The Khmer Kampuchea Krom Community-North America has called for a boycott of Cambodian singer Meng Keopechda and has demanded an apology for her refusal to perform in front of a Khmer Krom banner during a Nov 1 concert in France.
Condemning the singer for demanding that a Khmer Krom banner be removed from the stage in Paris where she was to perform, the US-based organization accused Meng Keopechda of “unpatriotic” and “discriminatory” behavior.
“The Khmer Kampuchea Krom around the world are advised to take immediate action and cease listening to her songs,” the North American wing of the organization wrote in a letter dated Dec 31.
“The Khmer Kampuchea Krom Community demands a public apology from Meng Keopechda [and] condemns the singer’s irresponsible act,” the letter added.
Calls to turn a deaf ear to Meng Keopechda follow an interview she gave to Voice of America radio Dec 30 in which she expressed her love for the Khmer Krom community. Meng Keopechda has defended her refusal to perform in front of the banner, saying she simply wanted to keep her performance free of politics. She could not be reached for comment Thursday.
Her controversial decision followed shortly after the shooting in Phnom Penh of popular singer Touch Srey Nich and her mother.
Speculation was rife that Touch Srey Nich’s performances for either the Funcinpec party or the Khmer Krom community may have motivated the attack.
Kim Vanchheng, executive director of the Phnom Penh-based Khmer Kampuchea Krom Coordination Committee, said the singer’s decision was not a big deal for his organization. “We understand her. She is afraid because of the political problems. I think there are a lot of singers who will sing for the Khmer Kampuchea Krom,” he said. King Norodom Sihanouk called in December for the Khmer Krom community to be more understanding of Meng Keopechda, saying Cambodian singers were targets for killers.
