Published by the Cabinet of Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo —————— MP of Kandal Prime Minister

Issue 185 | July—August 2013 | http://www.cnv.org.kh

Press Briefing on Recent Developments Reviewing Rice Cultivation and Politics (31 July 2013 — Unofficial Translation, Selected Impromptu Comments) (02 August 2013 — Unofficial Translation, Selected Extempore Comments)

Observing early-rainy season came to me saying that it was rice cultivation in 2013, Sam- not easy to use the ferry service. dech Techo Hun Sen visited the Since the ferry was man- district of Khsaj Kandal, Kan- powered, it all depended on the dal province, where he joins mood of the man who pulled it. with farmers to prepare land That young girl is now a and to transplant rice. Samdech woman of three kids here. She Techo also takes the chance to even has a child who already is share with them, and the people in the first year of the Univer- of as a whole, the sity. latest developments on the I crossed the Preah Kunlong process of forming the commit- pass with my wife and I spent a tee to address the election ir- night at the house of a brother, regularities, the legal process who passed away already. He of setting up a new Cabinet and went to my house once to col- urgent matters that the new lect the money for the construc- 24 June 2013 — Samdech Techo Hun Sen with people at the Inaugura- Cabinet will need to attend to. tion of the Buddhist achievements in the pagoda of Kiri Muni Sarvoan, tion of a school building. I Batheay District, Kompong Cham province (Kampuchea Thmey) Photos from 1989, Memories came here once again to Roka from Past Many Years Junloeng village. It was a hard Visiting the construction site of been continuous fabrication of ride in a dirt road full of fine Where is (Hun) Manit? Let find intersection roads and over- information instigating the pub- sand. In 2003, we built a water me a photo from 1989, which passes at Stoeng Meanjei, lic that I already left the coun- canal along the sandy road and someone has brought me this southern part of Phnom Penh, try, I was forced by the army to widened the road itself. We morning. In 1989, I was only Samdech Techo Hun Sen gives leave office and/or I already placed a water pump floating 37 years old. Please let me bor- press briefing to journalists on transferred power to Deputy station. In 2006, I came again row this photo for making a the recent developments re- Prime Minister Sok An. In fact, by helicopter. I came a few copy (there is a voice from the garding the elections, the ru- as far as this trip is concerned, I more times to the Buddhist audience that s/he has so many mors on his where about after had wished to come to this pagodas of Prey Bang and Vi- photos of Samdech Techo). It is the election, the need for prepa- construction site since we were hear Suor, etc. There were de- a great memory photo. The ration for flood threat and the in the electoral campaign be- mands that people here thought commune of Sanlong, Khsaj readiness for dialogue to re- cause the Phnom Penh Munici- one floating water pump station Kandal district of Kandal prov- solve the remaining issues. pal informed me that among was not sufficient and there was others, a few lines of roads, ince is not a place where I never I am so happy to show up again a need for enlarging the canal to which are parts of the project come. I was here since when before our Buddhist monks and improve irrigation capacity. (for the intersection and over- the war was on and the peace compatriots throughout the pass), would be ready. I could negotiation was in process. I HE Lim Kean Hor then de- country. I have been absent and not do that because I already stayed in the village of Sanlong. signed to place more water made no speeches in over one pumps. We now have three told our Buddhist monks and At the time, I left the village of month already. This is partly so floating water pump stations. people that I would not make Prek Tamak and rode the mo- because I also have to mourn We also have one pump in public appearance or make torbikes through to the district over the death of my father, for extra on standby. In addition to public speeches during the elec- of Srey Santhor of Prey Veng whom I am still in mourning enlarged canal, we now also toral campaign period, except province. The trip brought me now. You may know that on have sub-canals providing wa- when I had to accompany HM back to the village of Sanlong, July 12, my father passed away. ter through to Roka Junloeng. the King and the Queen- where we spent the night. We As his children, we have de- We also are working on a water Mother to the city of Sihanouk- left the next morning to inspect cided to mourn over his death pump station at the lake of Pa ville to participate in the Na- the ferry at Preah Kunlong, until it is 100 days, when we th Ae to push water down here. tional Arbor Day on July 9 . where we now replaced it with will celebrate another farewell This man here has his finger a bridge on the national road 8. ceremony. Today is the time that I have to blackened by the ink (proving I remember a daughter of a (Continued on page 3) During my absence, there has (Continued on page 2) sister I met in Sanlong, who

Mailing Box: Cambodia New Vision (CNV), P.O. Box 158, Phnom Penh, Cambodia; e-mail: [email protected]; Tel: 855-23 219898; Fax: 855-23 360666/219869 Cambodia New Vision | Issue 185 | July—August 2013

(Continued from page 1) only two political parties in the words on the fact that if anyone ing to law. come here and I am held by so fifth legislature of the National person would continue to insti- For all problems occurred dur- much surprise that many jour- Assembly. gate social unrest, what would ing the elections, it is indeed the nalists hunted for information be the impacts that one can I wish to underline that which task of the National Election from me all the way here. In anticipate to have brought on party is the winner or loser is Committee at all levels to re- fact, I have scheduled to come political stability of the country. not important for political par- solve. However, in case that the to this project site on such a Moreover, economically speak- ties but we should ensure that National Election Committee short notice. I cannot withhold ing, does anyone of us like to our nation wins. I made politi- understands that it is necessary my admiration for your infor- see people queued up to pur- cal messages one after the other for participations by political mation seeking efforts. With chase rice, bread, gas, etc? on this very important issue. parties and civil society, on regard to the construction of the There may not be gas for sale My last message on that was at behalf of the Royal Govern- intersection and overpass here too because of the would-be the district of Batheay, Kom- ment as well as the Cambodian (at Stoeng Meanjei), some of turmoil. pong Cham province, where I People’s Party, I