2016

Mech Dara

CNRP leader Sam Rainsy (left) and Prime Minster Hun Sen pose for a photo in July during dinner in Phnom Penh. Photo supplied

Prime Minister Hun Sen has joined the ranks of Facebook users with misgivings about photos they’ve uploaded into the net’s eternal ether, saying he regrets his “selfie” with opposition leader Sam Rainsy last year.

The longtime rivals took the casual snap during a family dinner at the Hotel Cambodiana in July.

At the time, the pair maintained that their truce, dubbed the “culture of dialogue”, had ended years of combative and divisive politics.

However, in November, after months of rising political tensions, Rainsy again fled into self-imposed exile after being hit with charges, widely considered politically motivated.

“Previously, I took a selfie with a political partner, it appeared on the surface that things were very sweet between us but, in fact, the selfie concealed dishonesty that gives me regrets until this day,” he posted yesterday on Facebook.

In the same post, however, the premier, who has become a prolific user of Facebook in recent months, goes on to laud the humble selfie.

“Recently, I have tried selfies with youth, students, civil servants and people who I have seen, and have received respect and honesty from the hearts of brothers and sisters, children and nephews,” he wrote.

“I am so excited at having been provided love, friendship, hope and comfort through the selfies that I have with compatriots and the lovely youth.”