tuesday, december 22, 2020 Intelligent . In-depth . Independent Issue NUMBER 3567 / 4000 RIEL Bilateral trade with Britain reaches $813M Hin Pisei ministry said, citing data from the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce “A slight decrease in trade volume ary 1 and would not continue the General Department of Customs and (CCC) vice-president Lim Heng told now is not uncommon, due to trade partial suspension of the bloc’s pref- BILATERAL trade volume between Excise of Cambodia. The Post on December 21 that the in every country in the world being erential system from Cambodia with- Cambodia and the UK reached Cambodia’s imports were valued at spread of Covid-19 had led to a like this. in the framework of its Everything $813.22 million in the first 11 months $46.45 million for the period, tum- decline in international trade in “The only countries that did not But Arms (EBA) scheme. of this year, falling 17.61 per cent bling 37.30 per cent year-on-year almost all sectors, with food and agri- experience a [significant] impact on Redshaw made the comment dur- from the $987.09 million logged in from $74.08 million. culture as notable exceptions. international trade during this period ing a meeting with Minister of For- the same period last year, according Most of Cambodia’s exports to the This led to an inevitable reduction were exporters of food and agricul- eign Affairs and International Coop- to the Ministry of Commerce. UK comprised clothing, footwear, in shipments bound for the UK from tural products,” Heng said. eration Prak Sokhonn. Cambodia’s exports were worth bicycles, milled rice and agricul- Cambodia, which exports a great British ambassador to Cambodia The CCC’s Heng said exports from $766.77 million, down 16.02 per cent tural products, while its imports deal of products to the European Tina Redshaw last week said the UK Cambodia to the UK will increase from the $913.01 million posted in mainly consisted of cars and country, he said, stressing the small would implement a trade policy the first 11 months of last year, the machinery, the ministry said. scale of the decline. independent of the EU’s from Janu- Continued – page 7 Mandatory quarantines, high alert at Thai border Niem Chheng 14-day quarantine. “What we need to do now is INISTER of Inte- quarantine at the border. It rior Sar Kheng would be great if we do this suc- stressed to cessfully because then we could authorities of prevent importing the disease Mprovinces bordering Thailand into our country through our that they must strictly enforce migrant workers who will go to instructions from Prime Min- Prey Veng, Svay Rieng, Kam- ister Hun Sen concerning pong Cham or Takeo province. Covid-19 preventive measures If the disease is found at the bor- following detection of a new der, it will circulate only in areas outbreak of the disease in like Battambang or Banteay Thailand’s Samut Sakhon Meanchey.” province. “But if there is a sudden Speaking in Pailin province influx of 100,000 or 200,000 on December 21, Sar Kheng people coming back to Cam- Endangered beauty called on authorities in Preah bodia because they are scared There are approximately 500 to 700 different types of wild Kesor Kol plants present in five areas: the Cardamom Mountains, the central lowlands, the highlands, coastal areas and the islands, and other mountainous regions. HEAN RANGSEY sTORY > 5 Vihear, Oddar Meanchey, [in Thailand], then we would Banteay Meanchey, Battam- need to be vigilant. The prime bang, Pailin, Pursat and Koh minister has already issued Kong provinces – all bordering guidance instructing the use Thailand – to protect the of trucks for transport, rather nation with their diligent than allowing people to travel US gets $900B relief package deal adherence to new safety meas- individually by taxis which ures announced by the prime could potentially spread the US lawmakers reached a deal ger-pointing as well as last- reached with Republicans and consensus both on assistance minister the previous day. disease everywhere,” Sar on December 20 for a nearly minute negotiations that cul- the White House on a deal that to hard-pressed US households When the pandemic began, Kheng said. $900 billion Covid-19 relief pack- minated in a deal lawmakers “delivers urgently needed funds and companies and on the 2021 he said, health measures On December 20, Hun Sen age for millions as the nation said they hoped to approve on to save the lives and livelihoods federal budget in order to avoid applied to returning migrant instructed local authorities struggles against the world’s December 21. of the American people as the a government shutdown. workers included a tempera- along the Thai border to keep largest outbreak of the virus. Republican Senate leader virus accelerates”. Number two Democrat in the ture check for those who only three border crossings The package includes aid Mitch McConnell said in a state- The agreement also has $25 House of Representatives, Steny looked healthy, before letting open in order to easily admin- for vaccine distribution and ment: “We’ve agreed to a pack- billion in housing aid to pre- Hoyer, said he expected the deal them return home. Those who ister the return of Cambodian logistics, extra jobless benefits age of nearly $900 billion. It is vent evictions and nearly $100 to pass on December 21 and showed signs of illness were migrants. He also increased of $300 per week, and a new packed with targeted policies to billion to help schools and then head to the Senate. quarantined and given treat- the amount of money to be round of $600 stimulus checks help struggling Americans who childcare facilities to reopen, This will require passage of a ment as needed before being spent on quarantine works. – half the amount provided in have already waited too long.” a statement from Pelosi and stopgap measure by midnight allowed to go back to their The Bangkok Post reported checks distributed last March Democratic House Speaker Schumer said. on December 20 to keep the communities. on December 21 that more under the CARES Act. Nancy Pelosi and Senate minor- Congress was working under federal government funded an Now, however, all returning It comes after months of ity leader Chuck Schumer con- a deadline of midnight on migrant workers must enter a Continued – page 3 partisan wrangling and fin- firmed an agreement had been December 20, needing to reach Continued – page 6

Ministry appeals for Senate unanimously efforts to keep covid passes Draft Law away for holidays on Gov’t Securities nATIONAL – page 3 business – page 6 2 THE PHNOM PENH POST december 22, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com National Police probe after monk found beaten to death Kingdom’s second woman with rope around neck provincial governor lauded Soth Koemsoeun According to the victim’s Voun Dara nephew, Huot Kakkada, a 24- POLICE are still investigating year-old resident of Phnom INISTER of In- the murder of a pagoda chief Touch commune in Kampong terior Sar Kheng monk who was found dead Speu province’s Oudong dis- on December 21 on the morning of December trict, Rith was born in Kandal congratulated 20 in Vihear Luong commune province’s Ang Snuol district. Mnew Pailin provincial governor in Kandal province’s north- Rith never married nor had Ban Sreymom as she became ernmost Ponhea Leu district. any children. the nation’s second woman to The body of Chey Rith, the Kakkada said Rith had told hold a provincial governorship. chief monk of Preah Chedei his relatives that he owned Sar Kheng expressed his Thmey pagoda in Chedei two flats near Morn Arng support for Sreymom and Thmey village, was found in Market in Phnom Penh’s encouraged her to draw on his room with bruises on his Tuol Kork district, which he her leadership experience as face and mouth and a rope had had been renting out. a parliamentarian to coordi- been tied around his neck. He said the monk also owned nate local government efforts The victim’s relatives claim many plots of land with hard to develop the province fur- that land titles and other titles as well as a significant ther. He called on officials at valuable property have gone amount of cash. Following the all levels to offer their coop- missing and were possibly murder, he said some of Rith’s eration to the new governor. stolen in the incident. valuables and land titles ap- “I request that the provincial Provincial police chief peared to be missing. council, the deputy provincial Chhoeun Sochet said on De- Kakkada said that on the governors, subordinate depart- cember 21 that officials could morning of December 20, a ments and units, civil servants, not yet determine whether it nun noticed that the chief armed forces . . . as well as the was due to rancour, such as monk had not come to have general public in Pailin prov- Newly-minted Pailin provincial governor Ban Sreymom became the nation’s second woman to hold a provincial governorship. SUPPLIED a personal dispute, or as part breakfast as usual. She then ince support Her Excellency of a robbery. went to check on him in his Ban Sreymom in her efforts avert a backlog of court cases. a high-level leadership role. cal and national institutions in “We are currently investi- room and saw that the door to maintain and strengthen “The policy is directly en- She vowed to learn from her order to overcome the difficul- gating. If there’s any addition- was slightly ajar, but she peace, stability, security and meshed with the security of predecessor and colleagues ties imposed by this crisis.” al information uncovered, I’ll could not open it so she then public order for the benefit of the people’s livelihoods, so as they continue the work of Sreymom replaces Phan inform you later. But at this went to ask for help from an- the people of this province and the implementation of the developing the province. Chantul who was transferred time, I can’t yet present any other nun. growth in all sectors,” he said. policy gets a lot of support,” “I vow to do my best to accept to the interior ministry as an findings. Regarding his [alleg- Once they had managed to Sar Kheng advised all capi- he said, adding that the local people’s participation, opinions undersecretary of state. edly stolen] property, that is open the door they saw right tal and provincial governors to authorities, particularly the and cooperation so that we Sar Kheng also praised also still under investigation,” away that the chief monk continue implementation of governors of the capital and may best learn from each other, Chanthul for his leadership Sochet said. was dead. the so-called safe village/com- provinces, have helped to to justify the trust placed in us as the previous governor, District police chief Duong “When the nuns saw this, mune policy and mechanisms solve people’s disputes out- by the senior leadership and to crediting him with successful Teng said the pagoda board they shouted for help and to resolve issues raised by the side of the court system. fulfil the hopes of residents in efforts to coordinate develop- committee had reported to alarmed everyone, and the public in an efficient and timely Sreymom thanked the gov- Pailin province,” she said. ment across the province and authorities that the pagoda priest then went to the au- manner. He advocated adopt- ernment for putting its faith in In the context of the ongoing achieving resolution of many chief monk, also known as thorities to request an autop- ing dispute resolution policies her and, in particular, provid- Covid-19 pandemic, Sreymom challenging problems and Rorn, 50, was found dead in sy on his body,” he said. that could function outside the ing an opportunity to her as said: “I will strive to cooperate proposals of residents during an apparent homicide. According to Kakkada, the judicial system to avoid and a Khmer woman to perform closely with [officials] at all lo- his tenure. Teng said forensic experts victim previously considered went to examine the crime a man living in Kampong scene and his body at the Speu province’s Oudong dis- time of the incident and trict as his god-brother, who confirmed that he was mur- frequently visited his room in dered. Authorities had ques- the pagoda. 405 families to relocate for S Reap project tioned potential witnesses Kakkada and the rest of the and some suspects had al- victim’s family called on the Orm Bunthoeurn ready been identified. police to find the killer and “I can’t say anything more bring them to justice. SOME 400 families have agreed to relocate because we are in the middle to the Run Ta Ek Eco village development of the investigation process www.phnompenhpost.com zone in Run Ta Ek commune in Siem Reap and the murderer is still at check the post website province’s Banteay Srei district in exchange large,” he said. for breaking news for vacating land they currently occupy along the Siem Reap River between Dragon Bridge and Angkor Bridge in Siem Reap town. Hy Say, director of the provincial Depart- ment of Land Management, Urban Plan- ning and Construction, said the authori- ties need to move forward with a plan to build scenic pathways along the historic river as a tourist attraction. Say said that on December 19 the pro- vincial land management department collaborated with the Apsara National Authority (ANA) to decide on the reloca- tion through a land lottery programme. Out of the 430 families, 405 agreed to take their chances in the lottery for new land plots, with the other 25 families refusing to take part in the drawing. “For the other 25 families, some of them Out of the 430 families, 405 agreed to take their chances in the lottery for new land plots, with the other 25 families refusing to take part in the drawing. Siem Reap Provincial Hall may not want to participate in the lottery because they do not agree to [the reloca- the river to see the new land location refused to relocate for comment. tion plans]. I don’t know clearly yet about where the government had already begun Sous Narin, the provincial monitor for the reasons why two or three families are to set up the infrastructure and border rights group Adhoc, called on the author- not happy,” he said. posts, assign plot numbers and install ities to provide solutions for all the dis- Hay said the new plots of land for each power lines to provide electricity. possessed rather than just those living family measured 20m by 30m. However, Penh Chanmarineth, 40, who had along the banks of the Siem Reap River. they would need to clear the forest on accepted a new land plot, said she was “What about the people living in Siem the land themselves. happy that the authorities had already Reap town who were affected due to the “We divided the plots in a natural man- prepared infrastructure including elec- expansion of the roads or the implemen- ner; the roads maybe cut off some parts. tricity, wells and toilets to use. tation of other government projects? They The size of the plots of land is a little var- “Today I saw the new location. The should find solutions for everyone, not iable, they cannot all be exactly the same land has not yet been cleared of forest, just focus on the people living along the size of 20m by 30m,” Say said, adding that but I am happy. Even though the new Siem Reap River,” he said. the new location is not considered to be location is far away that’s not a problem. However, Narin said Adhoc had not a densely forested area. The important thing is that we have a received any complaints from residents Say said that on December 21, the pro- proper place to live,” she said. about the impact of road expansion in vincial authorities took the families from The Post could not reach those who Siem Reap as of December 21. THE PHNOM PENH POST december 22, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 3 National Caution urged as holidays near Japanese aid expected Mom Kunthear to improve services for