would wel- the roads in the project would demanded that let’s not make It is on this note that I am ap- come such opening so as to be put into official use in the this election a cause of disunity pealing to the Buddhist monks attain transparency and accept- days to come. It is a normal of our nation. We may ask im- and people all over the country able solution for all. You may practice that the Phnom Penh portant questions as to what do to place their trust in the Royal remind that the Cambodian Municipal would invite me to our people want? Do voters Government of Cambodia in situation had been this way inspect the project prior to the want to close down markets, keeping the situation under before but we always found a official inauguration. This had shops, cafés, gas stations, control. Importantly, they way out. For the elections of been the cases of the overpass banks, etc? People have already should trust themselves to re- 1993, 1998, 2003 there had at Kbal Thnal and the overpass expressed their opinions. All solve the vital problem of our been problems, except in 2008, of Prampi Makara (7 January). political parties contested have nation. It is not possible that when there were less since no Coincidentally, taking the op- received some kind of supports every voter would become party could block the quorum portunity that you, the press - some with more, some with Prime Minister or Minister. I for the session of the National people, are here, I would like to less. Whose victory is that? It is urge that people who have so Assembly. take this opportune moment to the victory of our nation. far created so and so problems, As far as coordination between make a statement to our Bud- instigations to cease their ac- While the election is now over, political parties involved, the dhist monks and people that tions. You may have seen that what more do we want? Does Cambodian People’s Party here I am in the country and they have used facebook in a anyone want the situation to would like to inform that in its still Prime Minister of the not normal way. Would those return to that of 1975, which July 29 meeting of the perma- fourth legislative term of the chaps become Ministers? What would create turmoil and peo- nent committee, we are ready National Assembly. I may reaf- is in their interest of fabricating ple leave the city? As you may and open for political dialogue firm that no one, the army or such atmosphere? Is it to sink already know, on the night of with parties with (contested-) other forces included, has the our country? Let us sleep on July 28, some went to withdraw seats in the National Assembly right to force incumbent Prime that. money from banks, filled up to discuss about the setup of the Minister and Prime Minister their cars’ tanks and/or flocked As people already expressed National Assembly leadership. elect to abandon his work, be- the malls and purchased stuff. their opinions, what remains is I think that for this process, no cause doing so would be Today, though, I am so happy to continue to resolve the prob- one could do it one our behalf, against the Constitution of the that our people in Phnom Penh lems based on existing laws but the Cambodians. Foreigners Kingdom of Cambodia. and provinces have shown their and mechanism. We cannot do could not resolve this problem On July 28, the elections have political intelligence. On my anything more than that. for us, and more so, they would passed and our people have way to the place, I have noticed encourage us to dialogue. You Let me affirm that according to already expressed their opin- renewed traffics and shopping. may have learned already about the information that I have re- ions after one full month of It is in this observation that it is the declarations of various for- ceived, not yet official, the Na- campaigning. Our people have important for our nation, no eign observers of the elections tional Election Committee made great efforts and been matter who wins or loses, to as well as those from abroad, would proceed to resolve the patient to maintain dignity with make sure that it emerges win- which encouraged Cambodian remaining problems with par- political maturity and pluralistic ning and conciliatory. political parties to work to- ticipations of various political liberal democracy. On behalf of gether. I also believe that the We have gone through insur- parties and non-governmental the Royal Government of Cam- Cambodian citizens trust that mountable hardships before organizations, civil society. As bodia, I would like to express their political leaders will be reaching national unity, united Prime Minister, candidate for my sincere thank to the Na- able to resolve the problem territory without secessions like National Assembly member tional Election Committee as politically in such a way that before 1998, when the country and a leader of a contested well as the authority of all lev- the National Assembly could was under so many factional party, I have maintained no els, the armed forces, our Bud- function soon. rules and armed groups. We communication with the Na- dhist monks and people for have now transferred from fight tional Election Committee, but It is true that we are waiting for taking parts in the Cambodian with weapons and bullets to if what I heard is true, I under- the official results from the democratic process. The offi- with votes. This is the win-win stand that it is a positive move National Election Committee. cial results of the elections have status of the whole people of that will open way for resolving We must continue our maturity yet to come, but it is everyone’s Cambodia. I may add a few the remaining problems accord- knowledge that there will be (Continued on page 3)

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(Continued from page 1) ther just passed away and we big and I do not feel comfort- has taken that photo my picture he already went to vote). It is — his sons and grandsons — able with it. I had a hard time could have been on facebook not removable yet. I have mine are in mourning. All have their just now pulling the seedling. already. too. Let us leave it inked for hair shaved in that process. This In Pol Pot time, we used to say From Depending on Sky while longer. We ink it once at one is my youngest son and he the rice seedling pulled the to Canal the communal election and had his hair shaved too. He was men, because they did not have again at the national elections. bald since when he was in People said I was so good at power to pull them and once In every five years, we ink it school. No one in my family pulling the seedling. How else trying to do so the gravity re- twice. has baldhead. He could have could it be different since I am tracted them. Since I have prac- used a wrong product when he a son of farmers? Though I was Let me ask the man who fish, ticed my golf, I had done it was studying in the US. I was in Phnom Penh for my study, I or Mr. Ngim. Look at the photo otherwise as I thought I would not so heavy according to this still hold with me the nature of when I was 37 years old and I need to spend more power to photo. I could have been 60 Kg the farmer, who would not lack am now 61 years old. I still pull them. I could have fallen or so. Now I am 80 Kg. My the skill of pulling the rice seed- look more or less recognizably back just because they were problem is the belly is getting (Continued on page 4) similar. As you know, my fa- pulled through easily. If anyone

