Prime Minister Hun Manet expressed pride that countries around the world have recognised Cambodia as a model country that ended its war, achieved a lasting peace, and promoted religious freedom for all people, including Muslims.
Currently, Cambodia enjoys ethnic and religious harmony and has never experienced religious conflict or violence. Approximately 5% of the population are Muslims, 93% are Buddhists, and 2% practice other religions. These diverse groups live together in harmony and tolerance, demonstrating the progress of religion in Cambodia.
Mr Hun Manet made these remarks at the first Islamic summit in Cambodia, organised by the Muslim World League under the theme “Islam and Buddhism” in Phnom Penh yesterday.
He stated that “Nation, Religion, King” is the motto of the Cambodian nation, and the Constitution designates Buddhism as the state religion. However, Cambodia is truly proud that the Muslim World League has recognised the unity, tolerance, non-extremism, and ethnic and religious harmony in Cambodia, which the government, led by the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP), has built with great difficulty and maintained with the utmost care. These factors are indispensable for Cambodia’s peace and political stability.
He added that the government would continue to implement its policy of ensuring the harmony and positive coexistence of a diverse society, as this is the guarantee of peace and harmony for the entire Cambodian society.
He noted that the theme “Islam and Buddhism” is a very appropriate choice for the Islamic Summit in Cambodia, which has always promoted interfaith dialogue and positive coexistence between faiths. Members of the Organisation of the Islamic World, the 57 member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and countries around the world have recognised Cambodia as a model country that has ended war, achieved peace, and promoted religious freedom for all people, including minority Muslims.
“No religion teaches people to commit sins. All religions guide their followers toward morality, virtue, compassion, honesty, and kindness to humanity and all life on earth,” he said.
He highlighted historical aspects related to Khmer Cham in Cambodia, stating that Khmer kings of all generations have shown compassion to the Cham community, who were refugees from war and came to settle in Cambodia. The kings allowed the Cham people to join the fight to defend Cambodia during the French colonial era. During the French colonial period, King Father Norodom Sihanouk named the minority group “Khmer Islam” after Cambodia gained independence from France in 1953. This move allowed the Cham minority to become Khmer citizens, legally practice Islam, and integrate into Khmer society while maintaining their original identity.
Mr Hun Manet added that the Khmer Islam community, like other Khmer communities, suffered during the Khmer Rouge genocide, but after freedom of religion in Cambodia was restored, the Khmer Islam community flourished and enjoyed full freedom of religion. The government also re-established the Supreme Islamic institution, the Supreme Council of the Islamic Faith of Cambodia, and integrated many leaders of the Khmer Islamic community into national and sub-national institutions.
Senior Minister in charge of special mission Othsman Hassan, a member of the Supreme Council of the Muslim World League, said at a press conference yesterday, “We want to show the world that Cambodia is tolerant and provides opportunities for all ethnic groups, whether they are Muslims, Buddhists, or followers of other religions.”