HE Ministry of Health urged Cambodians 7,500 hearing impaired and foreigners living in Cambodia to join Mom Kunthear According to the press re- theT government in preventing lease, this project is expected Covid-19 community transmis- THE Japanese government to help more than 210 stu- sions as Christmas and New has provided $288,473 in to- dents and their teachers by Year’s Eve are approaching. tal for three recipient organi- improving their learning en- The Covid-19 situation in sations under the framework vironment. Cambodia has largely eased, of the Grant Assistance for The third grant recipient is with individuals who tested Grassroots Human Security All Ears Cambodia and their positive for Covid-19 in con- Project (“KUSANONE”). “Project for Installing Hearing nection with the November 28 The funds are earmarked to Diagnostic Equipment and community incident – a ref- be used for the installation of Strengthening Communica- erence to the first confirmed medical equipment, braille tion Therapy Services for Chil- case of local transmission – equipment and hearing diag- dren in Phnom Penh and 6 continuing to recover. nostic equipment. The three provinces”, which was provid- However, the Covid-19 situ- recipients are Prey Kabas ed with $103,847 in funding. ations in the region and other Operational District, Krousar For this project, medical parts of the world have not Thmey Cambodia and All equipment related to hear- subsided, prompting the min- Ears Cambodia. ing and deafness such as a istry to issue the warning. The grant contracts were real ear measurement and The ministry said people signed on December 21 be- speech mapping system, need to consistently follow tween Ambassador Extraor- oto-endoscope system, tym- the guidance of the prime dinary and Plenipotentiary of panometer, two pure tone/ People celebrate the New Year in Phnom Penh on January 1. hong menea minister and the ministry. Japan to Cambodia Masahiro speech audiometers and one They are required to follow for helping to implement the mas this year. They have to fol- old Cambodian-American Mikami and representatives middle ear analyser will be main precautionary mea- measures professionally. low the Covid-19 preventive woman who arrived in Cam- from the three recipient or- purchased by All Ears Cam- sures such as wearing masks, “[The ministry] has respond- measures consistently, under bodia from the US via Taiwan ganisations. bodia in order to strengthen washing hands with soap, ed and intervened quickly the advice of the health min- on December 20. According to a press re- their diagnostic and rehabil- alcohol or gel and maintain according to five principles – istry, including wearing masks, The woman was travelling lease from the Japanese em- itation capacity. social distancing. search [suspected cases], con- taking temperature, washing with 43 other passengers, all bassy, the Japanese govern- “[All Ears Cambodia] has They are advised against tact tracing, isolation, treatment hands frequently and main- of whom tested negative for ment has provided $87,900 been providing services to going to indoor, overcrowded and protection,” she said. taining social distancing. Covid-19. Among them, 36 to “The Project for Installing hearing-impaired people. places as well as hugging or She said the government, They also have to limit the passengers are in quarantine Medical Equipment at Ang- Through this project, more shaking hands. civil society organisations number of participants at at a hotel in Phnom Penh while kor Borey Referral Hospital than 7,500 patients will ben- Health ministry spokes- and inter-sectoral partners churches, take turns to partici- seven others are in quarantine in Takeo province”, to be efit from better quality of di- woman Or Vandine said the had collaborated well in re- pate in ceremonies, and are ad- at the Hun Sen Borey 100 Kh- managed by the Prey Kabas agnostic and communication government had carried out sponse to Covid-19. vised to postpone ceremonies nong High School. Operational District. therapy services,” the press strict Covid-19 protective mea- Christian Cambodia instruct- or celebrate them at home. As of December 21, Cam- This project will entail the released noted. sures, with no Covid-19-relat- ed bishops, priests and pastors On December 21, the min- bodia had recorded a total of installation of one x-ray ma- In his remarks at the sign- ed deaths recorded so far. She and Christians of all denomi- istry reported a new imported 363 Covid-19 cases, with 345 chine, one ultrasound ma- ing ceremony, Japanese am- praised medical professionals nations not to celebrate Christ- case of Covid-19 – a 55-year- recoveries. chine and one power genera- bassador Mikami said: “I am tor at Angkor Borey Referral pleased to see that Cambodia Hospital. Currently, the hospi- has been developing rap- tal is not capable of diagnos- idly recently. However, I also ing patients sufficiently due to recognise that there are still IOM monitoring returning migrant workers the lack of this equipment. some challenges that need “Through this project, ap- to be addressed to improve Continued from page 1 control of the return of tions of all provinces affected ance and distribution of per- proximately 1,500 patients people’s quality of life.” migrants, including requiring by returning migrant workers sonal hygiene materials to will have access to improved He added that Japan will than 800 Covid-19 cases were them to undergo quarantine. since the outbreak of the pan- quarantined individuals, per- medical services annually,” continue to contribute to found in Samut Sakhon at a The directive said: “Interna- demic. sonal protective equipment said the press release. addressing these challenges wholesale shrimp market. tional border checkpoint Kristin Parco, chief of mis- (PPE) for health workers and The second grant goes to through various economic General Keo Vanthan, spokes- police must monitor all direc- sion for IOM Cambodia, said Covid-19 prevention aware- “The Project for Installing and development coopera- person at the General Depart- tions under their jurisdiction via email on December 21 that ness seminars at the commu- Braille Equipment at Special tion frameworks, including ment of Immigration said on and stop travellers, especially staff members are working nity level in border areas. Schools in Phnom Penh and the KUSANONE project. December 21 that the situation returning migrant workers with the government to sup- Parco appealed to migrant 3 Provinces”, with a funding Japan’s KUSANONE project at border crossings with Thai- from Thailand, and bring them port migrants when they cross workers, saying: “This year has total of $96,726. started in Cambodia in 1991, land remained normal. to health officials for testing the border, during their stay at been a big challenge for us all, Under the management aiming to support Cambodia’s Nevertheless, on December and quarantine.” quarantine facilities and when and you are not alone in this of recipient organisation reconstruction and develop- 21, the department issued a The directive urged immi- they get back to their home time of crisis. We recognise Krousar Thmey Cambodia, ment at the grassroots level. directive calling for all interna- gration officials, as the nation’s communities. your contribution and bravery four braille printers and four Since 1991, the Japanese tional checkpoints along the frontline defence, to be vigi- She said IOM are in discus- working amid the Covid-19 sets of audio recording equip- government has provided Cambodia-Thailand border to lant in protecting themselves sion with sub-national level pandemic. Thank you. Please ment will be installed at spe- over $62 million in grants, be on high alert. All police offi- from contracting the disease. authorities and provincial practice preventive measures cial schools that serve visually mainly to local authorities cials at international check- Officials from the Interna- health departments in each of to protect yourselves and your impaired students in Phnom and non-governmental or- points are instructed to work tional Organisation for Migra- the affected provinces to assess families and follow the guid- Penh and the provinces of ganisations, to implement 638 closely with officials from the tion (IOM) Cambodia have the support needed in each ance of the health ministry so Kampong Cham, Siem Reap KUSANONE-funded projects Ministry of Health for strict been present at border sta- locale, including food assist- you can be safe.” and Battambang. throughout Cambodia. CCC begin hearings over disputed voter lists Nov Sivutha LDP spokesman Ie Sangleng al Som Sorida said he expected lawful conditions. Registrars told The Post on December 21 that the CCC will uphold the have filed photographs and THE Constitutional Council that the National Election Com- committee’s decisions. supporting data related to the of Cambodia (CCC) on De- mittee (NEC) had refused to He said the NEC had made voting roster,” Sorida said. cember 21 began hearing a delete the names after they had its determinations about vot- Sam Kuntheamy, execu- series of complaints filed by been identified. He alleged that er registrations carefully and tive director of the election the League for Democracy election officials had processed with attention to each spe- watchdog Neutral and Impar- Party (LDP) over irregularities the registrations after local au- cific case. The committee, he tial Committee for Free and in the voter registration list. thorities had forged documents. added, has always investigat- Fair Elections in Cambodia, CCC president Im Chhun Party representatives were ed complaints, and the elec- said he intended to observe Lim presided over the hearings ready to present their findings tion secretariat has verified the hearing but had not been which are scheduled to be com- in the hearings, he said, but that each registration adheres invited to participate. pleted by December 23, accord- he declined to speculate in to stipulations defined in the “I expect that the CCC will hold ing to a press release from the what way the council would parliamentary election law. this hearing in accordance with council’s general secretariat. rule on the matter, citing past “Before deciding to register the principle of the rule of law The LDP has filed 95 com- condemnations the party had or delete any names of citi- and the proper legal procedures plaints pertaining to names of borne over issuing premature zens in the voters list, registra- established to address com- citizens on the voter rolls who declarations. Nevertheless, he tion documents must be veri- plaints of this sort. The irregular- have no listed residential ad- believes the party’s concerns fied as containing all relevant ities which have been identified dress but whom authorities are legal and pragmatic. information, presented truth- appear to be in contravention of Constitutional Council of Cambodia president Im Chhun Lim . ccc had allowed to register to vote. NEC deputy secretary-gener- fully and clearly and meeting the law,” he said. 4 THE PHNOM PENH POST december 22, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com National Kampot to Rainsy’s case issue park of incitement land titles Nov Sivutha heard in court

THE Kampot provincial authorities will Kim Sarom case was related to sensational grant land titles for 2,500 plots covering claims Rainsy had made about 6,649ha in Preah Monivong Bokor Na- N December 21, the death of former National tional Park to local residents who applied the Phnom Penh Police chief Hok Lundy. for official occupation and usage permits, Municipal Court held Rainsy also stands accused according to the provincial Department a hearing on charges of inciting people to refuse of Environment director Suy Thea. ofO incitement to cause social to pay the interest on their Thea told The Post on December 21 chaos that have been levelled at bank loans. that titles will be issued to 2,138 families The Kampot provincial authorities will grant land titles for 2,500 plots covering 66.49sq km in self-exiled Sam Rainsy and two In June, the Criminal Court in who applied for the eligible plots after Preah Monivong Bokor National Park to local residents who applied for official occupation and of his alleged accomplices. Paris, France, charged Rainsy usage permits. SUPPLIED officials survey and demarcate the land. The court will announce a with public defamation follow- A total of 3,386 families have submitted ing in the area as well as people from A Phnom Touch villager in Banteay verdict on December 30. ing a complaint by Dy Vichea, application forms for deeds to 3,913 plots outside buying plantations,” Thea said. Meas district’s Sdech Kong Khang Tbong Municipal court spokesman the son of the late police chief. amounting to 12,247ha. But after examin- He noted that the report was preliminary commune said certain residents have Kuch Kimlong confirmed to Rainsy remains in self-exile ing the application forms, the department’s and a final decision on the matter was the lived in the Preah Monivong Bokor Na- The Post that the court heard and is unlikely to return to face working group decided to exclude 1,413 purview of the provincial administration tional Park area from the 1980s and testimony in a case against punishment should he be con- forest-land plots amounting to 5,598ha oc- and the environment ministry. The report 1990s until now. They had grown corn, Rainsy, the former president victed on these latest charges. cupied by 1,248 families, Thea said. might be amended after provincial and na- potatoes and other cash crops. of the Supreme Court-dis- His lawyer Sam Sokong He explained that, in principle, the tional-level officials conduct land surveys He said authorities had recently told solved Cambodia National could not be reached for com- government does not grant titles to for- and determine final allocation details. them to submit applications for official Rescue Party (CNRP). ment on December 21. est-covered land. But in this case, the Yun Phally, the provincial coordinator occupation and use of the land, but he Rainsy’s alleged accomplic- working group and relevant institutions for rights group Adhoc, explained that had not yet seen any results come of it. es facing the same charges will measure land which has been certi- the environment department had invited “In my practical observation, residents are Monk But Buntenh and fied by commune authorities and which residents to submit applications to oc- have been waiting for the authorities to Tum Bunthorn. had been used for growing crops. The cupy land in the Preah Monivong Bokor go to measure land for which they sub- The Presiding Judge in the government will then officially grant the National Park for the purpose of relying mitted the application forms for practi- case is Ros Piseth and the land to the applicants for their use to on it for their livelihoods. The department cal livelihoods. If the government does prosecutor is Seng Heang. sustain their livelihoods. would present its report to national-level not now follow through, residents might If found guilty, the three face “The environment department has col- authorities, but officials had not yet gone protest,” the villager said. a prison sentence of between lected the data of residents who submit- to survey the land to be allocated, he said. At a Cabinet meeting in July, Prime Min- six months and two years and ted application forms to occupy cleared Phally noted that he had not heard of any ister Hun Sen instructed the ministries of a fine of between one million land and will report to the provincial protests from local residents with regard to Environment; Agriculture, Forestry and riel and four million riel ($250 governor and a representative of the this issue, but he was concerned about how Fisheries; and Land Management, Urban and $1,000). environment ministry, including cases widely information about the application Planning and Construction to allocate land Kimlong did not offer fur- where we have excluded forest land. process had been disseminated among in conservation areas and other protected ther details about the trial, Sam Rainsy, the former president “Applicants to occupy land in this park them. It seemed that some people were still state land to residents who have been rely- but a court official who asked of the Supreme Court-dissolved included villagers and other people liv- only vaguely aware the project, he said. ing on it for their sustenance. not to be named said the CNRP. HONG MENEA THE PHNOM PENH POST december 22, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 5 National Endangered status mulled for Kesor Kol

