Cambodia Affirms Role as Custodian of Khmer Culture and Civilization

Minister of Information H.E. Neth Pheaktra has affirmed that Cambodia is the custodian of Khmer culture and civilisation. He stressed that the responsibility goes beyond merely taking pride in the country's rich heritage, requiring the preservation, protection, development, and transmission of Khmer cultural identity to future generations. H.E. Neth Pheaktra stated that Cambodia is not just a land of ancient temples and rich cultural heritage, but the birthplace of Khmer culture and civilisation, which has been built, sustained, and preserved throughout centuries of history. He noted that Khmer identity is reflected in the country's language, literature, religion, art, architecture, music, dance, customs, traditions, and the everyday way of life of its people. According to the Minister, the concept of Cambodia being the custodian of Khmer culture and civilisation does not simply mean asserting ownership of the heritage of the past. Rather, it means that the Khmer people are inheritors of a legacy passed down by their ancestors and have a responsibility to preserve, protect, develop, and transmit it to future generations. He pointed to Angkor, Preah Vihear Temple, Sambor Prei Kuk, ancient monuments, inscriptions, and numerous works of art across Cambodia as living evidence of Khmer civilisation and the advanced achievements of Khmer ancestors in architecture, engineering, water management, astronomy, the arts, and social organisation. H.E. Neth Pheaktra stressed that Khmer civilisation does not exist only in stone temples, but continues to live through the Khmer language and script, the Royal Ballet of Cambodia, Lakhon Khol, Chapei Dang Veng, Kun Lbokator, oral traditions, religious and cultural ceremonies, and customs practised in the daily lives of Cambodian people. He described Khmer culture as a living heritage passed down from one generation to another, rather than a heritage to be left silent in museums. The Minister also underscored that custodianship must come with responsibility, urging reflection on efforts to protect Khmer culture and on the extent to which Cambodian youth understand their own history, language, arts, and cultural values. He further highlighted the importance of making effective use of digital technology to tell the story of Cambodia's heritage, rather than allowing others to tell that story on the country's behalf. "Cambodia is the custodian of Khmer culture and civilisation because this is the legacy created and passed down by our ancestors," H.E. Neth Pheaktra said, stressing that the present generation has a duty to protect the heritage while ensuring that its identity and values are preserved for future generations. "Khmer culture is the soul of the nation. Khmer civilisation is a testimony to history. Protecting and promoting it means protecting Cambodia's identity and its future," he concluded. Source: AKP Cambodia