(Continued from page 2) ing this opportunity to place an gain more or less seats is the there had been some changes and patience and altogether we appeal to the authority of all matter to be decided by the on the night of July 29 and must make efforts to safeguard levels, the armed forces and people. According to provi- early morning of July 29. As of and ensure normal functioning concerned officials, the Cambo- sional figures, the Cambodian now, the situation has returned of political stability, livelihood dian People’s Party working People’s Party is taking the to normal. and socio-economic stability. groups included, to get back to lead, how much would be in Once again, I would appeal to Should we fail to ensure that, serving people as usual. the authority of the National Buddhist monks and people to people would be disappointed. Election Committee to an- In days ahead, according to the continue maintaining calm and They think there has always nounce. report of the Ministry of Water waiting for the commencement been problem for every elec- Resources and Meteorology, Some have also said that Hun of the mechanism to resolve the tion. They could not trust elec- Minister HE Lim Kean Hor Sen would not be Prime Minis- remaining problems from the tion anymore. Our people stressed that there would be ter in the fifth legislature of the elections and political compro- would not want to see the heavy rain and the Mekong National Assembly. Let me ask mise to allow our country to haunting past and the country to River flooding will be high. I who would take up this post. march onward. (We must en- sink. think it is calling for urgent The Cambodian People’s Party sure that) the election would not I would like to affirm for you preparation by the authorities of congress unanimously adopted disunite our country but be- all about rumors that I already all level and the armed forces to that Hun Sen will be Prime come a national reconciliation left the country or already re- safeguard our people and move Minister for the fifth legislative where our nation, we all, will signed. Let me ask what coun- them, if necessary, from dan- term of the National Assembly. win. I think I have covered try should I go to, and are any gerous zones. Moreover, the number of votes various topics that you all may of you Polpotists that I should for the Cambodian People’s have waited for and perhaps We also have the news that run away from like in 1975. Party has clearly affirmed Hun there would not need to have flood is spilling from Thailand We all are Khmer and though Sen to the post of Prime Minis- any more questions. to Banteay Menajei, Cambo- this or that party win, I hope we ter. No one would challenge dian side. It is therefore neces- (Responding to the question of all are Khmer that I have no that unless I die or am incapa- sary to get ready with the res- someone from the DAP news need to run away. It is Hun ble to conduct my duty. cue mission. We need to pay website about the possibility of Sen’s nature that in hardships I our attention on and do these I think that political parties will a meeting between Samdech would stay with the people. In works, not the issue of who have to make compromises. It Techo and Sam Rainsy) I think 2003, it took me one week after would remove me from office. is inevitable. We open our heart that I have given this task to HE the elections to take my appear- Concerning this let me ask who to compromise to set up the , Deputy Prime Min- ance in Sak Sampeo. In 2008, it would take it from me when the leadership structure of the Na- ister and Minister of Interior, took me close to a week before term lasts another two months tional Assembly to make our HE Say Chhum, and HE Sok I joined people transplanting only. Who would remove me in country fully democratic. We An, Deputy Prime Minister and rice in Ang Snuol district. From this situation? must respect the people’s deci- Minister in Charge of the tomorrow, I will have to follow sion. If anyone does not respect Council of Ministers. HE Sam my work program. I may re- Let me affirm that it is not Hun it and resort to violence, it Rainsy also write a letter to ceive diplomatic corps, visit Sen’s way to run away from the would be contradicting to the express his condolence over my construction sites. people. I would urge the Bud- constitutional framework. I father’s death. dhist monks and people to Since you have found me, let think this will lead to turmoil place your trust (in what I have I think HE Sam Rainsy under- me tell you that Hun Sen has throughout the country. People said). There has also been stands the difficult mourning not got a style of running away would not want to see that. I am words that Hun Sen has been circumstance that I am in. If from the people. The harder it so pleased that during and after pressured to leave by the Cam- ever there is a need for me to do gets, the closer I would stay to the elections, the exchange rate bodian People’s Party because so, still, I will use my difficult the people, no matter who they in Cambodia has maintained the number of seats has gone time for such a dialogue too .... voted for. Therefore, I am tak- with minor fluctuation, though down. Let me clarify that to

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(Continued from page 3) He then started again with I am neither agronomist nor rake the soil altogether. This ling, transplanting, and prepar- transplanting after that. I would technocrat on this particular pulled tractor is a good stuff ing land. It is in this note that I say this area has now entered issue but our people need to since it also pulls a cart and understand the need of farmers our category of profound devel- know what they have to grow pumps water. only too well. In this area of the opment approach. As we to make profit. I noticed on my More Pulled Tractors, country, as far as I know, our lacked water, we could only way here a rice field that turns Better Income cultivation of rice depended cultivate once a year. Now that into mango farm. They may go mainly on rain or sky, which we have water, our people on growing rice in between I have noticed that the speed of could not be predictable. We could do it twice. My only sug- young mango trees lines now transplanting is making positive have now ensured the cultiva- gestion is that where there is but once the mangos grow big- momentum as it already tion with more water