Long Kimmarita

HE Ministry of Environment is planning to declare wild Kesor Kol plants – a type of orchid – an endangered spe- ciesT with increased protections, according to the ministry’s secretary of state Neth Pheaktra. Pheaktra also warned of legal ac- tion against those who collect or sell wild Kesor Kol and those who trans- port the plants abroad. The warning came as he led a team from the ministry and more than 30 journalists on a trip to inspect the Ke- sor Kol Sok An Phnom Kulen Research and Conservation Centre in Siem Reap province on December 19. Most of the commercially valuable and endangered wild Kesor Kol are located in the Cardamom Moun- tains and highlands areas. Pheaktra said that in Cambodia, there are approximately 500 to 700 different types of wild Kesor Kol plants present in five areas: the Car- damom Mountains, the central low- lands, the highlands, coastal areas and the islands, and other moun- tainous regions. He added that due to the destruc- Enviornment ministry spokesman Neth Pheaktra (centre) leads a team from the ministry and more than 30 journalists on a trip to inspect the Kesor Kol Sok An Phnom Kulen Research and Conservation Centre in Siem Reap province on December 19. hEAN RANGSEY tion of wild Kesor Kol habitat and the over-harvesting and exploitation of buy, sell and transport wild Kesor the confluence of the Tonle Sap and who is also in charge of wild Kesor in our country,” she said. plants through illegal collection and Kol with the intent to destroy them Mekong rivers. The remaining two Kol conservation at Kesor Kol Sok An “We will collect wild Kesor Kol and trade, many types of wild Kesor Kol could face a fine and imprisonment per cent of wild Kesor Kol can mostly Phnom Kulen Research and Conser- other important flowers to keep in had become critically endangered. for one to five years. be found in the Dangrek mountain vation Centre, said Cambodia estab- this centre to make it easier to re- “The environment ministry would “Of the 500 to 700 types of wild Ke- range and east of the Tonle Sap river. lished the centre at the end of 2018 introduce them to the forest. The like to warn those who do big busi- sor Kol, some are endangered and Meanwhile, through the Kesor Kol to collect wildflowers for conserva- younger generation should come ness selling wild Kesor Kol, and those some are almost extinct. The envi- Sok An Phnom Kulen Research and tion and hybrid plant breeding. and learn about wild plants and who destroy it, that we will apply legal ronment ministry has been prepar- Conservation Centre, the minis- She added that if Cambodia had flowers in Cambodia, especially the measures. The ministry has already ing to [legally] declare these plants try has been conducting research, not established the centre it would wild Kesor Kol,” she added. warned those doing business [collect- as endangered and to be protected. compiling data, and working on have faced the certain loss of rare According to Somaly, in the future ing or selling wild Kesor Kol] that their They may disappear if we do not the identification of previously un- flowers due to the over-collection of the centre also plans to establish a activities have grown excessive now to take action,” he said. known species of wild Kesor Kol. them for export. research centre for flower varieties the point of devastation and we won’t According to the ministry, about Currently, the centre has pre- “This centre is for the benefit of as well as an entertainment attrac- let them continue to do it,” he said. 40 per cent of Cambodian wild Kesor served about 150 types of wild Kesor our people and our nation and it is tion for tourists and nature lovers to Pheaktra said that all types of wild Kol is found in the Cardamom Moun- Kol, along with 15 types of fern and the first such centre in Cambodia. learn about plants in Cambodia. Kesor Kol and other natural resourc- tains (including Bokor Mountain), 35 four types of hoya. This centre was created for the pro- She said wild Kesor Kol was a rare nat- es in designated areas are protected per cent in coastal areas, 13 per cent Chan Somaly, the environment tection and conservation of wild Ke- ural resource in Cambodia that needs by law. He said those who collect, in dry forest areas, and 10 per cent at ministry under-secretary of state sor Kol and other important plants to be maintained and conserved. Old Khmer dictionary nearly done Hunt on after man Voun Dara from the most important bludgeons wife to such as gods, kings or of- THE National Language Insti- ficials on down to people of tute (NLI) at the Royal Acade- lesser note such as servants. death in Siem Reap my of Cambodia (RAC) plans “This dictionary will provide to publish a 2,200-page Ang- a lot of help to researchers, es- Orm Bunthoeurn ple stayed said that the couple korian Old Khmer dictionary pecially those studying [Ang- always argued until 9pm. She during the first half of 2021. korian Old] Khmer language SIEM Reap provincial police said the suspect hit his wife’s The typeface that will be or literature, but also for re- are searching for a man who head with a big wooden stick used for the words in this dic- searchers studying ancient hit and killed his wife on the and stone, inflicting injury to tionary is the result of research sites and so on,” he said. night of December 19 at a the victim and she died in a that was done on ancient Bora said that after the construction site in Kruos pool of blood on the spot. Khmer-language inscription publication of the dictionary village, Siem Reap province’s Ngik added that a few other stones from the ninth century in print, the RAC will turn it Svay Dangkum commune. witnesses did not know how the to the 14th century. into an e-dictionary and mo- Provincial serious crimes bu- suspect hit his wife. When they NLI director Meakh Bora, bile app that will give easy reau chief Duong Sokha said saw the victim, she was already who spearheaded the tech- and convenient access for re- that by December 21 the po- lying dead. Whereby, some other nical research task force that searchers who study inscrip- lice are still searching for the witnesses confirmed that they compiled this dictionary, told tion stones and people trying whereabouts of the suspect. saw the murder, but they were The Post on December 22 that to become literate in Angko- “We are investigating [the too afraid to shout out for help. they had been working on the rian Old Khmer, at no cost. case and trying] to arrest the “Someone saw the killer The National Language Institute’s technical research task force has project since 2005 and that been working on the Angkorian Old Khmer dictionary since 2005. RAC Khmer Writers Association suspect. Until now, we are but they were too frightened they expect to complete the president Proeung Pranit still looking for the suspect, to shout, because at that work by the end of this year. speech they happened to be en from ancient inscription supported the work of the re- but police already identified time the suspect was car- “We can publish it next year. — such as verbs, nouns, ad- stones from the ninth century searchers to compile this dic- him,” Sokha said. rying a big stick. They were The task force to research jectives, or prepositions. to the 14th century. tionary, saying: “Previously, Svay Dangkum commune scared that the suspect will and compile this dictionary They also documented Ang- Many of the words are place Cambodia had not yet had a deputy chief police Oeun hit them too,” Ngik said. is comprised of seven mem- kor era punctuation. names, such as the names of dictionary interpreting the Ngik said that the suspect, 36, Svay Dangkum commune bers. They all are part of the “We don’t create words on ancient cities. One example [Angkorian Old] Khmer lan- is a construction worker. police released a report, which NLI working group,” he said. our own. We take ancient is “indrabora” which means guage from sources such as He is from Kampong Cham stated that the murder started Bora added that the focus words that have been used a greater or better city in the these inscription stones. province. The wife was iden- from an argument between of this dictionary was funda- on inscription stones to in- older Khmer variant. The “Institutions and research- tified as Sim Samphors, a 19- the suspect and his wife. mental language elements terpret their definitions and study of place names is called ers have often interpreted year-old construction worker The expert police have sug- such as vocabulary words then translate them into pres- toponymy and the words the words on the inscription who comes from Nimith gested that the victim died from the Angkor era. ent meanings,” he said. themselves toponyms. stones differently. So, this commune of Poipet town, from the attack. They inventoried how many Bora continued that this Other words in the dic- dictionary will greatly assist Banteay Meanchey province. words they had encountered dictionary consisted of over tionary are related to vari- collaboration between re- According to Ngik, one of www.phnompenhpost.com from the Angkor era in their 19,000 Angkorian Old Khmer ous people or categories of searchers studying the his- the witnesses from the con- check the post website research and which part of words. The words were tak- people from the Angkor era, tory of our nation.” struction site where the cou- for breaking news 6 THE PHNOM PENH POST december 22, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com Business

USD / KHR USD / CAD USD / CNY USD / JPY USD / MYR USD / SGD USD / THB AUD / USD EUR / USD GBP / USD 4,041 1.2910 6.5502 103.74 4.0510 1.3376 30.06 0.7498 1.2176 1.3220 Senate passes draft law on Gov’t Securities May Kunmakara management including the en- hancement of the cash need of the HE Senate on December 21 government; the response to the approved on the Draft Law financial need for the development on Government Securities of economy and society; the devel- which allows the government opment of the capital and financial toT prepare bonds to issue in the capital market; and the support of the nec- market to collect funds from the pub- essary and priority projects.” lic for the country’s development. Securities and Exchange Commis- Insiders hope the government will sion of Cambodia director-general Sou promulgate the law next year. Socheat said government securities The 57 senators unanimously ap- are a new financial instrument which proved the bill at the 6th Senate he believes will soon list on the Cam- Session on December 21 after the bodia Securities Exchange (CSX). bill was greenlit at a Cabinet meet- He said: “Once listed on the Cam- ing presided over by Prime Minister bodia Securities Exchange, it’ll The Cambodia Securities Exchange may soon see the addition of government securities. hONG MENEA Hun Sen early in September. provide the market a new comple- Government securities are a vital fi- mentary instrument for trading He said: “We have seen that all the a very important role for the future backed by the government and rep- nancial tool for governments to raise as in our neighbouring countries, stakeholders have been working tire- of the market as a whole.” resent the national economy. financing from the domestic private especially Vietnam – their govern- lessly to bring this draft law to the table He explained that “government “Government securities will play a sector and from abroad for socio- ment-bond trading is very active. and now the draft is already approved. securities” are a type of debt obliga- vital role in securing the government economic development, according “We do hope that once we have “We expect that the law will be tion that is offered by governments cash flows and will become another to the minutes of the meeting. the issuance of the government se- promulgated and put into use in to raises fund from the public for source of fund to support govern- The final version of the draft bill curities, the government will decide the coming 2021, meaning that there any public development project. ment development projects that help states: “The bill aims to provide a com- to list them on the CSX, allowing all will be one more crucial invest- “Government securities” come reduce reliance on existing sources mon framework for the management public investors to invest.” ment alternative for both the indi- with lower risk compared to the oth- like foreign borrowings,” Ha said. on issuance, trading, and the efficient, CSX vice-president Ha Jong-weon vidual and institutional investors. er debt instruments, he said, add- There are currently 13 listed firms accountable and transparent manage- told The Post that the senate’s approv- “The CSX, one of the main stake- ing that investors such as pension in the Kingdom – seven stock-listed ment of government securities. al of the draft law shows state bodies’ holders in the securities market, is funds, securities funds, insurance and six corporate bond-listed. The “[It] also [aims] to ensure the commitment to the development of delighted for this good news and companies and commercial banks 13 companies have raised a com- sustainability of the public debt the securities sector in Cambodia. hope that this milestone will play seek to invest in them since they are bined $253 million. B Meanchey trade fair postponed ‘No time to waste’ as US Thou Vireak cases, deaths speed up

