wednesday, january 27, 2021 Intelligent . In-depth . Independent Issue Number 3593 / 4000 RIEL PM donates salary for Covid-19 battle

Mom Kunthear mentation of measures to prevent “Due to the ongoing global crisis combat Covid-19 because it demonstrates Covid-19 transmission at public gath- caused by Covid-19 and its continued great solidarity and concern for the pro- PRIME Minister Hun Sen has announced erings and group events such as wed- impact on Cambodia, I would like to tection of the Cambodian people’s health. that he will forego seven months of his dings and other ceremonies. announce that I will donate my entire Following the prime minister’s after-tax salary – from February to August Hun Sen confirmed that his salary was salary after taxes to the health ministry announcement, some ministers and 2021 – and redirect the money to the Min- 10 million riel per month and that he for another seven months, from Febru- officials said they too would donate More than 200 istry of Health to help combat Covid-19. had to pay taxes of 910,000 riel per ary to August 2021,” Hun Sen said. their salaries to the health ministry. Meanwhile, the health ministry month on it and so he would be handing Hun Sen also thanked officials, civil Among the ranks of the generous were Striking Svay requested that Phnom Penh municipal over 9,090,000 riel per month to the min- society and members of the armed forc- Minister of Labour and Vocational and provincial authorities pay close istry for a total donation of 63,630,000 es who are volunteering to donate all or rieng labourers attention to strengthening the imple- riel [$16,000] for those seven months. part of their salaries towards efforts to Continued – page 5 back to work national – page 2 Treated with antibodies, Covid gorilla ‘recovering’ AN elderly gorilla was recover- ing from a serious case of Covid-19 Ministry: Steel after he was treated with cutting- edge synthetic antibodies, the San imports drop 41% Diego Zoo said on January 25. Veterinarians are now identifying in 2020, exports which animals to inject with the US zoo’s limited supply of vaccines. skyrocket 351% Winston, 48, was one of several business – page 8 gorillas among the San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s troop who were con- firmed positive for the virus on Janu- ary 11, based on faecal samples. It was the first known case of natu- ral transmission of the virus to great apes, and was suspected to have occurred because of contact with an asymptomatic staff member, despite the use of personal protective gear. “The troop was infected with a new, highly contagious strain of the coronavirus, recently identified in California,” San Diego Zoo Global, the non-profit that operates the zoo Indonesia seizes Exposed on the road and safari park, said in a statement. Last year a total of 15 traffic accidents involving trucks transporting labourers resulted in four deaths and 353 injuries. About 20 Two research groups in Califor- per cent of total traffic accident victims in Cambodia are workers in the process of commuting back and forth to work.HONG MENEA sTORY > 2 Iran tanker and nia have identified a homegrown Panama vessel strain that they believe was driving the Golden State’s year-end surge off kalimantan in infections. Because of his advanced age, his WORLD – Page 10 symptoms and concern about underlying conditions, Winston Cambodia’s population was examined under anaesthesia. Veterinarians confirmed the sil- verback had pneumonia and heart disease, and initiated a treatment that included heart medication, hits 15.5M: Latest census antibiotics, and monoclonal anti- body therapy. Voun Dara of the committee, said more lenges presented by the growth rate drop was attrib- Monoclonal antibodies are a lab- than 50,000 census officials Covid-19 pandemic. uted to the successful imple- made version of the body’s natural HE National Com- had contacted 3.5 million “According to the final [cen- mentation of the National infection-fighting proteins, and mittee for the Gen- families to gather informa- sus] results on March 3, 2019, Population Policy and efforts they are delivered by intravenous eral Population Cen- tion across the country. there are 15.5 million Cambo- to better educate the public infusion. Relaxing through sus announced on Officials from the Ministry dians, an increase of 16 per about the use of birth control Covid-19 monoclonal antibodies JanuaryT 26 that the Cambo- of Planning’s National Insti- cent from 13.4 million people and family planning. have been approved for emergen- spiritual sound dian population had risen to tute of Statistics have revised in 2008. The annual growth The minister noted that cy use in the US, and were notably 15.5 million, an increase of 16 and analysed data in col- rate stands at 1.4 per cent for the population growth rate used to treat former president healing relaxes per cent from the 2008 census laboration with technical 2019. The growth rate remains higher than the Donald Trump. the mind and body figure of 13.4 million people. officials and international dropped from 1.5 per cent in median rate for Southeast But Winston’s treatment came from Minister of Interior Sar experts to complete the cen- 2008,” Sar Kheng said. a supply not permitted for human lifestyle – page 12 Kheng, who is also chairman sus on-time despite the chal- He added that the annual Continued – page 2 use, the statement said. AFP

THE PHNOM PENH POST To bee or not to bee: M’kiri National seeks GI status for honey Inside page 5 2 THE PHNOM PENH POST january 27, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com National Probe launched into police Workshop addresses accidents involving chief over alleged extortion commuting workers

Nov Sivutha Mom Kunthear Min Meanvy, public works ministry secretary of state and TEAM of special in- A ROAD safety training work- secretary-general of the vestigators has been shop being held from January National Road Safety Commit- dispatched by the 25-28 in Phnom Penh is seek- tee, said traffic accidents Ministry of Interior ing to raise awareness of the caused deaths and injuries toA Takeo province to probe toll taken by traffic accidents every day, making it an issue allegations against deputy every year and implement more serious than Covid-19. police chief Hin Sokheng who steps for their prevention. “Federal and trade union lead- is accused of leading accom- Kim Pagna, director of the ers have played an important plices in confining people Asia Injury Prevention Foun- role in disseminating the risks of and demanding ransoms in dation in Cambodia, explained unsafe road behaviour and pro- exchange for their release. that hundreds of factory work- tecting workers by seeking advo- Chief of the ministry’s Gen- ers were injured each year – cacy to develop and implement eral Inspection Department, and some killed – in accidents effective road safety policy at the Iv Leang, said head of the which occurred while they industry level,” she said. Criminal Investigation Divi- were travelling to or from their Meanvy said the committee sion Seng Vannak and five jobs. He noted that women are will conduct a study in Febru- deputies had been assigned disproportionately affected. ary assessing the viability of to conduct the investigation Addressing trade union upgrading trucks used as from January 25-29. employees, Pagna said the worker transports. Leang sent a letter to Sar number of garment and foot- “I continue to call on all Kheng in September last year wear workers who died in traf- truck drivers to learn how to requesting an investigation fic accidents while travelling drive well, hold proper driver’s into the case following receipt to or from work in 2019 was licences, respect traffic signs, of complaints dated July 31 more than the combined and refrain from driving too from anonymous provincial number of deaths due to fast or drinking alcohol while Takeo deputy provincial police chief Hin Sokheng is under investigation for corruption. Facebook police officers and members malaria and landmines. driving,” she affirmed. of the public. in exchange for their release. National Defence’s General on January 26 that he had “Each year, about 20 per cent Pamela Wharton, deputy The complaints accused In the first case, they alleg- Department of Logistics and heard mention of the case by of total traffic accident victims country programme director brigadier general Sokheng – edly demanded $200,000 in Finance. the court director the week in Cambodia are workers in the for the Solidarity Centre in the deputy Takeo provincial ransoms. In the second case They demanded that before. It was in the hands process of commuting back Cambodia, said it was a work- police chief in charge of crimes on December 31, Sokheng, Sokheng be held accountable of prosecutors, and the court and forth to work,” he said. er’s right to travel safely back – of a litany of charges includ- with lieutenant colonel Sak under the law and sought the would obtain details when “Even though we may consider and forth from work. ing betraying the public’s trust, Touch, lieutenant colonel Ros return of property stolen from formal filings are made. traffic accidents as a fierce, hid- “Raising awareness of this tarnishing the reputation of the Sen and accomplices, alleged- the detainees who were said “There has been a prelimi- den killer which takes people’s issue and highlighting safety provincial police, wilful negli- ly confined three Vietnamese to be Vietnamese investors. nary investigation, but prosecu- lives, regardless of colour, age, improvements needed to pre- gence of duties, incompetence and two Cambodian nation- According to the letter sent to tors have not yet submitted the status or role, we can still prevent vent travel accidents are an and corruption since taking of- als demanding $100,000. The Sar Kheng, after the complaints case to the court. I heard about and reduce this danger if we all important part of ensuring fice in early 2019. officers also allegedly took were filed, an unidentified offi- it informally. We have not yet re- work together,” Pagna added. appropriate working