After Prime Minister Hun Sen’s third warning—in the form of a two-hour lecture on protecting Cambodian culture—television officials promised Wednesday to lower hem lines and limit broadcasting of foreign-language songs on the airwaves.
“Some audiences will not be happy about this, but they will have to understand it’s the orders,” said one TV producer, who asked not to be identified.
During the closed-door meeting at the Council of Ministers, the premier said television stations that show women in short skirts and broadcast foreign music are a threat to Cambodian culture. “Millions of people are affected by TV. Short skirts should be in restaurants, not on television. We should feel pity for actresses who are being used to sell products,” Hun Sen said.
He said television executives have a responsibility to help teach Cambodian children about their culture.
“Don’t be lazy,” Hun Sen said. “You can check the programs for cultural content.”
He said he was outraged recently when his grandson refused to watch a traditional Cambodian show, insisting on modern programming.
Hun Sen suggested stations broadcast foreign music only when foreign dignitaries come to Cambodia on official visits.
“Why should we sing Thai songs; is the Thai government forcing us? Some people may say that I’m a conservative, but I’m conservative to protect Cambodian culture,” he said.
In the address, Hun Sen said that he wished for Cambodians to emulate the Cham, the country’s Muslim minorities, who “have preserved their culture for centuries” even while surrounded by their Buddhist neighbors.
It does not matter whether the stations’ new programming will be popular with Cambodia’s young people, Hun Sen said.
“One cook cannot satisfy everybody,” he said.