THE Ministry of Commerce on Continued from page 1 New assistance for strug- December 18 said it will indef- gling businesses and the initely postpone another trade extra 24 hours and avert a shut- unemployed is seen as critical fair under the umbrella of the down. to getting the world’s biggest fifth season of its “Buy Cambo- Schumer and Pelosi said in economy back on its feet, dian Campaign” as a measure a statement: “The House will while new vaccines offer hope to prevent the spread of the move swiftly to pass this legis- that an end to the pandemic Covid-19 disease. lation immediately, so it can may be in sight. The exhibition was initially quickly be sent to the Senate The initial $2.2 trillion package scheduled to be held from and then to the president’s passed in March was credited December 24-27 in Sisophon desk for his signature. with preventing a much more town, the provincial capital of “With the horrifying accel- severe economic downturn. Banteay Meanchey. eration of daily infections and It included huge amounts to Ministry spokesman Seang deaths, there is no time to rescue US companies, includ- Thay told The Post that his waste.” ing $377 billion in grants to ministry’s decision was in Democrats and Republicans small businesses to pay work- compliance with government have been trading blame for ers and rent, $500 billion for guidelines to prevent the months over the failure to loans to larger businesses and spread of Covid-19 in an effec- reach a deal on this second states and nearly $600 billion tive and timely manner. relief plan – and continued to in tax breaks and deferrals. He said: “While the post- do so even after the deal was But critics said too much ponement of the exhibition in agreed on December 20. assistance went to big corpora- Banteay Meanchey at this time As the pandemic continues tions and not enough to ordinary will cause an interruption in Cambodian-product exhibitions last year would usually have 100-200 booths on display. hENG CHIVOAN to take a record toll in US cas- people and small businesses. the dissemination and promo- es and deaths, the economy On December 16, US Federal tion of Cambodian products, CEO Keo Mom said the delay to help promote Cambodian to be downsized to just 60 booths has been gravely battered, Reserve (Fed) chairman Jerome we all know that the fight would not affect the promo- products, and we are an SME to keep in line with the Ministry with jobless numbers rising in Powell stressed the high risk against the Covid-19 pandem- tion of small and medium- committed to joining the gov- of Health’s preventive measures, the past two weeks. that countless small businesses ic is very important. sized enterprises (SMEs). ernment next time,” Mom said. he said, adding that 50 compa- Making matters still worse, could go bust in the absence of “Exhibitors, producers and She said SMEs still have the Thay noted that between 100 nies had registered for the most millions across the country new federal aid. customers will have fresh opportunity to participate in and 200 booths were usually recent fair in Sisophon. were set to lose jobless bene- The Fed has estimated that opportunities to promote Cam- the ministry’s exhibition set up at ministry-organised The commerce ministry is fits after Christmas, even as the jobless rate will end the year bodian products, as the minis- events after the disease has Cambodian-product exhibi- likely to postpone the “Buy Cam- federal moratoriums on evic- at 6.7 per cent before dipping to try plans to hold more events been brought under control. tions last year, and 350 at the bodian Campaign” fairs in Siem tions and on repayment of five per cent next year – still a when the situation improves.” “We hope the ministry will annual import-export fair. Reap and Preah Vihear prov- student loans are to expire at long way from the 3.5 per cent Ly Ly Food Industry Co Ltd continue to organise exhibitions But Covid-19-era events had inces as well, he lamented. the end of the month. registered in February. AFP THE PHNOM PENH POST december 22, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 7 Business $480M in trade value created Three firms plan to use crop-dusters by Thai gov’t Thou Vireak their products, which could be Japan, South Korea or China. OBM platform HREE leading agricul- “It is smart to maintain a tural firms have flexible infrastructure when THAILAND’S Department of unveiled plans to use exploring foreign markets for International Trade Promotion small aircraft for ferti- export of agricultural prod- revealed last week that its lisingT agricultural crops, espe- ucts,” Sakhon said. online business matching cially yellow bananas, in a bid He said the use of agricul- (OBM) generated over 14.45 to increase production for an tural machinery is causing billion baht ($480 million) in expansion in exports to $2 bil- the size of the labour force in trade value during the Covid-19 lion by 2022. Cambodia’s agricultural sector months – April to November. Hoang Anh Andong Meas Co to decline from year to year. Director-general Somdet Ltd, Hoang Anh Lumphat Co In 2018 the labour force in Susomboon said total online Ltd and Daun Penh Agrico Co the agricultural sector ac- matching during the eight Ltd, subsidiaries of Vietnamese counted for 34 per cent of total months was 84 times, with 485 agribusiness firm Hoang Anh employment with the ministry exporters and 352 importers tak- Gia Lai Agrico (HAGL Agrico) forecasting that the number ing part. registered in Cambodia, have a will continue to decline and it The total trade of 14.45 bil- combined investment in agro- is expected to be no more than lion baht was mainly from industrial crops in the Kingdom 22 per cent by 2050. agricultural products (9.265 of more than $400 million. “We see that much of the pri- billion), auto parts (3.025 bil- State Secretariat of Civil vate sector now consists of com- lion), processed food (1.075 Aviation (SSCA) spokesman panies cultivating large plots of billion) and others (1.088 bil- Sin Chansereyvutha told The land that can benefit most from lion), Somdet said. Post on December 21 that the new technologies in agriculture The region with top trade value SSCA is reviewing and evalu- and they will continue to adopt was Asia (8.436 billion), followed ating the technical conditions them,” Sakhon said. by North and South America in order for the companies to To obtain a licence to use small aircraft for agricultural purposes, companies must ensure the aircraft can be Hun Lak, a director at Long- operated safely and that their pilots have a valid pilot’s licence. SUPPLIED (4.068 billion), Africa (1.226 bil- be licensed to use small aircraft mate Agriculture Co Ltd which lion), Europe (497.72 million) and for agricultural purposes. The studied the use of aircraft and businesses to use small aircraft year for 2021,” Anh said. invests in banana cultivation the Middle East (226.1 million). assessment is set to be completed determined that it will not af- to serve domestic tourism.” Minister of Agriculture, For- in Kampot province’s Chhouk The director-general said the between April and May 2021. fect the environment or na- In December last year at the estry and Fisheries Veng Sak- district, noted that the major- OBM would continue until He said: “This is the first tional security. inauguration of a packaging hon told The Post on Decem- ity of the private sector com- September next year, as the time we’ve considered allow- “We believe it will reduce factory, HAGL Agrico CEO ber 21 that the application of panies with investments in ag- world is still in the grip of a ing the use of small aircraft labour costs and that it can Nguyen Quan Anh noted that modern technology in the ag- riculture are increasingly using Covid-19 crisis. The category for the fertilisation of agro- control crop disease, help to the firm is developing agro- ricultural sector is in line with drones to fertilise their crops. of products to be matched will industrial crops. We are now maintain high yields and to industrial crops on 18,000ha the government’s agricultural He said: “The use of such cover food and drinks, rubber, reviewing and evaluating the achieve the high quality re- with a capital investment of modernisation policy. technology can only be effec- medical tools, auto parts, jew- certification of applications.” quired to meet export stan- more than $400 million. He noted that the company tive on flat land infrastruc- ellery, home decoration and To obtain a licence, he said dards,” Chansereyvutha said. Of that, bananas are plant- will be the first to use small ture, otherwise the fertiliser pet products. THE NATION (THAI- companies must ensure the The companies will use ed on more than 7,000ha and planes to fertilise fruit crops will be wasted.” LAND)/ASIA NEWS NETWORK aircraft can be operated safe- one aircraft in the first phase, more than 3,000ha are cur- such as yellow bananas, as it Cambodia exported more ly and that their pilots have a he said, adding that plans to rently being harvested, he aims to generate between $1-2 than 235,171 tonnes of fresh valid pilot’s licence. import more aircraft were in said, adding that the compa- billion in revenue by 2022. yellow bananas to interna- The airport facilities for the the pipeline. ny currently has 10 packag- “The company has good tional markets in the first take-off and landing of the He said: “We encourage the ing plants with a capacity of qualifications in the area of nine months of this year, an Kingdom to planes must also be built ac- private sector to use modern 250,000 tonnes per year. cultivation for export to the increase of more than 225 per cording to aviation technical technology in agriculture as “The company plans to in- Japanese market and the abil- cent compared to the corre- standards, he said. long as it’s legally approved. crease the production of fresh ity to meet different standards sponding period last year, ac- ‘enjoy $30M “The company has already “We also encourage other bananas to 500,000 tonnes a according to the destination for cording to ministry data. a year in tax exemptions’ Continued from page 1 Global steel prices surge, Vietnam exports grow significantly from next year. STEEL prices rebounded glo- up 20.9 per cent over the same than 23.3 million tonnes. 12,000-12,500 dong ($0.51-0.54) currently sold on the market is “This is a good sign for the bally and Vietnamese steel period last year. Steel sales also Steel sales in the first 11 per kg at the beginning of this around 15,000 dong per kg, an Cambodian export market, exports also saw positive set a record last month. months of this year decreased month, depending on the type increase of about 2,000 dong because through the UK, some growth last month. Exports last month were also by nearly one per cent com- of product and enterprises. per kg compared to last month. of the products that we used Steel production of all kinds better with export figures pared to the same period in last Price of construction steel VIET NAM NEWS/ASIA NEWS NETWORK to export to the EU market can reached more than 2.4 million reaching more than 478,300 year, reaching more than 21 mil- be diverted to the UK first tonnes last month, a month- tonnes, up 21.52 per cent over lion tonnes. Meanwhile, exports before being redistributed to on-month increase of 4.34 per October and 40 per cent over decreased by 2.8 per cent over the EU market,” he said. cent, and year-on-year the same period last year. the same period last year, reach- Commerce ministry spokes- increase of 15.6 per cent, However, steel production, ing over 4.1 million tonnes. man Seang Thay told The Post reported the Vietnam Steel sales and exports were still Regarding the steel produc- that the main reasons for the Association (VSA). almost flat in the 11 months. tion market, the price of iron ore dip in bilateral trade were Sales of steel also reached Specifically, the production of early this month rose by about Covid-19-induced complica- more than 2.4 million tonnes, a steel in eleven months increased 16-17 per cent compared to the tions in exports, imports and sharp increase of nearly 36.9 per only one per cent over the same beginning of last month. transport, and a contraction in cent compared to October, and period last year, reaching more The Vietnamese economy last the global economy. month continued to recover in “Economic slumps the world new normal conditions, while over have stymied demand for production, business, trade and goods, which has influenced consumption continued as a our exports,” he said. growth factor for the steel mar- Thay said reinstatement of ket, reported the VSA. preferences to Cambodia Price of raw materials for would significantly boost trade steel production such as iron and encourage all-round ore and scrap steel has soared cooperation between the two in the past three years and set countries. a new price mark last month. “Calculations show that Along with that, trade ten- Cambodia stands to benefit sions between countries, the from $30 million a year in tax trend of increasing trade pro- exemptions”, he said. tectionism and the impact of After reaching a free trade the Covid-19 pandemic have agreement (FTA) with China, made steel prices increase, Cambodia is currently negoti- according to the VSA. ating similar deals with the Specifically, the price of raw UK, South Korea, the US, materials for steel production Japan, Mongolia, India and the increased dramatically in the Eurasian Economic Union global market last month, which (EAEU) bloc composed of Vietnam exported more than 478,300 tonnes last month, up 21.52 affected its price in Vietnam. Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, per cent over October and 40 per cent over the same period last year. Domestic steel price is cur- Kyrgyzstan and Russia. VIETNAM NEWS AGENCY rently at an average of about 8 THE PHNOM PENH POST december 22, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com Business Indonesia Demand for cold storage facilities up kicks off in VN with e-commerce popularity largest solar OLD storage might ingly consumer-driven. De- power plant soon become a rising livery speed has always been star in the logistic sec- a major factor in the buying INDONESIA officially kicked tors, property market decision, with major online off on December 17 the devel- researcherC Jones Lang LaSalle retailers offering same-day opment of the 1.8 trillion ru- (JLL) Vietnam has said. delivery options. piah ($127.24 million) Cirata It told a seminar held last To keep ahead of the curve, floating solar power plant in week to discuss trends in logis- retailers and logistics provid- West Java, one of the national tics that investors are already ers need to respond to chang- strategic projects (PSN), as the partial to cold storage facilities ing customer needs. government aims to boost the after online grocery sales sky- In order to achieve growth contribution of renewables to rocketed during the pandemic, goals, Vietnam’s logistics indus- the country’s energy mix. requiring more refrigerated try will have to overcome the PT PJB Masdar Solar Energi, warehouses close to buyers. many challenges that remain. a joint venture company be- “There has been a spike in For Vietnam to enter the tween state-owned electric- short-term logistics require- next phase of the industrial/ ity firm PLN subsidiary Pem- ments directly linked to the logistics cycle, become more bangkitan Jawa Bali and Abu immediate impact of the pan- competitive and move ahead Dhabi-based renewables firm demic, particularly in relation of regional peers, it is vitally Masdar, conducted the inau- to the significant expansion of important to continue invest- guration of the power plant. online grocery spending, and ing in infrastructure, both The Investment Coordinat- the need to support critical highways and utility net- ing Board (BKPM) expert staff health services such as vac- works, and renewable energy. on priority investment Aries cines distribution,” it said. Also, Vietnam’s cross-border Indanarto said on December Since all leading vaccines trade process still needs sig- 18 that Masdar’s investment require very low tempera- nificant improvements in both realisation for the project had tures to remain effective, cold processing time and costs. only reached 1.97 per cent of storage for the new Covid-19 Since all leading vaccines require very low temperatures to remain effective, cold storage for the new According to the 2020 Viet- the total investment. Covid-19 vaccines might be the next big thing in the supply chain and logistics industry. VIETNAM NEWS AGENCY vaccines might be the next nam Logistics Report by the The agency, along with the big thing in the supply chain consolidation of logistics op- among the biggest drivers of leading to greater require- Ministry of Industry and government, vowed to fully and logistics industry. erations into more modern fa- growth. Demographic forces ments for logistics space. Trade, the global logistics sec- support and supervise the Another trend seen in the cilities is improving efficiency drive demand for commer- E-commerce is likely to tor has been seriously affected project’s progress. market is automation. and reducing the overall logis- cial real estate, and this is a drive demand for logistics real by the Covid-19 pandemic. Aries said in a statement: Trang Bui, head of markets at tics costs of tenants. major factor that underpins estate. Typically, e-commerce Although governments “By supervising the project JLL Vietnam, said: “The Covid- “Growth in other industries demand in Vietnam, and the firms use more logistics space work to maintain the supply together, we hope this will 19 pandemic is accelerating will also support three-party- Asia-Pacific in general. than brick-and-mortar re- chain of goods and give pri- significantly increase the in- automation in the logistics logistics market expansion, Around 35 per cent of Viet- tailers largely due to a more ority to the circulation of es- vestment realisation.” sector and will become a ma- including growth in the food nam’s population currently extensive product range, sential goods, due to disease The Cirata solar photovoltaic jor trend in the near future. and beverage, healthcare and lives in urban areas, up from greater inventory levels, larg- control measures like social power plant would have a ca- “Tenants are upgrading pharmaceuticals and office 29 per cent just about a de- er outbound shipping space distancing and work-from- pacity of 50MW in its first stage from outdated, often small and technology equipment cade ago. As the market ma- requirements, and increased home orders, there are times of development and would and owner-occupied facilities, industries.” tures, the level of logistics reverse logistics. when most commercial mar- gradually be increased to to newer facilities in premium Rapid urbanisation and space required to serve the In recent years the supply kets are paralysed. VIET NAM 145MW by 2022, PLN strategic locations. Simultaneously, the the growing middle class are population is likely to rise, chain has become increas- NEWS/ASIA NEWS NETWORK procurement 1 director Sripeni Inten Cahyani said in January. She also said PLN would pay 5.8 US cents per kilowatt hour of the plant’s electricity. Outcome of MPC meet Once fully operational, the project is projected to be In- donesia’s largest solar power to influence SET, baht plant and Southeast Asia’s largest floating power plant. INVESTORS have been advised cember 18, strengthening from The power plant is also es- to keep an eye on the Mon- 30.03 at close on December 9, timated to be able to power etary Policy Committee (MPC) due to the US move to place 50,000 houses, as well as re- meeting on December 23, as Thailand on its monitoring list duce carbon dioxide emis- it would impact the Stock Ex- for currency manipulation and sion by 200,000 tonnes annu- change of Thailand (SET) In- the Federal Reserve’s move to ally upon its operation. dex and the baht this week. maintain bond purchases. The solar plant was part of the The SET Index on December A strategist at Kasikornbank business deals during President 18 closed at 1,482.38, down expected the baht next week to Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s visit to 1.51 points or 0.10 per cent, move between 29.60 and 30.00 Abu Dhabi on January 12. with transactions amounting to the dollar, advising investors PLN mega project director Ikh- to 117.09 billion baht ($3.92 to follow the MPC meeting, for- san Assad said the Cirata power billion) due to uncertainty eign funds flows, Thailand’s ex- plant would contribute to Indo- over the US move to impose ports in November and the US nesia’s target to have renewable lockdown measures during economic stimulus package. energy account for 23 per cent of the Christmas festival period. Among international fac- the country’s energy mix. Overseas sales of kimchi amounted to $131.52 million as of last month, surpassing the $106 million re- Local institutions and foreign tors, he advised investors to corded for the whole of 2019. AFP This year, PLN was able to investors made net sales of 3.63 follow the US consumer con- increase the contribution of and 5.60 billion baht respec- fidence index, third-quarter renewable energy to 13.6 per tively, while proprietary trading GDP, home sales, personal in- South Korean kimchi product exports cent despite the Covid-19 and local individuals made net come, durable goods orders pandemic, he said. buys of 57.12 million and 9.18 and inflation rate. The figure was higher than billion baht respectively. Gold on December 18 closed hit $131.5M, shatter all-time record last year’s renewable energy An analyst at Kasikorn Securi- at $1,882.17 per ounce, while in SOUTH Korea’s kimchi exports the brand Jonggajip. Daesang export value, said its kimchi contribution of 9.15 per cent, ties expects the SET this week to Thailand it closed at 26,640 baht have reached an all-time high is currently exporting its kim- exports to the global market according to data from the move between 1,465 and 1,500, per baht-weight amid the Sino- this year, government data chi products to around 40 na- has marked an annual growth Ministry of Energy and Min- and advised investors to follow US conflict and the rollout of US showed on December 20. tions around the globe. rate of 15 per cent. eral Resources. the MPC meeting, November economic stimulus package. According to the Korea Cus- An official from Daesang CJ Cheiljedang added, the Ikhsan said: “We hope this Thai exports, the Covid-19 situ- A strategist at YLG Bullion In- toms Service, overseas sales of said: “The company has seen company’s kimchi exports to number will continue to rise ation, the Sino-US conflict and ternational advised investors to kimchi amounted to $131.52 a significant increase in kim- the US has also marked a rap- and we can reach the govern- Brexit negotiations. buy gold when its price drops million as of last month, sur- chi exports to the US. The val- id growth this year, 50 per cent ment’s target for renewable Among international fac- and sell some of the precious passing $106 million, record- ue of kimchi exports to the US year-on-year. The company energy in our energy mix.” tors, he advised following the metal when its price rises, with ed for the whole of 2019. between January and October said the Covid-19 lockdowns Masdar CEO Mohamed Jameel US third-quarter gross do- the support line between $1,853 By export destination, Japan this year almost doubled com- in the nation appeared to have al-Ramahi said the company mestic product (GDP), home and $1,866 per ounce. accounted for 49.3 per cent of pared to that of last year. helped its business in the US. chose Indonesia as it planned to sales, personal income and He said: “If the price rises the shipments, valued at $64.95 “Consumer interest in kimchi, A CJ Cheiljedang official grow its business in Asia through durable goods orders, as well over the resistance line at million. The US and Hong Kong which helps strengthening the said: “Next year, the company investing in the country. as China’s loan prime rate and $1,899 per ounce, investors followed, with $21.04 million immune system, has contribut- plans to expand its kimchi ex- He said: “This is a milestone Bank of Japan’s meeting. can wait to sell at the next and $7 million worth of sales. ed to strong sales abroad.” ports via its online and offline for our company as it marks The baht on Friday closed at resistance line.” THE NATION (THAI- The largest exporter was CJ Cheiljedang, which came venues.” THE KOREA HERALD/ASIA Masdar’s expansion in this region.” 