condi- Sokheng is also accused of bracelets and diamond rings cer from the provincial police ceived official documents from According to the Ministry of tions for factory workers in boasting of nepotistic connec- from the detainees. Sen alleg- returned the belongings to the prosecutors,” Sokhorn said. Public Works and Transport sta- Cambodia,” she said. tions to threaten subordinate edly acted as an interpreter. detainees in Phnom Penh. Provincial court prosecutor tistics, last year a total of 15 traf- On the last day of the work- officials and failing to fulfil his On January 1 of last year, A provincial court prosecu- Chiv Chandara declined to fic accidents involving trucks shop, participants will conduct duties of law enforcement. complaints were brought to tor had already summoned comment on January 26. transporting labourers resulted on-site training about traffic In two more serious cases, the Takeo provincial police Sokheng to court once to Provincial governor Ouch in four deaths and 353 injuries. issues in various factories. Sokheng is accused of a series headquarters by two repre- question him over allegations Phea said he had not received of major crimes dating back sentatives of the detainees of illegal confinement in con- information regarding the to late 2019. He and accom- – lieutenant general Meas nection with the case. case, while provincial police plices allegedly confined vic- Bunly and major general Sok Takeo provincial court chief Sok Samnang could not Census undertaken amid tims and demanded ransom Sambath from the Ministry of spokesman Lim Sokhorn said be reached for comment. unprecedented challenge

Continued from page 1 Cambodia Daniel Alemu remarked that a census is Asian nations and that there among the most complex and Striking labourers head back to work are still many things that must massive peacetime exercises be done to improve the health that a nation can undertake Long Kimmarita Owned by a Chinese nation- of the citizenry – particularly and that it necessitates a large- al, Master Blacksmith pro- with women’s reproductive scale mobilisation of resourc- MORE than 200 striking fac- duces toys in the Shandong health issues such as achiev- es from top to bottom. tory workers in Svay Rieng Special Economic Zone in ing further reductions in infant He said this fourth popula- province have agreed to re- Chrey Thom village of Bavet and maternal mortality. tion census in Cambodia was turn to work and allow op- town’s Prey Angkunh com- Sar Kheng continued that the undertaken with unprecedent- erations to resume after their mune and employs more than census report is the only source ed challenges due to the Covid- employer promised to meet a 600 workers. The protests by of geographic, socio-economic 19 pandemic and that situation list of demands. more than 200 of the workers and cultural data at the village along with initial funding Provincial Department of prevented others from enter- level and that it was an impor- shortfalls and capacity gaps Labour and Vocational Train- ing the factory to work. tant source of information for made this particular census ing director Ou Sokhoeun Cambodian Labour Con- government planning. quite complex to execute. said on January 26 that it had federation president Ath He said the population den- “As such, I would like to been three days since workers Thorn applauded the com- sity increased from 75 people express from the onset my sin- at Master Blacksmith Metal promise and the company’s per square kilometre in 2008 to cere appreciation and gratitude Products Co Ltd walked out agreement to comply with 87 per square kilometre in 2019, to the National General Popu- in protest, gathering in front workers’ requests. He re- noting that Cambodia’s overall lation Census Committee for of the factory with banners mained concerned, however, population density remains closely chaperoning the census and demanding management that the company would ful- high compared to that of the process leading to its success- accede to nine conditions. Workers protest at the Master Blacksmith Metal Products factory in fil the commitments after other ASEAN member states. ful conclusion,” he said. Svay Rieng province on Monday. nokorwatnews Their demands included employees return to work, Phnom Penh has the highest Alemu added that the 2019 improvements to facilities, earnings specified under each ers had protested would be noting that most factories in population density in the coun- census results revealed a assurances that they would contract, and five per cent of deducted from their accrued Bavet town do not have inde- try with 3,361 people per square number of demographic trends not be terminated without the so-called 13th-month pay annual leave. pendent unions to represent kilometre of land according to characterising Cambodia valid reasons of wrongdoing, and any other applicable bo- “The company has made workers’ interests. the census report. today, pointing out that trends simplification of procedures nuses should be paid on the assurances to abide by condi- “Negotiating with the com- The minister then mentioned toward development and to apply for leave, and the 10th day of each month. tions stipulated by the workers pany is a good thing, but the an important economic indi- growth served as the key takea- reinstatement of some work- Sokhoeun said negotiations as well as pertinent laws and concern is whether the com- cator that was also included in way for nearly every category. ers whom they said had been lasted all day on January 25, regulations. If there are any vi- pany will follow through. A the data provided by the Planning minister Chhay wrongfully dismissed. ending with the employer olations or disputes, individual labour union would be very National Institute of Statistics: Thorn said that the 2019 cen- Workers also requested agreeing to the requests and workers may send complaints important to monitor imple- Per capita gross domestic sus was a milestone event and overtime be made voluntary promising to implement to the department which will mentation. There should product (GDP) in 2019 was the most complete conducted and offered without coercion. them accordingly. act in mediation. If disagree- also be labour inspections $1,694 – an almost 230 per cent in its three decade history Employees laid off prior to He added that both parties ments persist, the department taking place, but in the past, rise from $739 in 2008. with a total cost of $9.9 mil- the expiry of their contracts also agreed that the three-day will refer cases to authorities we have seen there were UN Population Fund (UNF- lion drawn from the national should be paid the remaining period during which work- for resolution,” Sokhoeun said. loopholes,” he said. PA) acting representative to budget. THE PHNOM PENH POST january 27, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 3

4 THE PHNOM PENH POST january 27, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com National Tourism sector calls for more gov’t support

Orm Bunthoeurn the Covid-19 situation remained shrouded in uncertainties despite HE Cambodia Association reports of the beginning of the vac- of Travel Agents (CATA) cine distribution later this year. called on the government As for the previous support, he said to take urgent measures to it was only given to staff of hotels, rescueT the tourism sector after 3,000 restaurants and factories but not to tourism enterprises closed due to tour guides who were directly and se- the ongoing Covid-19 crisis. verely affected by the loss of tourism. CATA president Chhay Sivlin said “The money isn’t much, but it that up until recently, even closed can help a little bit in the long run. businesses sought to retain their So, I would like to suggest provid- professional staff in order to recover ing government aid to tour guides, quickly once the Covid-19 situation too,” Kileng said. improved because it was difficult to Ngov Kim Sreng, a Chinese-lan- find experts in the field. guage tour guide in Siem Reap, said She said some owners were in- the Covid-19 crisis made things jecting capital into their shuttered very difficult because no inter- tourism businesses to retain their national tourists visited, and this staff, but the crisis has lasted too made it difficult to earn a living or long. Now many businesses have find a way to pay off debts. been forced to dismiss them. “People working like we do are “Business owners are unable to waiting to serve guests. We don’t have support their staff, and they are a company. We also don’t have alter- starting to lay people off. Now those native businesses. We’re like farmers workers are having trouble finding who can only stare at the sky hoping new sources of income. Some of the rain will come soon,” he said. them are working as fortune tellers Mann Haimy, a souvenir seller in or Feng Shui consultants, taxi driv- Siem Reap, said his business closed ers or real estate agents,” he said. after the Covid-19 crisis due to the According to Sivlin, having more loss of customers which left him with than 3,000 tourism businesses per- no money to rent the shop space. manently closed has left tourism “There are no guests. We cannot experts scattered, and the full dam- control the rent because we do not age to the sector will be difficult to An estimated 3,000 tourism enterprises have closed permanently due to the ongoing Covid-19 crisis. Yousos Apdoulrashim have our own house. We rent these assess until the industry rebounds. shops, and without customers, we’re He said about 600 businesses of rity Fund exceptions and salaries. ism businesses such as free licences According to Sopheak, the minis- forced to close the business.” the 3,000 tried to reopen, but many “But it is still not enough due to and exemptions for tour operators try has also made plans to rehabili- Sopheak said tour guides could have now closed once again. the protracted situation, so the gov- who had been subject to taxes. tate the tourism sector both during still work, but they must adapt to “As an institution representing ernment should take more immedi- “During the first three months and after the Covid-19 crisis. serve domestic tourists for now. He the private sector, we want more ate special measures,” Sivlin said. of 2021, the government also an- But for now, he said, domestic tour- urged the private sector to prepare attention from the government. Of Tourism ministry secretary of nounced the same exemptions, in- ism should be promoted as there are domestic tourism packages. course, in the past, there has been state and spokesman Top Sopheak cluding the non-payment of licence “almost zero” international tourists. “Please hire these guides when some relief provided through tax said the government continued to fees and support to workers in our Cambodia Chinese Tour Guide As- visiting tourist sites so that they can exemptions, National Social Secu- enact favourable policies for tour- target areas,” he said. sociation president Tea Kileng said earn some money,” he said. Funds sought to fix mountain stairs Over 700 petitions to Soth Koemsoeun Sar Kheng via FB page

