A senior opposition figure in Cambodia has voiced support for a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow the government to revoke Khmer citizenship from foreign nationals who commit acts of treason against the country. However, he opposes applying the same measure to Cambodians by birth.
Speaking on The Cambodia Daily’s “Idea Talk” program on Monday evening, Cambodia National Rescue Party official Hing Soksan said Article 33 of the Constitution currently addresses only the granting of citizenship to foreigners, but makes no mention of the legal process for revoking it when recipients break the law.
Hing Soksan argued that when foreign nationals who have acquired Cambodian citizenship commit serious crimes or acts of treason, it severely undermines the dignity and value of Khmer identity and citizenship. He said this applies regardless of whether the individual obtained citizenship through naturalization or other legal channels.
He added that while Cambodians by birth who betray their country deserve heavy penalties, they should not be stripped of their citizenship. Instead, he suggested alternative forms of punishment, saying this would demonstrate a commitment to national values and respect for one’s own people.
Hing Soksan also dismissed recent remarks by Justice Minister Keut Rith, who claimed that the United States has laws allowing the revocation of citizenship from native-born Americans. Hing Soksan said that claim is inaccurate, noting that U.S. law permits the revocation of citizenship only in cases involving naturalized citizens, not those born in the country.
The proposed amendment to Article 33 was approved during a Senate session on July 14. The measure received 58 votes in favor from the 60 senators present.
Following the vote, the Senate Secretariat issued a statement saying the purpose of the amendment is to strengthen the patriotic spirit of the Cambodian people. It said the law is intended to promote national ideals, deepen loyalty, and reinforce the love and commitment of citizens to their homeland and fellow Cambodians.