29.80 to the US dollar on De- LAND)/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Daesang, the company behind in second place in terms of NEWS NETWORK The Jakarta Post/ASIA NEWS NETWORK THE PHNOM PENH POST december 22, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 9 World US to ‘react’ US looking ‘carefully’ at new virus strain if Iran seeks S authorities are looking “very care- fully” into the virus to avenge variant spreading inU the UK, top health officials Soleimani said December 20, while indi- cating that a ban on UK travel Washington is “prepared was not currently in the cards. to react” if Tehran launches Moncef Slaoui, chief adviser an attack to mark the first to the government’s Opera- anniversary of the killing of tion Warp Speed vaccine pro- powerful Iranian General gramme, told CNN’s State of Qasem Soleimani, the head of the Union that US officials US forces in the Middle East “don’t know yet” if the variant warned on December 20. is present in the country. “We are prepared to de- “We are, of course . . . looking fend ourselves, our friends very carefully into this,” includ- and partners in the region, ing at the National Institutes of and we’re prepared to react if Health and the US Centers for necessary,” General Kenneth Disease Control and Preven- McKenzie, who heads the tion, he said. US Central Command (Cent- At the moment, he said, no com), told journalists. strain of the virus appears to He was touring the region be resistant to the vaccines weeks before the anniversary available. of the January 3, 2020 killing of “This particular variant in Soleimani by a US drone strike the UK, I think, is very unlikely near the Baghdad airport. to have escaped the vaccine “My assessment is we are in immunity,” Slaoui said. a very good position and we’ll “I don’t think there’s any be prepared for anything the reason for alarm right now,” Iranians or their proxies acting agreed Admiral Brett Giroir, for them might choose to do,” the US official overseeing cor- McKenzie, a four-star marine onavirus testing, when asked general, told a small group of about the new variant on ABC’s journalists in a telephone in- The Week. terview from an undisclosed Dr Moncef Slaoui, the chief adviser to the US government’s Operation Warp Speed vaccine programme. AFP Asked whether the US was location in the region. likely to follow the example morning”, he said. While Vice-President Mike tion that, due to the antibodies situation will “get worse” be- The Centcom commander of European countries that Slaoui spoke after some Pence has done so publicly, the president received during fore it gets better, citing a surge said he had recently visited have suspended flights from states had complained of de- and President-elect Joe Biden his own bout with Covid-19, after Thanksgiving and the Baghdad, where he met with the UK, Giroir replied: “I really lays in receiving doses of the was to do so on December 21, “that is actually one scenario coming year-end holidays. the head of the anti-jihadist don’t believe we need to do Pfizer vaccine – a delay which President Donald Trump has where we tell people maybe On December 20, incoming coalition, US General Paul that yet.” General Gus Perna, who is so far not indicated he will take you should hold off on getting Biden administration surgeon Calvert, as well as Iraqi army Nearly eight million more overseeing the logistical op- the vaccine any time soon. the vaccine”. general Vivek Murthy told chief of staff General Abdul Covid-19 vaccine doses were to eration as part of Operation With vaccine scepticism a More than 316,000 people NBC’s Meet the Press that he Amir Yarallah. ship across the US on Decem- Warp Speed, apologised for on concern, Giroir encouraged have been killed by Covid-19 expects the general public to McKenzie said he had also ber 21, Slaoui told CNN – two December 19. Trump to do so for his own in the US, with new daily infec- receive vaccinations by mid- gone to Syria to meet with US million of the Pfizer/BioNTech “We will work and learn from health – “and also to gener- tions regularly topping 200,000 summer or early fall. forces deployed in the small vaccine and 5.9 million of the our mistakes,” Slaoui said. The ate more confidence among and deaths hovering at around The Centres for Disease southern base at al-Tanf, near Moderna shot that was green- US government still expects 20 the people who follow him so 3,000 people every 24 hours. Control was due to meet later the border with Jordan and Iraq. lighted on December 18. million people to be vaccinat- closely”. With vaccines on the move that day to prioritise the next In an apparent sign of US The first Moderna shot was ed by the end of the year or the But surgeon general Jerome there is light at the end of the high risk groups for vaccina- military leaders’ concerns “most likely to be tomorrow first week of January. Adams told CBS’s Face the Na- tunnel – but Slaoui warned the tion. AFP about Iranian intentions after Soleimani’s killing, McKen- zie’s current tour was not an- nounced in advance. Similarly, last week’s visits by US Joint Chiefs of Staff chair- Nine die in Kabul car bomb targeting Afghan MP man General Mark Milley to Qa- tar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Israel A car bomb targeting an and government engaging in car bomb,” Interior minister mad Wardak. including top officials, journal- and Afghanistan were kept se- Afghan lawmaker killed nine peace talks to end the coun- Masoud Andrabi told report- “Terrorist attacks on civilian ists, clerics, politicians and cret until he had left the region. people and wounded more try’s long conflict. ers, adding that all the casual- targets and facilities will endan- rights activists. McKenzie said: “I talk to my than a dozen in Kabul on December 20’s bombing tar- ties were civilians. ger the opportunity for peace.” Last week a deputy governor commanders about it every day December 20, officials said, geted member of Parliament The ministry said in a sepa- No group has so far claimed of Kabul province was killed and I think we will be ready.” the latest attack to rock the (MP) Khan Mohammad rate statement that women responsibility for the attack, when a bomb attached to his Even as the US Army contin- capital. Wardak who was injured in the and children were among and the Taliban denied their vehicle detonated while he was ues troop withdrawals from Iraq Kabul has been hit by a wave attack, officials said. those wounded by the “terror- involvement. on his way to work. and Afghanistan ordered by of deadly violence in recent “Nine people were killed and ist attack”. The jihadist Islamic State Vice-President Amrullah President Donald Trump – with months despite the Taliban 20 others were wounded in the A security source said the car (IS) has claimed responsibility Saleh, a strong opponent of the a goal of drawing down to 2,500 bomb detonated in the west of for some of the recent attacks Taliban, was appointed in Octo- in each country by January 15 – the capital. in Kabul. ber to lead a taskforce to curb the Pentagon has substantially The source said: “It was a Dozens of people, mostly stu- the violence in Kabul. reinforced its posture around powerful explosion that has dents, were killed when IS Saleh’s programme was pop- Iraq to dissuade Iran from caused a lot of damage to jihadists attacked two educa- ular with people in the capital, launching any attack. AFP houses in the vicinity.” tion centres, including one at which prompted the Taliban to Television footage showed at Kabul University that saw gun- launch new attacks in an least two cars on fire, with men open fire on classrooms. attempt to discredit him, said plumes of thick black smoke The group has also claimed a Sayed Nasir Musawi, an inde- billowing into the sky. series of recent rocket attacks in pendent Kabul-based political An aide to lawmaker Wardak and around Kabul. analyst. said the attack occurred when Later on December 20, a December 20’s car bomb he was travelling in his convoy, roadside bomb blast in west comes just two days after 15 and five of his bodyguards Kabul killed one civilian, police children were killed and many were among the wounded. said, adding that two other more wounded when a motor- President Ashraf Ghani said bombs were dismantled in the bike laden with explosives blew in a statement condemning area. up near a religious gathering in General Kenneth F McKenzie says the US is prepared to react if Tehran A car bomb killed eight people and wounded more than 15 others in Kabul the bombing: “The enemies of Kabul has seen a spate of tar- a remote part of the eastern seeks to avenge the killing of on December 20, officials said, the latest attack to rock the Afghan Afghanistan carried out a ter- geted assassinations of promi- province of Ghazni, officials powerful Iranian General Qasem capital. AFP rorist attack on Khan Moham- nent figures in recent months, said, blaming the Taliban. AFP Soleimani. AFP 10 THE PHNOM PENH POST december 22, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com ASEAN Eight dead Thailand to test 10,000 after virus in Philippine flooding as outbreak linked to seafood market thousands flee early 10,000 people were hailand will test more than evacuated from their homes 10,000 people for coronavi- Nin the northeastern Philip- rus after an outbreak linked pines as heavy rain across the coun- to its biggest seafood market, try left at least eight people dead, officialsT said December 20. authorities said on December 20. Hundreds of infections have been The storm – which has inundated linked to Mahachai market and port since villages and destroyed scores a 67-year-old female prawn seller tested of houses in recent days – is the positive on December 17 – most cases latest to batter the disaster-prone among migrant workers from neighbour- archipelago. ing Myanmar, who toil in the kingdom’s Floodwaters reached waist-deep multi-billion-dollar seafood industry. in 14 towns in the Cagayan Valley Authorities ordered Myanmar in the northeast of the main island workers around the market not to of Luzon – which saw the worst leave their residences. flooding in decades last month “We are locking and banning them – regional civil defence officer from moving,” said the health minis- Francis Joseph Reyes said. try’s permanent secretary Kietphgum That forced nearly 10,000 people Wongit, adding that authorities would to seek shelter in emergency provide them with food and water. centres. By December 20 officials had con- The rain, which was intensified by firmed 689 cases linked to Mahachai. the northeast monsoon, has filled Disease control authorities “will do Magat dam near to its critical level active tracing in several communities and the release of water threatens to of about 10,300 people”, said Taw- aggravate the flooding, Reyes said. eesin Visanuyothin, a spokesman for Authorities said at least six Thailand’s Covid-19 taskforce. people drowned in two provinces The testing would be free for mi- on the major southern island of grant workers and continue until De- Mindanao, which was also hit by cember 23, he added. torrential rain in recent days. Before the outbreak, Thailand had Two elderly women were also just over 4,000 confirmed coronavirus killed in a rain-induced landslide cases and 60 deaths – a miniscule toll on December 19 in the central A medical official conducts a nose swab to test for the Covid-19 coronavirus at a seafood market in Thailand’s Samut Sakhon province on considering it was the first country out- Saturday after some new cases of local infections were detected and linked to a vendor at the market. AFP province of Leyte. side of China to register an infection. The Philippines is hit by an It shares porous borders with four tions on gatherings in public spaces, to-shoulder in Samut Sakhon prov- porting the highly infectious disease. average of 20 storms and typhoons countries, including Myanmar, which while foreign workers employed across ince as they waited to get tested. “Myanmar migrants are feeling un- every year, which typically wipe out is now seeing more than 1,000 new the city – especially in wet markets and “It is impossible to social distance easy as well . . . we are just trying to harvests, homes and infrastructure cases a day. construction sites – will be screened, here,” said Kyaw Zay Yar, a Myanmar calm each other down,” he said. in already impoverished areas. Bangkok authorities on December according to a Facebook message worker helping a local foundation Rights groups say the low-paid At least 148 people were killed in 20 announced the closure of schools posted by Bangkok’s governor. coordinate testing. migrant workforce of Mahachai’s a succession of typhoons in recent in districts bordering Samut Sakhon Images shared earlier in the day He said anti-Myanmar sentiment shrimping and seafood industry is months that destroyed hundreds of province, where Mahachai is located. by Thai media showed crowds of had been shared on social media – subject to poor working and cramped thousands of houses. AFP The capital will also step up restric- masked workers lined up shoulder- with Thais accusing the workers of im- living conditions. AFP Indonesia development head VN aviation authority warns tapped as Islamic party leader over fraud repatriation flights Suharso Monoarfa, head of The Civil Aviation Author- to get the latest information tackled, it added. the Indonesian government’s ity of Vietnam (CAAV) has about repatriation flights. Since the beginning of the National Development Plan- warned that Vietnamese Recently the Ministry of pandemic, when the govern- ning Agency (Bappenas), has people who have been stuck Foreign Affairs also said that ment started to organise repa- been appointed chairman in foreign countries due to many Vietnamese abroad triation flights to bring back of the United Development the pandemic and wish to get have fallen victim to scams stranded citizens, diplomatic Party (PPP) for the 2020-2025 back home should watch out because they were desperate missions overseas provided de- period by acclamation. for fake advertisements for to return to Vietnam since the tailed information on their web- Suharso was the only party tickets on repatriation flights. pandemic remains unpre- sites, according to the ministry. member who registered their Speaking at a meeting or- dictable in many countries. Vietnam Airlines has an- name as a candidate during ganised last week by the Ho Vietnamese citizens wishing nounced that it sends all in- a PPP national meeting on Chi Minh City Committee for to return home must register formation through emails December 19, according to Overseas Vietnamese, Dao Duy with Vietnamese diplomatic from its account ending in organising committee head Duong, deputy head of its legal missions in their host country, ‘@vietnamairlines.com’ and Amir Uskara, as reported by department, said Vietnamese according to the ministry. people should not buy tick- kompas.com. people who have been stuck They should follow the guid- ets from suspicious-sounding Other fellow party members in foreign countries due to the ance provided by the missions, people or send money to per- agreed to appoint Suharso as pandemic should only buy and only buy tickets when sonal bank accounts. chairman by acclamation. tickets from official sources. they have received an email Flight details, ticket prices, Previously serving as an act- Bappenas chairman Suharso Monoarfa brief reporters following the The CAAV said it has re- from their mission saying they payment manner, and related ing chairman of the PPP, Su- signing of a memorandum of understanding between PT Indonesia ceived reports of repatriation could do so, it said. information would be sent to harso said he was committed Mecca Tower and Bayarind Artha Nusa Internusa in Jakarta on Monday. flight scams in which many They should report scams eligible people by diplomatic THE JAKARTA POST/ASIA NEWS NETWORK to leading the party to elec- people have been contacted to Vietnamese authorities so missions, it said. VIET NAM NEWS/ toral victory in the upcoming est Islamic political party – in the 2024 presidential elec- with advertisements about that the problem could be ASIA NEWS NETWORK 2024 presidential election. the result of a party merger tion, with several members foreign airlines organising Suharso reminded party at the beginning of the New of its branch executive board flights for Vietnamese. members during the com- Order under former president (DPC) promoting his candi- But those international mittee meeting of the PPP’s Soeharto. dacy for PPP chairman. airlines have told CAAV they “heyday” back in the 1999 It is now among three par- Sandiaga was one of several have organised no such flights presidential election, when ties controlling the smallest names submitted by the DPC while it has not licensed any the party was among the three number of seats in the House to lead the party. either, it said. leading groups alongside the of Representatives and at risk Others included Suharso, The Ministry of Public Secu- Indonesian Democratic Party of losing representation in who is also Sandiaga’s uncle, rity is investigating the scams of Struggle (PDI-P) and Golkar. the House in 2024 if a higher as well as East Java governor to prevent a recurrence to “Let us each gather our threshold is introduced. KhofifahI ndar Parawansa, for- protect passengers and air- strength and wisdom. Let’s It was previously reported mer East Java deputy governor lines’ reputation. merge to win the 2024 presi- that the PPP was consider- Saifullah “Gus Ipul” Yusuf and Duong said passengers dential election,” Suharso ing supporting former Ja- businessman-cum-politician should visit the websites of of- An overseas Vietnamese asks questions related to investment incentives said as quoted by Kompas TV. karta deputy governor and Muhammad Mardiono. THE JA- ficial agencies such as the Min- and property ownership of overseas Vietnamese at a meeting last week The PPP is Indonesia’s old- businessman Sandiaga Uno KARTA POST/ASIA NEWS NETWORK istry of Transport and the CAAV in Ho Chi Minh City. VIETNAM NEWS AGENCY/VIET NAM NEWS THE PHNOM PENH POST december 22, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 11 Opinion

