The royalist Funcinpec party held a heartfelt reunion on Monday, gathering former resistance fighters and party veterans to commemorate the heroes who sacrificed their lives for Cambodia.

The event was dedicated to the late King Father Norodom Sihanouk, the founding father of Funcinpec and the late Prince Norodom Ranariddh, former President of the party.

The ceremony, presided over by Prince Norodom Chakravuth, current President of Funcinpec, featured a Buddhist Almsgiving Ceremony to honour the memory of King Father Norodom Sihanouk, Prince Norodom Ranariddh, and the brave heroes who fought for the nation and the monarchy. Approximately 200 dignitaries, party leaders, and members from across the country attended the gathering, including prominent Funcinpec veterans such as Chhim Siek Leng, Tea Chamrath, Por Bun Sreu, Nuth Sokhom, and Som Norin.

A central part of the ceremony was the sand mount ritual, led by Prince Chakravuth, which paid tribute to the souls of high-ranking heroes who had marched alongside King Father Sihanouk in the Funcinpec movement. This act of remembrance underscored the party’s enduring respect for those who laid down their lives in service to the nation.

In his address, Prince Chakravuth expressed his deep gratitude to the elders and former fighters present, emphasising that their sacrifices have not been forgotten. “I will never forget the heroism of our ancestors. I will always remember you all. We have this day because our ancestors sacrificed for the nation and the people, and I will always respect and be grateful,” he said.

Funcinpec spokesman Nhoeun Raden confirmed that the event was intended to reaffirm the party’s commitment to the principles left behind by King Father Sihanouk for future generations. He highlighted that the reunion demonstrated the continued unity within Funcinpec, bridging the gap between the older and younger generations who remain committed to the party’s legacy.

“We have always upheld the national interest, and we have not forgotten their merits. Funcinpec has succeeded now because of their great sacrifice,” Raden said. He added that under Prince Chakravuth’s leadership, Funcinpec is determined to continue its efforts to serve the nation and its people.

Funcinpec Vice-President Por Bun Sreu also addressed the event, reflecting on the party’s tragic losses, including the deaths of over 2,000 members before the 1993 election and more than 100 members following the 1997 factional fighting. He recognised that these losses had weakened Funcinpec but affirmed that the party has been revitalised under Prince Chakravuth’s leadership.

“Today confirms that Funcinpec has been revived brilliantly by Prince Norodom Chakravuth, the party’s president, to reunite the elders who know the political path,” Bun Sreu said.

The reunion comes on the heels of Funcinpec’s success in the 7th National Assembly election in July 2023, where the party secured five out of 125 seats.

Also known as the National United Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful, and Cooperative Cambodia, Funcinpec was founded by King Father Sihanouk in March 1981. Initially established as a political faction, Funcinpec later became a political party and achieved victory in the UN-supervised National Election in 1993.

• Tags: Funcinpec