wednesday, january 13, 2021 Intelligent . In-depth . Independent Issue Number 3583 / 4000 RIEL phnom penh Police GDT: Tax revenue Emergency imposed cease impounding collection near in Malaysia to curb big motorcycles $3 billion in 2020 spread of covid-19 national – page 2 business – page 7 world – page 10 Littered face New Year’s babies expected masks pose fatal hazard to live longer, UNICEF says for wildlife MASKS that helped save lives Long Kimmarita during the Covid-19 pandem- ic are proving a deadly hazard NICEF has estimated that for wildlife, with birds and nearly 1,000 babies were marine creatures ensnared in born on January 1 this year the staggering number of dis- in the Kingdom, and their carded facial coverings litter- predictedU life expectancy of 81 years ing animal habitats. is significantly higher than the gen- Single-use surgical masks erations before them. have been found scattered Marking its 75th anniversary, around pavements, waterways UNICEF has dedicated this year to and beaches worldwide since “reimagining a better world for chil- countries began mandating dren”, noting in a press release on New their use in public places to Year’s day that an anticipated 371,504 slow the pandemic’s spread. babies would be born worldwide on Worn once, the thin protec- that day to inaugurate the new year. tive materials can take hun- Over half of those births were pre- dreds of years to decompose. dicted to take place in just 10 coun- “Face masks aren’t going away tries: India (59,995), China (35,615), any time soon – but when we Nigeria (21,439), Pakistan (14,161), throw them away, these items Indonesia (12,336), Ethiopia (12,006), can harm the environment and the US (10,312), Egypt (9,455), Bang- the animals who share our plan- ladesh (9,236) and the Democratic et,” Ashley Fruno of US-based Republic of the Congo (8,640). animal rights group PETA said. Bunly Meas, communication special- Macaques have been spot- ist for UNICEF Cambodia, told The Post ted chewing the straps off old on January 12 that estimates of births and tossed-aside masks in the and life expectancies in 236 countries hills outside Malaysia’s capital and territories were extrapolated based Kuala Lumpur – a potential on demographic and household survey choking hazard for the dimin- data and the UN’s World Population utive monkeys. UNICEF estimates that Cambodians born on January 1 this year will have an average life expectancy of 81 years. hoNG MENEA Prospects report from 2019. Complete And in an incident that cap- data is available on their website. sanitation, protection from abuse, She said: “2020 [was] a challenging Cambodian children to grow up in. Each tured headlines in Britain, a He described conditions which con- access to legal representation – these year for all, especially children. Yet, of them deserves the chance to fulfil gull was rescued by the RSPCA tribute to life expectancy estimates, and other services are constantly Cambodia was successful in contain- their potential in life, and we pledge to in the city of Chelmsford after saying greater longevity is made pos- improving, and if the children born this ing the pandemic and keeping Covid- work tirelessly towards that goal.” its legs had become tangled in sible when children are given fair and new year can enjoy the results of this 19 cases lower than most countries, UNICEF noted that the world still the straps of a disposable mask equal opportunities to survive and progress, their lifespans may reach the and we are hopeful that the same faces unprecedented challenges relat- for up to a week. grow, including exposure to a preserved age UNICEF predicts,” Meas said. trend can be maintained. ed to the pandemic, including eco- The animal welfare charity and unpolluted natural environment. Foroogh Foyouzat, UNICEF repre- “Working closely with the govern- nomic recessions triggered by suspen- was alerted after the bird was “From birth, adequate health care, sentative in Cambodia, welcomed “a ment, development partners, and the sion of civil rights by governments as spotted, motionless but still nutrition, vaccines, education from thousand beautiful new babies into people of Cambodia, UNICEF will con- well as rising poverty and widening kindergarten, access to clean water and Cambodia this New Year’s Day”. tinue to reimagine a better world for income inequality. Continued – page 11 B’bang bird flu scare triggers inspections, cullings Orm Bunthoeurn commune as the site of the infection. Specialists will conduct a 30-day Test results of a sample taken at the farmers had been instructed to bury According to the statement, the study of the origins of the outbreak and farm confirmed on January 11 the dead birds and were prohibited from AN outbreak of avian influenza, General Directorate of Animal Health regularly monitor the movements of presence of bird flu pathogens. eating or selling them. commonly known as bird flu, has and Production would implement birds within a 10km radius of the area. Vachira called on people with poul- He suspected that the most likely been found in Battambang province, measures to cull all kinds of animals Provincial agriculture department try farms to report to the nearest agri- source of the outbreak was from prompting officials to issue tempo- in the outbreak area in accordance director Chhim Vachira said on Janu- culture department or bureau if they migrating wild birds coming into rary restrictions pending inspections with pertinent veterinary protocols. ary 12 that deaths of birds had been notice sick or dead animals so that close proximity with farmed animals, and disposal of infected animals. A commercial quarantine has been reported at the Hou Nam family poul- specialists can intervene. thereby spreading the virus. On January 12, the Ministry of Agri- imposed within a 3km radius of the try farm since January 5. Specialists Pen Setha, veterinary office direc- “We examined their facilities and culture, Forestry and Fisheries issued outbreak area, suspending sales, had been sent to inspect the site, dis- tor for the agriculture department, determined that the illness could a prakas declaring Ta Chreng village import and export of all kinds of ani- pose of dead birds and spray disin- inspected 1,300 chickens in the area in Ek Phnom district’s Prek Norint mals until further notice. fectant on the farm. from January 5-7. He explained that Continued – page 3

THE PHNOM PENH POST ACU tots up nearly 20K asset National declarations from officials Inside page 3 2 THE PHNOM PENH POST january 13, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com National Union helps resolve complaints brought Police cease impounding big against journalists bikes with loud exhaust pipes Soth Koemsoeun politics and contribute to the advancement of the nation’s Nov Sivutha THE Union of Journalist Fed- prestige and excellence. erations of Cambodia (UJFC) “In our country, the press is HNOM Penh munici- intervened to resolve 33 cases free and open, but some indi- pal police chief Sar last year where complaints viduals have a limited under- Thet has ordered po- were brought against Cambo- standing of their rights and lice forces in the capi- dian journalists, according to freedoms. If we all know and tal’sP 14 districts to temporarily a report issued on January 11. understand our rights well, halt the practice of stopping Stating that the UJFC inter- no one will stop us or obstruct large motorcycles that he said vened only in cases in which it our freedom so long as we act are unusually noisy or loud. received formal requests from in accordance with the law The order remains in effect media organisations, the re- without infringing upon the until further notice. port noted that its scope was rights of others,” he said. This is a temporary sus- limited to those instances, ex- Ministry of Information pension of the order given cluding cases other than those spokesman Phos Sovann said on January 8 by Minister of where the union was involved. on January 12 that he had not Interior Sar Kheng. He had The UJFC noted that most yet seen the report, but as a ordered police forces and the complaints derived from cas- government official, he would Ministry of Public Works and es of disseminating details of not focus only on one narrow Transport to intercept all mo- land disputes and locations of issue but would consider all torcycles that were noisy and crimes. There were no com- facts within a broader context disturbing the peace. plaints, however, about the to find solutions. The new directive came af- publishing of opinions or de- Sovann claimed that some ter municipal police recently scriptions of political issues. journalists intended to devi- intercepted 60 motorcycles “The complaints that were ate from ethical standards, alleged to have exhaust pipes Big motorbikes impounded at Meanchey district police station. police filed alleged criminal offences, putting personal motives that had been modified to even in disputes between jour- ahead of professionalism. make them noisier. According municipal governor Khuong Provincial traffic police Hopefully by tomorrow or the nalists. This indicates a very “Although our press free- to the police, the sounds had Sreng urged all district authori- chief Sat Kimsan said he had day after tomorrow,” he said. low level of attention to the dom is very open, some jour- disturbed people and were ties to maintain peace and public told the Traffic Police Bureau Asia Injury Prevention (AIP) press law,” the report stated. nalists should learn more contrary to the maintenance order for Phnom Penh residents. to educate the motorcycles’ Foundation director Kim UJFC president Huy Vannak about professional ethics to of public order. Citing recent cases where owners and instruct them to Panha supported the initiative (pictured) said on January 12 avoid making mistakes when Thet said on January 12 that police intercepted 60 motor- stop such activities. but requested that authorities that the press law had been reporting news,” he said. police will temporarily halt cycles for causing noise dis- He said they required the check the motorcycles first be- overlooked and improperly Voice of America reporter Sun enforcement measures relat- turbances with modified ex- owners to change out the mod- cause some loud exhaust pipes implemented in the media. If Narin said on January 12 that ed to motorcycles with modi- haust pipes, Sreng urged the ified exhaust pipes for standard come straight from the factory a journalist has incompletely professional journalists should fied exhaust pipes, pending a municipal public works and ones and fined them before re- without any modifications. reported relevant informa- not be sued simply for follow- new order from National Po- environment departments to turning the motorcycles. He also requested authori- tion, a notice should be sent ing the press law to amend any lice chief Neth Savoeun. go directly to the locations National Police spokesman ties give the public a period in order to make corrections inaccuracies, and the judiciary He said this was being done where the motorcycles are in- Chhay Kim Khoeun said on of at least a week or two be- or add context to a story. should not charge them with to avoid inconveniencing tercepted to check technical January 12 that there was no fore enforcing any new laws He encouraged jour- criminal offences. people who had not com- standards and impacts on the solid data available on the on this matter once they are nalists to continue “People with griev- mitted any offence because environment before return- number of motorcycles with announced so that people to abide by profes- ances against journal- some of the motorcycles that ing them to their owners. modified exhaust pipes na- will have some advance sional principles, ists always file com- officers had been pulling over But he pointed out that all tionwide and that the interior warning to fix the exhaust fight against fake plaints directly with were not actually modified. motorcycles that have modified ministry needs to establish pipes themselves. news narratives, the courts, so it clearly “Police forces in all the dis- exhaust pipes have to be held regulations for them in order According to a sub-decree resist participating shows that all parties tricts temporarily halt the in- for now pending instructions to continue enforcement. on the amendment of sub- in the psychological do not understand laws terception of large motorcy- from the interior ministry. “Currently, several ministries decree No 44 dated March warfare of geo- pertaining to the cles with loud exhaust pipes On January 10, Battambang are preparing instructive docu- 21, 2017, regarding the penal- media. I don’t until further notice... because provincial police stopped ments, but the top leadership ties for violations of the road think we the exhaust pipes of some of drivers of eight motorcycles have yet to decide whether traffic law, offenders shall be should use these large motorcycles aren’t whose exhaust pipes were to issue an order or instruc- fined 100,000 riel ($25) if they criminal law really modified, so those types modified because they had tions or something of that sort. make loud engine noises, against aren’t illegal,” he said. been disturbing the peace in When the orders are issued, emit excess smoke or violate journal- At a meeting on January 11, Battambang town. we’ll know how to proceed. any technical standards. ists like this,” he said. Lawyer wants ex-CNRP members at trial