canals water, our people should ger, I am sure the owners reaches 69% according to the thanks to my help. People could change their cultivation sched- would stop growing rice and report provided to the central not turn to anyone to do so. ule and techniques, which in- depend only on mango instead. level and HE Chan Sarun Hun Sen has no choice but clude the use of new seed, bet- S/he may even grow more signed on it yesterday. As of the help. ter land preparation, etc. mangos in the future or people moment of speaking, the figure can grow other plants instead. may have changed to 70% al- We started with building small We must make sure that the ready because this report came canals just to get the water land is well prepared, and there More Than Just Rice to me since yesterday. I am sure through for irrigation. We could is a better way to manage with According to the report of HE the real figure at the local level only put one floating water irrigation. Hence, I am issuing a Chan Sarun, Minister for Agri- is higher than the ones gathered pump station – 44. I could re- stern order that there must be culture, Forestry and Fisheries, at the central level. We have call that it was in the cool sufficient fuel for the two water other than rice, we have corn, already reached 1,665,000 hec- weather time. People caught pump stations, or three or four, sweet potato, and cassava. Cas- tares and I am sure by now it is lots of fish. At one point, I if there is a need for them. sava has been cultivating on coming to 1,700,000 hectares thought I should join the locals However, there could be a some 370,000 hectares, corn on already. As far as plowing is in grilling fish, but I could not problem with any standalone some 120,000 hectares and concerned, people have already because of my time. Once we rice field that stretches farer sweet potatoes and other vege- plowed 2,400,000 hectares, of completed the canal, in 2006, I than one kilometer from the table on 24,000 hectares. Cam- which 625,113 hectares plowed came again to see it and listen canal. Provision of water this bodia’s consumption demands by animal power. to the people’s other need. far would not be possible. I more and imports of these They asked for bridges. We would suggest that we provide I have with me here the com- products have come from many then built four bridges for them. them with money for their rice parative figure from each dif- countries. In Phnom Penh, just I also instructed HE Lim Kean that is beyond help instead of ferent year to prove the increas- in one day, the collection of Hor to improve the irrigation working on irrigation since ing use of machines in agricul- wastes has recorded some capacity so that we can provide pumping water for it in this tural activities. After liberating 1,400 tons or even 1,600 tons. water for cultivation in drought case and moment would cost the country and people from The amount consumed by our area like Roka Junloeng. more. Pol Pot, the whole people had people has increased many their bare hands. Under the Here we have the lakes of Sam- Cambodia is not an oil produc- folds. Our people now choose leadership of the Cambodian buor and Pa Ae, where we ing country and even one like the best for their consumption People’s Party in the past 34 could estimate to be reasonably Thailand fuel is not cheap. In- taking into account their con- years, we have made much deep since this man here has donesia too has been jacking up cern for health. differences. Under Pol Pot, they been putting some ten big fish the price of fuel. Oil producing Also recorded this year, sugar- took away a pair of oxen from traps. You can go on using this country like Vietnam benefits cane has been collecting on us and our plowing and raking traditional bamboo traps since from short distance transporta- 17,000 hectares, jute on tools. After the liberation, leav- they are legal tools for fishing. tion. That could help maintain 210,000 hectares, and tobacco ing the collective farming Please do not electrocuting the lower price for fuel. As for our on smaller size of land. mode, people could not get fish. I heard him say he caught pumps, they are half-a-meter or (Talking to Ta Ngim) “Though them all back. Some got ox but various kinds of fish there. three-decimeters in diameter. I also am a heavy smoker, I do not plowing and raking equip- They would consume a lot of Cultivate Rice Twice a Year, not encourage you to do the ments. Some got the plough- fuel to do the job. It would be Profound Developments same.” If people could in any- share but not the ox. Pol Pot’s economical if we pay them for way change their cultivation organization ordered people to I am here today to see a work- their rice beyond providing crop from tobacco to other bring their personal kitchen site that I have entrusted HE irrigation assistance. We may crops, I think it would be good belongings to the collective Lim Kean Hor and HE Aun also instruct our people whose because it would not serve the kitchen. Upon its collapse, Poan Munirath, together with lands locate far from the canal course of encouraging people to some got back their spoons but working group of the Cambo- to grow other vegetables. Those smoke. I am a heavy smoker not their cooking pots. dian People Party, to work on. whose lands locate adjacent to but I do not encourage anyone Ta Ngim here told me before the canals may remain with rice Let me now compare with you to smoke or to advertise on he only cultivate once a year. cultivation. We also have big the difference happened within tobacco. I should say a few Now he could do it twice a market for vegetable. As far as I five years period, under my words about plowing as I had a year. He started with sowing know, these days we import big premiership, between 2008 and trial of the pulled tractor just directly the seed to the plowed amount of vegetables from 2013. In 2008, on August 6, we now. I think I can plow and soil and harvesting in August. neighboring countries. (Continued on page 5)

