Personal Comment:

This bill can help solve one part of the housing issue in our state by allowing the City Government to have the power to build its regulations and enforce what is best for the community. As the bill says, every community is different, and the city government knows best.

My Testimony to the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs (01/16/2024)

Good afternoon Mr. Chair, Vice Chair, and members of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs,

I'm Tara Hong from the 18th Middlesex District in Lowell. Thank you for the opportunity to advocate for the passage of Resolution H.3507 and S.2326, a resolution condemning political oppression and encouraging free and fair elections in Cambodia.

I want to express my gratitude to State Representative Vanna Howard and Senator Ed Kennedy for putting forth this resolution, as well as to all those who have signed on to support it.

These resolutions uphold fundamental democratic principles, recognizing the importance of free and fair elections in safeguarding citizens' liberty and human rights. Since the Paris Peace Accords of 1991. Over the years, significant international aid has been invested to promote a pluralistic, multi-party democratic system in Cambodia. However, despite these efforts, Prime Minister Hun Sen has maintained a stronghold on power since 1985, consolidating authority over every level of the nation's government. Even though now Hun Sen is no longer the Prime Minister of Cambodia but the acts of transferring his power to his son to be the new Prime Minister it is not a democratic process as what they've been saying. That is a dictatorship acts of maintaining the power in the family.

Elections in Cambodia since 1993 have been marred by fraud and voter intimidation, destroying the principles of the Paris Peace Accords. Additionally, the government's oppressive tactics, including restricting the media and arresting opposition figures, contradict democratic values.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is home to a significant population of Cambodian American people (include me), many of whom sought refuge in the United States to escape genocide and conditions that underscore the humanitarian hardships posed by the absence of democracy. It is our moral duty to stand with them and advocate for democracy on the global stage.

In conclusion, I urge each member of this joint committee to support of Resolution. Let us send a clear message to congress and the President of the United State with a resounding message that Massachusetts stands firmly on the side of democracy, human rights, and the values we hold dear.