Niem Chheng treason, insurrection, and incitement. ing the procedure as stated in the law, from The second group of remaining de- the investigation on up through the trial. THE defence lawyer for former members fendants will have a separate hearing He said the cases against some former and activists of the Supreme Court-dis- scheduled for March 4. CNRP members are currently at the trial solved Cambodia National Rescue Party Former CNRP vice-president Mu stage and the court has issued summons (CNRP) on January 12 sent a letter to the Sochua said she planned to return to the and arrest warrants in order for the authori- Phnom Penh Municipal Court seeking Kingdom on January 17 following her ties to bring the accused to stand trial. intervention that would allow them to failed attempt to return on January 4. “All diplomats are obliged to enforce the participate in trials scheduled for this She claimed she was unable to get a visa court’s arrest warrants rather than issuing month and March. from the Cambodian embassy in the US visas or validating passports [for fugitives]. Sam Sokong (pictured) said some of where she is living in exile. Instead, they need to enforce the arrest his clients are living abroad but willing Sochua could not be reached for warrants by all diplomatic means to return for their trials. comment on January 12, but in and existing legal mechanisms. “In the letter, I requested to have my a recent tweet she said a trial “But whether they are ar- clients present at the hearing because could not be considered fair rested or not, the court will go criminal procedure states that the right unless the defendants were al- ahead with proceedings,” Malin of the accused to be present for such lowed to attend. said. hearings must be upheld. This allows “They won’t issue us visas to Government spokesman Phay them to hear the accusations against return to face the courts and Siphan said the court can issue a them in order to defend themselves. they arrest our support- summons letter but finding “We submitted the request urging the ers prior to our return a way to enter the coun- court to intervene with the authorities [because] they have try is the responsibil- through the enforcement of court sum- no evidence of ity of the individual. mons or by any other means that would treason or of in- He said the gov- make it possible for my clients to be surrection,” she ernment will not in- present at the hearing,” Sokong said. wrote. tervene in this mat- Municipal court spokesman Y Rin con- Ministry of ter because by law, firmed that the court had received the let- Justice spokes- it is not possible ter but so far no decision has been made. man Chin to issue any legal On January 14, the court will resume Malin said travel documents hearings for over 60 of the 139 CNRP the court to fugitive crimi- members and activists on charges of was follow- nals. THE PHNOM PENH POST january 13, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 3 National Sparrows or ACU receives 20K asset declarations doves likely Nov Sivutha ‘source’ of HE Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) said it had received transmission nearly 20,000 declarations of assets and liabilities from of- Continued from page 1 ficialsT across all ministries and provin- cial administrations in a period of just have been transmitted by wild 10 days, from January 1 to 10. sparrows or doves which had According to the ACU announce- been observed at these locations ment released on January 10, only one eating food set out for chickens national institution had completed and ducks,” Setha said. 100 per cent of these financial decla- He added that this is the rations thus far, namely the National fourth recorded outbreak of Election Committee (NEC). bird flu in Battambang prov- Nine provincial governments had ince. Previously, there had achieved 100 per cent compliance – Oddar been instances detected at a Meanchey, Siem Reap, Tbong Khmum, chicken farm, an area for rais- Kampong Chhnang, Kratie, Kampong ing ducks on a banana planta- Cham, Kep, Takeo and Svay Rieng provinces. tion and a poultry farm in Cheng Bun Kheang, chief of the ACU’s Sangke district. assets and liabilities declaration depart- Setha continued that when ment, said on January 11 that more than animals are sick or die from 8,000 obligated persons, roughly 30 per illness, regardless of which dis- cent of the total, had not yet submitted ease, people must avoid eating a declaration. But he noted that they still them because there remained have time to fulfil this obligation. a chance that an infection “According to the Anti-Corruption could be transmitted. Law, declarations of assets and liabili- “Viruses can be destroyed if Motorcyclists ride past the Anti-Corruption Unit headquarters in Phnom Penh. HONG MENEA ties are made every two years. For this we cook meats well, but they year, those who are obliged to file a dec- who have been appointed to their of- and individuals must fulfil. Pisey urged certain reforms of legal can still be infectious in raw laration have a full month, from Janu- fice by sub-decree and royal decree. Pisey said the ACU had performed norms related to the declaration of and undercooked meats so we ary 1 to January 31. But for individuals Bun Kheang expressed optimism its role properly and effectively in assets and liabilities to the public. In strongly encourage people not who are busy on a mission or have a se- that the declarations will be complet- promoting the process of declaring many countries, he said, they make to eat sick animals or those rious illness, we can take such reasons ed as planned, saying it was possible assets and liabilities. these declarations public so that peo- that died of illness,” he said. for delay under consideration,” he said. that the remaining 8,000 will be sub- “I’ve observed this practice to be an ple are aware of any conflicts of interest Tan Phanara, animal health According to Bun Kheang, civil ser- mitted by the end of this month. effective method for deterring cor- that government officials may have. directorate director-general, vants who have the duty to declare as- Transparency International Cambo- ruption. We welcome the leadership Cambodia began implementing the said specialists would also sets and liabilities are members of the dia executive director Pech Pisey said of the ACU and support their efforts declaration of assets and liabilities in request cooperation to cull National Assembly, the Senate and the declaration of assets and liabili- to ensure total compliance by those 2011, with more than 25,000 obligated more than 170 ducks and 10 title-bearing officials of the govern- ties was established by law and is an required to submit declarations of persons reporting in each of the six geese as preventive measures to ment. In general, it applies to persons obligation that relevant institutions assets and liabilities,” he said. filing periods to date. stop the spread of bird flu. Public advised to safeguard health as temperatures drop Khouth Sophak Chakrya people should drink plenty of Ratanakkiri province. warm water while avoiding “Three or four nights ago, in MINISTRY of Health spokes- fatty and sugary foods as well the Kantuy Neak [dragon’s tail] woman Or Vandine on January as going outside at night. area, the cold weather dropped 13 called on the public and In order to mitigate dangers temperatures below 11 degrees members of the armed forces posed by cold weather, people Celsius, but our border police to pay close attention to their should wear sufficient cloth- remain unfazed. We still patrol health as colder weather ing and maintain good hygi- the forests along our border to sweeps across the region. enic practices, she said. prevent or respond to any The Ministry of Water Resourc- “We are currently fighting crimes,” he said. es and Meteorology announced against Covid-19, so if any of Sopiseth said his units have that from January 13 to 19, tem- our people get the flu or other received enough winter coats peratures will drop dramatically respiratory illnesses due to the and support equipment for to between 11 to 14 degrees Cel- cold weather, it will compound their patrols since the begin- sius in provinces bordering the our worries. We are especially ning of December last year, Dangrek mountain range and concerned about the elderly and consequently, members northeastern highlands. and young children who are of his command were not con- Cambodian ambassdor in South Korea Long Dimanche (right). Cambodian embassy in South Korea Temperatures in the central more easily susceptible to dis- cerned about the weather. lowland provinces will be eases,” Vandine said. Similarly, Khang Soeung, a between 13 to 16C while coast- Cold weather would not be ranger in Roka Thmey office of al provinces would see tem- an obstacle for members of the the Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctu- South Korean university peratures of 19 to 22C. nation’s armed forces who ary located in Pou Hyam village Vandine told The Post that continue to guard the borders of O’Raing district’s Sen Mono- cold weather could cause flu, while rangers’ patrols prevent rom commune in Mondulkiri gifts masks to Kingdom sore throat, respiratory infec- crimes in wildlife sanctuaries, province, told The Post that the tions or heart attacks which according to Buon Seng Sopi- weather was not an issue for Mom Kunthear Hospital, Preah Ang Duong Hos- earmarked for use by Cambodi- could lead to death. It could seth, commander of Border rangers whose duty it is to pro- pital, Ratanakkiri Provincial ans currently living there. also lead to dehydration so Protection Unit No 623 in tect the forest and wildlife. SOONCHUNHYANG Univer- Referral Hospital, Mondulkiri Dimanche said the embassy “Cold weather is no sort of sity Hospital (SUH) has donat- provincial health department and will deliver the 50,000 masks to excuse to become lazy or ed 100,000 protective masks the University of Health Sciences expatriate Cambodians through neglect our patrols of the for- and other medical supplies to [in Phnom Penh],” his post said. Cambodian association net- est and allow crimes to be the Cambodian people Dimanche said the donation works, the Khmer Buddhist Cen- committed,” he said. through the Cambodian was made following the sign- tre, and worker protection and Soeung said that on the night embassy in South Korea. ing of a memorandum of support centres serving immi- of January 11, temperatures In a Facebook post on January understanding (MoU) between grant families in South Korea. around the Roka Thmey office 11, Cambodian ambassador to the embassy and SUH. The health ministry did not dropped to 14C, and so stand- South Korea Long Dimanche In addition to the donated detect any new case of Covid- by rangers lit fires to stay said the SUH had donated pro- equipment, the SUH was pro- 19 on January 11, when two warm. But in the day time, tective masks of the types KD94 viding a 30 per cent discount Cambodian migrant workers temperatures rose to 22C. and KF-AD, 48 thermometers off the total Covid-19 treatment returning from Thailand recov- He said that there had not and 20 boxes of anti-virus film to costs for all Cambodians in ered and were discharged from been any recent crime in the aid in the campaign to stop Cov- South Korea, including those hospital after their second sanctuary because rangers had id-19 infections in Cambodia. without health insurance. tests came back negative. intensified efforts, patrolling “The Ministry of Health will Also on January 12, Namyoung As of January 12, Cambodia around the clock. He also cred- distribute this equipment to the Global donated an additional had recorded a total of 392 ited participation from the com- Siem Reap Provincial Referral 50,000 protective masks through Covid-19 cases, with 16 A vendor sells sweaters at a market in Phnom Penh. HENG CHIVOAN munity and local authorities. Hospital, National Pediatric the embassy, with those masks remaining hospitalised. 4 THE PHNOM PENH POST january 13, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com National Capital set to beef up security Court hears last appeal in murder-robbery case Kim Sarom Criminal Code. Phorn was also con- victed on charges of conspiracy. THE Supreme Court heard an appeal Unsatisfied with the ruling, they on January 12 from three defendants turned to the Court of Appeal which convicted in an armed robbery-mur- issued a verdict on February 23, 2016, der case in 2011. A verdict is set to be upholding their original sentences. announced on January 18. In court on January 12, Chet testi- All three defendants were originally fied that on the night of the incident, sentenced to 30 years in prison back he was accompanied by Phorn who in 2015. carried a rifle and Sinath who he said The provincial police report alleged did not engage in the robbery. that on May 23, 2011, the three – Nim Chet described Sinath as a friend Chet, 31; Neang Sinath, 30; and Phin who had just returned from Thailand Phorn, 54 – met to drink beer and eat as a migrant worker. He claimed that dog meat at an eatery. They then left he had invited Sinath to visit him at before returning to commit the mur- a rented room when police arrived to der-robbery. arrest them. At around 10pm that evening as the “I admitted to the Court of Appeal eatery owner was preparing to close that I engaged in the crimes with Phin the door, the three masked men – Phorn only, but Neang Sinath did not armed with a rifle and a pistol – participate. I ask the court to reduce Armed police forces stand guard at a checkpoint during a night operation to enforce traffic law in Phnom Penh. police returned and opened fire, killing my sentence to 20 years in jail,” Chet Koeurn Theary, the eatery owner’s said. Niem Chheng troublemakers despite the Covid-19 when singing karaoke in public. These daughter, and Soeurm Chan, who Sinath told the judge that he had not pandemic, but there were still things to problems are happening not only in the was temporarily staying with Theary’s been involved in the robberies or kill- HNOM PENH municipal gover- target for improvement this year. capital, but also in rural areas, Chan- family. A third victim, Soeurm Phally, ings as he had been working in Thai- nor Khuong Sreng held the first “Now, on social media, we can see roeun said. sustained serious injuries. land. He had come to Phnom Penh meeting of the year with heads people post content about social prob- “Therefore, the authorities must con- The assailants escaped with 300,000 riel and only stopped off to visit Chet, at of armed forces in the capital to lems such as illegal gambling, cockfight- tinue to enforce the laws on gun control, ($75) and a 11.25g platinum necklace. which time he was arrested. reviewP and repair the deficiencies related ing, online gambling and so on. All of drug prohibition, drunken behavior In 2014, police arrested Phorn in “I would like to beg the court to to gun control, drug crimes, social order these are what we regard as our deficien- and noise disturbances. They should Battambang province and then Chet release me,” he pled. disruptions due to alcohol consumption cies or social order disruptions that we also reduce the number of advertise- in Phnom Penh after more than three Citing police records, prosecutor and traffic law enforcement. have to wipe out,” Pheakdey said. ments for alcoholic drinks that use free years on the run. Ouk Kimseth concluded that the Municipal hall spokesman Met Meas Cambodian Institute for Democracy gifts to attract consumers,” he said. During questioning, Chet admitted three were guilty as charged and Pheakdey told The Post on January 11 president Pa Chanroeun said the con- In their anti-gun and anti-drugs opera- that he and Phorn had committed 11 asked that the appeals court verdict that the meeting reviewed what had cerns of Phnom Penh residents include tions along the roads at night, armed robberies, killing three victims and be upheld. been accomplished in 2020 and dis- illegal gun use, drug crimes, and social forces should follow standard practices injuring nine others in Banteay Defence lawyer Chhe Vibol assert- cussed what remains to be done this order disruption due largely to alcohol and avoid frightening or alarming inno- Meanchey, Pursat and Battambang ed that while Chet had committed year. Sreng encouraged the armed consumption. Residents are particu- cent people Chanroeun added. provinces. these crimes, Sinath was innocent. forces to keep up their good work and larly concerned after the recent few “Along with law enforcement, I also In the latest case, the Battambang “I ask the court to please reduce fix any shortcomings. shootings in Phnom Penh. call on the authorities to increase their provincial court announced a verdict Nim Chet’s sentence and to release He said that last year, the armed forc- Alcohol consumption can cause traf- efforts to raise awareness with the pub- on February 17, 2015, convicting Neang Sinath,” he said. es did not relax in their efforts to combat fic accidents and those who consume lic about moral issues and [encourage each defendant of premeditated Presiding Judge Khem Pon will crimes related to drugs, guns, traffic and alcoholic drinks create excessive noise them to] be good citizens,” he said. murder under Article 200 of the announce a verdict on January 18. THE PHNOM PENH POST january 13, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 5 National Inter-provincial drive aims to trim plastic use

Mom Kunthear “We target to at least share information on environmen- VOLUNTEER group Creal tal care and other knowledge Cambodia will launch the first on waste management to at phase of “Keep Environment least 10 million people in a Clean” campaign in Phnom year,” said Ngorn who is also Penh and the provinces of the campaign manager. Siem Reap, Battambang, Kep Creal Cambodia will also and Kampot in February to launch an “Outstanding reduce plastic use by at least Child” campaign, where a 20 per cent per household. child will be nurtured as a The campaign’s purpose hero to guard the environ- is to educate the public on ment in each household. proper plastic waste manage- Chai Ngorn said the Keep ment and encourage them to Environment Clean project protect the environment. will be expanded to all prov- Creal Cambodia founder inces in 2022. Hour Chhai Ngorn told The Environment ministry Post on January 11 that the spokesman Neth Pheaktra told project would gather a team The Post on January 11 that of 5,000 volunteers. Among the ministry supported Creal them would be students, em- Cambodia, which started to ployees and tourists who visit clean up the environment entertainment places. in Phnom Penh in 2018 and “The project will last for a whose project had expanded whole year. Our activities will to other provinces as well. be done on every Sunday of the “The campaign that we beginning of each month. [We launched in 2021 is to main- will mobilise the] most volun- tain a clean environment, CWPC rolls out the ‘Girl2Leader Cambodia’ campaign to share experience and knowledge with young women throughout the country, instilling in teers in Phnom Penh, but ac- and this is an important task them ideas of responsibility, decision-making and women’s leadership in politics. NA tivities in the provinces will be that we cooperate to cultivate carried out on a pilot basis. people’s love for the environ- He said the volunteers will ment and hygiene. visit various sites to do clean- Pheaktra believes that these Campaign sets out to inspire ing, explain to the public on activities will make urban area as waste management and post well as some areas to be cleaner. educational photos and vid- Creal Cambodia is a youth eos on social media. group made up of university young women into leadership He added that the locations and private institution students to carry out cleaning activities that promotes love and partici- Voun Dara Penh and once each in Kan- influence national policies ation of work done in the past will be selected using infor- pation in environment care to dal and Kratie provinces. and address challenges that by state institutions and civil mation given by the Ministry improve the tourism sector. HE Cambodian Women “The focus of our campaign pertain especially to women. society organisations. Going of Environment and Phnom Besides, they also aspire to Parliamentarians Cau- is to communicate with girls Joining the campaign are forward, we need policies and Penh Municipal Hall and also make Phnom Penh a model cus (CWPC) has studying in high school to members of the CWPC and specific procedures to ensure by looking for places with a city for cleanliness, which launched the “Girl2- pave the way for them in representatives from other real gender equity,” she said. large amount of rubbish dur- lifts the nation’s dignity and LeaderT Cambodia” campaign to terms of instilling ideas and organisations who shared Cambodian Institute for ing walkabouts. supports growth. share experience and knowl- dreams for choosing jobs and personal experiences of their Democracy president Pa edge with young women careers in the future. We hope rise to positions of leader- Chanroeun supported the throughout the country, instill- to facilitate their develop- ship. Eventually, they became campaign because it seeks to ing in them ideas of responsibil- ment into courageous, inde- members of the NA and the provide knowledge, skills and ity, decision-making and wom- pendent thinkers,” she said. Senate and emerged as deci- real-life experiences for young en’s leadership in politics. Kheng noted that previous sion-makers in their respec- women by participating in ac- Lork Kheng – chairperson iterations of the campaign had tive institutions. tivities which introduce them for the National Assembly’s seen enthusiastic participation Cambodian Centre for Hu- to the workings of the econo- (NA) Commission on Health- from young women, and the man Rights executive direc- my, society and politics. care; Social Affairs, Veterans new campaign is slated to be tor Chak Sopheap lauded “This programme enables and Youth Rehabilitation; introduced in all provinces. the campaign as an initiative young Cambodian women to Labour and Vocational Train- She described the presence which can positively con- become leaders and will in- ing; and Women’s Affairs – of women in positions of tribute to gender equality by crease the number of women told The Post on January 11 leadership in national institu- promoting widespread ac- in the leadership of Cambo- that this campaign had been tions and the private sector as ceptance of women taking dian society where currently launched five times since last very important, particularly leadership roles in society. there are not enough,” he The project will gather a team of 5,000 student, employee and tourist year: three times in Phnom in politics where women can “These efforts are a continu- said. volunteers. CREAL CAMBODIA Ministry rolls out refresher tourism courses after Covid lull Long Kimmarita previous year. In Cambodia, it dropped in hotels, restaurants and travel. about 86 per cent. That is the figure by “The ministry wanted to turn this THE Ministry of Tourism provides short late 2020. At the beginning of 2020, challenge into an opportunity and boost course to staff working in tourism sec- before the pandemic, the number of training for those working in the tourism tors in target provinces in order to international tourists had increased.” sector. We provide them additional refresh and strengthen their skills as the “For 2021, the world has not made itself training and new skills,” he said, adding Kingdom expected to attract at least clear yet on this issue. But an early study that all courses were provided online. half a million tourists in 2021, depend- shows the number of international tour- Ho Vandy, senior consultant at Cam- ing on the Covid-19 situation. ists could bounce back to 300 million bodia Tourism Association, told The Thong Rathasak, the director-gener- worldwide, or equal to between 20-30 per Post on January 11 that the government al of the ministry’s General Directorate cent of pre-pandemic numbers. was farsighted in preparing for the of Tourism Development and Interna- “If there is a vaccine widely availa- future by providing training to those tional Cooperation, told The Post that ble, tourism could increase to between working in this sector. the government had put in place meas- 35 to 50 per cent [of previous year’s He said however that the expected ures to prevent Covid-19 infection that levels],” Rathasak said. international arrivals of 500,000 for tour operators and those working in the He added that the government will this year was probably wishful think- tourism sector should follow. provide additional training to those ing. He said it all depends on the pan- He said Cambodia expected to receive who work in the tourism sector. demic situation, vaccine distribution at least 500,000 tourists in 2021, but that Mean Vandeth, director of the ministry’s and outbreak prevention as these number could increase if the Covid-19 education department, said on January remain the only relevant factors that pandemic is mitigated through wide 11 that in the last six months since June can improve the situation. distribution of vaccines. The tourism 2020, approximately 13,000 workers in “When aviation and transport come sector will re-emerge to some extent the tourism sector had participated in back to normal, these hopes will all come though, he predicted. training provided by the ministry. true. Now, it is just a dream. It is a remind- “According to a study, in 2020 inter- Most of them were from Siem Reap er to all service providers to have plans national tourism worldwide dropped and Preah Sihanouk provinces along ready to make this dream come true. Trainees at a workshop earlier this month. Preah Sihanouk Environment Department between 70 and 90 per cent from the with Phnom Penh. They mostly worked They have to be prepared,” he said. 6 THE PHNOM PENH POST january 13, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com Business