More than 200 stairs built on Voun Dara ing himself and one deputy. To Tbeng Meanchey Mountain adequately respond to the high in Tbeng Meanchey district’s IN the second half of last year, volume of public messages, the Preah Khlaing commune of Minister of Interior Sar Kheng’s group has expanded to 17 mem- Preah Vihear province suf- Facebook page received more bers including five deputies. fered water damage during than four intervention requests In a Facebook post, Sar Kheng the past rainy season, and per day on average, said the praised the group for its efforts provincial authorities have leader of the working group and results in resolving the pub- begun renovating the steps. assigned to handle the account. lic’s petitions and urged officials Officials recently inaugurat- At a recent meeting to review across the country to continue ed the project with a religious last year’s progress and establish giving support to the public. ceremony requesting a local goals for this year, team leader He also thanked the public for guardian spirit to watch over Chea Sokunthea said there had submitting their comments and the work. The ceremony was been a total of 769 requests sub- requests as this demonstrated attended by senior minister mitted by the public, of which their participation in the na- Meas Sophea, head of the rul- 237 had been resolved. tion’s development, he said. ing Cambodian People’s Party The remaining issues will Licadho deputy director national-level working group, be addressed, and the group Am Sam Ath commended the Long Sovan, head of the pro- has added staff to deal with group’s work, saying it simplified vincial council, and provin- them, he said. the process of people commu- cial governor Prak Sovann, Sokunthea said that of the nicating with the government among others. 532 remaining cases, 280 had and saved people travel time Provincial Department of been sent to specialists for so- and associated costs. It could Public Works and Transport lutions, and the working group also ensure effective responses director Sam Leangtry is was waiting for their results. by circumventing the indiffer- heading the renovations. He The last 252 cases had been ence of some local authorities. said there were 1,800 stairs in compiled in a report and re- “We see that the working total, of which 203 had been More than 200 stairs built on Tbeng Meanchey Mountain in Preah Vihear province suffered water damage ferred to top-level authorities. group has been responding to damaged by rain-induced during the past rainy season. Additional funds are required to complete the stairs’ repair work. fresh news “Leaders want all prob- comments and requests from floods, making them difficult lems raised by members of the people. Unfortunately, many for hikers to traverse. with a budget for rebuilding provincial administration before our Khmer New Year the public to be addressed in problems remain unsolved be- He said work to rebuild the the Tbeng Meanchey Moun- chief Yong Kim Heurng who [in April]. The funding for this a timely and comprehensive cause they relate to complex steps with iron and materials tain stairs from the organis- described the mountain as project does not belong to the manner to ensure harmony in cases like land disputes in the bought from China had al- ers of the Buddhist festival a site which attracts tourists state – we have raised it from society,” he said. capital and provinces,” he said. ready begun, and a budget of Kathina, with approval from because of its natural beauty, donors,” Heurng said. During the goal-setting pro- Sam Ath added that certain $140,000 has been raised for senior minister Meas Sophea waterfalls and a pagoda. The The government designated cess, ministry officials upgrad- protracted issues have caused the project. and governor Prak Sovann, mountain is also the tradi- the Tbeng Meanchey Moun- ed the duties and resources of people to lose trust in local He said Sovann had led a but the funding is not yet suf- tional home of an ancient tain as a national natural heri- the working group to improve authorities to solve the cases. working group to inspect the ficient to finish the project so Khmer guardian spirit. tage site in September 2016. its capacities in accordance These require research to seek site and issued instructions to authorities will continue to “We have seen the difficul- According a report from the with the high priority given to fair solutions, while cases re- prepare a makeshift detour to raise money for its comple- ties of residents and tourists Ministry of Environment, the resolving the public’s problems. lated to large companies and facilitate people using the path tion,” Leangtry said. who visit the top of this moun- mountain covers more than Sokunthea explained that the powerful individuals need clear and avoiding other dangers. Sovann declined to com- tain so we want to push for 25,000ha of land and stands to group was formed in June last investigations and bold deci- “We have been provided ment, referring questions to the completion of this work a height of more than 400m. year with 11 members, includ- sions for just resolutions. THE PHNOM PENH POST january 27, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 5 National Ministry urges distance GI sought for M’kiri honey measures for gatherings Orm Bunthoeurn Continued from page 1 resume after the Covid-19 situation eased, preventive measures were HE Cambodian Institute for Training Ith Sam Heng; Minister not widely implemented. Research and Rural Develop- of Rural Development Ouk Rab- He said this presented a huge ment (CIRD) is processing the un; Minister of Land Manage- risk for an outbreak if even one registration of Mondulkiri wild ment, Urban Planning and Con- guest at one event was infected. honeyT as a geographical indication (GI) struction Chea Sophara and a “I urge all municipal and pro- product to prevent others from misrep- number of other officials. vincial governors to demand of resenting their product origins using the On January 26, Hun Sen provided everyone a strict and total com- name Mondulkiri in their branding or an additional 300 million riel to two pliance with Samdech Techo marketing. provinces along the Cambodian- Prime Minister Hun Sen’ recom- CIRD’s director Prak Sereyvath said Thai border – Oddar Meanchey and mendations,” he wrote. Mondulkiri wild honey has a long his- Pailin. The funds are meant to facil- Bunheng advised that before tory that is very well-known, which itate the quarantine of migrants allowing any festival or ceremony makes it easier to promote and sell. returning from Thailand. to be organised, the local author- “This honey has been famous for To date, nearly 20,000 Cambo- ities must give instructions to the a long time. Everyone in Cambodia dian workers have returned from event hosts and guests regarding knows that if you’re talking about wild Thailand with all of them having the implementation of these bees and honey, you’re referring to undergone the mandatory 14-day health measures. Mondulkiri province. It’s like if we’re quarantine in one of the prov- Bunheng specified that they talking about oranges, people would inces along the border. should require the use of an auto- assume we refer to the ones from Bat- Health ministry secretary of matic or manual thermometer at the tambang. Or if we’re talking about pep- state York Sambath said the addi- entry along with hand sanitising gel. per in Cambodia, then people assume tional funds provided 200 million The gel should also be available at it’s from Kampot province,” he said. riel to Oddar Meanchey and 100 all tables and bathrooms with signs According to Sereyvath, the GI reg- A bee hive is seen in Mondulkiri province. WWF-Cambodia million riel to Pailin. reminding people to use it before istration application for Mondulkiri Separately, health minister Mam eating or after using the facilities. honey has been sent to the Ministry of sociation of Mondulkiri Province, each tion of wild bees must be done correct- Bunheng issued a letter urging “The event host must provide Commerce pending its decision. year the community collects 20 to 30 ly and those who wish to collect them Phnom Penh municipal and pro- standing or sitting room for He said the GI registration purpose is tonnes of wild honey from large bee must become members of their group. vincial authorities to continue to guests and members of staff that to protect the name as intellectual prop- hives from March to June. “The reason we let them become pay close attention and take steps allows them to maintain social erty and use it to improve the livelihood His community has established 11 members is so they learn the techniques to enforce the implementation of distancing of at least 1.5m; limit of honey collectors while contributing to wild bee collection groups with 516 of collecting bees in a sustainable way. health measures to prevent Covid- the number of guests to five peo- the preservation of natural resources. members throughout the province. It does not mean we always buy their 19 transmission at group gather- ple maximum per table; and dis- “After registration, people