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(Continued from page 4) activities. Now, young people use parts of them to hire labor bating with snails that eat and plowed only 2,008,342 hec- flock for work in the factories. to work in the fields. That is the destroy the rice plantation. In tares, in which 1,123,492 was The money they make from gradually evolving pattern of addition to this, because sea- done by animal. You can see working in the factories is development of our country. sonal flood from last year was that then about half of the plow- partly used for hiring human too small, we also have this Loss and Profit ing job was done by animal. In labor to plow the soil, transplant problem of rat population in- 2009, on August 5th, we and/or harvest rice. People who Once the lack of water for irri- crease. plowed 2,244,618 hectares and sell their labor transplanting gation is resolved, I would urge Where are these rats coming 1,099,102 hectares were done rainy season rice are mostly our people to work mindfully from? They are the conse- by animal. This has shown us people who farm the dry season on their farms with considera- quence of small flood from last that the area plowed by pulled rice and they are free in the tion between loss and profit. year. I am one of the sons of a tractors increased to over half rainy season. They earn 17,000 Take for instance, brother family that was residing along of the total. In 2010, compiled Riel per day, with two meals Choey here should keep record the river and at the Sambuor for the report on August 4, the included. of his expenses with regard to highland, where we grew rice. total land plowed was his agricultural activities. We Here we have a man who put This situation is no stranger to 2,174,031 hectares and 858,304 need to calculate cost and profit the fish traps but also grow rice. me. People residing along the hectares only were done by to figure out if our action would He goes to check on his traps river are worried when the animal. be paid back with profit. You on his motorbike. What I am flood does not reach to nests of may record your expenses on This should clarify that the rate trying to draw up for you here rats, grasshoppers, etc. The hiring pulled tractors to plow of land plowed using animal is the fact that we are entering second reason of their worry is the soil, and you need to quan- power decreased largely for the mode where our people that without flood infiltration, tify your labor in cash too to get increasing use of pulled trac- who are actually farmers are their land would lack silt top- a better sense of how much you tors. In 2011, April 3, it was also engaging in worker’s ping which is rich in nutrients. have put into the project. Your recorded that 2,361,439 hec- status. That is what I say people labor needs to be quantified In fact, when our people were tares of the land were plowed, who are holding status of being according to the market value. in flood disaster as in 2011, I only 890,557 hectares were both farmer and worker. Look, At present, 17,000 Riel a day also came by to witness the done by animal power. Again, we have factories nearby where with two meals and you are two bridges along what would be this has signified the increasing our people can find extra or people – you and your wife. now National Road 8 that were trend of use of pulled tractors. main jobs while holding on to You must count yourselves in damaged by flood power. Now In 2012, on August 1, we traditional rice cultivation. Here and quantify the cost. we no longer have that problem plowed 2,331,324 hectares and in Khsaj Kandal we also have since we have built a strong only 724,640 hectares did by factories. This is what we After all calculations, you may National Road 8 already. We animal power. It is another big should see as complementary learn in the end how much you do not have “this world-class increase. For this year, as of role between the two. They have spent for rice cultivation advanced ferry” anymore. We yesterday, we have plowed earn between 120 US$ and 170 per hectare. If you harvest three only have it in photo or VDO 2,409,263 hectares, of which USD per month and more if tons of rice from it, you may tapes. It has been replaced by 652,113 hectares were plowed they have better skills. want to work out your loss and bridges and roads. With better by animal power. As we note profit ratio to figure out if you It is prime that in a family peo- roads and bridges though, I am the increasing trend of using make any gain or loss. You ple work out their labor ar- calling for our people’s atten- pulled tractors, we may ask may want to keep track of those rangement as to who would go tion and respect for traffic rules. what has caused this. Of course, expenses and send your report and work in factories and who this means we have more to me. You should send me a Predicting 7.6% Growth, would stay on with traditional pulled tractors. How can we letter and I am sure you can Risks of Flooding and Land farming. No one could plan it acquire more pulled tractors? It make it. (Talking more about Erosion all out except family. (Labor is because our people possess the fisherman’s poor eye-sight). arrangement by anyone outside This year it is important that we the purchasing power. Talking family) would remind us of Pol Rat and Snail Attacks must make efforts to achieve about they have the ability to Pot’s way, which they set so better in every sector of econ- purchase pulled tractors, we As we have here the presence and so number of people to omy, which many experts have must not overlook the fact that of Minister of Agriculture, For- work in the farm and so and so predicted that the economic our people have made actual estry and Fisheries, Chan Sa- number to work in rubber plan- growth would reach 7.6%, a income. run, I may bring up this issue, tation, whom they gave status better performance compared to which I also learnt from the Being Both Farmers as workers. However, to be 7.1% in 2011 and 7.3% in people here that it has come to and Workers able to work in factories, we 2012. I would urge our people them too, of rat and snail at- need to have investors. Inves- to do whatever they can to (Talking about daily fee for tacks. I learnt it started in Prey tors come only when the coun- make sure their rice harvest is laborer in harvesting rice) our Veng province and it has ram- try is at peace and stability. on the better side. What has country has come to a situation paged to this area as well. The With these conditions, they been an encouraging sign is that it is hard to find human Ministry must assist people in would put money in our coun- that, unlike the earlier predic- labor to do the agricultural jobs. every way to fight against this try and build factories for our tion that there would be a short- When there was no factory, attack. The Ministry of Agricul- people to work in. We work in span dry season in the third everyone in the family involved ture, as far as I know, has had the factories to get money to week of July, actually we do in cultivating and harvesting some specific method of com- help our parents, who would (Continued on page 6)