USD / KHR USD / CAD USD / CNY USD / JPY USD / MYR USD / SGD USD / THB AUD / USD EUR / USD GBP / USD 4,063 1.2735 6.4603 104.15 4.0565 1.3280 30.11 0.7738 1.2170 1.3597

Trading Information on Cambodia Securities Exchange Date: JANUARY 12, 2021 Auction Trading Method (ATM) No Stock Closing Price Opening Price High Low 1 ABC 16,700 16,700 16,800 16,700 2 GTI 3,600 3,250 3,600 3,250 3 PAS 13,900 13,900 13,900 13,900 4 PEPC 2,800 2,800 2,800 2,800 5 PPAP 11,700 11,700 11,700 11,700 6 PPSP 1,170 1,160 1,170 1,150 7 PWSA 6,100 6,100 6,100 6,080 Cambodia readies for EU Single Portal tallies 7,293 entries meet on 7-year work plan May Kunmakara Thou Vireak achievements are a testament HE number of com- to the continued commitment panies initiating the THE Kingdom is set to host of the EU and its member states registration process on a consultative meeting with and the Swiss Confederation the government’s new- EU representatives and part- for the development process in ly-launchedT e-Business Regis- ners based in the country next Cambodia,” Yanara said, using tration Platform has increased month and prepare a 2021-2027 Switzerland’s formal name. to 7,293, nearly seven months joint development cooperation Cambodia Rice Federation since the system went online. plan that centres on market di- (CRF) president Song Saran wel- Six ministries and state- versification, according to the comed the initiative to develop run institutions have been Council for the Development of the joint strategic plan, hoping integrated into a business Cambodia (CDC). to bring more benefits to those registration system on the The remark was made at a in the Kingdom’s rice sector. platform, also known as the January 11 meeting between He said: “I am delighted to Single Portal, which was the CDC’s Cambodian Reha- see this great initiative and I launched on June 15 by gov- bilitation and Development believe this comprehensive ernment representatives. Board (CRDB) secretary-gen- strategy will be taken into con- The six ministries and state eral Chheang Yanara and EU sideration for inclusive busi- institutions listed in the system delegation to Cambodia’s head ness models and benefits to are the ministries of Interior; of cooperation Franck Viault the entire supply chain – from Economy and Finance; Com- (pictured, CDC), the CDC said farms to food enterprises. merce; and Labour and Voca- in a statement. “Cambodian milled-rice ex- The Single Portal can be accessed at registrationservices.gov.kh. HONG MENEA tional Training, as well as the During the meeting, the two ports directly benefit us all, General Department of Taxa- He said: “All members of istration system is essentially a took at least three months, or sides discussed preparations especially farmers. We’d like to tion and the Council for the the CCC and foreign inves- quantum leap for the country. much more. for next month’s consultative have more open trade, particu- Development of Cambodia. tors are very welcome to join He described the company “This will be a welcome im- meeting, which will address larly rice in EU markets. There- Another six are planned to the Ministry of Economy and registration process of old as provement and advancement the drafts of the Joint Euro- fore, I wish the EU market would be incorporated. Finance’s new initiative that a bureaucratic nightmare that for foreign direct investment, pean Development Coopera- make a comeback after milled- As of January 4, 2,970 compa- is the online business regis- took months and involved and we can now compete as tion Strategy for Cambodia rice [tariff] safeguard measures nies had successfully registered tration platform, which can multiple ministries repeating the best in the region [in terms for 2021-2027 and the EU’s expire in January 2022.” on the Single Portal, its data reduce costs, time and bu- information and sending busi- of] ease of doing business. next Multiannual Financial Cambodia’s rice sector of- show. That figure was just 287 on reaucracy, and at the same ness owners from one govern- “[We] tout it as a major Framework 2021-2027. ficially lost its import duty July 29 and 1,892 on October 28. time, affords us the ultimate ment institution to another. achievement [that Cambodia] According to the CDC, exemption granted by the EU As of the same day, 651 convenience of registering He expressed his yearn- can be proud of,” Galliano said. the joint strategic plan was in January 2019 after the bloc’s companies were under final anywhere we wish. ing for a common company Finance ministry spokes- agreed in principle by both decision to impose tariffs on review, while 3,463 others “I have kept tabs on govern- registration gateway akin to man Meas Soksensan previ- sides, which they determined imports from the Kingdom have cleared a preliminary ment reforms in the economic those in Singapore and Hong ously said the Single Portal would effectively diversify the and Myanmar to protect Eu- review and are “registered sector, which have greased the Kong, where he said “ministe- would require companies to economy and promote the ropean rice farmers’ interests. for reservation”, awaiting the wheels for the private sector. rial registration is streamlines complete a one-time busi- private sector, sustainable Effective from January 2019- final review. Another 209 are The reforms bode well into and take only days. ness registration form, taking development work and hu- January 2022, the EU reinstated under preliminary review. building trust in the private “I am amazed at the trans- a maximum of eight days. man resources development. the normal customs duty on Cambodia Chamber of sector and driving away hesita- formation in company regis- He noted that all data sub- The two sides will focus on Indica rice from Cambodia and Commerce (CCC) vice-presi- tion to expand businesses and tration in the Kingdom which mitted by the companies under “priority areas” of the finan- Myanmar of €175 ($210) per dent Lim Heng said that since inject capital into Cambodia.” now takes only days, with each the platform will be automati- cial framework, including the tonne in the first year, followed its inception, the Single Por- Cambodia Investment Man- ministry digesting common pa- cally forwarded to all minis- economy and employment, by a drop to €150 in the year two tal has been applauded over agement group CEO Anthony perwork simultaneously with tries and state-run institutions governance, education and and €125 in the third, according its efficiency and as a positive Galliano, a prominent foreign minimum human interaction. incorporated into the system. vocational training. to the European Commission. step in the government’s mis- businessman in the Kingdom, “We have registered a com- The Single Portal can be ac- They are to each prepare a In 1992-2020, the EU and 10 sion to ease the business cli- also pointed out that the sin- pany in a week, whereas in cessed at registrationservices. draft by the end of this month other European development mate for the private sector. gle portal online business reg- the past, the three ministries gov.kh. and collect feedback and sug- partners provided $4.2 billion gestions to present at Febru- in financing to Cambodia, ary’s consultative meeting. equivalent to 19 per cent of Yanara said implementa- total financing provided by all tion of the previous iteration of the Kingdom’s IMF lowers China 2021 growth forecast to 7.9% of the 2014-2020 joint stra- development tegic plan significantly con- partners, ac- THE International Monetary Fund (IMF) for 2020 that the IMF maintains, if con- 18.2 per cent of gross domestic product tributed to the sustainable cording to the on January 8 lowered its 2021 growth fore- firmed, will be its worst showing since (GDP) in 2020, up from 12.6 per cent the development and economic CDC. cast for China to 7.9 per cent, following a 1976, just before the start of its econom- year before. inclusivity in Cambodia. year of “significant human and economic ic reform era. China’s economy is adjusting to the The six-year plan focuses costs” inflicted by the Covid-19 crisis. The IMF said: “The Chinese economy “pandemic normal”, with help from on bilateral cooperation The figure is slightly below the 8.2 per continues its fast recovery from the pan- technology and digitalisation of servic- in four priority areas – cent the IMF earlier predicted, although demic, helped by a strong containment es, but the IMF cautioned that activity is social development, China has been pegged as the only ma- effort and swift policy actions to miti- expected to remain below capacity over promotion of equita- jor economy likely to expand in the face gate the impact of the crisis. the medium term. ble and sustainable of the coronavirus. “However, growth is still unbalanced The warning comes as certain sectors economic growth, After a record contraction in the first as the recovery has relied heavily on ranging from hospitality to restaurants urban-rural in- three months last year due to unprece- public support while private consump- remain affected by restrictions. frastructure de- dented lockdowns and factory closures, tion is lagging.” The IMF’s report said: “Until end-2021, velopment and the world’s number-two economy has With increased spending to support some restrictions and voluntary social governance, he since bounced back. its economic recovery, China’s general distancing will continue to dampen per- said. But the 1.9 per cent full-year growth government deficit is projected to rise to son-to-person services activity.” AFP “These THE PHNOM PENH POST january 13, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 7 Business Minister: Vegetable production passes 700,000 tonne mark Thou Vireak Kan Panharith, production manager at local agribusiness VEGETABLE production for Davane Plc, which specialises the domestic market increased in agricultural value chains significantly last year, buoyed and markets for food safety, by government efforts to shore noted that demand for local up the agricultural sector amid vegetables was on the rise dur- Covid-19, according to Minis- ing the health crisis. ter of Agriculture, Forestry and He said favourable climatic Fisheries Veng Sakhon. factors have contributed to He said the government boost the growth of local veg- supports the people and etable production. encourages them to devote Davane, whose name stands more resources toward the for “Develop Agriculture Value cultivation of safe, good- Chain Network for Economic quality fruits and vegetables and Environment”, pitches to supply to the domestic itself as a specialist in agricul- market and reduce imports. tural and market value chains As a result, the total area for that locally promotes safe vegetable cultivation in the fruits and vegetables. Kingdom reached 57,208ha at Panharith said: “We see that the end of 2019, which yielded the supply of local vegetables is The GDT collected nearly $3 billion in tax revenue last year. HONG MENEA 681,099 tonnes that year, very large and there is a lot of according to the minister. supports for local products dur- Last year, vegetable produc- ing the Covid-19 outbreak.” tion climbed to 716,113 tonnes He called for more vegetable Tax collection near $3B in 2020 last year, which Sakhon said growing to capture market was equivalent to 68 per cent opportunities and reduce Hin Pisei tors that are vulnerable to the Hong Vanak, director of In- last year expected to resume of total domestic demand. imports from abroad. economic effects of the pan- ternational Economics at the operations this year, he said tax However, he pointed out “Growing a good deal of a HE Minister of Econ- demic and offer them prefer- Royal Academy of Cambo- collection would only improve. that the Kingdom still needed variety of vegetables would be omy and Finance’s ential treatment. dia, told The Post on January Cambodia Chamber of Com- to import 329,612 tonnes of a great help for farmers and General Department The minister said the GDT’s 12 that revenue growth from merce vice-president Lim Heng vegetables. distributors. Consumers want of Taxation (GDT) revenue collection remained the tax sector has been on a said that while revenue growth With good cooperation with all kind of vegetables, [hence collectedT 11.70052 trillion riel on track due to the depart- steady incline since 2015. in 2020 was just more than development partners and as of now] we can only bring ($2.87 billion) in tax revenue ment’s procedural updates He ascribed this to a surge three per cent, this was a wel- the private sector, Sakhon them in from other countries last year, up 423.20 billion riel and revisions, as well as the in accuracy in the tax sector come sign that tax collection in said the ministry hopes that to fill the gap,” he said. or 3.73 per cent compared to dedicated work of officials. from year to year – both in the Kingdom is improving. Cambodia will in the near Now working with four 2019, it said in a January 11 He the GDT to increase tax terms of technological sys- He noted that more transpar- future boast enough safe veg- partners, Davane today oper- press release. collection this year and ad- tems and human resources. ent collection would further un- etables to supply the local ates a supermarket in Phnom Speaking at a meeting on here to certain principles such “Without Covid-19 and derpin growth in tax revenue. market and exports. Penh that stocks vegetables, tax collection, minister Aun as mobilising taxpayers onto a the introduction of govern- “With the current improve- He said: “In addition, the fruits, fish and meat and is Pornmoniroth said revenue single system – making it easi- ment policies in favour of ment in the investment cli- ministry has paid attention to looking for additional part- remained resilient in the face er for them to pay taxes. tax breaks for some sectors, mate, tax revenue in 2021 is studies and research on the ners to open new branches of Covid-19 and the introduc- Pornmoniroth also suggest- especially tourism, collection expected to increase further,” possibility of expanding the across the provinces, espe- tion of rafts of government ed they set up a defence sys- in 2020 would’ve been much Heng said. “The private sec- production of some important cially those with plenty of stimulus measures. tem that makes tax evasion higher. This is another suc- tor craves a transparent tax vegetables such as Chinese untapped tourism potential, He stressed that the mea- more difficult and that en- cessful step for the tax sector payment process that pro- and white cabbage, carrots, according to Panharith. sures were intended to ease sures fair competition, equity in Cambodia,” Vanak said. vides a fairer playing field in white potatoes and garlic Studies by the agriculture the financial burdens of sec- in taxation and social justice. With businesses shuttered competition.” grown in Mondulkiri province, ministry and the Ministry of as a geographical area charac- Economy and Finance have terised with the potential to found that Cambodian vegeta- produce these essential vege- ble imports from neighbour- tables and contribute to meet- ing countries are to the tune of Samsung’s chip business to grow more ing rising demand.” $200 million per annum.