who aren’t The community’s honey is marketed in honey, for that they have to also meet ings and events such as wedding courage guests from shaking from Mondulkiri or people here who the capital, Siem Reap and Preah Siha- our production standards,” she said. ceremonies. hands or hugging,” he wrote. don’t make honey that meets our stan- nouk provinces, and sold online. According to Phary, the purchase of “So far, we’ve had good results Bunheng instructed the municipal dards won’t be allowed to use the name “Through community mobilisation, honey from individual producers is preventing any Covid-19 outbreaks. and provincial authorities to deploy Mondulkiri for their products. people are turning their attention to for- done with proper inspections of their There hasn’t been any large-scale law enforcement forces to monitor “This will help put a stop to consum- est conservation because they can earn equipment and honey to make sure transmission of this deadly virus in and guide the people at all such er fraud and the real Mondulkiri honey money by selling wild honey to custom- it is pure. She explained that sales of our communities,” he wrote. events to ensure the strict imple- collectors will benefit from increased ers at an affordable price,” he said. honey adulterated with other kinds of The minister noted, however, that mentation of these health measures. sales,” he said. Srov Phary, a representative of the sugars like corn syrup continues to be in the past when the government As of January 26, Cambodia had According to Kernh Bophat, presi- Mondulkiri Protected Area Community an ongoing problem in the honey in- allowed traditional social gather- recorded a total of 460 Covid-19 dent of the Wild Bee Conservation As- and a wild bee collector, said the collec- dustry globally. ings and religious ceremonies to cases with 412 recoveries. 6 THE PHNOM PENH POST january 27, 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 4,074 1.2752 6.4718 103.79 4.0485 1.3273 29.99 0.7697 1.2132 1.3655

Trading Information on Cambodia Securities Exchange Date: JANUARY 26, 2021 Auction Trading Method (ATM) No Stock Closing Price Opening Price High Low 1 ABC 16,820 16,900 16,980 16,800 2 GTI 3,500 3,590 3,590 3,400 3 PAS 13,900 14,100 14,100 13,900 4 PEPC 2,950 2,990 3,000 2,800 5 PPAP 11,680 11,680 11,680 11,680 6 PPSP 1,460 1,450 1,490 1,450 7 PWSA 6,120 6,040 6,120 6,000 Central bank rolls out Retail Pay system Sino-Kiwi Thou Vireak “Merchants can easily make payments through the Retail upgraded HE National Bank of Pay system, which will help Cambodia (NBC) on reduce the use of cash.” January 26 officially Association of Banks in FTA inked launched the Retail Pay Cambodia president In Chan- system,T a government effort to ny said the reduction in cash CHINA and New Zealand offi- reduce cash consumption and payments fostered by the sys- cially signed their free trade boost the use of electronic pay- tem would greatly benefit op- agreement (FTA) upgrade on ments in the economy. erators and consumers. January 26. Presiding over the launch, He said its RFT, MPS and QPS Represented respectively by NBC deputy governor Neav mechanisms will be a godsend Chinese Minister of Com- Chanthana said Retail Pay is a for Retail Pay’s 22 member fi- merce Wang Wentao and New crucial component of Cambo- nancial institutions to provide Zealand Minister for Trade and dian financial infrastructure, their customers with flexible Export Growth Damien noting that the system was payment options. O’Connor, the two countries developed with the support of “The system will enable inked the deal via video link. the Korea International Coop- member banks and custom- The upgrade broadens mar- eration Agency (KOICA). ers to more quickly transfer ket access for wood and paper Backed by an $8 million grant funds from one bank account products, and makes improve- from South Korea through KOI- to another at lower costs, and ments to customs procedures CA, she said the two countries be an engine of national eco- and cooperation, rules of ori- had agreed to unite forces on nomic growth,” Channy said. gin and technical barriers to enhancing the Kingdom’s na- Cambodia Microfinance trade. tional retail payment system. Association (CMA) chairman The upgraded FTA also adds Hailing Retail Pay as “a new Kea Borann pointed out that new chapters on e-commerce, milestone for Cambodia”, (From left to right) KOICA Cambodia country director Rho Hyun-jun, South Korean ambassador to Cambodia the pace of digital informa- environment and trade, com- Chanthana said the system Park Heung-kyeong, NBC deputy governor Neav Chanthana and NBC technical director-general Chea Serey. tion growth in the Kingdom’s petition policy and govern- KOICA CAMBODIA OFFICE “will play an important role in financial industry continues ment procurement. contributing to the economic Electronic Clearing System mation and communications even phones with just the ba- to climb, shaping the way it New Zealand has reduced development by providing (ECS), which is an electronic technology infrastructure.” sic features can access it. operates and adopts transfor- investment barriers for Chi- safe, efficient and fast pay- method to transfer funds. NBC technical director- “This is distinct from the mational technology in pur- nese investors, confirming it ments that facilitate timely The three components are general Chea Serey said the [NBC-backed] Bakong ser- suit of efficiency and fulfilling will grant Chinese-funded trade settlement.” Real-Time Fund Transfer system will streamline trans- vice where users must have a customers’ digital needs. companies the same review KOICA Cambodia country (RFT), Mobile Payment Sys- fers between participating fi- smartphone to install the app He said the RFT, MPS and threshold treatment as mem- director Rho Hyun-jun said tem (MPS) and QR-Code Pay- nancial institutions. and use it.” QPS components of Retail bers of the Comprehensive his agency is working on plan- ment System (QPS). She said: “We’ve set up the She said Retail Pay also al- Pay will expand the bank- and Progressive Agreement for ning, designing, implement- Rho said: “The goal of this Retail Pay system with certain lows cross-currency trans- ing market. “It will provide Trans-Pacific Partnership. ing, testing and deploying the project is establish a safe, reli- people in mind, such as those fers in riel and dollars, while customers with convenience It has also doubled the quo- three mechanisms integrated able and efficient system of in rural areas who may not Bakong only permits cash while ensuring transparency ta for Chinese Mandarin into Retail Pay, as well as the payment and modernise infor- have a smartphone, so that transfers between e-wallets. and safety.” teachers and Chinese tour guides working in the country, to 300 and 200 respectively. China has further expanded market access in some service industries including education, Indonesia retail bond issue aims to raise $712M finance and senior care, com- pared with the Regional Com- THE Indonesian government is looking billion rupiah. The bond series is trad- this year to finance 870 infrastructure the first time in two decades during the prehensive Economic Partner- to raise 10 trillion rupiah ($711.6 mil- able on the domestic secondary mar- development projects, including projects third quarter of 2020 as the pandemic ship signed last November by lion) from a new series of domestic ket starting on April 15. under the ministries of Transportation, upended economic activity, but growth 15 countries including China retail bonds to fund the country’s fiscal The fixed coupon rate is “very attrac- and Public Works and Housing. is expected to rebound this year driven and New Zealand. deficit and Covid-19 vaccination pro- tive” for retail investors, as bank inter- The government’s broader plan is to by the low-base effect and the recovery China sees the FTA upgrade gramme, the Ministry of Finance est rates remained relatively low during raise around one quadrillion rupiah of domestic consumption, as well as as the most recent achievement announced on January 25. the coronavirus pandemic, head of through sovereign bond issues this global economic recovery. under its goal of building a high- “The proceeds will be used to fund fixed income research Handy Yunianto year to help revive the coronavirus- The government is currently trying standard free trade area network the pandemic handling and economic at Mandiri Sekuritas told The Jakarta battered economy and finance the fis- to secure around 426.8 million doses with global reach, and will con- recovery [efforts] including the mass Post on January 25. cal deficit, which is expected to reach of Covid-19 vaccines in its bid to end tribute to forming the dual- vaccination [programme],” financing “Although the coupon rate is lower 5.7 per cent of gross domestic product the public health emergency and get circulation development para- and risk management director-gener- than its predecessor, ORI018, the (GDP) this year. the economy moving by inoculating digm, according to its ministry. al Luky Alfirman at the ministry said spread of ORI019 to the deposit rate The estimate is lower than the 6.07 around 181.5 million citizens to The upgrade also has deep- during the launch of the new bond and Bank Indonesia’s seven-day reverse per cent of GDP booked last year, more achieve herd immunity. The majority ened cooperation between the issue on January 25. repo rate is higher than ORI018,” he than twice the initial deficit cap of of Indonesia’s vaccine supply consists two counties in multiple sec- The ORI019 bond series has a fixed said, noting that the government’s tar- three per cent. of CoronaVac by Chinese biopharma- tors, benefiting their people coupon rate of 5.57 per cent per annum get was realistic despite the current The economic downturn as a result ceutical company Sinovac Biotech, and enterprises, as well as sent and a three-year tenor, with a maturity economic downturn. of the health emergency has sapped with the remainder from US vaccine a positive signal that the two date of February 24, 2024. The