Thousands Attend Chea Sim’s Remembrance Event

Thousands of ruling party officials and supporters made a pilgrimage to Prey Veng province on Friday to pay their respects to the late CPP President Chea Sim, an event that also marked the 38th anniversary of the founding of United Front for the National Salvation of Kampuchea, the group of rebels back by Vietnam who overthrew the Khmer Rouge.

In a grand ceremony presided over by National Assembly President Heng Samrin, Senate President Say Chhum and Interior Minister Sar Kheng, government officials in maroon and green shirts were joined by CPP youth members and locals for the occasion.

Chea Sim addresses delegates on the final day of the CPP's extraordinary general assembly in Phnom Penh on January 27, 1997. (Reuters)
Chea Sim addresses delegates on the final day of the CPP’s extraordinary general assembly in Phnom Penh on January 27, 1997. (Reuters)

“We organized the event to remember his legacy and heroism and that of his wife, who sacrificed their flesh and blood for the nation and people,” said CPP spokesman Sok Eysan.

He said that he did not know if the event would be held every year in the home province of Chea Sim, who died in June last year at the age of 82, but said that the party would never forget his contribution.

Among those in attendance was his son, Chea Somethy, 39, who was named governor of Prey Veng in the months following his father’s death.

sothear@cambodiadaily.com

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