Tax and investment policy after Covid www.phnompenhpost.com

Fortunately, Indonesia had already EDITORIAL PERSONNEL Publisher & Chief Executive Offi cer Opinion taken some steps in this direction Ly Tayseng Didik Rachbini and Daniel Witt before the pandemic. Exploration tax- Senior Editor es, land tax and some VAT were already Joshua purushotman NDONESIA, the 10th-largest econ- removed for the sector in 2016, and Managing Editor Post Khmer omy in the world in terms of pur- sharply reduced the government split Sam Rith chasing power parity, has for dec- in the gross split production sharing Deputy Chief of Staff ades experienced strong growth. contract model with a further bonus at phak Seangly IIn the last two decades alone, growth the production stage, in exchange for Business Editor averaged between five and 6.5 per cent. contractors bearing more initial costs. May Kunmakara This significant growth reduced poverty Now Indonesia must consider whether Deputy Business Editor from almost 30 per cent in the 1980s to to add more stimulus for the sector Sangeetha amarthalingam less than 10 percent now. where countries are competing Deputy Head of Lifestyle Desk Now, the economic decline that has aggressively for investment. pan Simala accompanied the Covid-19 pandemic For Southeast Asian countries, Senior Reporters has hit Indonesia and other South- small and medium enterprises Meas Sokchea, Niem Chheng east Asian countries hard, with sec- (SMEs) remain the backbone of the Reporters tors such as natural resources and economy. As the key to recovery for Khouth Sophak Chakrya, Kim Sarom, tourism particularly affected. The SMEs is cash flow, this should guide Long Kimmarita, Hin pisei, Mom Kunthear, Indonesian economy decreased fiscal policy to promote employment. Hong Raksmey, pann Rethea, Voun Dara, sharply to 5.32 per cent (year-on- Deferring tax payments, flexible pay- Roth Sochieata, Orm Bunthoeurn, year) in the second quarter of 2020 ments and waiving penalties for cer- Soth Koemsoeun, Thou Vireak, Nov Sivutha because of the pandemic’s impact. In As the demonstrations over Indonesia’s controversial Job Creation Law showed, few reforms tain hard-hit sectors lowers short- Photographers the third quarter, the negative growth are easy, but throughout the region, governments will be wise to plan now and act quickly, term revenues but rebuilds Heng Chivoan, Hong Menea, Hean Rangsey continued, -3.49 per cent (year-on- taking steps clearly so that taxpayers know what applies to them. afp employment. The global consulting Web Editor year), with export of goods and serv- firm McKinsey believes that Indone- Leang phannara ices falling -10.8 per cent. nue quickly without harming a coun- best way to increase revenues without sia’s estimated -10.3 per cent decline Digital Teams The recent Asia Pacific Economic try’s overall investment climate, even unduly hampering recovery, as it is less in growth will be less than some of its Sous Chanthy, pang Vichea, Suy Sovandy Cooperation Summit supported though they generally account for distorting and hence less likely to dis- ASEAN partners. That, combined SIEM REAP BUREAU enhanced “stimulus measures that only about 10 per cent of total reve- courage investment and growth. with the major regulatory reform in Offi ce Manager facilitate economic recovery and job nue in many emerging economies. For small businesses, where appro- business and investment, is an Sophearith Blondeel creation” while underscoring “the Excise tax systems can simultane- priate countries can simplify a VAT by opportunity for Indonesia to recover PRODUCTION & PRINTING importance of improving fiscal sus- ously be made more secure and sta- introducing an appropriately high stronger and more quickly. Head of Desktop Publishing tainability and transparency to sup- ble without disrupting legal trade. threshold and simplifying registration As the demonstrations over Indone- Nhim Sokphyrak port long-term resilient growth and After the 2008-09 financial and reve- and filing, and presumptive taxes for sia’s controversial Job Creation Law Desktop Publishing future financing needs”. nue crisis, many countries kept their smaller SMEs should be considered showed, few reforms are easy, but Suon Savatdy, Chum Sokunthy, Danh Borath Combined with the regulatory reform rate of corporate tax relatively low as as an alternative to the cumbersome throughout the region, governments Tep Thoeun Thyda, Tim Borith, Than Veasna efforts of Indonesia’s new Job Creation a growth strategy in a competitive VAT system. Relatively small and sim- will be wise to plan now and act Law, a growth-friendly tax policy is global market; the GDP-weighted ple policy changes can help taxpayers quickly, taking steps clearly so that HEAD OFFICE expected to help the country in partic- average of corporate tax for 94 coun- and governments alike, with little if taxpayers know what applies to them. ular recover more quickly. A recent tries fell to 25.6 per cent in 2019, yet any adverse effect on revenue, In line with tax policy, the government series of papers sponsored by the Inter- revenues remained strong. because often 80 per cent or more of has to implement good investment national Tax and Investment Centre Estonia is encouraging investment revenue comes from the largest 10 policy, reduce barriers of doing busi- Post Media Co, Ltd. offers tax policy guidance on recovery, by taxing only profits distribution, per cent of taxpaying firms. ness and develop efficient bureaucra- The Elements Condominium Level 7, Hun Sen Boulevard, Phum Prek Talong, time-tested fiscal measures that will not reinvestment. New hire credits Addressing VAT may be politically cy to support the private sector. Sangkat Chak Angre Krom,12353, Phnom both generate revenue and foster The World Bank survey of 190 coun- Penh, Cambodia growth, resolving a perennial paradox. tries showed Indonesia’s “Ease of Tel: 023 888 161, 023 888 162 Because employment can recover As the key to recovery for small Doing Business” improve from 113rd Cellcard: 078 555 166, 078 555 133 only through growth, a proven path is to 73rd over the past six years. Howev- and medium enterprises is cash Smart: 086 822 999, 086 277 999 to implement policies that attract er, this rank must be continuously SIEM REAP investment, both foreign and domes- improved, because it remains the flow, this should guide fiscal No 629, Street 6 Dangkum Commune tic. Many governments have already fifth-lowest among ASEAN countries. Tel: 063 966 290, Fax: 063 966 590 taken bold steps in offering adminis- policy to promote employment Getting the balance right between COMMERCIAL DEPARTMENT trative relief and reforming tax economic stimulus and revenue needs Chief Operating Offi cer administration, offering low-hanging will take finesse and, of course, James Ong Soon Teck fruit to spur recovery and conven- spur employment growth at all lev- challenging, but the fiscal situation progress in fighting Covid-19. The fiscal Advertising Department ience for taxpayers, such as Indone- els, with little revenue impact. demands it. Indonesia introduced VAT effects will likely last longer than the Chap Narith, 017 996 241 sia’s delaying corporate tax filing Accelerated depreciation is tempt- on digital goods and services as a step pandemic itself. But governments Hun Channet, 017 578 768 deadlines and speeding up value ing to attract quick revenues but can toward addressing the VAT “policy should remember that growth will itself prach Monnyreak, 015 239 293 added tax (VAT) refunds, which helps favour hiring skilled over unskilled gap” of exemptions that distort most provide the revenue they need to Keo puthy, 012 966 605 smooth out negative effects as com- labour, increasing inequality. VAT systems. In natural resources, the address the Sustainable Development phon Sok Chea, 012 717 404 panies plan a return to growth. To attract high-profit investment, pandemic has caused a collapse in oil Goals, in partnership with business. Jessa piastro, 092 445 983 Adding capacity in tax administra- corporate tax rate reductions work bet- and gas prices and up to a 33 per cent While the world cannot know how long CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION tion pays off quickly. More efficient ter, as does Indonesia’s delay of filing cut in capital expenditures globally. the pandemic will last, Indonesia can Acting Distribution Manager enforcement of existing legislation in corporate tax returns. VAT, an impor- Reforming the upstream fiscal do more now, building on the Job Crea- Thenh Rithy, 087 888 854 transfer pricing and the effective use tant source of revenue to 160 coun- regime to promote stability and tion Law, to prepare for post-pandemic Circulation Supervisor of withholding mechanisms can tries, has been hit hard where con- attract capital is wise. A competitive recovery and increase government rev- Nou Chanthy, 096 999 2828 bring in much-needed revenue rap- sumption has declined precipitously. fiscal regime does not necessarily enues. THE JAKARTA POST/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Yim Veasna, 015 814 499 idly and will be important to attract For many low- and middle-income imply low tax rates but rather a focus ADMINISTRATION investment as supply chains shift. countries, a well-functioning VAT is an on swift payback and recovery of Didik Rachbini is the founder/senior economist Admin & HR Manager Judicious use of excise taxes, easy to essential component of both their capital spending, taxing profits rather of the Institute for Development of Economics pich Socheat and Finance (INDEF), Jakarta. Daniel Witt is Assistants to Admin & HR Manager administer and low cost to collect, recovery and their future prospects. than using revenue-based instru- president of the International Tax and Invest- levied gradually, can help raise reve- For them, tackling VAT now may be the ments such as royalty. ment Centre (ITIC), Washington, DC. Nhel Soaphea Financial Director Heang Tangmeng Chief Accountant Sren Vicheka Treasurers Sok Sophorn, Yon Sovannara, Cheam Sopheak, Huy Hamsovannary IT Manager Seng Nak, Vong Oun

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Hong Raksmey healthy living through a dedicat- ed team of midwives and nurses ESIDENTS of float- who visit families house by ing villages in the house and through Parent Clubs north of the Tonle in each village,” Morgan says. Sap Lake had to He says the curriculum travelR as far as 100km by boat involves nutrition because to the nearest government two-thirds of the children in health centre for treatment. floating villagers are clinically The journey to consult med- malnourished and lack family ical professionals was difficult and household hygiene which and time-consuming. Even is particularly important dur- worse, families were discour- ing the Covid-19 pandemic. aged from seeking healthcare They also lack clean water. services due to the high cost of “Our outreach team builds transportation and treatment. bio-sand filters and sets them “The people on the lake up, monitors their use and pro- live some 30-100km from the vides maintenance when nec- nearest government health essary. It also follows through centre. So travelling by boat with laboratory testing to en- was both expensive and time- sure their effectiveness. consuming,” says The Lake “They are also involved in Clinic Cambodia (TLC) execu- community mental health tive director Jon Morgan. work and have intervened with This was among the reasons local authorities in cases of do- he founded TLC in 2007. A lo- mestic violence. This is done cal Cambodian NGO, it was set with one to one counselling as up to meet the healthcare and well as through Parent Clubs. health education needs of the Of particular importance is al- people living in some of Cam- cohol abuse,” Morgan says. bodia’s most remote areas. TLC provides clinical ser- Improving the livelihoods The education curriculum involves: nutrition, because two-thirds of the children on the lake are clinically malnourished; family and household vices for acute and chronic pa- of the floating villagers can hygiene which is particularly important in this time of Covid-19; and the necessity of having clean water. Supplied tients, vaccinations, home care also positively impact other for elderly and disabled people communities, says Morgan. rived at her village. seek proper healthcare. behaviour change and that is the AHC that an opportunity and family planning excluding He perceived that the fisher- “My son has a fever. I fish for “Poverty prevents good and a major challenge. to partner with a commu- abortions, intrauterine devices folk are essential to meeting the a living. Sometimes I can catch proper nutrition,” says Mor- Morgan names some of the nity organisation, Osmose, (IUD), injections, birth control dietary needs of Cambodians, half a kilogramme, sometimes gan, who has a Master’s de- most common diseases af- cropped up. pills, condoms and more. particularly underprivileged nothing. He is my first child gree in public health from the fecting the floating villagers. Morgan was CEO of AHC The programmes also in- people who cannot afford oth- and is just six days old,” says University of Hawaii. They include gastrointestinal from 1998 through the end of clude ante-natal and post-na- er sources of protein such as Tum, 20, in a TLC-produced A former CEO of the Angkor problems, diarrhoea, upper 2006. And he has served as a tal care, monitoring of children beef, pork and chicken. documentary. Hospital for Children (AHC) in respiratory infections, trauma member of the board of di- at risk of malnutrition, dental “The rich eat ocean fish. “I have come to ask for med- Siem Reap, he says ignorance (accidents), liver disease as a rectors for several local NGOs care, oral health education, eye The poor eat lake and river icine for myself, and my child. impacts their decisions. Peo- result of alcoholism, skin in- through the years. care and providing spectacles. fish,” says Morgan, who to- He cries all the time,” she says ple do not understand their fections, and more. Morgan said the AHC could Morgan tells The Post: “Our gether with his wife, Mieko, in a minority Khmer dialect. bodies, how it works, what it “Everything a doctor will begin a paediatric outreach clinical teams (The Lake have been full-time residents Tum lives in Stung Chrov needs and the changes that see in town is seen on the project to two villages where Team and The River Team) of Cambodia since 1995. village, Anlong Samnor com- happen over time. lake, though the cases here Osmose was serving. are each composed of two TLC is a white boat clinic mune, in Chi Kraeng district of “People will seek help from tend to be more severe than “That experience taught doctors, at least one midwife that makes routine trips from Siem Reap province. their neighbours, parents, what doctors in town will en- me a lot about the realities and a nurse. Each team also village to village to provide Morgan, who grew up in the grandparents, and monks. And counter,” he says. of the problems faced as well has a dedicated chef/cook as medical care to those who US state of Rhode Island, says they will do as advised. Too of- Morgan’s first visit to Cambo- as what would be needed well as a boat pilot. cannot afford to look after so far this year, the clinic has at- ten this can result in a much dia was in July 1994. It included to more effectively provide “TLC also has two outreach their health issues. tended to nearly 27,000 cases. more serious condition. a trip by boat from Phnom Penh healthcare consistently and teams composed of four mid- “There are 11 villages within Two factors considered to be “As a healthcare provider, to Siem Reap. Along the way, with full-time staff,” he says. wives who provide multiple our catchment area in the the roots of almost all health there is little we can do about he and Mieko passed through Viewing “health” as more services based on needs during provinces of Siem Reap and problems on floating communi- poverty. But we can do a lot to several floating communities than just the treatment of dis- their house to house visits.” Kampong Thom. This means ties are “poverty and ignorance”. reverse their ignorance, and where poverty and the lack of eases and trauma, the clinic The visiting teams have serving a population of be- “One common question that that is why we focus on profes- basic hygiene were everywhere. provides a lot of education taken great care to protect tween 13,000 and 14,000 peo- I am asked the most is about sional healthcare and health It was at that time when about health matters. themselves and prevent any ple depending on the seasonal the most common diseases, education,” Morgan says. Morgan turned to his wife and “Yes, we care for the sick transmission of Covid-19 to migration of some,” he says. and the answer to that is pov- Though education can im- said: “This is a public health and injured, and those with the communities. Carrying a baby with both erty and ignorance,” Morgan prove people’s understand- nightmare.” This is when the chronic diseases such as type “Each clinic day has two edu- hands on her chest, a pale tells The Post. ing of what “healthy living” seeds of what was to become two diabetes, hypertension, cation periods when we teach woman brought her new- He says poverty limits the means, Morgan says, it is a TLC took root. thyroid problems and Parkin- about Covid-19, how to protect born son for medical treat- choices that people have in complex problem, because It wasn’t until about 2001, son’s disease among others. oneself, making and wearing ment when the boat clinic ar- deciding where and when to learning must be followed by while Morgan was directing “We also educate them about face masks, and what to do if a villager believes he has been exposed to it,” says Morgan. On how he funds TLC’s op- erations, he replied, “I beg for money”. TLC now sells T-shirts so people can support the clinic and spread awareness at the same time. All the proceeds go to the clinic to support its anti-Covid-19 efforts. He says that within Cambo- dia, donations can be made via ABA transfer directly into the TLC’s account. Over- seas donors have a variety of choices depending upon their country of residence. For more details, visit TLC’s Facebook page at https:// www.facebook.com/lake.clin- ic/ or visit website: https:// The Lake Clinic Cambodia (TLC) provides healthcare to poor fisher-folk from a white boat which makes a routine trip to floating villages in the norh of Tonle Sap Lake. Supplied www.lakeclinic.org/ THE PHNOM PENH POST december 22, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 13 Lifestyle Singapore podcaster Nicole Lim breaks taboos

