8 November 2001

Respected members of the Buddhist Clergy,

Samdech Chea Sim, President of the Senate,

Sdech Krom Khun, First Vice President of the Senate,

Excellency, Second Vice President of the Senate,

Excellencies, Representatives of national organizations of all levels,

Excellencies, Ambassadors and Representatives from friendly countries to Cambodia,

Sdech Krom Khun, Princes, Princesses,

Excellencies, Senators,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today, I have the great honor and pleasure to warmly and respectfully welcome Samdech President, Sdech Krom Khun, Samdech, Princes and Princesses, Senators, honored guests from all national organizations and diplomatic missions who are present at this solemn and historic event, the presenation of statutory awards and uniforms to all members of the Senate, under the chairmanship of Sarndech CHEA SIM, President of the Senate.

I would like to inform Samdech President, Sdech Krom Khun, Samdech, Princes and Princesses, Excellencies members of the Senate that the uniforms and the gold epaulettes and other decorations have been created for high ranking officials in our country, and were in use from the 19th century until 1970. During that period, those gold decorations and uniforms were designed and tailored according to the French models. Most of them were produced in France. During that time, the word Houpoan was used to determine the rank in the shoulder stripes. Generally, the gold epaulettes and other accompanying decorations and uniforms were given out during the first day of office. Afterward, they would be used in various traditional, national and official ceremonies.

In this new historic era and in consideration to the organization of the Senate to be of equal footing with other national organizations, the Permanent Committee of the Senate adopted the principles of identifying ranks and uniforms for members of the Senate on 2 May 2001. His Majesty PREAH BAT PREAH NORODOM SIHANOUK, King of Cambodia, was satisfied with this adoption and authorized the official use of the gold decorations, epaulettes and uniforms in a Royal Decree dated 12 July 2001.

After the Royal Decree had come into effect, the commission for designing the gold epaulettes and other decorations, led by His Excellency Mr. Chea Peng Chheang, chairman of the finance and banking commission, was created. The commission worked on these gold decorations and uniforms until the job was completed.

Most importantly, the development of the gold epaulettes and other decorations was based on three basic principles:

1) Ensuring the identification and statute of the national organization.

2) Promote the Khmer culture and civilization, especially the respect for the Khmer style in the shape, inscription, esthetic and beauty.

3) The gold decorations, epaulettes and uniforms must be worn with their merits at all time.

Samdech President,

Sdech Krom Khun,

Samdech, Princes and Princesses,

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Allow me to brief you that the gold epaulettes and other decorations which will be soon presented to members of the Senate, were designed in two different styles:

The first style, the Angkor style, is to be decorated to the president, the two vice presidents and chairpersons of the commissions of the Senate, starting from the top rank. The second style is the flower style. It is to be given to vice chairpersons, secretaries and members of the commissions and members of the Senate with different ranks starting from the top.

As for the uniforms, there are two kinds. The first one is for official wear, and the second one is for national tradition for men and women. The goal of these decorations is to define rank, position and grade for the respect of political and administrative hierarchy, which is one important part in the promotion of good governance, administrative reforms, and the promotion of national reputation. Furthermore, this important work will give the Senate a clear and historic identification and statute in its capacity of national legislative organization.

The use of the gold epaulettes, other gold decorations and uniforms is to demonstrate to Cambodian people and to the entire international community that we are bound together in solidarity within our society, with the aim of reconstructing the nation and establishing the rule of law.

In conclusion, I would like to wish all venerable members of the Buddhist clergy, Samdech President of the Senate, Sdech Krom Khun, Princes, Princesses, Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, national and international distinguished guests, the best of health and happiness.

Thank you.

Next