SAMSUNG Electronics is In the meantime, Samsung expected to rack up strong Electronics also plans to accel- earnings in 2021 on the back erate the development of tech- Vietnam Rubber Group of the “semiconductor super- nology used in 3-nanometer cycle”, according to local ana- processing to narrow the gap lysts on January 11. with TSMC. to expand production of Demand for 5G communica- TSMC controls 54 per cent of tion chips, mobile applications the global foundry market while tyre, tube to up revenues processors and image sensors Samsung Electronics holds a 17 will be strong for the next two per cent market share. Despite the difficulties caused Currently it has five main to three years, aiding the South Samsung Electronics could by the Covid-19 pandemic and lines of interest – growing rub- Korean chipmaker, they said. increase its revenue in the natural disasters that directly ber trees and processing latex, Samsung Electronics is expect- non-memory chips market affected it, Ho Chi Minh City- processing rubber wood, mak- ed to continue its strong per- this year with the new mobile listed Vietnam Rubber Group ing industrial products from formance in the foundry sector, processor Exynos 2100. JSC (GVR) achieved its revenue rubber, operating industrial backed by increasing demand The chip, which was slated to and profit targets for 2020. parks amid rubber plantations from the makers of high-per- make its debut on January 12, It reported after-tax profit of and high-tech agriculture. formance computers, gaming Samsung Electronics is expected to continue its strong performance will compete against Qual- five trillion dong ($217 million) In the natural rubber seg- consoles and mobile devices. in the foundry sector, backed by increasing demand from the makers comm’s Snapdragon 888 chipset, on sales of 25.477 trillion dong. ment, GVR manages more of high-performance computers, gaming consoles and mobile devices. Demand for chips used in self- YONHAP NEWS AGENCY/THE KOREA HERALD which also debuted recently. But with Covid-19 still a than 400,000ha of land under driving cars will also contribute In terms of image sensors, threat, it expects 2021 to be a rubber trees, but this business to the company’s improved per- ket, local experts said. In another favourable devel- Samsung Electronics is expect- difficult year. has been on a downward trend formance down the road. Increasing demand for 7-na- opment for Samsung, Intel is ed to make large investments It has advised its subsidiaries in recent years due to low rub- Samsung could also become nometer chips from US fabless considering outsourcing chip to close the gap with Sony, the to not stockpile to wait for ber prices. a beneficiary of the ongoing firms, such as Nvidia, Qual- production after facing issues number one image sensor prices to rise or sell too soon if The Covid-19 pandemic has trade tension between Wash- comm and Advanced Micro with its own manufacturing maker in the world. prices fall. further hurt demand for rubber, ington and Beijing. Devices, will also help Samsung. capabilities. It was recently Some expect Samsung could They should work closely pushing production even lower. Last month, the US govern- Currently, Samsung and TSMC reported that Intel is in talks expand production lines for together with respect to process- Expanding tyre and tube ment slapped harsh restric- are the only companies capable with TSMC and Samsung. image sensors to respond to ing to control quality and make production could help revive tions on Chinese semiconduc- of producing chips made via Though TSMC has the upper the increasing demand from their products consistent. revenues. tor foundry company 7-nanometer processing. hand in negotiations, some the self-driving and augmented It would focus on restructur- It entered this segment in Semiconductor Manufactur- When it comes to chips experts here say Samsung reality sectors, or seek mergers ing and step up investment in 2017 through a partnership ing International Corp. smaller than 10 nanometers, could emerge victorious as and acquisitions in order to the rubber sector, and mergers with the Southern Rubber Samsung and Taiwan’s TSMC TSMC has a 60 per cent market TSMC’s production lines are take the lead in the non-mem- and acquisitions would help Industry JSC (Casumina) to are expected to fill the gap left share, followed by Samsung at already full, according to a ory chips market. THE KOREA HER- close the rubber tyre and tube produce the GVR brand of tyres. by SMIC in the US chips mar- 40 per cent. local analyst’s report. ALD/ASIA NEWS NETWORK products value chain, it said. VIET NAM NEWS/ASIA NEWS NETWORK 8 THE PHNOM PENH POST january 13, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com Business Ford, Toyota China’s Baidu set to create EV firm facing US HINESE internet search giant Baidu announced on January production 11 that it plans to establish an intelligent electric vehicle (EV)C company and has formed a stra- slowdown tegic partnership with auto manufac- turer Zhejiang Geely Holding Group as TOYOTA and Ford on January the country’s new energy vehicle (NEV) 11 said they will slow down or market gets in the fast lane. even stop production at US It is an inevitable trend that more factories as the auto industry and more technology companies will grapples with a shortage of make their forays into the emerging vital computer chips. NEV sector, ramp up production and The shortage is caused by an roll out new smart vehicles in a bid to increase in demand for con- seek new growth engines and expand sumer electronics during the business landscapes, industry experts coronavirus pandemic, which said, while noting the competition in has left semiconductor pro- this sector will intensify. ducers struggling to keep up. The new company, which will oper- Ford spokeswoman Kelli ate as an independent subsidiary of Felker said the automaker will Baidu, will oversee the entire indus- this week close its plant in trial chain, from vehicle design and Louisville, Kentucky, which research and development to manu- employs about 4,100 people facturing, sales and service, Baidu making the Ford Escape and said in a statement. Lincoln Corsair models. The Beijing-based technology behe- The company already moth will produce the vehicles with planned to idle the plant tem- intelligent driving capabilities while porarily, but moved up the Geely will contribute its expertise in au- timeframe due to the shortage. tomobile design and manufacturing. The auto giant said: “The Baidu will support the new compa- global semiconductor short- ny’s growth with its full portfolio of core age is presenting challenges Beijing-based Baidu will support the new company’s growth with its full portfolio of core technologies. CHINA DAILY technologies, including Apollo autono- and production disruptions – mous driving, Duer-OS voice assistant technologies, such as autonomous from vehicle manufacturers and ad- as facing difficulties in making prof- for the global auto industry, for Apollo and Baidu Maps. The com- driving, intelligent connected vehicles vancements in battery technology, a its continuously,” said Zhang, adding including Ford, which could pany aims to reshape intelligent vehi- and artificial intelligence, as well as to report from global market research that they hope to find new business have a significant knock-on cle offerings and bring about a revolu- promote its technology upgrades.” firm IDC said. growth points and that developing effect on jobs and the econo- tion in intelligent transportation. Jiang explained Baidu only served According to the latest development autos in collaboration with traditional my given the importance of Its co-founder and CEO Robin Li as a supplier of technology solutions plan for the NEV industry from 2021 to automobile makers is a good choice. auto manufacturing.” said: “China has become the world’s when partnering with other car man- 2035 approved by the State Council in Local players including Nio, Xpeng Toyota said production of its largest market for electric vehicles, ufacturers in the past and couldn’t November, the nation’s NEVs sales are and Li Auto have already tapped into Tundra pickup truck at a factory and we are seeing EV consumers de- give full play to its overall strengths, expected to account for 20 per cent of the NEV sector, with sales rising and in San Antonio, Texas also has manding next generation vehicles be especially in the self-driving segment, all new vehicle sales by 2025, and vehi- stocks soaring in recent months. In been affected by the shortage. more intelligent.” in consideration of current laws and cles used in public transportation will addition, e-commerce giant Alibaba A company spokesperson Li said Baidu has long believed in the regulations, costs and safety issues. be completely electrified by 2035. Group has formed a joint venture said: “At this point we are future of intelligent driving, and over “It is of great significance that Geely, It may take two or three years for with automaker SAIC Motor Corp to assessing the longer term the past decade it has invested heav- as an automobile and EV manufac- Baidu to mass produce its intelligent produce smart EVs, while ride-hailing impact, but for the month of ily in artificial intelligence to build a turer, is teaming up with Baidu. Ve- EVs, said Zhang Xiang, an automobile company Didi Chuxing launched the January, we anticipate reduc- portfolio of self-driving services. hicle manufacturing is a typical asset- analyst at the new energy and intel- purpose-built car model for ride-hail- ing Tundra production by as Jiang Zheng, an expert at the research heavy industry, which requires huge ligent connected car industry think ing services in partnership with BYD. much as 40 per cent.” and development centre affiliated to investments in land, production fa- tank under the Ministry of Industry Statistics from the China Associa- The Wall Street Journal report- Guangzhou Automobile Group said: cilities and factory construction and and Information Technology. tion of Automobile Manufacturers ed that Fiat Chrysler will stop “The collaboration marks a significant may take a long time,” Jiang said. “China’s internet companies, which showed that about 200,000 NEVs were Jeep production at a plant in expansion into auto making for Baidu, China’s NEV market will see robust possess a large number of users and sold in November in China, more Mexico and production of other which is in need of a new platform to growth in the next five years driven by abundant capital, have encountered than double the previous year. CHINA models at a factory in Canada showcase its accumulated cutting-edge government promotion, investments some development bottlenecks, such DAILY/ASIA NEWS NETWORK due to the shortage. AFP Thai finance ministry urges Cabinet to okay $6.6B cash injection