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(Continued from page 5) the course of water by exhum- some people said Hun Sen state of division. I would first not have that period of no rain ing some of the sand at the riv- started to be docile. In fact, I ask for this from members of at all. We have a concern of erbed. have always been docile. I do the Cambodian People’s Party, flooding though. We have had not know how to make them if I could not do so for support- Mourning the Father water coming from the Thai feel so as it is my nature to ers of other parties. I urge that side of the border and this Like what happened to my late speak in big voice or I could not the CPP members be the first to morning the water level mother, my late father was in spit the words out. Yesterday, carry out friendly behavior. If checked in the Stoeng Treng coma for eight consecutive when I thanked the Chinese you all like me, the Cambodian station is 9.24 meters or two days. I touched his feet and I ambassador for expressing her People’s Party and are longing decimeters higher than the day felt he was still there but he condolence over the death of for the country’s peace, I would before. The flood emergency could not talk to us. After the my father, I could not hold my demand from you an abandon- level for Stoeng Treng is 10.7 New Year, he could give me tear. The Chinese ambassador ment of feeling discontent and meters. his Buddhist preaching and he got me the tissue to wipe out hatred caused by exchange of kept asking for me all along. my tear. I lost weight. words and opinions during the In order to observe the flood When I was on mission abroad, election campaign. strength, I have decided to Some politicians said that I he would wait for my return. I come by helicopter. I have seen have become docile because I am making this plea for the am over sixty years old already water at a height that might spill the number of seats won by the whole country and if I could but to my father I am just a kid. over the bank. It is threatening Cambodian People’s Party not have positive response from My children have graduated for Khsaj Kandal of Kandal decreased. In fact, I have said members of other parties, I with Ph. D. and M Sc., etc. but and Srey Santhor of Prey Veng. many times that winning or would cling on to the response to me they are still young. I am I noted that land erosion hap- losing is just a matter of com- of the members of the Cambo- sure my father also looked to pened on either side of the riv- peting. Increasing or decreasing dian People’s Party and those me this way. He used to be erbank. I would urge our people number of seats is just a process who have voted the Cambodian worried when it rained since he residing along the rivers, Me- of democracy and people People’s Party to win the ma- was afraid that the plane could kong and Bassac alike – from would be the ones to decide. jority. Nationwide, 24 constitu- not take me down safely. He Stoeng Treng in the north Winning or losing is not that encies, the majority of the was there though he could not through to the border with Viet- important for a particular party Cambodian electorates have talk to me when I touched his nam in the south - to take high but our nation must win. voted for the Cambodian Peo- feet. precautionary measures. In fact, ple’s Party. It is in this develop- Elections Over, Solidarity for people residing along the wa- My father entered his critical ment that I demand the major- National Development terway would not worry about stage after I accompanied HM ity of our people to act first. flooding, if it is not threatening the King on July 8 and 9 to As the election is now over, I The Cambodian People’s Party as those of 2000 and 2011, Preah Sihanouk province. At would request that we stop has been holding power so far which we called the millen- first, it was planned that we talking about who wins or loses and will continue to do so for nium flood threats. They were both — my wife and I will the election. No matter one the time to come. I am still the too big and causing damages to accompany HM the King. supports and votes for any po- Prime Minister and will be one roads, bridges, water canals, However, my wife had had to litical party, please try to have for the fifth legislative term of homes, etc. The best flood level stay home to look after him. understanding on one another the National Assembly. In this we are looking for is 9.5 meters The specialists from Singapore and stronger solidarity as we all thought, with love and pity on in Phnom Penh flood check told me that my father would are living in the same village. It me, or the Cambodian People’s station ... stay on until 3 am. He was still is personal rights that grandfa- Party, most important of all our there at the predicted time. His ther Ngim chose Party A and I am urging people living along country’s peace and stability, heart briefly gave up four times. brother Choey chose Party B, the rivers to take high precau- the factory to go on working, so Until 4:10 am his soul left and but they both should not be in tionary measures for land ero- that all seven children of our his body rested in my arms. I conflict. They both are Cambo- sion and the local authority brother here can maintain their have not been used to having dian. No one can infringe upon must be on high alert to warn jobs, I am calling urgently on loss him yet. This morning, and/or violate your rights. We our people regularly of flood our people not to be discrimi- after waking up, I thought I had already cast our votes. We are level in addition to news and nate as far as political parties to go see my father in his room. still living in the same village, notification broadcast by radio are concerned. It would not be My father and I have spent hard sharing neighborhood. During and TVs. As far as land erosion an appropriate development lives together. I left him and the the election campaign, I saw is concerned, because I used to that (politicians) in Phnom family when I was 13 years old that members from different live along the river, I think no Penh are talking to one another to Phnom Penh to pursue my political parties were holding one could swim like when I and our people in the villages study. Indeed, we have done hands together. I was so happy, was a small boy from one side are in disputes with one an- the best we can to look after though in the election campaign of the river to the other. When other. and take care of him. He died period, I could not make any the land erosion happened in having got 30 grandchildren comment. Before my absence during the Peam Koh Sna, my birthplace, and 66 great grandchildren. election campaign, in the dis- the washed away soil was stuck I still want to see those pictures. trict of Batheay, Kompong on the other side, Kroj Chhmar, Always Docile I Am, I wish to see that our people, no Cham province, I said loud and my wife’s birthplace. That is Our Nation Truly Wins matter what party they belong, clear that we should not make the nature’s course of action ... could love each other. I would For what I spoke yesterday, All we can do now is to divert not like to see our people in the (Continued on page 7)