government plans to issue six tax revenue, spurred government manufacturer Novavax. countries will work together to The retail bond is available to buy retail bond series this year, starting spending and necessitated a record The country’s nationwide vaccination cope with the challenge of the online from January 25 to February 18 with the ORI019, after raising 76.93 tril- amount of borrowing. Indonesia’s programme, which involves 8,796 reg- pandemic, support multilater- and is open to purchase by Indonesian lion rupiah through the issuance of debt-to-GDP ratio is forecast to istered medical facilities, commenced alism and free trade, and con- individuals for a minimum investment seven retail bond series last year. increase significantly to 40 per cent this on January 13 with President Joko tribute to the stable recovery amount of one million rupiah and a It also plans to issue 27.58 trillion rupi- year from 30 per cent in 2019. “Jokowi” Widodo receiving the first jab. of the global economy, it said. maximum investment amount of three ah in sukuk (sharia-compliant bonds) Indonesia plunged into recession for THE JAKARTA POST/ASIA NEWS NETWORK CHINA DAILY/ASIA NEWS NETWORK THE PHNOM PENH POST january 27, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 7 Business Thai Smile mulls Cambodian goods Vingroup to mobilise May Kunmakara $302M to pump capital AMBODIA on Janu- ary 25 requested into VinFast, VinSmart Thailand’s flag car- rier Thai Airways In- VIETNAM’S largest private Cternational Pcl to stock Cam- conglomerate Vingroup plans bodian premium products on to issue three tranches of planes operated by its wholly bonds with a total volume of owned subsidiary Thai Smile 6.97 million bonds to raise Airways Co Ltd. capital for its subsidiaries The regional full-service VinFast and VinSmart. airline is scheduled to launch The bonds have a corre- daily flights early in July to spondent value of 6.97 trillion Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam dong ($302 million). The first and do its part to help pro- issuance is expected to take mote local products to inter- place on February 18. national tourists. Vingroup’s bonds are not The proposal was made by convertible, having a par val- Cambodian ambassador to ue of 100,000 dong, three-year VinFast estimated it sold a total of Thailand Ouk Sorphorn at term, not accompanied by 29,485 vehicles last year. VINFAST a meeting with a delegation warrants and are unsecured. from Thai Smile led by acting Individual investors who KB Securities Vietnam. chief commercial officer Viset want to buy Vingroup bonds It eyes a 30 per cent share of Sontichai held at the embassy. must register for a minimum the Vietnamese auto market. At the meeting, Sorphorn Thai Smile is scheduled to launch daily flights early in July to Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam and do its part to value of 100 billion dong. The VinFast sold 29,485 cars last help promote local products to international tourists. SUPPLIED touted his embassy’s efforts figure for institutional inves- year, 61 per cent of them being to implement a model of eco- Keo Mom, the CEO of LY LY ports its wares to 13 countries to a statement from the Thai tors is 500 billion dong. the small hatchback, Fadil. nomic diplomacy that centres Food Industry Co Ltd, one of – including the US and those embassy in Phnom Penh is- The entire mobilised capital VinFast estimated it sold a on trade, culture and tourism, Cambodia’s largest food pro- in Europe and Africa, accord- sued following the meeting. from the issuance will be used total of 29,485 vehicles last while briefing the delegation cessors, applauded the initia- ing to Mom. She said her Sorphorn also pointed out to supplement capital for Vin- year, including 18,016 Fadil of the Covid-19 scenario in tive, saying it will give Thai company is also expanding that Thai Airways will have a Fast and VinSmart. VinFast cars, 6,013 Lux A2.0 cars and Cambodia – and its zero-fa- Airways’ international cus- its production line for dehy- detailed discussion with the will increase its capital by 5.1 5,456 Lux SA2.0 models. From tality track record, he told The tomers a taste of local wares drated vegetable products to attache on the roster of prod- trillion dong and VinSmart by 2022, VinFast plans to intro- Post. on their journey. boost outbound shipments. ucts before placing purchase 1.86 trillion. duce two more petrol-pow- He said: “We have not yet She said: “Every guest who Viset and his colleagues said contracts with Cambodian Automaker VinFast expects ered cars and three electric agreed on anything, but the travels on this airline’s flights Thai Airways had accepted companies. to break even in the next five models, expected to account company has accepted to bring will be able to savour our prod- Sorphorn’s request and prom- From January-October, years as it ramps up produc- for 30 per cent of the car mar- our request to discuss with its ucts. To boot, investors travel- ised to continue working with Cambodia received a total of tion and cuts costs. ket share in Vietnam. management. This is part of ling via Thai Airways enjoying the Cambodian embassy’s 1,267,890 international tour- The subsidiary also plans to Vingroup chairman Pham our efforts to implement our a few samples will create a commercial attache to pre- ists, down 76.1 per cent com- start operating VinBus, a pub- Nhat Vuong last year said Vin- diplomatic economic agenda splendid opportunity – they’ll pare a list of luxury ethnic pared to the first 10 months lic transport network, this year Fast and Vinsmart want to ex- and promote our domestic get in touch directly if they fall Khmer products and dissemi- of 2019, which saw a total of and launch five new models, port their products within the products and ensure that Thai in love with their flavours and nate the airline’s flight services 5,296,088 tourists visit the including three electric cars, next few years, with the US the investors have direct contact recognise their quality. to businessmen and tourists Kingdom, the Ministry of by next year, according to a re- first major target market. VIET with our local partners.” LY LY Food currently ex- in both countries, according Tourism reported. cent report by stock brokerage NAM NEWS/ASIA NEWS NETWORK JTI Cambodia: Kingdom’s first company to be certified as a Global Top Employer

JTI Cambodia has been certified for giving its employees the best support.

Japan Tobacco International (JTI) in learning and development providing quality training and Covid-19 outbreak, the company and a local winner of the Corporate Cambodia was recognised on Monday opportunities. special monthly incentives for those has provided all employees with Inspire Awards 2020, JTI Cambodia, for its HR best practices as a Global “This Top Employer certification in the field to ensure there are zero protective equipment such as face said: “For me, JTI sincerely cares Top Employer, becoming the first and is confirmation that JTI Cambodia injuries. masks, hand sanitiser and face about its employees. The company so far only company in Cambodia to consistently provides our people with Through its Elevate Academy shields. A special fund was also believes in us and promotes the have received certification from the the opportunities to develop their courses, personal and leadership set up for employees suffering values of equality, fairness and Top Employers Institute. careers under the best conditions coaching is provided with a financial emergency, while diversity. After independently reviewing in order to perform to their highest global certified professional a knowledge and information “As a Top Employer, I expect its practices for seven months, abilities while being themselves,” coaching and world class e-learning programme shared developments JTI to continue being transparent, the prestigious Netherlands-based said Katerina Lapshynova, people platforms such Harvard Business regarding the outbreak. while listening to its employees and global HR experts certified that and culture director at JTI Cambodia. School, edX and LinkedIn Learning. While most businesses have been providing fair career opportunities. I JTI Cambodia gives its employees She said JTI employees enjoy Diversity is encouraged, with badly affected by the pandemic, JTI am proud of working here and being the best support, going beyond the flexible working, with the company inclusion giving employees full Cambodia has kept all its employees part of something big.” market standard. not tracking their in-and-out hours, freedom to be themselves, while all in jobs and retained all benefits, Established 30 years ago, the Top It found JTI Cambodia placed its fair pay and very competitive staff members enjoy equitable family including the year-end bonus, to Employers Institute has certified employees as a top priority in its benefits, such as private medical leave, with those (mother, father and support their family during these 1,691 organisations in some 120 business strategy, providing them plans for them and their dependents same sex parents) having a child difficult times. countries. with excellent working conditions, (spouses and children). receiving up to 20 weeks of leave Commenting on what it means Certified Top Employers positively fair pay and very competitive The safety of employees is also with full pay, she added. to work for a Global Top Employer, impact the lives of more than seven benefits, as well as meaningful paramount, with the company Lapshynova said that during the Ven Sovann, regional sales manager, million employees globally. a l Advertori 8 THE PHNOM PENH POST january 27, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com Business Regional produce given trademarks of local geography

