In July 1997, you fought your opponent, Norodom Ranariddh, on the ground that he dealt with the out-lawed Khmer Rouge. A lot of lives were lost. Those who escaped death have been suffering the consequences of this fighting and you know that very well. It was a sacrifice to avoid the return of the Khmer Rouge, you explained. You can now restore honor and dignity to your people if you want to.
Honor is the only thing the poor can afford no matter what is said on the matter.
Some people talk about burying the past, about forgiveness, about Buddhism. Forgiveness is an active and positive deed. It is not moral or physical cowardice. Now, if after the trial, after the court has passed a sentence on the criminals, you, as Prime Minister, hold a referendum to let the people speak and the people pardon them, then it would be real forgiveness, not cowardice. The bottom line is justice.