THAILAND’S finance ministry Small and Medium Enterprise commercial banks about new PTT and the Electricity Gen- despite the surge of infections. agencies under its supervision. has called on the Cabinet to Development Bank of Thailand measures that can be intro- erating Authority of Thailand He said the ministry will also The ministry will also earmark allow a 200 billion baht ($6.6 will provide liquidity to clients. duced to support borrowers, to make new investments spend 6.5 billion baht of the 25 million baht for each of the 77 billion) cash injection in the Fiscal Policy Office acting adding that BOT expects to this year, as energy con- Energy Conservation Fund and provinces, he added. THE NATION economy to support business- director-general Kulaya Tant- launch relief measures for spe- sumption has not dropped is now open to proposals from (THAILAND)/ASIA NEWS NETWORK. es and people who have been itemit on January 11 said this cific target groups. At the same affected by the new round of support will include debt hol- time, commercial banks will Covid-19 infections. iday and interest rate cut. also implement new measures After a meeting with Prime The ministry has up to 200 to support businesses. Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha billion baht in hand, she said, Budget Bureau director on January 11, minister adding that state banks had Dechapiwat Na Songkhla said Arkhom Termpittayapaisith offered similar relief after the the government still has 400 bil- said: “The government does first round of the outbreak. lion baht of the one trillion baht not need to borrow more mon- GSB’s debt holiday ended at emergency loan left. The gov- ey, as we can use what is left of the end of last year, while ernment has also set aside 130 last year’s one trillion baht BAAC’s is due to expire in billion baht as a contingency emergency loan.” June this year. fund to deal with Covid-19 and The Cabinet was set to launch A source in the financial other potential disasters such as a new relief package on January market said the central bank severe drought or floods. 12 to help businesses and work- and commercial banks are also Energy ministry permanent ers who have been hit by the expected to offer debtors new secretary Kulit Sombatsiri said second round of the outbreak. relief measures, like extending his ministry has also proposed As for calls for a 4,000 baht debt repayment period, cut- measures to ease the burden cash handout to affected people ting interest rate or allowing of people affected by the virus for two months, Arkhom said he partial payment. In the first fallout. However, he did not did not know how to justify such round of the outbreak last year, elaborate, only saying that compensation. He also did not banks offered debt holidays more information would be confirm whether the govern- and many clients have recent- available after the Cabinet’s ment will repeat last year’s 5,000 ly resumed payments, though approval on January 12. baht three-month cash handout. some are asking for a suspen- Observers believe the govern- Under the ministry’s plan, sion of their debt. ment may subsidise utilities, state banks like the Government Thai Bankers’ Association such as electricity and water. Savings Bank (GSB), Bank for secretary-general Kobsak Kulit also said his ministry Agriculture and Agricultural Duangdee said the Bank of will push state agencies Cooperatives (BAAC) and the Thailand (BOT) has talked to under its supervision like Minister of Finance Arkhom Termpittayapaisith. THE NATION THE PHNOM PENH POST january 13, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 9 World Ebola jab stockpile Biden inauguration: Worries as set to fight Homeland Security chief quits outbreaks S Acting Homeland A global emergency stockpile of Security Secretary Chad 500,000 Ebola jab doses will be cre- Wolf announced his res- ated to respond quickly to future ignation unexpectedly on outbreaks, the vaccine alliance Gavi JanuaryU 11 as worries rose over more said on January 12. violence during President-elect Joe Low- and lower middle-income Biden’s inauguration next week. countries will be able to access the Wolf’s departure as head of the body stockpile free of charge, Gavi said, in charge of security for the January 20 and will also get support for the op- event came five days after President erational costs of rolling out an im- Donald Trump’s supporters stormed munisation programme. the US Capitol, hoping to prevent More than 300,000 people were vac- Biden from replacing him. cinated during outbreaks of the dead- The Department of Homeland Se- ly virus in the Democratic Republic of curity oversees several law enforce- Congo’s (DRC) North Kivu and Ituri ment bodies including the Secret provinces, which helped bring the Service, the point agency for secu- two-year crisis to a halt in June 2020. rity for the White House and the US Gavi CEO Seth Berkley said: “By president. creating a stockpile of 500,000 doses Wolf, who said he was step- of the Ebola vaccine, available to all ping down for procedural reasons, countries, we can help prevent loss named Pete Gaynor, the administra- of life and swiftly end Ebola out- tor of the Federal Emergency Man- breaks in the future.” agement Agency, to replace him. The doses will be stored in Basel, But the move did not end ques- Switzerland. tions over whether the US capital A public-private partnership, the city would be adequately secure Geneva-based Gavi helps vaccinate over the coming week. half the world’s children against some An internal FBI document warned of the deadliest diseases on the planet. of the possibility that armed Trump US Vice-President-elect Kamala Harris (left) looks on as President-elect Joe Biden answers questions from the media after announcing key nominees for their economic and jobs team at The Queen theatre in Wilmington, Delaware, on Friday. afp Along with the World Health Or- supporters could hold protests in all ganisation (WHO), it is co-leading 50 states between the coming week- ment the authority to act “to save it had authorised 15,000 National have not been authorised to arm efforts to procure and distribute end and January 20, according to US lives and to protect property and Guard troops to be deployed for themselves while on the streets of Covid-19 vaccines to 20 per cent of media. public health and safety, and to less- Biden’s inauguration. the US capital, he said. the population in each country by The White House issued a state- en or avert the threat of a catastro- Already 6,200 troops are on the Before he announced his departure, the end of the year. ment saying that Trump had “de- phe in the District of Columbia”. ground in Washington, and a total Wolf also ordered an acceleration of Development of the Ebola vaccine clared that an emergency exists in Meanwhile, federal and city of- of 10,000 are planned by the coming preparations by the Secret Service, was sped up following the worst- the District of Columbia and or- ficials continued to point fingers weekend, said General Daniel Ho- citing “events of the past week and the ever epidemic, which started in De- dered Federal assistance to supple- over who was responsible for the kanson, chief of the defence depart- evolving security landscape”. cember 2013 in Guinea and spread ment the District’s response efforts debacle at the Capitol on January 6, ment’s National Guard Bureau. Preparations for the event were to West African neighbours Liberia due to the emergency conditions when the Congressional police force Another 5,000 could be deployed moving quickly. A security fence and Sierra Leone. resulting from the 59th Presidential was overwhelmed by thousands of by the day of the inauguration, he has been built around the entire The outbreak claimed more than Inauguration from January 11 to Trump supporters who succeeded said. grounds of the Capitol, where Biden 11,300 lives from nearly 29,000 reg- January 24, 2021”. in shutting down the legislature. They will come equipped with riot will take the oath of office asT rump’s istered cases, according to the WHO, It said the order gave the depart- The Pentagon on January 11 said gear and weapons, but so far they successor. afp which declared the epidemic over in March 2016. The sped-up vaccine process, which involved agreements between Gavi and the manufacturer, “set a precedent for fast-tracking develop- 35 years under Ugandan President Museveni ment and production of vaccines against Covid-19”, said Berkley. President Yoweri Museveni, who 1979 before retreating to the bush to returning some stability and pros- an allegation that would resurface The average fatality rate from Ebo- is seeking re-election in Uganda on wage a guerrilla war against his re- perity to Uganda, which after years time and time again during his long la is around 50 per cent but this can January 14, took power at the head pressive successor, Milton Obote. of coups, violent tyrants and civil tenure. rise to 90 per cent for some epidem- of a bush army in 1986 and has ruled Shortly after ousting the govern- war is among the world’s poorest ics, says the WHO. ever since, making him one of the ment and taking power in 1986, countries. Broken promises The symptoms are severe – high world’s longest-serving leaders. Museveni declares: “The problem of He is returned to office in 1996 in In 2001, Museveni defeats his main fever and muscle pain followed by Africa in general, and Uganda in par- the country’s first direct presidential opposition rival Kizza Besigye at the vomiting and diarrhoea, skin erup- Rebel to Ruler ticular, is not the people, but leaders election since independence from ballot box, and commits to standing tions, kidney and liver failure, inter- As a young rebel leader, Museveni who want to overstay in power.” Britain in 1962. down at the next election. nal and external bleeding. helps topple dictator Idi Amin in Museveni receives early praise for But instead, he changes the con- The Ebola vaccine stockpile will in- Darling of the West stitution in 2005 to do away with clude licensed doses manufactured Uganda’s economy grows rapidly presidential term limits. by US pharmaceutical multinational in the 1990s as Museveni undertakes The following year – his 20th in Merck, which has pre-qualification sweeping reforms, pleasing foreign power – he defeats a popular Besi- status from the WHO, plus approval donors and financial lenders keen gye again in a vote marred by vio- from the US and European regulators. to sponsor a burgeoning African lence and irregularities. Those deliveries are being funded success story. That same year, the Lord’s Resis- with $20 million from the US for In- Museveni’s early successes com- tance Army is largely driven out of ternational Development (USAID). bating the HIV/AIDS epidemic and northern Uganda after a grinding A Gavi spokeswoman said it would reducing poverty burnish this im- and brutal 20-year insurgency – al- take “a few years” to reach the age in the West as a modern African though Ugandan troops hunt the 500,000 target, and the doses will leader committed to good gover- rebel leadership in Sudan, DRC and need replenishing over time. nance. Central African Republic for another Besides the Merck doses, other po- But his moral standing takes a decade. tential Ebola jabs in the pipeline could particular hit when Uganda and Museveni pleases Washington – eventually be included in the stockpile, Rwanda invade Democratic Repub- a close friend which has provided subject to WHO pre-qualification. lic of Congo (DRC) twice in the late Uganda billions in foreign aid – by Ebola haemorrhagic fever was first 1990s. Both armies are later charged sending troops to serve under the identified in 1976 after scientists in The Hague with looting the DRC’s US in Iraq and to Somalia, where probed a string of unexplained deaths resources, killing and torturing civil- they form the backbone of an Afri- in what is now northern DRC. The posters of two most popular candidates for Uganda’s presidential election, ians and using child soldiers. can Union mission to confront the The virus that causes Ebola is be- incumbent President Yoweri Museveni (right) and Robert Kyagulanyi, aka Bobi Wine, Museveni would also be accused al-Qaeda linked jihadists al-Sha- lieved to reside in bats. AFP the pop star-turned-opposition leader in Kampala, Uganda, on January 4. afp of supporting rebels in the region – baab. AFP 10 THE PHNOM PENH POST january 13, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com ASEAN Malaysian king declares state of emergency to fight Covid Malaysia’s king declared He insisted he was commit- a gambit to cling to power by a nationwide state of emer- ted to holding a general election Muhyiddin that could erode gency on January 12 to fight once the country’s outbreak is civil liberties. a coronavirus surge that is brought under control. Josef Benedict from Civi- overwhelming hospitals, but The announcement came cus, a global alliance of civil critics charged it was a bid by after Muhyiddin’s key coali- society organisations and ac- an unstable government to tion allies threatened to with- tivists, tweeted: “The declara- cling to power. draw support, which could tion of a state of emergency The announcement came a have led to the collapse of seems like another attempt day after the prime minister in- the government and snap na- by Muhyiddin to hold on to troduced sweeping new curbs tional polls that some feared power, block elections and to across much of the Southeast could worsen the outbreak. remove parliamentary over- Asian nation, including the Malaysia kept the virus in sight, rather than to seriously closure of most businesses, check for much of last year with address the pandemic. and warned the health system a tough lockdown but, once “A dark day for democracy.” was “at breaking point”. curbs were eased, cases accel- Marina Mahathir, an activ- Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ah- erated and have repeatedly hit ist and the daughter of for- mad Shah agreed to declare fresh records in recent days. mer Prime Minister Mahathir Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha attends a signing ceremony for the agreement to purchase an emergency until August As well as suspending polit- Mohamad, tweeted that an AstraZeneca’s potential Covid-19 vaccine at Government House in Bangkok on November 27. afp 1 following a request from ical life, the declaration gives emergency declaration was a Prime Minister Muhyiddin the government powers to “declaration of failure”. Yassin in a January 11 meet- take over private hospitals as She said: “Failure to man- ing, the national palace said government facilities become age the pandemic, failure to Thai royal defamation in a statement. overwhelmed, and get extra govern, failure to care about In a televised address, help from the military and the people.” Muhyiddin said parliament police, Muhyiddin said. Muhyiddin first tried to would be suspended and The emergency could be persuade the king to declare cases up, rallies pause elections would not take lifted earlier if the rate of in- an emergency in October but place, with the king able to fection slows. was rebuffed. The last time hai authorities on ing the pro-democracy move- Covid situation, gathering enact new laws if necessary. The country has reported an emergency was declared January 11 charged ment’s 10 demands as well as may not be the main theme”. But the leader, whose 10- more than 138,000 virus cases nationally was in 1969, in re- four democracy ac- transcripts of speeches by pro- Political analyst Paul Cham- month-old government faces and 555 deaths. sponse to deadly racial riots. tivists with royal test leaders at an August rally. bers of Naresuan University a host of challenges, insisted An election in the state Malaysia has been in po- defamation,T with the protest All four have pleaded not said the 41 cases marked the that “the civilian government of Sabah last year has been litical turmoil since March last movement rocking the king- guilty. biggest use of the royal defa- will continue to function”. blamed for triggering a new year when Muhyiddin came to dom put on hold because of a Government spokesman mation laws since 2017, when He said: “The emergency wave of infections that spread power without an election fol- spike in coronavirus cases. Anucha Burapachaisri said 64 people were either facing declaration . . . is not a mili- nationwide. lowing Mahathir’s resignation A total of 41 people have people were free to protest in charges or already in jail un- tary coup and a curfew will But critics expressed wor- and the collapse of his reform- now been charged with in- a way that was “constructive der the previous king’s reign. not be enforced.” ries that the declaration was ist administration. AFP sulting the monarchy in a and beneficial for society”, He said: “At this point, the major uptick in Thailand’s but not to insult others or “in- authorities are being tempo- use of its strict lese majeste cite hatred”. rarily saved by the growing laws since a youth-led protest Protests demanding political ravages of Covid-19 in Thai- movement began last July. reform and the resignation of land. Authorities are using this The charges can carry a Prime Minister Prayut Chan- period to make numerous ar- 15-year jail sentence, but the o-cha were halted over the rests of protest leaders so that threat of prosecution has not Christmas-New Year period any future demonstrations will deterred protesters from de- and are likely to remain on hold lack these key individuals.” manding reform to the mon- while Thailand grapples with a Chulalongkorn University archy and greater scrutiny of surge in coronavirus cases. political scientist Thitinan its finances. An outbreak at a seafood Pongsudhirak said the recent Police questioned the four market last month has spread cases in such a short a time on January 11 and released the virus to more than 50 prov- “show an unprecedented es- them, according to Thai Law- inces and increased the total calation of legal persecution”. yers for Human Rights. cases to more than 10,000 – He said: “The apparent aim Three, including a 17-year- from just 4,000 in November. is to keep the protest lead- old, were charged over a pro- Protest leader, Parit ‘Pen- ers on the back foot and the test at Wongwienyai, across guin’ Chiwarak, who is fac- movement off balance be- the river from Bangkok early ing a dozen royal defamation cause lese majeste has a high last month. charges, said the fight for conviction rate with loose pa- In a separate case, a student democratic reform will con- rameters where anyone can was charged for allegedly print- tinue this year “but with the charge anyone.” AFP Pedestrians wearing facemasks walk on a street in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday. afp Two more VN North-South Expressway sub-projects to be publicly funded Vietnam’s National As- of 654km and is divided into 11 funded and five others imple- while some suggested review- ed, it will affect the overall paying for the price subsidy sembly Standing Committee sub-projects. Investment for mented under the public-pri- ing the financial plan to in- progress and efficiency of the in the product consumption (NASC) on January 11 agreed the sub-projects totals 100.8 vate-partnership (PPP) model. crease the feasibility because whole project.” of the Nghi Son Refinery and to change two Eastern North- trillion dong ($4.4 billion), From October 2-5 last year, the main reason for the unsuc- Petrochemical LLC. South Expressway sub-proj- with 78.4 trillion dong sourced project management boards cessful bidding was that the 52nd session of NASC opens It will also hear government ects from public-private part- from the state budget. opened bids to select inves- financial plans of these two Earlier in the morning, the reports on the enforcement of nership to solely public. Presenting a report at the tors for five of the sub-proj- projects were unattractive. NASC convened its 52nd ses- Item 22, Article 4 of the Law on The two sub-projects are meeting, Minister of Transport ects. However, only three The NASC’s supervisory sion, chaired by NA chairwom- Public Investment, and make National Highway No 45-Nghi Nguyen Van The said per two sub-projects with two inves- committee concurred with the an Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan. a decision on the administra- Son and Nghi Son-Dien Chau. previous National Assembly tors submitted bidding docu- opinion of the majority of NA In her opening remarks, tive boundary adjustment The North-South Express- (NA) resolutions, six of the 11 ments, namely Dien Chau- deputies that the two compo- Ngan said the first sitting of of several commune-level way project has a total length sub-projects were to be public- Bai Vot, Nha Trang-Cam Lam nent projects have very high 2021 will focus on preparations administrative units in Dak and Cam Lam-Vinh Hao. transport demand – ranked for the elections of deputies to Nong, Binh Dinh, Bac Ninh The two remaining projects second and third out of five the 15th National Assembly and Hoa Binh provinces. did not have any bids from PPP investment projects, indi- and all-level People’s Coun- After the opening ceremo- investors, including the Na- cating their urgent need. cils for the 2021-2026 tenure. ny, under the chair of NA Vice tional Highway No 45-Nghi Nine out of the 11 compo- Several draft reports on the chairman Uong Chu Luu, Son and Nghi Son –Dien nent projects are expected to work of the State President, the NASC discussed and ap- Chau. Thus, the government be completed by next year. Of the Supreme People’s Court, proved a resolution on regu- proposed the NASC consider these, three PPP investment the Supreme People’s Procu- lations and guidance for the transforming the investment projects have completed the racy, and the State Audit of organisation of voters meet- models for the two projects. selection of investors while six Vietnam during their term of ings, the process to nomi- Vu Hong Thanh, head of the public investment projects are office in 2016-2021 will also nate candidates for all-level NA’s Economic Affairs Com- being implemented by contrac- be discussed. People’s Councils and the NA, mittee, said the NASC depu- tors. The My Thuan 2 Bridge is The NASC is expected to de- and another guiding the ex- ties were divided over the slated to be completed in 2023. bate a number of proposals, pected structure and quantity proposal. Thanh said: “Therefore, if including the financial settle- of nominated candidates for NA chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan (centre) speaks at the opening of Many deputies agreed with the two component projects ment solution for the Viet- People’s Councils at all levels. the 52nd NASC session. VIETNAM NEWS AGENCY/VIET NAM NEWS the government’s proposal are not urgently implement- nam Oil and Gas Group when VIET NAM NEWS/ASIA NEWS NETWORK THE PHNOM PENH POST january 13, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 11 World Campaigners: Bin masks, WHO warns coronavirus herd snip straps to save animals Continued from page 1 dead pufferfish was discovered caught inside another off the immunity unlikely this year alive, and they took it to a wild- coast of the US city of Miami. life hospital for treatment French campaigners Opera- CIENTISTS at the before its release. tion Mer Propre found a dead World Health Organi- “It’s clear the mask was there crab ensnared in a mask in a sation (WHO) warned for some time and the elastic saltwater lagoon near the that mass vaccina- straps had tightened around his Mediterranean in September. tionsS would not bring about legs as his joints were swollen Masks and gloves are “par- herd immunity to the coro- and sore,” said RSPCA inspector ticularly problematic” for sea navirus this year, even as one Adam Jones. creatures, says George Leonard, leading producer boosted its chief scientist from US-based production forecast. Cut off mask straps NGO Ocean Conservancy. Infections numbers are surg- The biggest impact may be He said: “When those plastics ing around the world, espe- in the water, with green groups break down in the environ- cially in Europe where nations alarmed at the flood of used ment, they form smaller and have been forced to ramp up masks, latex gloves and other smaller particles.” virus restrictions even as vac- protective gear finding their Those particles then enter cines are rolled out. way into already contaminat- the food chain and impact The WHO’s chief scientist ed seas and rivers. entire ecosystems, he added. Soumya Swaminathan warned More than 1.5 billion masks There has been a shift on January 11 that it would made their way into the world’s towards greater use of reusable take time to produce and oceans last year, accounting cloth masks as the pandemic give enough shots to halt the for around 6,200 extra tonnes has worn on, but many are still spread of the virus, which has of marine plastic pollution, opting for the lighter single- infected more than 90 million according to environmental use varieties. people worldwide with deaths group OceansAsia. Campaigners have urged peo- approaching two million. Already there are signs that ple to bin them properly and “We are not going to achieve masks are worsening threats snip the straps to reduce the risk World Health Organisation (WHO) chief scientist Soumya Swaminathan. pOOL/AFP any levels of population im- to marine life. of animals becoming ensnared. munity or herd immunity in start a new round of mass cine as part of efforts to pro- With more than a year gone Conservationists in Brazil OceansAsia has also called on 2021,” she said, stressing the testing, Prime Minister Igor vide a stopgap solution for since the first known outbreak found one inside the stomach governments to increase fines need to maintain physical Matovic said late on January badly hit countries. of the coronavirus, the fallout of a penguin after its body for littering and encourage the distancing, hand-washing 11, following a first nation- India, with the world’s sec- from the worst pandemic in a washed up on a beach, while a use of washable masks. AFP and mask-wearing. wide screening in November. ond-highest number of infec- century has become clearer Experts are also concerned “From next weekend at the tions, is set to begin giving – from the economy and so- about the rapid spread of new latest, we will run a mass test shots to its 1.3 billion people ciety to culture and the envi- variants of the virus, such as every week until we get the from January 16 in a colossal ronment. Gorillas at US zoo test the one first detected in Brit- situation under control. There and complex undertaking. The masks that have be- ain which is feared to be sig- is no other way,” said Matovic, US President-elect Joe come ubiquitous and neces- nificantly more transmissible. who tested positive himself last Biden, who has pledged to de- sary to save lives, for example, positive for Covid-19 England opened seven month after an EU summit. vote all available resources to are proving a deadly hazard mass vaccination sites on fight the pandemic, received for wildlife, with birds and AT least two gorillas at San hopeful for a full recovery.” January 11 to fight a surge ‘Endemic disease’ warning his second vaccine dose on marine creatures ensnared Diego Zoo in the US state of Gorillas share up to 98 per cent fuelled by that variant, which German company BioN- January 11. in the staggering number of California have caught the of their DNA with humans, and is threatening to overwhelm Tech, which partnered with discarded facial coverings lit- coronavirus, the first known studies have found that some hospitals. Pfizer to produce the first Environmental impact tering animal habitats. instance of natural transmis- non-human primates are sus- But England’s chief medical vaccine approved in the West, There have been surges in Single-use surgical masks sion to great apes, officials said ceptible to Covid-19 infection. officer Chris Whitty told the said it could produce millions Asia as well, where many na- have been found scattered on January 11. It is not yet known if the BBC: “The next few weeks are more doses than originally tions avoided the high death around pavements, waterways Two primates began coughing gorillas will have a serious going to be the worst weeks expected this year, boosting tolls and infection rates seen in and beaches worldwide since last week and have since tested reaction to the disease that has of this pandemic in terms of the production forecast from Europe and the US in the early countries began mandating positive for Covid-19, while a killed 1.94 million humans, or numbers into the NHS [Na- 1.3 to two billion. months of the pandemic. their use in public places to third is showing symptoms, if other troop members have tional Health Service].” The announcement was a Malaysia’s king declared slow the pandemic’s spread. governor Gavin Newsom said. also been infected. Elsewhere in Europe, Portu- boost to countries struggling a nationwide state of emer- Worn once, the thin protec- They are thought to have con- The San Diego Zoo Safari gal was facing a new lockdown to deliver the shots, but the gency on January 12 to fight a tive materials can take hun- tracted the virus from an asymp- Park, where the gorillas are because of a spike in cases and company also warned that coronavirus surge that is over- dreds of years to decompose. tomatic zoo worker, though kept, has been closed to visi- deaths, as the President Mar- Covid-19 would “likely be- whelming hospitals, but crit- Ashley Fruno of animal this has yet to be confirmed. tors since early last month as celo Rebelo de Sousa tested come an endemic disease”, ics charged it was a bid by an rights group PETA said: “Face The zoo’s executive director record cases began surging positive for the virus. with vaccines needed to fight unstable government to cling masks aren’t going away any Lisa Peterson said: “Aside from through Southern California. The 72-year-old was as- new variants and a “naturally to power. time soon. some congestion and coughing, Workers are all required to ymptomatic and isolating in waning immune response”. The last time an emergency “But when we throw them the gorillas are doing well. wear personal protective the presidential palace in Lis- Officials in Russia said they was declared nationally in away, these items can harm the “The troop remains quar- equipment such as masks bon, his office said. would trial a one-dose version Malaysia was in 1969, in re- environment and the animals antined together and are eat- when near the gorillas, the zoo Slovakia was preparing to of the country’s Sputnik V vac- sponse to deadly racial riots. who share our planet.” AFP ing and drinking. We are said. AFP Netanyahu orders new Israeli settlement in West Bank ISRAELI Prime Minister Benjamin The settlement announcement came challenge from pro-settler candidate ment construction is not final, with the Netanyahu on January 11 directed a day after Gantz opposed plans to le- Gideon Saar, who defected from Ne- process having to clear several bu- authorities to approve construction of galise under Israeli law a series of settle- tanyahu’s Likud party last month to reaucratic phases and possible legal Israeli Prime 800 new homes for Jewish settlers in the ment outposts, which, given his control run against the premier. challenges from anti-occupation Minister Benjamin occupied West Bank, days before US of the defence portfolio, in effect takes Yigal Dilmoni, head of the Yesha groups before any construction be- Netanyahu. President Donald Trump’s strongly pro- this proposal – one that has strong ap- Council settlement lobby, brushed gins. pOOL/AFP Israel administration departs office. peal for right-wing voters – off the table. away January 11’s greenlighting of the The move was slammed by anti- The move also comes as internal po- Settler leaders meanwhile accused 800 units as “normal procedure”, while settlement Israeli NGO Peace Now litical jockeying intensifies ahead of the Gantz of intending to push ahead with reiterating demands that the outposts as a “disgrace” aimed at telling the Jewish state’s own election, its fourth in retrospectively legalising under Israeli be legalised, which would enable them Biden administration that “Israel two years, following the collapse of a law Palestinian construction in Israeli- to receive infrastructure and services. is seeking a confrontation”. fractious coalition between Netanyahu controlled parts of the West Bank. Saar meanwhile issued a statement Trump’s adminis- and his defence minister Benny Gantz. Late on January 11, Gantz’s office said calling on Netanyahu and Gantz to tration gave unprece- “Netanyahu has directed that plans the defence ministry would be advanc- “rise above the disputes and regulate dented US support to be advanced for the construction of ing next week “Palestinian construction the status of these communities”. settler groups, high- about 800 units in Judea and Samaria,” initiatives” in the West Bank, includ- The statement from Netanyahu’s of- lighted by a decla- a statement from his office said, using ing approving hotels in the Bethlehem fice said that 100 of the new units were ration from Sec- biblical terms for the West Bank. area, expanding Palestinian towns and to be built in the Tal Menashe settle- retary of State US President-elect Joe Biden, who approving existing construction work. ment, where French-Israeli Esther Mike Pompeo will be sworn in next week, has indi- The election is set for March 23 and Horgen was murdered last month. in 2019 that cated that his administration will re- Netanyahu is widely expected to make Israel’s security services have said Washing- store Washington’s pre-Trump policy a series of plays for right-wing votes, the settler was murdered by Palestin- ton no lon- of opposing settlement expansion in including by bolstering his pro-settle- ian Mohammed Cabha. ger viewed the occupied Palestinian Territories. ment credentials, before the vote, ac- Other units would be built in the No- settlements as All Jewish settlements in the West cording to Israeli political analysts. fei Nehemia outpost, according to the being in violation of Bank are regarded as illegal by much A series of recent polls indicate Ne- premier’s statement. international law. of the international community. tanyahu is facing a strong right-wing Netanyahu’s order to advance settle- AFP 12 THE PHNOM PENH POST january 13, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com Opinion