Thou Vireak much support on the Japa- nese, Swiss, Canadian, UK and THE Ministry of Commerce is Czech markets. pressing on to register some “This augurs quite well for of the Kingdom’s more re- the salt industry in Cambo- nown products as collective dia, Kampot-Kep salt above trademarks and grant them all, which stands to gain rec- domestic geographical indi- ognition in international cation (GI) to provide them markets for its quality and with added exposure on the reputation. This’ll help boost international market. the market for salt products Minister Pan Sorasak said on the international stage, this at a January 25 meeting too,” Thyda said. with officials from the Oddar Ministry spokesman Pen Meanchey provincial Depart- Sovicheat previously told The The Kingdom’s iron and steel imports dipped 41 per cent last year but are projected to rebound as the Covid-19 pandemic subsides. HENG CHIVOAN ment of Commerce and local Post that Cambodia could bureaus of the Cambodia apply for the international reg- Import-Export Inspection and istration of GIs through a one- Fraud Repression Directorate- time application, which would Steel imports drop, exports up General (Camcontrol). guarantee that they are pro- He said the ministry is work- tected against usurpation, the Hin Pisei Vei Samnang, provincial in the volume of imports and that its $16.7 million steel mill ing on the GI registration of unauthorised use, imitation or governor of Kampong Speu, emerging gradual positive signs in Kampong Speu’s northeast- Kampot salt and “fleur de sel” the general malicious inten- AMBODIA imported which boasts five steel mills, for exports,” Samnang said. ern Oudong district would start (flower of salt), Pursat oranges tion to take undue advantage iron and steel worth told The Post on January 26 He added that with the cur- operations in December. and Mondulkiri wild honey. of their brands. $281.06 million last that a slowdown in construc- rent momentum in domes- At a meeting on November “Fleur de sel” is a type of salt He said cooperation and year, down 41.11 per tion activity during the Covid- tic production and Covid-19 27, Group chairman Lin Xian- mainly associated with the support from Switzerland- centC from 2019’s $477.26 mil- 19 outbreak contributed to the improvements, the demand grong told Keo Rottanak, the northern coast France that based World Intellectual lion and exported $6.20 mil- sharp drop in steel imports. for steel will recover this year, managing director of state- forms as a delicate, flaky crust Property Organisation lion, rocketing 351 per cent But the main factor behind whereas import volumes will owned energy utility Electric- on the surface of seawater. (WIPO) and the GI Regional from $1.37 million, according the plunge was a rise in do- not rebound as quickly. ite du Cambodge (EdC), that According to Sorasak, the Project 2021-2023 in the GI to the Ministry of Commerce. mestic production, which he Improvements in economic the factory will be capable of ministry is working to regis- registration process would While no information on said plays an increasingly im- growth, politics and the mar- churning out 500,000 tonnes ter more collective trade- push international registra- the weight of the metals was portant role in a market that ket will increase investment of different kinds of steel marks, including “Ambok tion and expand new markets made available, the General was traditionally completely in steel mills in Cambodia, he products per annum in its Kampong Thom”, or cooked for the products as well. Department of Customs and dependent on imports. asserted. first phase. rice that is fried dry and Kampot provincial Depart- Excise of Cambodia reported “It is a matter of fact – an in- Late in November, Chinese- Cambodia Chamber of pounded by mortar and pes- ment of Industry, Science, that 2019 imports clocked in crease in domestic production owned Hong De Sheng (Cam- Commerce vice-president tle. It is characteristically Technology and Innovation at 722,621 tonnes. leads to the inevitable decline bodia) Steel Co Ltd announced Lim Heng said demand for eaten during the Kingdom’s director Sok Kim Choeun said steel had fallen as project Water Festival. favourable climatic factors owners – especially interna- He said the ministry is also boosted salt production in his tional investors – were forced preparing to register “Nom province to about 84,000 to temporarily suspend op- Banh Chok Siem Reap” (a local tonnes last year. erations due to Covid-19. variety of rice noodle), the He said salt last year cost He voiced optimism that silver-copper sculpting typical between 8,000 and 12,000 riel demand would pick up once of Kampong Luong and Koh ($2 and $3) per 50kg sack. “We Covid-19 was brought under Chin communes in Kandal won’t face a shortage of salt control and suspended proj- province’s Ponhea Leu district, and will be able to provide ects resumed. “The drop in Kampong Chhnang province- enough for domestic import value is due to the nu- style pottery, as well as steamed demand,” he said, referring to merous construction site sus- balut from Sre Ronong com- 2019’s shortages. pensions during the Covid-19 mune in Takeo province’s Tram Salt production in Kampot spread. In 2021, I think im- Kak district. and Kep covered 4,748ha last ports will grow again.” Thaung Thyda, managing year and employed 5,000 work- Most of the steel that Cam- director of Kampot-Kep salt ers. With suitable weather con- bodia uses today is imported processing firm Thaung Trad- ditions, each hectare can yield from Vietnam, China, Thai- ing Co Ltd, told The Post that 20 tonnes of salt per annum, land and South Korea, ac- salt from Kampot and Kep according to the Ministry of cording to Heng. provinces would have a better Industry, Science, Technology While unable to provide reputation in the internation- and Innovation. detailed information con- al arena if the Kingdom were cerning the uptick in revenue to register it as a GI product. www.phnompenhpost.com from steel exports, he said he She said the salt processed check the post website learned that most is scrap. by her company has garnered for breaking news Biden’s ‘Buy American’ mandate aims to spur US manufacturing US President Joe Biden and the order tightens loop- ners, most notably Canada. signed an executive order on holes that allow federal agen- The US and its southern January 25 giving domestic cies to buy products stamped neighbour Mexico along with companies and products prior- “Made in America” but which Canada are all part of a free ity in contracting with the fed- are often manufactured by trade agreement that took ef- eral government, as the new companies that only produce fect last year, and Canadian administration attempts to spur a small portion of their prod- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau domestic manufacturing. ucts in the US. raised the “Buy American” The order is aimed at boost- Biden said: “American man- policy in a recent phone call ing national production and ufacturing was the arsenal of with Biden, Deputy Prime saving industrial jobs by in- democracy in World War II, Minister Chrystia Freeland creasing investments in facto- and it must be part of the en- said on January 25. ries and workers, and comes gine of American prosperity However, she noted that after Biden promised on the now. That means we are go- the US “sells more to Canada campaign trail to “build back ing to use taxpayer money to than it does to China, Japan better” as the US economy rebuild America.” and the UK combined. And struggles through the Covid- But the order risks running what we are really going to 19 pandemic. up against the country’s out- focus on in our work with the Washington spends $600 sourced supply chains and Biden administration is those billion each year on contracts, also rankling US trading part- win-wins”. AFP THE PHNOM PENH POST january 27, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 9 World Pfizer or Sinopharm? ‘Vaccine diplomacy, logistics’ across Middle East, North Africa

fizer or Sinopharm? The oped by the US company in partner- US or China? In the Middle ship with Germany’s BioNTech. East and North Africa, novel Iraq, Jordan, the UAE and Bahrain, coronavirus vaccine orders on the other hand, hedged their bets areP driven by diplomatic and logis- by ordering from both Pfizer and tical considerations, reflecting Bei- Sinopharm, with the Chinese vac- jing’s growing regional influence. cine now deemed “completely safe” In recent days, the Israeli govern- by the UAE. ment made documents public that For Yahia Zoubir, a specialist in re- showed the extent of its collabora- lations between China and the Arab tion with US pharmaceutical giant world, vaccine choice rests on con- Pfizer in its vaccination campaign, siderations such as price and cold one of the largest in the world to storage requirements – minus 70 date, with more than a quarter of degrees Celsius for Pfizer, but two to its nine million inhabitants already eight degrees Celsius for Sinopharm. vaccinated. But politics are never far away, In return for swift delivery, Isra- says the professor at Kedge Business el – with its vast digitised medical School in France. databases – is giving the company Since the start of the pandemic, data on the efficacy and potential the administration of former US side effects of the vaccine based on president Donald Trump “closed in indicators such as age and medical on itself, while China has deployed history. health diplomacy”, he told AFP. This extensive cooperation is no “The Chinese have been much surprise given that Israel is Wash- more active and much more coop- ington’s main strategic ally in the erative.” region. Beijing has exported millions of The Jewish state has also ordered masks and gowns to the Middle East millions of doses of the vaccine de- and North Africa and elsewhere, as veloped by fellow US firm Moderna, well as providing respirators and the least ordered vaccine in the re- holding online seminars with medi- Egypt began its nationwide Covid-19 immunisation programme on Sunday, with a doctor and a nurse receiving the Chinese-made Sinopharm jab. afp gion so far. cal authorities in various countries. Other countries in the Middle “Today, with the new silk road, Belt and Road Initiative. that accounts for half of Beijing’s oil relations at Zayed University in the East, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, there is also a health silk road,” Zou- “Health is