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(Continued from page 6) seen in the press this morning. on the way to do thing. Upon In 1993, it was impossible be- the election a cause of breaking First, what I have seen in the hearing his report, I told him cause we then did not yet have our national unity. I am seeking Cambodia Daily and I would that that could be a good way to a Constitution. We fully applied understanding so that we all can suggest that it quotes every- do it. This is how much I can the Constitution in 1998. keep our country and people in thing I said in Stoeng Meanjei clarify the issue and I would The number of seats in the Na- peace. As the election is now intersections and overpass con- ask anyone who has not under- tional Assembly has increased over, I would seek every mem- struction site to make thing stood my speech to quote eve- from 120 in 1993 to 122 and ber of the Cambodian People’s clear. There has been a confu- rything I said. Interpretation in then 123. The Constitution then Party to act first. We must ap- sion that I propose for a forma- newspaper articles have led to a obliged us to make decision ply a Cambodian slogan that tion of an independent commit- different understanding. I must with a two-third majority. That goes “it is not cheap to use your tee to address irregularities. I clarify that I have no right put everything in stalemate hands and it is not expensive to did not do that. According to whatsoever to do it, especially situation. Quorum for a meet- use your mouth.” It is still a what they have written, it when it is not according to law. ing was set for seven tenth of correct proverb. There is one seems that I am the one that Now that the NEC opens for the seats or 87 seats. So in other proverb that goes does. In fact, I said I have the participations from political every meeting, when an elected “bending down for full grain, news that the National Election parties and non-governmental party lacked the 87 seats re- raising head high for empty Committee (NEC) will pursue organizations, and possibly quired would need to seek an- grain.” the matter with existing mecha- officials from the UN agencies, other party’s nod for a meeting. nism but they would allow under the umbrella of the NEC Yesterday some politicians said That was from before the con- political parties and civil society and existing law, I would say it Hun Sen has become docile. I stitutional amendment in 2006, to participate. I would welcome is great. have always been so. The fact I repeat. From the 2006 amend- such a move and the Cambo- that I am talking loud is be- National Assembly Session ment, those problems no longer dian People’s Party would also cause I could not express my- and Formation of Cabinet – exist. I am speaking for the join them. self. For instance when my Not Stuck whole country to listen to and I father passed away, I also This clearly means that we are do not interpret the law as the Yesterday I had a meeting with sobbed when HM the King and not going to form a new com- competency to do so belong to the Ambassador of (the Federal the Queen-Mother were present mittee. It has clearly stipulated the Constitutional Council. republic of) Germany. He to express their condolences. I by law that the NEC will be the asked me about what is to be From now on, to adopt a draft also wept in Beijing (when one to resolve the problems. In done next and I have told him law, we would need an absolute Samdech Preah Norodom Siha- case that they could not resolve everything from the beginning. majority, which requires 63 nouk passed away). It was not them, the matters will be Upon seeing me, first he con- seats in the National Assembly. fate. I really wept. I also shed brought to the attention of the gratulated me for winning the Should any elected candidate my tear when I talked about my Constitutional Council, accord- election and he said even one from any political party choose father yesterday with the Am- ing to existing law. We cannot vote would make you a winner. to boycott the parliamentary bassador of China. Some would afford to do it otherwise. How- He conveyed the message from session, it is his/her rights. We reason that I am docile because ever, should the NEC see that it the German Chancellor Angela can convene a session for only the CPP lost many seats. I al- is necessary for participation Merkel. I probed “I heard just 63 seats to adopt the law, to ready said that in the democ- from political parties, civil soci- now that you congratulated my form the Cabinet. It is clear that ratic process, winning or losing ety, or even officials from UN party for winning the election?” the process is not stuck. Should is indeed up to the people. The agencies, I would have no ob- and he said “yes I certainly the (opposition) party win, they most important thing is that we jection to that. They could par- did.” He asked me what is next. would do the same and they have to make sure our country ticipate to review all irregulari- would not need us too. We wins. Now our country really ties and address all complaints. I told him that recognizing no would not block them from wins and I would like to see it election results is not a new I have seen that the NEC issues convening a session. I would wins more than this. thing. This happened since a communiqué that political suggest everyone who made 1998. The oppositions never I am begging with respect and parties and civil society could comments in the last few days recognized the election results. affection for all of us to have send their staff to participate. to look once again at the 2006 I just repeated what I talked to pity on our nation that used to Yesterday, HE Sam Rainsy and amended Constitution. The the German ambassador yester- be in fracture. I am begging, no HE Sar Kheng were in a phone Cambodian People’s Party, day. I said, they did not recog- matter which party you are conversation on this issue. HE though I do not say how many nize the election results in 1998, voting for, especially those Sar Kheng clearly affirmed that exactly, has received the major- 2003 and 2008 but they never supporters of the CPP to act there is no other way than using ity of vote more than enough to failed to claim their seats in the first in healing this. I do not the mechanism of the NEC, convene the session, to form National Assembly. It is in this know whom you voted for but I with the participation from the Cabinet and to adopt laws, understanding that I have raised know that you all are Cambodi- political parties and non- especially the annual budget the possibility of creating the ans whom I must serve. governmental organizations. law. leadership mechanism of the An Independent Committee Finally, there was an under- National Assembly. After the However, as officials in the Addressing Voting standing that the Cambodian constitutional amendment of Royal Government know al- Irregularities People’s Party and CNRP 2006, formation of the leader- ready, if the budget law were to would send their representa- ship mechanism of the National be stuck, the Cabinet could not Today, please allow me to tives to consult with the NEC Assembly would not be stuck. speak a bit about what I have (Continued on page 8)

