PM Urges End to Debate Over Scholar-Boatman Parable, Denies Targeting Scholar

Prime Minister Hun Manet has urged an end to the discussions surrounding a parable he shared on social media last weekend, stating that it was not intended to target any specific scholar and does not threaten freedom of expression. Speaking at a graduation ceremony for university students in Siem Reap Province on the morning of July 21, 2026, the Prime Minister explained that the "scholar and boatman" parable was meant to convey an educational message about virtues and morality, specifically discouraging the belittling of those without knowledge and avoiding arrogance. He refuted claims that the parable was an intimidation tactic against Cambodian intellectuals. "I shared the story about boating, not about anything specific. I didn't even know it was Dr. Rathna's story. Some people are saying this is suppressing the freedom of expression of scholars. I say, oh, that's it. On Saturday, I just wanted to talk about virtues, and you connect it to something else. Don't take it too personally; it's very stressful," the Prime Minister stated. The Prime Minister also mentioned that he had met and discussed with Dr. Nil Rathna on Monday, offering some advice on analysis. Last Saturday, the Prime Minister posted an article originally from a Facebook user named Methor Leepi. The post described a scenario where a group of scholars debated while on a boat, estimating the boatman's chances of success in life at only 25%. However, the boatman then questioned the scholars if they knew how to swim, as a storm was approaching, and all the scholars on the boat could not swim. This post came a day after a public forum at the Royal Academy, where several scholars, including Dr. Nil Rathna, spoke. During the forum, in response to a public question, Dr. Nil Rathna urged for the acknowledgment of the truth about the Cambodia-Thailand war to find a resolution. This led the public to believe that the Prime Minister's post was a direct response to Dr. Nil Rathna. However, the Prime Minister's clarification today is expected to resolve these misunderstandings and normalize the situation. Source: Kampuchea Thmey Local