becoming a part of Chi- imports. UAE, “there is a lot of pressure on Kuwait and Oman, are also relying bir said, referring to China’s globe- na’s foreign policy, allowing it to ex- According to Jonathan Fulton, a [US] allies and partners not to coop- heavily on the Pfizer vaccine, devel- spanning infrastructure push – the pand its circle of friends” in a region specialist in Chinese-Middle East erate with China”. AFP Thousands of Australians defy virus Death of wounded rules to protest nat’l ‘Invasion Day’ Tunisia man sparks Thousands of Australians defied coro- new anti-gov’t rallies navirus rules on January 26 to protest the country’s national day, held on the anni- Protesters clashed with At that time, the interior versary of British colonisation of the vast police in the central Tunisian ministry denied that he was continent that its indigenous population town of Sbeitla on January 25, dead and announced an inves- brands “Invasion Day”. after a young man hit by a tear- tigation into the circumstanc- Officially recognised as Australia Day, gas canister during clashes last es of his injuries. January 26 also sees annual rallies draw- week died in hospital. Over 6,000 people have died ing attention to the injustices faced by Soldiers were deployed in from Covid-19 in Tunisia. indigenous people and calling on the gov- front of the government build- The government on January ernment to change the date of the nation- ings, the latest in a string of 23 extended a night-time cur- al holiday. demonstrations to have rocked few from 8 pm to 5 am, and The celebration of the origins of the the North African nation this banned gatherings until Feb- modern nation is a time of mourning for month. ruary 14. indigenous Australians, who have inhab- Haykel Rachdi died on Janu- Twenty-eight civil society ited the land for 65,000 years and view the ary 25 afternoon at a hospital groups, denouncing police arrival of British settlers in 1788 as the in Sousse, hospital director repression, called for a rally on beginning of two centuries of pain and Chawki Ben Hamouda said, January 26 in front of parlia- suffering. without specifying the cause ment. Thousands of people gathered at a central of his death. It comes as parliament is set Sydney park in defiance of police threats of Protesters gather at The Domain during an ‘Invasion Day’ demonstration on Australia Day in Tunisia has seen a recent to vote on new ministers fines and arrests for breaching a 500-person Sydney on Tuesday. afp wave of nighttime clashes, appointed in a sweeping cabi- limit on gathering in public places, though Gomeroi man Dylan Booth said: “For us it right-wing commentators and retains with security forces carrying net reshuffle by Prime Minister organisers called off a march through the represents cultural genocide. Our families strong support from the country’s con- out mass arrests, amid an eco- Hichem Mechichi. city that usually follows. being ripped apart. Years and years of disease servative government. nomic collapse exacerbated by President Kais Saied on Janu- Police said five people were arrested, and famine. And the intergenerational Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who ear- the coronavirus pandemic and ary 25 criticised the absence of including one who was charged with impacts of that are still being felt today.” lier in the week chided Cricket Australia for lockdown measures. women in the new line-up and assaulting a police officer. Thousands more attended protests in dropping the name from promotions for its Activists responded with pointed out that the reshuffle Authorities earlier refused to waive the major cities across the country, with rally January 26 matches, said history “changed daytime protests against police had not been examined by the cap on numbers, despite no new cases organisers encouraging attendees to wear forever” in 1788 and there was “no escaping repression, corruption and council of ministers, as the being detected in Australia’s biggest city face masks and maintain physical dis- or cancelling this fact”. poverty, 10 years after the rev- constitution demands. for more than a week. tance where possible. He told an official ceremony in Can- olution that overthrew auto- Without naming names, Chants of “Sovereignty was never ced- The date of Australia Day – which was berra: “For better and worse, it was the crat Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali. Saied also said one of the pro- ed” and “No justice, no peace” rang out only formally established as a national moment where the journey to our mod- Sbeitla, in the central region posed ministers was “involved while others held up placards with slo- holiday in 1994 – has attracted increas- ern Australia began. of Kasserine, had already seen in a corruption case” and that gans including “Not a Date to Celebrate” ingly heated debate in recent years. “And it is this continuing Australian clashes last week after rumours three others had conflicts of and “Black Lives Matter”. The occasion is staunchly defended by journey that we recognise today.” AFP that Rachdi had died. interest. AFP 10 THE PHNOM PENH POST january 27, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com ASEAN Vietnamese official: CPV ensures democracy through public feedback on draft documents ollecting public tional defence building. feedback on the draft Promoting democracy and documents to be the people’s ownership rights submitted to the up- would make significant con- comingC 13th Congress of the tributions to consolidating Communist Party of Vietnam the people’s complete faith (CPV) is a vivid illustration for in the CPV, state and socialist the party’s efforts to ensure regime, Loc said. democracy in its ranks. The draft Political Report CPV Central Committee’s pointed out several missions Commission for Mass Mobili- and solutions to improve de- sation vice-chairman Nguyen mocracy and ensure the peo- Phuoc Loc said this in a re- ple’s ownership rights. cent interview with Vietnam These include the effective News Agency ahead of the implementation of represen- Congress. tative democracy and direct He said his commission has democracy, CPV members’ teamed up with the Vietnam Fa- example setting in democ- therland Front and socio-polit- racy implementation and ical organisations at the central compliance of the current level to hold 24 meetings and regulations, and promotion collect public feedback on the of the people’s central role draft documents, with a view in the national development to engaging the whole commu- strategies. nity in policies to develop and He said the public had spe- protect the nation. cial interest in measures to This showed the close rela- ensure the smooth imple- tionship between the CPV and mentation of the CPV’s guide- the people as well as the na- lines and policies, spoke high- tion’s solidarity, he stressed. ly of the country’s corruption The draft documents to be prevention and control, while submitted to the Congress recommending specific and focused on the central role practical solutions to the fight of the Vietnamese people in against corruption to build a the cause of national con- strong and pure party and struction and development, state. Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee’s Commission for Mass Mobilisation vice-chairman Nguyen Phuoc Loc. VIETNAM NEWS AGENCY/ he said, adding the people’s People also contributed VIET NAM NEWS ownership right is promot- various measures to the coun- ed in various fields, from try’s three breakthrough pro- Touching on the CPV’s view to encouraging people The mass mobilisation com- organisations, strengthen pa- building and rectification grammes for the sustainable mass mobilisation work, Loc from all walks of life to con- mission would work to pro- triotic emulation campaigns, in the CPV, economic de- development of the country, stressed that it must be op- tribute more to the nation’s mote the role of the Father- and exercise democracy. VIET velopment to all-people na- he said. erated in a new form with a development goals. land Front and socio-political NAM NEWS/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Indonesia seizes Iran, Panama tankers Thai Navy chief Indonesia has seized an Irani- orders probe into an tanker and Panamanian ves- sel suspected of illegally trans- ferring oil in the Southeast Asian role of personnel nation’s waters, authorities said on January 25. in drug trafficking The crude oil tankers – Iranian- flagged MT Horse and Panama- Admiral Chatchai Sriworakhan, Command- flagged MT Freya – were spotted er-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy, has set up on January 24 off Kalimantan, an investigation committee to look into the Indonesia’s section of Borneo is- alleged involvement of 16 Navy officials in land, and were later seized after drug trafficking in Nong Khai province, Navy the crew failed to respond to ra- spokesman Rear Admiral Chettha Jaipiam dio calls, authorities said. said on January 25. The crew were suspected of a Crime Victims Assistance Club chairman string of violations, including fail- Atchariya Ruangrat-tanapong had lodged a ing to display the vessels’ national complaint with the Anti-Corruption Division flags, turning off their identifica- Police earlier that day that Navy officials may tion systems to avoid detection be involved in a drug trafficking operation and illegally transferring oil, the that took place earlier this month. Indonesian Maritime Security According to Atchariya, on the night of Janu- Agency (Bakamla) said. ary 10, officials from the Department of Pro- “We seized the two foreign vincial Administration in Nong Khai seized tankers yesterday and the inves- two million amphetamine tablets and 116kg of tigation is ongoing,” said Bakamla methamphetamine from a drug trafficker who spokesman Wisnu Pramandita. uses the Mekong River as a transport route, but “The crews are being ques- the suspect reportedly fled the scene. tioned.” Indonesia has seized an Iranian tanker and Panamanian vessel suspected of illegally transferring oil in its waters. INDONESIA “About 20 minutes after the drug