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(Continued from page 7) It is not the voice of the Ameri- the seats from any party. How- party or the oppositions. be formed by September or can people or the US congress ever, if an (elected) party aban- Since the election is over, we October, the caretaker govern- or the Senate a whole or the dons their seats, the NEC will should all reside in peace and ment would continue to func- Barack Obama administration. divide those seats among re- work together. From our side, tion, according to the law on maining elected parties. If they In case there is a stalemate, we are ready as I said to the financial system, on a one do not abandon, no one could could the session of the Na- German Ambassador: (1) par- twelfth of the annual budget. It do that. tional Assembly convene, ac- ticipate in the session of the would be sufficient for the cording to what they say the Once the NEC publicly de- National Assembly, while talk Royal Government to take care article 76. That was the case in clares that so and so is elected, should be conducted about the of its payroll and small projects. 2008 when finally the opposi- one primary condition is to take set up of the National Assembly We cannot go into contract tion parties turned up for the swear an oath. If they fail to be leadership. This is a good thing with foreign country for bigger session of the National Assem- present in the first session, they for all of us. (2) In case we can- loans since we need the adop- bly. The NEC will issue its should at least be present to not go through the first door, tion from the National Assem- decision on candidates-elect swear an oath. Should they fail we will have to go through the bly in order to do so. Our na- until there are 123 members of to take an oath, they would not second one. If they do not join tional budget is 15 billion USD. the National Assembly. Should have parliamentary immunity. the session, we will still con- So 1/12 of the budget would be they fail to clarify all 123 mem- The question would be whether vene it. about 1 billion USD, we can bers, the National Assembly (CPP) could proceed with abso- make it. Thank Voters, Next Five would not be able to convene lute majority. We will proceed Years Will Realize Reforms, I would suggest that no country the first session. in forming the leadership struc- International Reserve Fund would threaten us to cut assis- ture of the National Assembly Once the NEC declares all re- tance. Some also make noise and the Cabinet. The other I am grateful for the people quired members, HM the King from Washington to cease so party would do exactly what who have cast their votes and would invite the most senior and so assistance. I could not we are doing now if they are participated in the campaign. member of the National As- stop you from doing that. How- elected and we would not ob- On the election day we noticed sembly to convene other mem- ever, who would be affected ject to that. that some people had first gone bers to the meeting. It would be from this cut? It would not be to the rice field and returned to within 60 days at the latest for Threats of Demonstration the Royal Government but vote later. I thank the authority, the first session of the National primarily those non- People who would participate the armed forces, NEC and Assembly to take place under governmental organizations in any demonstration should those security apparatus for the the presidency of HM the King, that are receiving their money. think of themselves. They have elections that there has not been article 82 of the Constitution. They would not have work to frequently threatened us of their a single death from this elec- do. Their fifty million USD in Therefore, 60 days after the demonstration. The Cambodian tion. assistance is not for the Royal elections, HM the King would People’s Party does not say I thank directly to those who Government to pay for its staff preside over the first session. anything about holding counter voted for the Cambodian Peo- but certain non-governmental Should they choose not to show demonstration. It would be ple’s Party to have the leading organizations. However, those up they would be facing with a dangerous. majority in the whole country. are the voices of just a few big question if they go against The Cambodian People’s Party This shall keep me in leader- members of congress and the the will of the people? How would not resort to that. Let us ship for another five years Senate, not the government of many would show up is not a just understand that if the oppo- where I am sure we will be able President Barack Obama. matter since there has not been sitions have rights to launch to realize reforms successfully any specification as to how We were happy and grateful for demonstration against the elec- and improve our people’s living many would validate the ses- their assistance. I asked my son, tion results, the Cambodian conditions. sion. In order to block the first how much is their military as- People’s Party also does to session, what have they to do We cannot stay as when we sistance? It is roughly about one support them. What situation then? They have to declare were elected in 2008. We will million USD. Maybe we can do could this lead to? Have they, abandoning their seats. The law need to make our rice field without. In the past, they de- who make endless threats of of the National Election Com- better than before, get our ducted their offer of about 100 launching demonstration mittee stipulates that if a party worker better pay, and the used military vehicles. China thought about its conse- abandons its seats or its seats armed forces and civil servants then replaced it with 257 vehi- quences? are denied, the NEC will divide higher salary. In 2003, our eco- cles. the number of seats among the It is high time to talk about nomic condition was more As for the military vehicles, I remaining elected parties in the political and socioeconomic difficult and on the election day did not demand them or said National Assembly. stability, normalcy of people’s we had only 2 billion Riels in anything when it did not hap- livelihood. We also have this the treasury. Today I should I did not know what HE Am- pen. Is it not too extreme that senior secondary school exam declare that we have over 1 bassador of Germany had said, (when something happened coming, why would anyone billion or hundreds of million of but it is not what it was when here) cut aid, (something hap- want to lure them into politics? USD in cash in the treasury. the Cambodian Daily ran an pened there) cut aid. Again, I Workers should work in facto- We have international reserve article that “Hun Sen threatens would stress once again that it ries and farmers should trans- of 3.5 billion USD, not includ- to take seats of the CNRP to is the voice of a few members plant or harvest and not join ing gold reserve ... share among other parties.” I of congress and the senate only. demonstration – not for ruling did not say that. No one takes

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