rom vaginal warts to to a broader range of topics. masturbation, taboo- During a recent recording ses- breaking Singaporean sion, Lim interviewed Noorin- podcaster Nicole Lim dah Iskandar, a writer who lost tacklesF topics that may make her mother to breast cancer some squirm but has won a four days after her diagnosis. following in socially conser- Driven by shame, a fear of vative Asian societies. doctors and a desire to not With her series Something burden her family, Noorin- Private, she has tapped into dah’s Muslim mother had a growing appetite for more hidden the illness from her open discussion about sensi- family, trying to treat herself tive issues affecting women with holy water instead. in the city-state and beyond. The episode also dispenses It has featured interviews advice about how women can on subjects ranging from do- check themselves for the disease. mestic violence to disabled For Noorindah, the podcast women’s dating experiences is vitally important to “raise and intimate relationships awareness about issues that involving multiple partners. are usually swept under the The podcast has racked up rug in Singapore. tens of thousands of down- “With continued discussion loads, mostly in Singapore but of these taboo topics, wom- also in Indonesia and Malay- en feel less alone and know sia, where traditional media that it’s something that’s not shy away from covering topics ‘shameful’.” often considered taboo. One of Lim’s most popular The 24-year-old said: “I was podcasts features her candid- trying to look for honest and ly discussing her experiences open conversations around with masturbation – shocking sexual health and wellness, friends and listeners. but when you look at women’s “When I was able to openly magazines that exist in this part talk about my [sexual] experi- of the world it’s very lifestyle. ences, it’s very liberating, it’s “Where’s the platforms for very empowering,” she said. Nicole Lim (left) recording an episode of her podcast Something Private with guest Noorindah Iskandar in Singapore. AFP tougher conversations or things Compared to the West, “we adding that everyday sexism that are more hard-hitting?” are a lot more hush, hush was a serious problem. Although schools teach sex about [sex], we’re not so Some in Singaporean so- education using a govern- open”, she added. ciety still think, she added, ment-provided curriculum, In another of her episodes “that a woman should be in the programme has been she interviews a gynaecologist a certain role, a man should criticised for its conservative who answers common ques- play a certain role”. approach that promotes ab- tions about STIs, and a woman Concerns about gender at- stinence before marriage. diagnosed with genital warts. titudes came into focus earlier Lim’s aim starting the pod- this year after a number of uni- cast last year was to discuss Progressive vs conservative versity students convicted of sexual health after a friend Lim’s open discussion of sexually harassing or assaulting was diagnosed with herpes – touchy topics in the face of deep- women were given sentences rates of sexually transmitted seated conservatism reflects a critics believed were too lenient. infections (STIs) are highest tension at the heart of Singapore In one instance, a 23-year- among those in their 20s – and – a city-state that is outwardly old spent just 12 days behind she realised that she was in the ultra-modern but where many bars after he tried to strangle dark about her own body. still hold traditional values. his ex-girlfriend during a vi- “It was quite shocking, I’m al- She said: “We are a nation cious assault. ready in my 20s and I don’t know that’s very progressive but Lim also hopes her podcast anything about this STD [sexu- there’s also this Asian con- can play a role in informing ally transmitted disease] that I servative side to us that we’re women about topics, such as could have gotten as well,” said kind of trying to reconcile.” breast cancer, they may have Lim, who launched the series af- And her show, she hopes, been too ashamed to ask about. ter graduating from university could help shift mindsets She said: “When there’s and now runs it full time. and empower women in a shame or fear or secrecy society which remains deep- around topics that are unfa- ‘Liberating, empowering’ ly patriarchal. miliar or considered taboo, The podcast, which fea- “You see it in day-to-day what if it happens to you one tures episodes around 30 to activities like casual jokes From vaginal warts to masturbation, taboo-breaking Singaporean podcaster Nicole Lim tackles topics day – what are you going to 40 minutes long, soon shifted that are made,” she said, often considered taboo. AFP do?” AFP UNESCO puts Finnish sauna culture on heritage list

Finns’ penchant for relaxing in have regularly invited their coun- rural women often gave birth there, blazing hot steam-filled rooms terparts and foreign dignitaries into as the only place in the home with was on December 17 put on the the sauna to continue discussions, hot water and privacy, and the UN’s list of the world’s intangible and Cold War president Urho Kek- sauna is where the last rites were heritage. konen’s “sauna diplomacy” became performed after a death. With an estimated three million a keystone of Finland’s relations The term “sauna” is one of the saunas for 5.5 million people, the with neighbouring Soviet Russia. few words from the Finnish lan- steam bath is a traditional Finn- But the practice has also come guage to pass into international ish institution which goes back in for heavy criticism for exclud- use, and the name is thought to hundreds of years. ing women, as the sexes usually have originally referred to the hot UNESCO said: “Sauna culture bathe separately. stones upon which water is in Finland is an integral part of In winter the sauna is often fol- thrown to create steam. the lives of the majority of the lowed by a dip in a hole in the ice For 11 years the Finns hosted a Finnish population.” of one of Finland’s many thou- sauna endurance world champi- The culture “involves much more sands of lakes, a ritual which many onship although it was aban- than simply washing oneself. In a sauna devotees insist improves doned in 2010 after the death of sauna, people cleanse their bodies health and mental wellbeing. a competitor in the 110C heat. and minds and embrace a sense of The often quiet contemplation However last year the country inner peace”, the UN body said. inside the sauna, alone or with successfully reclaimed the world Saunas are ubiquitous in Finnish others, is something of a sacred record from China for the highest homes, blocks of flats and at swim- ritual for Finns, for whom regular number of different nationalities ming pools, where bathers gather churchgoing is rare. in one sauna, when bathers from often in the nude in temperatures Traditionally the sauna has also 101 different countries squeezed With an estimated three million saunas for 5.5 million people, the steam bath is a traditional of around 85 degrees Celsius. been the place where life began into an enormous steam bath in Finnish institution which goes back hundreds of years. AFP Over the years, Finnish leaders and ended – up until the 1940s the capital Helsinki. AFP 14 THE PHNOM PENH POST december 22, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com Lifestyle Thinking caps

In Brooklyn, New York’s illuminated Dyker Heights neighbourhood, not even a pandemic can keep the festive spirit down. AFP Festive mood in Brooklyn’s Dyker Heights amid Covid n a New York where tra- 1980s, started by a woman New Jersey, the holiday season ditional holiday perfor- named Lucy Spata in honour has provided a moment to “re- mances are cancelled, of her mother’s memory. flect on everything that hap- Rockefeller Center tree Her home is barely visible be- pened this year.” Iviewings are timed and travel hind the lavish display featur- It’s “a different type of excite- is ill-advised, it’s beginning to ing angels, Santas, nutcrackers ment – and I guess hopeful, to feel a lot like the Covid Grinch and a gold throne with crim- what’s to come in 2021 . . . Be- stole Christmas. son upholstery where gawkers cause it can’t get worse than But in Brooklyn’s illuminat- can snap photos. this”, the 31-year-old said. “ANGRY NUTS” ed Dyker Heights neighbour- “A lot of people are getting The festivities gridlock traf- hood, not even a pandemic depressed,” said holiday lights fic and make parking impos- ACROSS 48 Mystifies 10 Demographic can keep the festive spirit tour guide Robert Perez. sible but the lights are a boon 1 Cakewalk 50 Cicatrix 11 Nuts or bananas down. “I think this brings a little to local businesses. 5 Diploma word 51 Computer monitor type 12 Came down to earth The quasi-suburban resi- laughter and happiness.” Robert Cicero of John’s Deli 10 Asian nurse 52 Chowder morsel 13 More than dislike dential district features large serves cup after cup of hot 53 Beat out, as grain 21 Aardvark fare ‘For the children’ 14 Jewish month single-family homes that in chocolate, along with the occa- 15 Newton of science 55 Follow, as rules 23 Pesky insects late November start shim- Vincent Privitelli generally sional hero sandwich dripping 16 Hearty party 58 Cultural character 25 Diamond decision mering with elaborate holi- begins decorating his home mozzarella and red sauce. 17 Commotion 61 It pulls a bit 26 “Black Beauty” author Sewell day displays. just after Halloween, and it “I thought it would be a big 18 Low point 62 Elevated storage areas 28 Mideast native This year tourism is reined in takes about a month to put all thing that people weren’t go- 19 Work in the cutting room 65 Noble one 29 Like some bodies on a beach as are bus tours to the south- the elements in place, including ing to come – but I guess the 20 Bouquet 66 Battering wind 32 Golden Horde member western Brooklyn neighbour- bedazzled evergreen arches. people are coming because 22 Protract 67 Courtroom event 33 Bloodhound’s trail hood that proudly displays its The 33-year-old – who some- they want to be outdoors” and 24 Like some yogurt 68 Field of study 38 Greeks Italian-American heritage. times appears in costume as still get in the holiday spirit, 27 “Dear” ones 69 Racetrack quote 40 Eyebrow shape But its in-your-face Christ- Rudolph – said he and his fam- Cicero said. 28 “That’s my boy” recipient 70 Plop down next to 41 Bygone leader (Var.) mas glow is still drawing large ily debated whether it was ap- “Listen, everybody loves 30 Trigono-metric term 71 Maltese comment 44 Sign of gradual use crowds, albeit with most in propriate to decorate in 2020. Rockefeller Center,” he contin- 31 Summer ermines DOWN 46 Certain surgeon’s patient masks. “I said ‘you know what, I’m ued, referring to the city’s annu- 34 Turkish official 1 Pro ___ 49 Refines, as ore “I’m in awe,” said Eric Stein- gonna do it this year’ – with al tree made famous by decades 35 Cosecant’s reciprocal 2 What the nose knows 54 Engine type er, who journeyed from Man- Covid and all, for the children. of pop culture references. 36 Poison ivy, for one 3 Michelangelo subjects 55 Cornstarch brand hattan with his husband to see We need something positive,” But Cicero said the timed, 37 Boring 4 Interest piquer 56 Not working, as a battery the displays for the first time. he said, with a string of vintage- five-minute viewings at that 39 African capital 5 God hates it 57 Daughter of Aaron Spelling 59 Sandwich cookie “It’s such a festive spirit at style bulbs around his neck. attraction this year make 42 Canape topper 6 “Born in the ___” 7 Coped 60 Cole ___ a time when things are, you Tour guide Perez said this places like Dyker Heights 43 Continue, as a subscription 8 A lot of it is first-class 63 Bar bill know, uncertain and scary for year is different in that most more enticing. 45 At one time, at one time 9 Down’s opposite, sometimes 64 Not aboveboard a lot of people,” the 47-year- people coming for the lights “Christmas in Dyker Heights 47 Amscrayed old said in front of a home are local – “you had people . . . that’s really what it comes draped with thousands of coming in from Italy, Europe” down to,” said Privitelli, who Monday’s solution glittering lights. in the past, he said. has lived there 30 years. According to local lore the For Christine Kong, who ven- “Who needs Rockefeller tradition began in the mid- tured over from neighbouring Center?” AFP

Monday’s solution

People look at homes decorated for Christmas in the Brooklyn neighbourhood of Dyker Heights on December 15 in the US’ New York City. AFP THE PHNOM PENH POST december 22, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 15 Sport NHL brass give nod to Seahawks stop Washington 56-game season format The National Hockey League Bettman said they hope to has given its 31 teams the green return to their normal 80-game rally, soar into NFL playoff light to play a 56-game season regular season in October that will begin January 13 with- 2021. out any pre-season games. The league will be divided up he Seattle Seahawks The owners and the players’ into four divisions, West, Central punched their NFL union announced the deal on and East and one from Canada. playoff ticket on Sun- Sunday, but because of con- The Canadian teams will day, rushing for 181 tinuing Covid-19 pandemic play every other team in the yardsT and thwarting a late restrictions there were still a division nine or 10 times, while Washington rally in a 20-15 list of logistical issues to work the other three divisions will victory. out, including where the play every other team in its Seattle are back in the post- league’s seven Canadian teams division eight times. season for the ninth time in will play. The league did not release 11 seasons under coach Pete Sunday’s agreement includes any details on whether health Carroll. a 16-team post-season with a officials in Canada were on The Seahawks appeared traditional four rounds of best- board with a plan, especially to be cruising toward victory of-seven contests that will wrap since the Canadian government when they took a 20-3 lead up in the middle of July. closed its border with the pan- early in the third quarter. The Tampa Bay Lightning cap- demic-stricken United States Chris Carson, Carlos Hyde tured the Stanley Cup champion- which has seen over 317,000 and quarterback Russell Wilson ship on September 28 in the last deaths from Covid-19. all topped 50 yards rushing. game played after the restarted One option would be to have Hyde scored one of the Sea- 2019-20 season. The season had the Canadian division compete hawks’ two touchdowns on a been on hold because of the global solely in Canadian cities, but 50-yard run and Wilson con- pandemic that halted play from that would still mean bringing nected with tight end Jacob March until August. in players from outside the Hollister on the other. The seven teams that did not country and quarantining them But a turnover and a spell of participate in the 2019-20 Return before and after they arrive. offensive doldrums opened to Play will be permitted to open Canada is currently hosting the door to Washington their training camps as early as the World Junior Champion- backup quarterback Dwayne December 31. Formal training ships in Edmonton next week Haskins, who engineered two camps will begin on January 3. and even before the tourna- fourth-quarter touchdown “The National Hockey League ment started exhibition games drives. looks forward to the opening of have been cancelled after Ger- Sacks by Seattle defenders our 2020-21 season, especially many and Sweden suffered L.J. Collier and Carlos Dunlap since the Return to Play in coronavirus outbreaks. helped the Seahawks escape. 2019-20 was so successful in Because of Covid-19 restric- Seattle improved to 10-4, crowning a Stanley Cup cham- tions, the NHL used hub cities notching a second straight vic- Russell Wilson of the Seattle Seahawks runs against the Philadelphia Eagles during the fourth quarter at pion,” NHL Commissioner in Canada to finish out the tory as they look ahead to next Lincoln Financial Field on November 30 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. AFP Gary Bettman said. 2019-20 season. AFP week’s NFC West showdown with the Los Angeles Rams. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Brady, who won six Super said. “Everyone loves winning, One day after the Buffalo led by former Pats quarter- Bowl titles in 20 seasons with but we also want to play bet- Bills locked up their first AFC back Tom Brady, kept their bid the Patriots before landing in ter. We want to play our best.” East division title in a quarter for a first playoff berth since Tampa Bay, now has seven ca- In Nashville, Ryan Tannehill of a century, the New England 2007 alive as they rallied from reer comeback victories when threw for three touchdowns Patriots – winners of the past a 17-0 halftime deficit to beat trailing by 17 or more points. and ran for two more as the 11 division titles – were offi- the Atlanta Falcons 31-27. It was another bitter defeat Tennessee Titans overpow- cially eliminated from playoff Brady and the Bucs offense, at the hands of Brady for the ered the Detroit Lions 46-25. contention. forced to punt on their first Falcons. The Titans remained tied The Pats lost 22-12 to the four drives, came alive in the In the 2017 Super Bowl, atop the AFC South with the In- Miami Dolphins, falling to 6-8. second half, scoring touch- Brady rallied the Patriots from dianapolis Colts, who defeated They are assured of a record downs on their first three a 28-3 deficit to a 34-28 over- the Houston Texans 27-20. of no better than .500 since drives. time victory over Atlanta. Elsewhere in the AFC, Lamar 2000. Receiver Antonio Brown’s But Brady said the Bucs need Jackson threw three touch- “Disappointed,” coach Bill first TD catch as a Buccaneer to avoid digging themselves down passes and rushed for a Belichick said of failing to with 6:19 remaining made it such big holes. score as the Baltimore Ravens make the playoffs for the first 31-27 and Tampa Bay’s de- “We’re going to have to do it kept their wild card bid alive time since 2008. “But we didn’t fense held firm down the for 60 minutes, and that’s a big with a 40-14 victory over the NHL commissioner Gary Bettman prepares for the first round of the deserve to win today.” stretch. point of emphasis for us,” he Jacksonville Jaguars. AFP 2020 National Hockey League Draft in October. AFP Leao scores in six seconds, records Serie A fastest goal

