Get to know more about SMD by reading YLDA's interview with SMD's newest Secretary General, Mr. Sorn Sarath.

The Students' Movement for Democracy (SMD), an YLDA member organization in Cambodia, recently held its Extraordinary Congress last March and elected a new leadership board.

What do you think are the top 3 reasons which motivate the Cambodian youth to join SMD?

To understand democracy even more, to help in improving the respect for human rights freedom and rule of law in Cambodia, and also to actively participate in decision making.

SMD recently had its elections. What are the major plans and activities that the new SMD leadership has in store for 2006?

Our goal is to have more youth from various universities understand and participate in activities which promote democracy. We want to increase the number of young democrats. We can also develop our network in the universities further through weekly training courses and football matches.

We will also participate in political decision-making by holding non-violent demonstrations.

We will continue voicing out our advocacies through newsletters, participating in radio shows and producing statement t-shirts.

For a long time Mr. Pang Sokheoun (former SMD President) was in hiding because he received death threats, which were in connection to his protest against the rising prices of gasoline.

The situation isn't as bad as it was before. Pang Sokheoun is also safe now and is residing in Sweden.

What are the challenges that SMD is confronted with now?

Financial support. We also feel that there are still restrictions on the freedom of expression. Intimidation (through political threats) leads to low youth participation in demonstrations.

Right now, SMD is the YLDA member organization with a blog. Tell us more about it.

Yes, we have a blog: www.smdkhmer.blogspot.com . SMD decided to create a blog instead of a website because its free of charge. A blog also allows us to reach a wider audience from all over the world.

What does SMD think of YLDA?

SMD thinks that YLDA is a good partner for developing liberalism, democracy and involving the youth in politics. We are learning a lot from YLDA experiences and the leadership.

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Chat Time : What is it like being a youth supporting liberalism and democracy in Cambodia today?