Cambodia Directs Islamic Communities to Uphold 'Centrism' for Enhanced Rural Outreach

On the afternoon of July 26, 2024, Deputy Prime Minister Othsman Hassan, who oversees special missions, met with the Imams of Ratanakiri and Mondulkiri provinces at the Phnom Penh Islamic Center (PPIC). The meeting aimed to discuss and provide guidance on enhancing the activities of the Islamic communities in both provinces. During the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Othsman Hassan highlighted the importance of maintaining peace and religious harmony. He encouraged the Imams to continue fulfilling their roles as exemplary leaders, facilitating religious affairs, and assisting in resolving community issues with a spirit of responsibility and solidarity. Furthermore, the Deputy Prime Minister instructed the leaders of the Imams in the aforementioned provinces, as well as in other provinces, to adhere to "centrism" in their religious work and the practice of religious laws. He strictly warned against any extremism that could lead to division within the Islamic community. He stated that all interpretations or sermons must have clear evidence, in accordance with the consensus of Islamic scholars worldwide who met at a summit in Mecca in 2019. This summit issued a joint declaration requiring all Muslims to strictly uphold the principle of centrism. Deputy Prime Minister Othsman Hassan also reiterated that all religious practices must avoid interfering with or harming other religions or one's own. He emphasized the need to respect and strictly adhere to state laws, particularly Article 43 of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Cambodia, to ensure public order and security. Additionally, he urged them to focus on educating the younger generation in both religious and general knowledge, as well as on improving the living standards of the community's residents. The Imams of Ratanakiri and Mondulkiri provinces, which are geographically distant from Phnom Penh and feature scattered Islamic villages, some hundreds of kilometers from provincial capitals, expressed their profound gratitude to Deputy Prime Minister Othsman Hassan for his constant attention and valuable guidance. They pledged to effectively implement all his recommendations to further strengthen solidarity and development within the Islamic communities in the northeastern region, despite the challenges posed by distance and travel.