AC Milan forward Rafael Leao kick-off, with Turkish midfield- advantage on Antonio Conte’s Calhanoglu thought he had amount but we conceded with an impressive solo run five scored the fastest-ever goal in er Hakan Calhanoglu setting Inter who beat Spezia 2-1, with scored a second on nine min- almost nothing, it was a minutes from time. Serie A history on Sunday, net- up Leao to slot home the rapid champions Juventus four utes when he put home a Leao deserved win.” Atalanta, with a game in ting after just six seconds in a opener. points behind the leaders in cross but the goal was disal- Roberto Piccoli got a goal back hand, are seventh in the table, 2-1 win at Sassuolo which kept The previous fastest goal in third after a 4-0 win over Parma lowed for offside after a VAR for Spezia, who are just above 10 points off AC Milan. his side top of the table ahead the Italian top flight had been on Saturday. review. the relegation zone after extend- Roma, in fourth, missed the of city rivals Inter Milan. Paolo Poggi’s for Piacenza “We have four or five kick-off However, Alexis Saelemaek- ing their winless run to six chance to move level on points Milan, chasing a first Serie A against Fiorentina in Decem- patterns. (Leao) was prepared,” ers doubled Milan’s lead in the games, deep into injury time. with Juventus, and are just ahead title since 2011, launched ber 2001 after eight seconds. said Milan coach Stefano Pioli 26th minute following good Atalanta came from behind of Napoli who fell 2-0 at Cham- straight onto the attack from Milan have a one-point whose side had been held 2-2 in work from Theo Hernandez. to crush Roma 4-1 in Bergamo pions League rivals Lazio. both their last two league games Domenico Berardi pulled a despite playing without cap- Ciro Immobile headed home against Parma and Genoa. goal back late for Sassuolo, who tain Papu Gomez who has in the ninth minute, with the “Winning this match counts sit sixth after the defeat. fallen out with coach Gian Italian forward setting up Luis for a lot psychologically.” Piero Gasperini. Alberto for the second on 56 Portuguese Leao, who usu- Ilicic lifts Atalanta Edin Dzeko scored after just minutes following a blunder in ally plays on the left wing, At the San Siro, Inter Milan three minutes, with the Roma the Napoli defence. started at centre-forward with extended their winning league captain finishing from a Hen- Napoli were playing with- star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic run to six matches with Achraf rikh Mkhitaryan cross. out injured Nigerian striker still out with a leg muscle prob- Hakimi getting the first goal But Josip Ilicic came off the Victor Osimhen and club lem and his replacement Ante five minutes after the break. bench after the break to inspire record scorer Dries Mertens Rebic also injured. Romelu Lukaku slotted in a the Atalanta recovery, setting with captain Lorenzo Insigne It was the 21-year-old’s third penalty on 71 minutes for his up Duvan Zapata for the equal- suspended for insulting the league goal this season and 11th league goal this season iser just before the hour mark referee in their defeat at fourth in all competitions. after a M’Bala Nzola handball. and crossing for Robin Gosens Inter Milan last time out. “We had prepared it in train- “This is our sixth straight to head in 10 minutes later. “A step backwards, it wasn’t ing,” said Leao. Serie A win, we welcome these Colombian Luis Muriel us, lacklustre, ugly, light, soft,” “This game was important results because consistency scored the third a minute after blasted assistant Napoli coach for us, because we had lost will keep us competing at the coming off the bench on 72 Luigi Riccio. AC Milan forward Leao (right) jumps for a header in a Serie A match, some points in the previous top,” said Conte. minutes, before Ilicic got his Lazio are eighth, level on where he scored the fastest-ever goal in league history. AFP matches.” “We didn’t create a huge first league goal of the season points with Atalanta. AFP 16 THE PHNOM PENH POST december 22, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com Sport Wood’s son Charlie sets Man Utd shout devilish title youngest player record battle cry as Spurs fumble at PNC Championship Charlie Woods stole the show that was strikingly like his anchester Mourinho must now lift his alongside 15-time major win- famous father’s. United blitzed team after a miserable few days. ning father Tiger at the PNC The similarities didn’t end Leeds 6-2 to “It is not a good week in terms Championship as Justin Tho- there. When he rolled in a bird- climb to third in of results,” said the Spurs boss. mas and his father, Mike, ie putt at the 10th in their Mthe Premier League on Sunday “We could be here as the ones walked away with the trophy in 10-under 62 on Sunday, Charlie as Leicester put a major dent that broke Liverpool’s record the family event on Sunday. gave a swinging fist-pump that in Tottenham’s title challenge. at Anfield and going into this But trophy or not, Woods was all Woods. The first league battle in 16 game on a high. said the outing with his “He’s not going to appreciate years between bitter rivals Unit- “We started this game from 11-year-old son was some- this at 11 years old,” Woods ed and Leeds was keenly antici- the low of that disappoint- thing he’d never forget. said. “I didn’t when I was with pated but Ole Gunnar Solsk- ment and not getting what we “I don’t think words can my dad. As the years go by, you jaer’s men proved far too strong deserved from that match, but describe it,” Woods said. “Just start appreciating it more.” at an empty Old Trafford. Leicester also lost in their last the fact that we were able to Justin Thomas, whose 13 PGA United, who made a stuttering match but came with a posi- have this experience together, Tour titles include a PGA start to the season, now have 26 tive attitude. It’s a game that Charlie and I, it’s memories for Championship, said winning points – five behind leaders Liv- we’ve lost with the penalty and our entire lives.” alongside his father might not erpool with a game in hand. the own goal.” Team Woods, both clad in have been his most important They are a point adrift of Sam Allardyce’s return to the Tiger’s signature Sunday red victory bit it was “100 percent second-placed Leicester, who Premier League as West Brom and black, finished seventh in the most enjoyable.” beat Spurs 2-0 earlier to com- Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes scores their sixth goal manager got off to a terrible the 20-team field of major Team Thomas raced to the lead from the penalty spot against Leeds United. AFP plete a miserable few days for start as the Baggies were out- champions playing alongside with birdies at the first seven holes Jose Mourinho. art Dallas reduced the deficit. specialists Leicester ahead classed 3-0 by local rivals Aston a family member in a two-day – and eight of the first nine. United have won all six of “We had to earn the right by from the penalty spot deep Villa, who moved up to ninth. event at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Mike Thomas drained a birdie their away games in the Pre- running as much as them, that’s into first-half stoppage time Anwar El Ghazi put Villa ahead Club in Orlando, Florida. putt at 18 to cap their 15-under mier League this season but a challenge. It could have been after Serge Aurier barged Wes- inside five minutes before Jake Charlie, the youngest com- 57 in the scramble format for a had won just one match at 12-4 – It’s that kind of game.” ley Fofana over. Livermore’s red card for a lunge petitor in the tournament’s his- one-shot victory over Fiji’s Vijay home before Sunday. But the Norwegian refused Spurs had a huge escape early on Jack Grealish gave Allardyce’s tory, displayed a sweet swing Singh and son Qass. AFP Leeds were expected to pro- to get carried away with talk in the second half as James Mad- men a mountain to climb. vide a stern examination of about United’s league position dison had a goal ruled out for Dean Smith’s side dominat- United’s rickety defence but after their sixth win in seven the most marginal of offsides. ed the entire match but had Scott McTominay scored the league games. But Leicester doubled their to wait until six minutes from earliest double in Premier “The league position is not lead just before the hour mark time to double their lead when League history, putting his side something we look at. We look via an own goal. Grealish teed up Bertrand 2-0 up inside three minutes. at the improvement of the Vardy capitalised on some Traore for a composed finish Marcelo Bielsa’s determination team. Now we are getting fitter bad defending by Moussa Sis- before El Ghazi rounded off to play in the same wide-open and stronger. Our fans needed soko and his header across the scoring from the penalty style no matter the opposition that one,” he added. goal deflected off Toby Alder- spot after Grealish had been backfired as the visitors were 4-0 weireld and into the net. fouled in the box. down in the 37th minute, with Spurs stumble Leicester boss Brendan Rod- West Brom remain second further goals from Bruno Fer- Spurs were top of the table gers described his team, who bottom, three points off safety. nandes and Victor Lindelof. until a last-minute winner for have won six of their seven Bottom-of-the-table Shef- Liam Cooper pulled one Liverpool gave the champions away games this season, as field United doubled their back for Leeds late in the first a 2-1 victory on Wednesday. “outstanding”. points tally for the season but half but United were back on They now find themselves all But he told Sky Sports: “We were cruelly denied a first win the rampage after the break. the way back in fifth spot – six have to start winning at home. of the campaign after Brigh- Daniel James made it 5-1 and points adrift of the champions The group is learning all the time ton’s Danny Welbeck cancelled Fernandes scored his second after a damaging defeat. and that’s why we’re nowhere out Jayden Bogle’s opener in a Tiger Woods stands with his children Sam and Charlie (centre) after the from the penalty spot before Stu- Jamie Vardy put away-day near the finished product.” 1-1 draw. AFP 2016 Quicken Loans National in Bethesda. pool/AFP NBA set for leap into unknown as new season tips off

The NBA takes a leap into the victory in the NBA Finals in the taken place at home arenas The league has also only January, but the start was Lakers have added German unknown on Tuesday when the Orlando quarantine bubble, a since the 2019-2020 season was drawn up a schedule for the brought forward to December, point guard Dennis Schroder 2020-2021 season tips off after shortened 72-game campaign dramatically suspended in first half of the season – up to a move which allows for a lucra- from the Oklahoma City Thun- the shortest offseason in his- gets underway with games in March as the coronavirus pan- March 4 – in order to give itself tive slate of televised games der and Montrezl Harrell from tory against the backdrop of a New York and Los Angeles. demic erupted across the US. flexibility over possible post- over the Christmas period. the Clippers as well as Spanish raging Covid-19 crisis across The Golden State Warriors When the league resumed in ponements. The 72-game schedule also veteran Marc Gasol. the United States. face a road trip to take on the July, teams were based at a single Fans will also be largely means the regular season and It means the Lakers will most Little more than two months Brooklyn Nets before the Lak- location at Disney World in Florida absent from arenas. Only a playoffs can be completed in likely be the team to beat when after LeBron James and the Los ers and the Los Angeles Clip- and kept in a tightly controlled handful of teams are allowing time for next year’s Tokyo Olym- the season gets under way – a Angeles Lakers brought the cur- pers clash at Staples Center. bubble for three months to guard limited numbers of spectators pics, although it is an open ques- status James relishes. tain down on a gruelling, pan- The new season marks the against Covid-19 infection. into venues. tion whether players involved in The Lakers are likely to face demic-interrupted season with first time league action has Yet the upcoming season will Arenas will also not carry the the NBA Finals will be available stiff competition from several take place in 30 locations across “Black Lives Matter” slogans on to make the trip to Japan. rivals however, including the the United States at a time court as they had when play The finals are due to con- Brooklyn Nets, who will finally when the country continues to resumed last season, nor will clude just one day before the be able to unleash their strike set new records for coronavirus players wear jerseys carrying Olympics get under way in force of Kyrie Irving and Kevin cases and fatalities. social justice messages. Tokyo on July 23. Durant. Former MVP Durant The Toronto Raptors, the 2019 Most analysts expect James returns after more than a year Travel, schedule tweaks NBA champions, will play home and the Lakers to be involved on the sidelines. The NBA has put in place a games in Tampa, Florida, after in the battle for the NBA cham- Last season’s finals runners-up range of measures designed to Canadian authorities denied the pionship next year. Miami will also expect to be in the mitigate the Covid-19 threat, NBA an exemption to Covid-19 The Lakers, who defeated the hunt, led by Jimmy Butler, Goran including strict safety protocols restrictions placed on travel to Miami Heat in six games in Dragic and Bam Adebayo. and a tweaked schedule that and from the United States. October to win the franchise’s The Milwaukee Bucks mean- cuts down on travel. Teams and players will be 17th championship, have been while will head into the new The new-look schedule – required to click back into gear installed as heavy favourites to campaign buoyed by the news reduced from the standard 82 after what has been the short- retain their crown after an off- Giannis Antetokounmpo has games – will see teams play each est offseason in history. season which saw several ros- committed his future to the other on consecutive nights more NBA Commissioner Adam ter upgrades. franchise. The back-to-back LA Lakers star LeBron James (left) looks to pass under the watch of frequently to reduce the amount Silver had initially signalled that Already spearheaded by MVP inked a new five-year two Portland Trailblazers players. AFP of time spent on the road. the league would restart in James and Anthony Davis, the deal last week. AFP