www.phnompenhpost.com Sustainable ocean economy EDITORIAL PERSONNEL Publisher & Chief Executive Offi cer Ly Tayseng Managing Editor Post Khmer is the only way forward Sam Rith of the Covid-19 pandemic. Deputy Chief of Staff Opinion Indonesia is also battling Phak Seangly Mas Achmad Santosa and against 620,000 tonnes of Business Editor Stephanie Juwana plastic debris that polluted May Kunmakara HE ocean is indeed a the ocean (National Plastic Deputy Business Editor great value to the Action Partnership, 2020). At Sangeetha Amarthalingam world. The World the same time, the state of Deputy Head of Lifestyle Desk Wide Fund for Pan Simala the mangrove, seagrass and NTature (WWF), the Global coral reef ecosystems in Senior Reporters Change Institute, University Meas Sokchea, Niem Chheng Indonesia was quite alarm- of Queensland and Boston ing. The consistent imple- Reporters Consulting Group estimated mentation of a sustainable Khouth Sophak Chakrya, Kim Sarom, the economic value of the ocean economy in Indonesia Long Kimmarita, Hin Pisei, Mom Kunthear, ocean at $24 trillion in 2015, will have positive results. Hong Raksmey, Pann Rethea, Voun Dara, which came from marine First, the ocean will make a Roth Sochieata, Orm Bunthoeurn, resources, shipping lanes, significant contribution to Soth Koemsoeun, Thou Vireak, Nov Sivutha productive coastline and car- the national economy and Photographers bon absorption. the livelihood of the people. Heng Chivoan, Hong Menea, Hean Rangsey However, the wealth of the Second, environmental safe- Web Editor ocean depends on its health. guards will be securely Leang Phannara At the same time, climate placed so that the needs of Digital Team change impacts, overexploi- present and future genera- Sous Chanthy, Pang Vichea, Suy Sovandy tation of marine resources, tions can be met. Third, the SIEM REAP BUREAU destruction of habitats and considerable carbon absorp- Offi ce Manager ocean pollution all together tion ability of Indonesia’s Sophearith Blondeel compound stresses on ocean ocean resources will allow PRODUCTION & PRINTING health. In order to effectively (green) fund compensation. Head of Desktop Publishing protect the ocean, while at Fourth, Indonesia’s reputa- Nhim Sokphyrak the same time sustainably tion in the world will be ele- Desktop Publishing utilise the ocean resources A sustainable ocean economy brings diverse stakeholders together to achieve common goals: effective vated, which could positively Suon Savatdy, Chum Sokunthy, Danh Borath and create equitable pros- protection, sustainable production and equitable prosperity. afp affect Indonesia’s investment Tep Thoeun Thyda, Tim Borith, Than Veasna perity for the people, a new climate. Fifth, the involve- paradigm on sustainable ocean health, ocean equity, Indonesian Ocean Council in Between 5,000 and 90,000 ment of marginalised com-

ocean economy is key. ocean knowledge and ocean 2013 and $120 billion, ships transited through the munities and consideration A sustainable ocean econo- finance. according to the Indonesian Archipelagic Sea Lanes (ALKI) toward the equitable distri- my brings diverse stakehold- Investments in sustainable Institute of Sciences in 2019. 1 each year, more than 10,000 bution of the benefits from HEAD OFFICE ers together to achieve com- ocean-based solutions offer Indonesia’s latest fisheries ships through ALKI 2 and less the ocean will be ensured. Post Media Co., Ltd. mon goals: effective very promising benefit-cost potential stood at 12.5 million than 5,000 ships through ALKI Acknowledging the signifi- The Elements Condominium Level 7, protection, sustainable pro- ratios that will yield high ben- tonnes per year with an actual III-A (Ahmad Irfan, 2020). cant role of the ocean in Indo- Hun Sen Boulevard, Phum Prek Talong, duction and equitable pros- efits. For example, the conser- production of 6.71 million Investment in a sustainable nesia’s national development Sangkat Chak Angre Krom,12353, Phnom perity. This will mark a shift vation and restoration of tonnes in 2018, placing the and environmentally-friendly and livelihood of the people, Penh, Cambodia from the extractive approach mangroves has a benefit-cost country third globally after maritime infrastructure with- Tel: 023 888 161, 023 888 162 while also understanding the to a degree where environ- ratio of 3:1 and could raise China and Peru (FAO, 2020). in those shipping lanes could Cellcard: 078 555 166, 078 555 133 importance of maintaining mental protection, economic $200 billion globally. Sustain- Smart: 086 822 999, 086 277 999 Indonesia is also home to the result in very high economic the health of the ocean, a sus- production and prosperity go able ocean-based food pro- SIEM REAP largest mangrove ecosystem benefits. tainable ocean economy is the No 629, Street 6, Dangkum Commune hand in hand. Other sources of ocean- only way forward in respect of Tel: 063 966 290, Fax: 063 966 590 The result is a triple win for Investments in sustainable based income can also come ocean management. Moreo- nature, people and the econo- from tourism and the energy ver, an extractive approach COMMERCIAL DEPARTMENT ocean-based solutions offer very Chief Operating Offi cer my, according to the High- sector. However, it should be that prioritises the economy Level Panel for a Sustainable emphasised that a healthy at the expense of environ- James Ong Soon Teck promising benefit-cost ratios Advertising Department Ocean Economy (HLP SOE). ocean is the key to a sustaina- mental and social aspects is Chap Narith, 017 996 241 The panel of 14 world leaders that will yield high benefits ble ocean economy. Indone- unconstitutional. Article 33 (4) Hun Channet, 017 578 768 from Australia, Canada, Chile, sia ranks 137 out of 221 coun- of the Constitution, the Long- Prach Monnyreak, 015 239 293 Fiji, Ghana, Indonesia, Jamai- duction has a ratio of 10:1 that can store 3.14 million tries in the Ocean Health Term and Mid-Term National Keo Puthy, 012 966 605 ca, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, with $6.7 trillion in yield. tonnes of carbon (Conserva- Index with a score of 65, Development Plan and the Phon Sok Chea, 012 717 404 Namibia, Norway, Palau and Blessed with a very vast tion International, 2019). which is still below the global 2017 National Maritime Policy Jessa Piastro, 092 445 983 Portugal was established in and resource-rich ocean (6.4 Meanwhile, the seagrass average. Indonesia’s perform- give emphasis to environmen- CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION 2017 to build momentum for million sq km of area and ecosystem in Indonesia can ance in achieving Sustainable tal protection to ensure the Acting Distribution Manager a sustainable ocean economy. 108,000km of coastline), potentially store 7.4 mega- Development Goal 14 (life sustainability of the resources. Thenh Rithy, 087 888 854 On December 3, 2020, the Indonesia can benefit tonnes of carbon every year below water) is in the orange It is, therefore, time for Presi- Circulation Supervisor initiative, also called the immensely from such an (Ocean Science Journal, category, meaning that Indo- dent Joko “Jokowi” Widodo to Nou Chanthy, 096 999 2828 Ocean Panel, launched a ocean-based economy. 2019). If the average global nesia is still facing some sig- take concrete measures to Yim Veasna, 015 814 499 document titled Transforma- Although there has been no value of carbon is $15 per nificant challenges to meet build a sustainable ocean ADMINISTRATION tions for a Sustainable Ocean formally accepted estimation metric tonne, the mangrove the goal. Illegal and destruc- economy. THE JAKARTA POST/ASIA Admin & HR Manager Economy. The document sets of Indonesia’s ocean value, ecosystem in Indonesia could tive fishing remain serious NEWS NETWORK Pich Socheat targets to be achieved by the primary research shows that roughly yield $47.1 million threats to the fisheries sector. panel members by 2030 in Indonesia’s ocean economy Mas Achmad Santosa is CEO of the Assistants Admin & HR Manager and seagrass $111 million. Indonesia’s fishermen’s Indonesia Ocean Justice Initiative, Nhel Soaphea order to reinforce transfor- potential is estimated at $170 Indonesia’s ocean is also one exchange rate has been falling where Stephanie Juwana is the Financial Director mations in ocean wealth, billion, according to the of the busiest shipping lanes. since February 2020 because director. Heang Tangmeng Chief Accountant Sren Vicheka Treasurers Sok Sophorn, Yon Sovannara, Cheam Sopheak, Huy Hamsovannary IT Manager Seng Nak, Vong Oun

