Sisowath Sirik Matak
Prince Sirik Matak was born on January 22, 1914-1975, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
In 1941, was passed over by the French government in favor of his cousin Norodom Sihanouk as king.
In March 18, 1970, he assisted General Lon Nol, who had been serving as prime minister, in a in a coup d'état and was granted emergency powers by the National Assembly.
Prince Sirik Matak, retained his post as deputy prime minister.
On April 12, 1975, he was offered political asylum by the U.S. Ambassador to Cambodia, but he refused. General Lon Nol and other officials evacuted along with the Americans.
Prince Sirik Matak and officials that remained along with him, were executed by the Khmer Rouge on April 21, 1975, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Quotes
- "I never believed for a moment that you would have this sentiment of abandoning a people which has chosen liberty"
- "But mark it well that, if I shall die here on the spot and in my country that I love, it is too bad because we are all born and must die one day. I have only committed the mistake of believing in you, the Americans"
- "When you support a regime not supported by the people you help the communists"