TO CONTACT US [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.phnompenhpost.com © Post Media Co., Ltd The Phnom Penh Post is wholly owned and printed by Post Media Co., Ltd. The title The Phnom Penh Post in either English or Khmer languages, its associ- ated logos or devices and the contents of this publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the written consent of Post Media Co., Ltd. www.phnompenhpost.com THE PHNOM PENH POST january 13, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 13 Lifestyle Dancing like a Bollywood superstar

Roth Sochieata Princella also said that teaching Bollywood dance is ITH many Bol- not that challenging for her lywood movies because she was born in a screening in lo- Punjabi-Catholic family and cal cinemas as dancing is something that Wwell as long-form Bollywood comes naturally to her with dramatic series broadcasting her Punjabi cultural roots. on local television, Cambodian “As soon as I started walking, I people are quite familiar with remember dancing at different the spectacle of elaborately family gatherings, because ev- choreographed dancing that eryone else would be dancing defines Bollywood musicals. to celebrate whatever the occa- When large groups of actors sion is. Also, I started dancing are expertly dancing together at my school events when I was on screen the synchronisa- six years old,” she says. tion looks amazing. The sharp She says she has only been movement of the dancer’s to India once, but being a huge heads and necks from side to Bollywood movie-fanatic and side is a signature Bollywood having learned to dance by dance move. mimicking the choreography Even if you don’t understand from Bollywood films, India the lyrics to the songs you will now feels familiar to her like still be entertained by it and she’s been there many times. learn some of the story be- “What I love most about Bol- cause the physical movement lywood dance is that, it knows of the dancers is a type of sign no boundaries; it unites people language that tells the story in that are separated by borders. parallel with the words. “People in Pakistan appre- Princella Anum Gill has ciate and love watching Bol- been teaching people the lywood movies and dance as lively art of Bollywood dance much as Indian people. When Princella’s (bottom centre) dance class students are mainly foreigners living in Phnom Penh. supplied here in Phnom Penh for the it comes to Bollywood, I don’t past three years, bringing lywood films. no matter their age and that is fast. So people need to see [politics] coming between smiles to students of all ages “I was so happy with the some people start teaching practice a lot slowly with- us and stopping us from shar- in her dance studio and at in- experience [teaching dance] their kids Bollywood danc- out the music to learn the ing in that,” she says. ternational schools. that I started offering my own ing as soon as they are able steps first so that they can In Pakistani culture, dancing Princella, 25, is a Pakistani Bollywood dance workshops to walk but people need not do it quickly along with the is a way to express happiness at business school graduate for all age groups in Phnom be embarrassed if they don’t music when they are ready. celebrations such as birthday who came to Cambodia with Penh to see if people would start out dancing gracefully “Bollywood dance is a fu- parties, weddings, engage- her whole family looking for be interested in learning it. I “Just because you can’t sion of different dance styles, ments, family reunions, reli- employment opportunities in got a great response from ex- dance well, doesn’t mean you so having a mixture of different gious festivals or whenever 2017. pats as well as from locals,” shouldn’t dance. There isn’t dance moves means people family and friends meet up They opened up a restaurant Princella tells The Post. any such thing as a bad danc- sometimes find it easy and for a good time. in Tuol Tom Puong called Prin- She has also been working er. As long as you are moving sometimes find it hard de- “Especially at weddings, cella Flavor of Saffron and the full-time teaching Bollywood your body or maybe just tilt- pending on the choreog- we usually have a dance business has been doing well. dance as an extracurricular ing your head on [the right] raphy,” she says. competition between the In addition to their food, activity at Grand Mount In- beats, you are good to go. The music Princella bride’s and groom’s sides Princella and her family have ternational School for the “The point of it is simply to teaches dance with is which brings a fun energy offered other tastes of Desi cul- past two years. enjoy it and to have fun. Not mostly from Bollywood and excitement to the re- ture over the past three years She has about 40 Cambodi- only do you see your body mov- movies, but she says really ception,” Princella says. by doing Henna tattoos (using an students at the school who ing in a groovy way but you also any type of music would Princella says she is al- temporary ink) as well as giv- are all learning and enjoying feel happy because it is really work or they could dance to ways open to signing up ing Bollywood-style and Pun- Bollywood dancing and they fun to learn these moves and it’s live music as well. new students and wel- jabi dance demonstrations. have performed at different easy to practice,” she says. She says there’s really no comes those who are at- The term Desi encompass- events at the school. Princella says the dances are need to put on costumes tending their first dance es the peoples and cultures For her private dance class- easy once they can remember unless they are perform- class. found in Pakistan, India and es, the pricing goes $8 per the choreography; all they need ing at some themed event “If you are ready to Bangladesh, which were unit- person for beginners, $10 for to do is consistently practice. so usually they dance in learn something excit- ed together under British co- intermediate and $12 for ad- “Students just need to re- whatever clothes they are ing, get moving, and lonial rule up until 1947. vance dancers. hearse the steps and memorize comfortable in because express yourself all at “I started teaching dance Princella says she encourag- the choreography. The steps are everything works for once then reach out three years ago in Phnom Penh. es all people to start dancing usually easy, but the execution Bollywood dancing. to me for more details I was asked to teach Bollywood about our classes dancing at Canadian Interna- where you can learn tional School (CIS) for their to embrace your in- summer camp in 2018. I taught ner Bollywood star. kids ages six to 14 years old for a “You don’t need month or two,” she says. any prior expe- Bollywood Dance is the rience to learn name given to the dance-form the basics and used in Indian (Bollywood) you might even films. Much like musical the- discover a new pas- atre in the Broadway tradi- sion. There’s a reason tion, the singing and dancing Bollywood dance is so is interwoven with scenes of popular around the dialogue and used to advance world and my classes the plot of the story. are going to help you The most energetic and discover the joys of colourful Indian dance forms Bollywood,” she says. are Bhangra, which is a tra- For more informa- ditional Punjabi dance and tion, Princella Bolly- Garbaa which originated in wood Dance can be the state of Gujarat, India. contacted via their Bhangra and Garbaa are Facebook page: then merged with other styles https://www. of dance from around the facebook.com/ world, resulting in the famed princellabolly- dance numbers found in Bol- Princella (far right) from Pakistan teaches Bollywood dance in her studio. supplied wooddance/ 14 THE PHNOM PENH POST january 13, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com Lifestyle Thinking caps

Participants sit with social distancing as a preventive measure against the Covid-19 coronavirus during a coming-of-age ceremony in Namie, Fukushima prefecture on Saturday. JIJI PRESS/AFP Japan celebrates coming-of-age day despite virus surge oung adults dressed am here because it’s an event Suga has urged young people to the nines in kimo- that you only experience once to follow the emergency mea- nos gathered at ven- in your life, and it’s also a sures, which ask residents to “THREE-PEAT” ues in Japan on Janu- chance to meet friends who I avoid non-essential outings aryY 11 to celebrate reaching the haven’t seen for a long time.” and request restaurants and ACROSS 66 White House employee 28 Cookery direction age of majority, although many Ayane Uchino, another 20- bars to close early. 1 FBI employee 67 Evening hour 29 Big bag of the usually jubilant events year-old student, said: “After Last week he said more than 6 Wile E. Coyote’s supplier 68 Sorority letter 31 Bitter brews were cancelled over virus fears. the ceremony, I’m going to half of recent new infections 10 Stand for a statue 69 Wedding couple? 33 “Gosh!” More than a million people in return straight home, but it’s in greater Tokyo were among 14 Ancient Roman senate 70 Got a hole in one 34 Legendary creature Japan turn 20 this year, the age a shame that we can’t go and the under-30s. 15 Front of a boat 71 Extreme passion 36 Alcohol chaser? at which they can legally drink eat with our friends, because The fishing city of Yaizu in 16 Striking solo DOWN 37 Romanov dynasty member (Var.) alcohol, smoke and get mar- of the virus.” central Japan held a “drive- 17 Oct. 31 tradition 1 “Hamlet” quintet 38 Write a ticket ried without parental approval. Kawasaki and neigbouring in” Coming-of-Age event on 20 Like some living rooms 2 Spiritual adviser 39 Does a farm job They are traditionally feted Yokohama are included in the January 10, drawing some 470 21 Like first, second or third 3 “___ go bragh” 40 Pt. of MIT each January on “coming-of- state of emergency, which is vehicles to the harbourside 22 Cakewalks 4 Shaving mishap 42 Winter coating age day” with a formal cer- less strict than the harsh lock- celebration. 25 Stray calf 5 “Care” attachment 46 Like liters and grams emony, originally a rite of an- downs seen in other countries. A 20-year-old man in Yaizu 26 Anatomical sac 6 Moist mo. 48 Not quite an ennead cient samurai families – now At Yokohama Arena, wom- told the Sankei Shimbun: “We 30 One’s special field 7 Old-style computer screen 49 Curie or Antoinette often followed by raucous en in ornate kimonos, fluffy are sad to miss a chance to 32 Helicopterlike vehicle 8 Bummed out 50 Stand fast drinking sprees. white stoles and masks sat in meet as friends, but I’m hap- 35 Chinese nut (Var.) 9 Beautiful jug 51 Cheryl or Gregory But a record surge in Covid- socially distanced seating for py to see the event held no 41 Happy as a lark, for one 10 Backyard part 52 Musician DiFranco 19 cases and a month-long the ceremony, with the men matter how.” 43 Avenue crosser, sometimes 11 Challenger’s problem gasket 54 Nixon met him in China virus state of emergency de- dressed mainly in suits. Tama in western Tokyo held 44 Pairs socks incorrectly 12 Mount that Moses climbed 55 “Big Three” conference site clared in and around Tokyo The arena’s capacity was an online ceremony for resi- 45 Islamic holy man 13 Birdie beater 57 Volcano in Italy has led many local authori- limited to 5,000, with four dents entering adulthood. 47 Sheet-music symbol 18 Lennon’s wife 59 German industrial region ties to scrap or postpone the separate ceremonies held on Before the event, the mayor 48 Beach at Normandy 19 Increase (with “to”) 60 Pay attention to 23 Harpo or Karl 61 “Do ___ others as ...” 2021 festivities. January 11. Participants were apologised to participants, 53 Warfare opponent 24 Broadway stage worker 62 Lightly blacken At an event in Kawasaki, told to keep their distance and saying: “I’m sorry . . . but it 56 Kitchen furniture 26 Broadway stage hit 64 Common tip jar bill southwest of the capital, stu- speak quietly to avoid spread- is true that infections are 58 Denmark city 27 Mongol tent 65 Actor Danson dent Naomi Ooba said: “I know ing the respiratory disease. spreading. As an adult, please 63 TNT there is a risk of infection, but I Prime Minister Yoshihide accept this.” AFP Tuesday’s solution

Tuesday’s solution

Twenty-year-old women dressed in kimonos gather outside Todoroki Arena during the ‘Coming-of-Age Day’ celebration ceremony in Kawasaki, Kanagawa prefecture, on Monday. AFP THE PHNOM PENH POST january 13, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 15 Sport Saracens use rugby to tackle problem of prisoner re-offending n THE pitch, Sara- which was due to climax in a the headlights when they start cens have become match that eventually had to playing. They can be cocky and one of the giants of be scrapped because of a cor- the next minute they are on European rugby. Off onavirus lockdown. their backside,” he added. it,O they are using their power- Inmates are at the prison for “The rugby programme is ful platform to prepare pris- offences ranging from theft to massively important as the oners for life after release. murder – the only two catego- ethos of the sport serves them The three-time European ries of prisoner not admitted really well. It is adding another champions have taken their are those convicted of terror- layer,” Get Onside programme to ism and sex offences. The Mount prison, near Lon- The Mount, a training and ‘Positive actions’ Sam Cload (centre) talks to inmates enrolled on the Get Onside programme run by Saracens rugby union don, which holds about 1,000 resettlement prison, has long For Sam Cload, the Get On- club at The Mount prison on the outskirts of Bovingdon village near Hemel Hempstead, southern England, on inmates. had a rugby tradition and has side project manager, the aim March 9 last year. SARACENS FOOTBALL CLUB/AFP The club were pointed in the been involved in local leagues is to help prisoners make the ated in the leafy commuter belt you meet’ to say to them if Oz, in his 20s, who asked to be direction of the category C jail for decades – with a hiatus right choices as they focus on about 40km from London. they are five positive people referred to only by that name, by former Arsenal vice-chair- that ended in 2019. the future. “The exceptional work tak- you will take positive actions,” served three years of a six-year man David Dein, who launched Physical education super- He said he could empathise ing place at The Mount exem- he said. sentence for grievous bodily his Twinning Project in 2018. vising officer Stephen Fitzsim- with the prisoners as he was plifies the Twinning Project’s “For someone released, there harm and money laundering. That project’s objective is to mons, said rugby had a long on a “slippery slope as a young belief that sport really can is a short timeframe before they He is now a project mentor twin every prison in England tradition at the institution. fellow.” change lives for the better,” he fall back among old groups of and sits on the project steering and Wales with a local profes- “Mount rugby have won “Once you are in trouble it is said in a statement. people they hung out with be- group as an advisor. sional football club to improve numerous awards including hard to right the ship again,” The project is not just about fore and who are a bad influ- He said the programme had prisoners’ wellbeing and give a president’s award from the said Cload, who joined the rugby – it also involves bring- ence.” served him well. them a qualification. Rugby Football Union, which project in 2019. ing in experts to teach pris- Cload said he wanted those “Maybe in regular jail life you AFP was granted rare access is ironic.” he said. “I want to offer something oners about how to prepare released to come to the club af- would not mix together but to The Mount to talk to those Fitzsimmons said because positive to people who perhaps job applications and there terwards and carry on working this [rugby] you have to have tasked with putting the men the rules of the sport were have made the wrong choice are topical discussions before with them. each others’ backs,” he said. through their paces on the rug- alien to many, it acted as a and now need help to start mak- training. One example is Oz, who “This teaches you in apply- by pitch. great “leveller.” ing the right choices again.” Cload posts a maxim on the became involved in the pro- ing values of rugby to every- At the time of the visit, a to- “I tell them ‘I am Fitz, not gu- Dein, once one of the most whiteboard before the discus- gramme while at a young of- day lives outside of prison like tal of 30 prisoners were signed vnor, when we step over that powerful figures in English sions. fenders’ institution, which is humility, respect, honesty and up – after security clearance white line’. football, has praised the work “I put up the saying ‘you are where the project began in teamwork. – for the eight-week course, “They are more like rabbits in taking place at the prison, situ- the sum of the first five people 2011. “Those are the pillars.” AFP Vendee Globe race still up for grabs as Bestaven’s lead cut to just 12nm

French skipper Yannick Bestaven still 72nm behind the leader after taking over issues but I’ll be able to pick back up. headed the fleet in the solo round-the- third spot from Thomas Ruyant in Linke- “The whole Vendee Globe has been like world Vendee Globe on January 11 but his dOut who is a further 8nm behind. this, the race is far from over.” lead, which was over 400 nautical miles Louis Burton in Bureau Vallee 2 has last week, has been slashed to just 12. made up a lot of sea and is in fifth just ‘All to play for’ Bestaven’s Maitre Coq IV was largely 114nm behind Bestaven, making it a five- German skipper Boris Herrman, whose becalmed since Saturday while his rivals way chase to the finish at Les Sables Seaexplorer-Yacht Club de Monaco is just were blessed with better wind and closed d’Olonne in northern France. over 200nm behind the leader in sixth, the gap. The leaders are off the coast of Brazil even sees a chance that he might become Doug Pederson was fired as head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles on Charlie Dalin, sailing at 13.1 knots in heading north through the Atlantic, hop- the first non-French winner. Monday. GETTY IMAGES/AFP Apivia, was just 12.4nm behind Bestaven ing to reach France at the end of January. “How fantastic for the race to be this at 1700 GMT on January 11 with the lead- “I think for Yannick, who sees us coming close during the climb back up the Atlan- er managing just 7.73 knots. back to him when he was way ahead, it tic,” he said. NFL Eagles fire Super To his credit, Bestaven has 10hrs 15mins must be tough,” said Ruyant. “For us it is “It really is all to play for, for all of us, even in his pocket – the compensation granted very gratifying.” Yannick. You know, he’s not miles and for his role in the rescue of Kevin Escoffier The LinkedOut skipper had to climb his miles ahead as I can see from my screen, Bowl winner Pederson whose boat PRB was “smashed up, the bow mast for a fifth time to repair his wind indi- so the regatta is very much still alive, and Doug Pederson was fired as best interests to part ways.” folded 90 degrees” while sailing through cator after racing three days blind with no each to our own to play the match. head coach of the Philadelphia Pederson went 42-37-1 over the Roaring 40s at the start of December. precise wind data. “In the past, we’ve seen climbs up the Eagles on Monday, three sea- five season as coach of the Damien Seguin in Groupe Apicil was “I wasted a lot of time with some minor Atlantic which have been less exciting, sons after guiding the Ameri- Eagles, including a 41-33 victory perhaps one or two boats clearly ahead, can football team to its first over New England in Super Bowl but here we have a real host of different NFL title since 1960. 52 in 2018 at Minneapolis. boats which could make the podium plac- Eagles chairman and owner Pederson, 52, is a former es, four, five or six boats, with no doubt Jeffrey Lurie announced his player who spent most of he surprises still to come.” decision in a statement, saying career as a backup to legendary Of the 33 boats that set off from Brittany it was best to part ways with Green Bay Packers quarterback on November 8, seven have retired, the Pederson after a woeful season Brett Favre. most recent casualty being Isabelle – going 4-11 with one drawn. The Eagles went 9-7 in each Joschke who abandoned on January 9 “I’ve spent the last few weeks of the next two seasons, losing after a further failure of the keel canting evaluating everything from in the first and second rounds system on board her IMOCA MACSF. this past year and looking of the playoffs, before slumping Leading race standings as of 1700 GMT, ahead,” Lurie said. “We’re all in 2020. January 11: 1. Yannick Bestaven (FRA/Mai- very disappointed with the “As the leader of this organi- tre Coq IV) 4,756.6 nautical miles from way our season went and eager sation, it’s imperative for me to finish, 2. Charlie Dalin (FRA/Apivia) at to turn things around, not just do what I believe is best for eve- 12.4nm, 3. Damien Seguin (FRA/Groupe for next season but also for the ryone as we look ahead to the Apicil 72.0, 4.Thomas Ruyant (FRA/Linke- future of the franchise. future and move into our next dOut) 79.0, 5. Louis Burton (FRA/Bureau “Coach Pederson and I had chapter,” Lurie said. Vallee 2) 114.8, 6. Boris Herrmann (GER/ the opportunity to sit down “I know that we have work to Seaexplorer-Yacht Club de Monaco) 201.9, and discuss what that col- do to get back to where we want 7. Benjamin Dutreux (FRA/OMIA-Water lective vision would look like to be, but I also believe that we Family) 227.1, 8. Giancarlo Pedote (ITA/ moving forward. After tak- have an exceptionally strong Prysmian Group) 261.6, 9. Jean Le Cam ing some time to reflect on group of people in this organi- French skipper Yannick Bestaven sails aboard the Imoca 60 monohull ‘Maitre Coq’, on October 7, (FRA/Yes we Cam!) 281.5, 10. Maxime Sorel these conversations, I zation who can help set us up last year, off La Rochelle, western France, a few weeks prior to the start of the Vendee Globe. AFP (FRA/V And B Mayenne) 425.3. AFP believe it’s in both of our for future success.” AFP 16 THE PHNOM PENH POST january 13, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com Sport Australia Open ‘bubble’ for top tennis stars

ennis’ top stars face held in cities stricken by the the threat of sanctions virus and will be required to if they breach strin- spend 19 hours daily during gent Covid-19 proto- quarantine confined to their colsT when they arrive this week hotel rooms. for an Australian Open deemed Defending Australian Open by its top boss as needing a champion Sofia Kenin admit- “small miracle” to go off with- ted it was “not the most ideal out a hitch. situation”. “It is what it is. The The calendar’s first Grand rules are quite harsh, but it’s Slam normally starts in the for everyone,” she said. third week of January but plan- There is also the threat of ning for this year’s tournament sanctions, including hefty has been a logistical nightmare fines, spending additional for beleaguered organisers. time in quarantine or depor- Tennis Australia initially tation, if the rules are broken. wanted players arriving in Mel- Ukrainian world number bourne by mid-December. five Elina Svitolina hired a But restrictions on inter- mental coach in an effort to national arrivals to the state cope with the stress and un- of Victoria pushed back the certainty. tournament start date to Feb- “I think during the difficult ruary 8, with a series of WTA time right now, mentally it’s and ATP events being played very important to stay strong, at Melbourne the week before to stay fresh,” she said. to ensure players are up to speed. ‘Just crazy’ Melbourne was the epicen- Six-time Australian Open tre of Australia’s largest sec- champion Roger Federer’s de- ond wave outbreak of corona- cision to withdraw – breaking virus, which prompted strict his record streak of 21 straight lockdown measures for four singles appearances in Mel- months. bourne – affects the pulling This grim backdrop fuelled power of the tournament, Serbia’s Novak Djokovic hits a return against Austria’s Dominic Thiem during their men’s singles final match on Day 14 of the Australian Open tense negotiations between which was left reeling after tennis tournament in Melbourne on February 2 last year. AFP government officials, organis- suggestions he skipped be- ers and players to iron out an cause of the quarantine rules. days in the room. The excep- instead in Adelaide with an Tiley said the toll on organis- recently experienced a agreeable health security pro- The 39-year-old had two tion is only for players.” exhibition tournament held ers had been immense with a small new outbreak of the tocol for the Australian Open. rounds of knee surgery last Just days ahead of players ar- there prior to the Australian 1,270-strong contingent on 80 virus, Tiley expected crowd The sticking point had been year and has not played since riving organisers were forced Open. charter flights, bankrolled by capacity at the Grand Slam over allowing players to prac- his semi-final defeat to No- into a scramble to find more It led to world number 72 Tennis Australia, journeying to be around 50-75 per cent, tise during the compulsory vak Djokovic at the Australian accommodation after a luxury Jeremy Chardy accusing to Melbourne and Adelaide exceeding the biggest audi- 14-day quarantine period but Open 12 months ago. Melbourne hotel due to host organisers of preferential this week. ence for a tennis tourna- eventually authorities gave the “The problem is that Mirka them pulled out. treatment. “It’s just crazy, we’ve never ment since the pandemic green light and granted daily [Federer’s wife] and their chil- In a late twist, it was revealed Australian Open chief Craig seen anything like it,” he told started. five-hour blocks for training dren couldn’t leave the room,” Saturday that a contingent of Tiley admitted there would the Tennis Channel. “Logisti- “We are doing the best we can and treatment. Tennis Australia’s head of up to 50 – including top stars be “some benefits” for players cally, to pull something like to deliver an Australian Open Players, however, face strict- player liaisons Andre Sa told Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, amid the smaller cohort in Ad- this off will be a small miracle to as close as it was in 2020,” he er measures compared to last Brazilian media. Serena Williams and Naomi elaide but said “the conditions but we are giving it a good go.” said. “Hopefully there will be year’s US and French Opens “They would have to stay 14 Osaka – would quarantine of training will be the same”. Even though Melbourne normalcy to it.” AFP New kid in the block Hoppe scores hattrick for Schalke

Matthew Hoppe earned instant At Schalke the 19-year-old is follow- mund, Josh Sargent at Werder Bremen, up a knee injury and Wales forward his three goals to become the third- hero status at Schalke with his hat- ing in the footsteps of Texas-born RB Leipzig’s Tyler Adams and Chris Rabbi Matondo struggled before being youngest player to score a Bundesliga trick in the 4-0 win over Hoffenheim Weston McKennie, who left the Richards at Bayern Munich. And then loaned to English second-tier side hat-trick. on January 10 that saved his club from Gelsenkirchen club to join Juventus there is Pellegrino Matarazzo, the New Stoke City last week. Ironically, Schalke are in their 30th matching the Bundesliga record for on loan at the start of this season. Jersey-born coach of VfB Stuttgart. Promoted to the first team in late straight season in the Bundesliga. One the most consecutive games without There was also Christian Pulisic at The Bundesliga has been good to November, Hoppe started on his Bun- of Germany’s best-supported teams, a win. So who exactly is this latest Borussia Dortmund before he signed American players in recent years and desliga debut, a 4-1 defeat at Borussia Hoppe’s goals helped lift them off the young American to break through in for Chelsea, while Hoppe’s peers this they have been good for Germany’s Moenchengladbach. bottom of the table, although they Germany? season include Gio Reyna at Dort- top flight, helping raise its profile Christian Gross, Schalke’s fourth remain in the relegation zone, six across the Atlantic. Hoppe, though, coach this season, arrived in late points from outright safety after 15 will settle for being revered in the blue December and has clearly spotted games. half of the Ruhr region. Hoppe’s talent. “He will always remember this day The former Tottenham manager in his career,” Gross said of Hoppe. Chose Ruhr over San Diego selected him for his first two games, The veteran coach described a play- Hoppe is from southern California including January 10’’s thrashing as er who “doesn’t shy away from work- and joined Schalke in 2019 after play- Schalke ended an astonishing run of ing extremely hard” in training and is ing for the Barcelona Residency Acad- 30 games without a win, one shy of the “unbelievably ambitious, has tremen- emy USA in Arizona. all-time Bundesliga record of 31 set by dous commitment and only thinks He scored 29 goals in 23 games in Tasmania Berlin in the 1960s. about Schalke. 2018/19 while playing for Barca’s USA “He wants to do whatever it takes to academy and committed to San Diego ‘Unbelievably ambitious’ get us out of this situation. He’s still State University before being offered “I have no words,” Hoppe said after very young and still has lots to learn a trial with Schalke. becoming the first American to score in order to become a top-rate finisher, After moving to Germany, he did a Bundesliga hat-trick on what was but we’re working on that.” enough to impress in Schalke’s just his fifth appearance in the His hat-trick instantly made Hoppe reserves last season despite scoring a league. Schalke’s top scorer this season. single goal in 16 games. “The first goal was the easiest as it was Bayern are due in Gelsenkirchen in The first team’s dire form and lack pure instinct,” he said of his deft chip a fortnight, but Hoppe is not assured of goals created a chance this season which put Schalke on the path to a first of his place with the Royal Blues still for Hoppe as Schalke’s other strikers league win since January last year. on the lookout for another striker. fell by the wayside. “I hope the team can keep fighting, “Nothing has changed. We’re work- Schalke forward Hoppe (left) shoots to score the opening goal past Vedad Ibisevic was sacked in stay confident and stay in the league.” ing hard to strengthen the squad – Hoffenheim goalkeeper Baumann in the Bundesliga match on Saturday. AFP November, Goncalo Paciencia picked Hoppe needed just 21 minutes for especially up front,” Gross said. AFP