seizure, COAST GUARD/Afp The administration of former two men who claimed that they were officials US president Donald Trump re- tween January 25’s incident and Seoul to release billions of dollars seeking to choke off all cash sourc- from Navy’s Mekong Patrol Operation Com- peatedly accused Iran of trying to Iran’s seizure of a South Korean of Iranian assets frozen in South es for the regional nemesis of US al- mand took the drugs from Nong Khai officials, conceal its oil sales to avoid crip- ship earlier this month. Korea as part of US sanctions. lies Saudi Arabia and Israel. saying that they would secure the evidence pling US sanctions. Iran’s oil minister Bijan Namdar The incident was the first sei- In July 2019, the Guards seized and later hold a press conference on the drug Zanganeh confirmed that the MT zure of a major vessel by the Ira- the British-flagged oil tanker Ste- seizure,” said Atchariya. “However, the press Seizure of Korean ship Horse carried Iranian oil, the state nian navy in more than a year. na Impero in the strait for alleg- event was later cancelled.” Iran’s foreign ministry said it had Islamic Republic News Agency In October, the Trump admin- edly ramming a fishing boat and According to Atchariya’s complaint, 14 other received “contradictory informa- (IRNA) reported, and said “the sit- istration slapped fresh sanctions released it two months later. Navy officials were believed to have taken part tion” concerning the tankers and uation is being followed up on”. on Iran’s oil sector over sales to It was at the time widely seen as in the operation. was awaiting further clarification. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards countries including Syria and a tit-for-tat move after authorities Chettha added that the Navy would investi- Tehran has been told the ves- seized the South Korean-flagged Venezuela, on top of broad sanc- in the British overseas territory gate this matter straightforwardly and would sels were seized over “a technical tanker Hankuk Chemi and ar- tions reimposed from 2018 after of Gibraltar detained an Iranian enforce disciplinary and legal actions against issue”, ministry spokesman Saeed rested its multinational crew of Washington quit a nuclear accord tanker and later released it over the offenders if they were found guilty. “This Khatibzadeh told reporters. 20 near the strategic Strait of Hor- with major powers and Iran. US objections. case is a fireable offence and there will be no He declined to comment on a muz on January 4. The move was part of a broader Tehran denied the two cases protection for the culprits by the Navy,” he question over possible links be- The move came as Tehran urged bid to stop Iran’s key oil exports, were related. afp said. THE NATION (THAILAND)/ASIA NEWS NETWORK THE PHNOM PENH POST january 27, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 11 Opinion

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EDITORIAL PERSONNEL Publisher & Chief Executive Offi cer Ly Tayseng global fight against climate change Managing Editor Post Khmer Sam Rith Opinion Deputy Chief of Staff Editorial phak Seangly Business Editor S PRESIDENT Joe Biden May Kunmakara certainly deserves praise for Deputy Business Editor rejoining the Paris Agree- Sangeetha Amarthalingam ment on climate change – Deputy Head of Lifestyle Desk whichU his predecessor withdrew from – pan Simala immediately after being inaugurated Senior Reporters as the leader of the US. Meas Sokchea, Niem Chheng Now he is reportedly going to Reporters unveil executive orders on January 27 Khouth Sophak Chakrya, Kim Sarom, to combat climate change at home and elevate the issue as a national Long Kimmarita, Hin pisei, Mom Kunthear, security priority in moves described Hong Raksmey, pann Rethea, Voun Dara, Roth Sochieata, Orm Bunthoeurn, as “the vision of the future” by Gina McCarthy, the White House’s national Soth Koemsoeun, Thou Vireak, Nov Sivutha climate adviser. Photographers Although the details have not been Heng Chivoan, Hong Menea, Hean Rangsey released, the executive orders are Web Editor expected to roll back the previous Leang phannara administration’s policies that aimed Digital Team to maximise the US output and Sous Chanthy, pang Vichea, Suy Sovandy exports of oil, gas and coal. Given SIEM REAP BUREAU that the US is the largest producer of Offi ce Manager greenhouse gases on a per capita Sophearith Blondeel basis, and that the former US admin- PRODUCTION & PRINTING Head of Desktop Publishing istration under Donald Trump rolled Greenpeace activists carry a giant balloon representing planet Earth which is connected to an infusion in Zagreb, Croatia, last year. afp back more than 100 regulations on Nhim Sokphyrak climate and the environment, which envoy, while claiming that the US had credentials. The progress it is making largest investor, producer and con- Desktop Publishing greatly worsened carbon pollution, returned to the Paris Agreement with to help keep the increase in the glo- sumer of renewable energy, has Suon Savatdy, Chum Sokunthy, Danh Borath Biden’s move will significantly benefit humility, told foreign ministers in bal average temperature to well already set a good example by deliv- Tep Thoeun Thyda, Tim Borith, Than Veasna the global fight against climate Europe on January 22 that the US below 2 degree Celsius above pre-in- ering on its previous climate pledges. change. administration has begun to “apply dustrial levels has been acknowl- World leaders, who met at the two- It is one of the hardest tasks that diplomatic pressure” on countries to edged around the world. Inger day virtual Climate Adaptation Sum- Biden faces to right all the climate work harder to curb emissions, espe- Anderson, executive director of the mit on January 25 to find ways to HEAD OFFICE wrongs, and he will need to put in cially China, whose ambitious plan to UN Environment Programme, called address climate challenge, need to put Post Media Co., Ltd. place the necessary personnel, budg- become “carbon neutral” before the pledge “a big step forward for aside their differences so they can The Elements Condominium Level 7, ets and policies as quickly as possible. 2060, he called “not good enough”. China and for the world”. agree on an action agenda and con- Hun Sen Boulevard, Phum Prek Talong, Thus it is a little perplexing that Fortunately, China does not need to Climate change poses a huge chal- crete proposals to build a climate-resil- Sangkat Chak Angre Krom,12353, Phnom John Kerry, Biden’s special climate rely on the US to approve its green lenge to all. China, as the world’s ient planet. CHINA DAILY/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Penh, Cambodia Tel: 023 888 161, 023 888 162 Cellcard: 078 555 166, 078 555 133 Smart: 086 822 999, 086 277 999 SIEM REAP Tensions between Russia and the West over Navalny No 629, Street 6, Dangkum Commune Tel: 063 966 290, Fax: 063 966 590 COMMERCIAL DEPARTMENT TENSIONS that could sour is. But it shall not be easy for the Russian law by a citizen of Officials are seeking that he Navalny’s arrest, indeed a Chief Operating Offi cer relations between Russia and the US and Europe, across the Russia. This is an absolutely serves the three-and-half- response that has been clothed James Ong Soon Teck the West, pre-eminently Atlantic to accept the global internal matter and we will not year suspended sentence in with the demand for his imme- Advertising Department Europe and the US, have condemnation of his arrest at allow anyone to interfere in it prison. diate release. The office of the Chap Narith, 017 996 241 intensified ever since opposi- the Moscow airport and spir- and do not intend to listen to Navalny has interpreted the UN High Commission for Hun Channet, 017 578 768 tion figure Alexei Navalny ited calls for his early release. such statements.” crackdown against him as a Human Rights has let it be prach Monnyreak, 015 239 293 returned to Moscow after his Not the least because Nav- For the record, Navalny was sign of Putin’s fear. But the known that it was “deeply trou- Keo puthy, 012 966 605 discharge from a hospital in alny has blamed the Putin detained at passport control at Kremlin has insisted that bled” by Navalny’s arrest. phon Sok Chea, 012 717 404 Germany. government for his poisoning. Moscow’s Sherenetyevo air- Navalny had violated the law. It has appealed to the Rus- Jessa piastro, 092 445 983 There is an element of bitter Tensions between Russia port after flying in from Berlin, The Kremlin claims that sian government to respect CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION irony that clouds his return and the West have distinctly where he was treated for the questions the law-enforce- his right to the due process of Acting Distribution Manager following treatment for nerve exacerbated over the past sev- poisoning in August. Russia’s ment entity had for Navalny the law. Since the government Thenh Rithy, 087 888 854 agent poisoning – allegedly at eral days, with some EU most prominent opposition have “nothing whatsoever to in Moscow is incidentally Circulation Supervisor the behest of Russian Presi- countries calling for an addi- figure and anti-corruption do with the Russian Presi- headed by Putin, its defiance Nou Chanthy, 096 999 2828 dent Vladimir Putin. tional cache of sanctions campaginer, Navalny allegedly dent”. Attitudes have, there- of Western democracies can- Yim Veasna, 015 814 499 The Kremlin has claimed against Russia. violated the probation terms fore, stiffened on either side not be readily agreeable. And ADMINISTRATION that Navalny’s return and the The Kremlin remains ever so of his suspended sentence in a of the fence that divdes the thereby hangs a tale. Admin & HR Manager resultant tension with the adamant, going by the state- 2014 money-laundering con- Kremlin from the anti-estab- After all, Navalny deserves pich Socheat Western powers represent “an ment of its spokesman, Dmitry viction, which was deemed lishment segment. better treatment, and not Assistants Admin & HR Manager absolutely internal matter”. Peskov: “We are talking about a arbitrary by the European Even the UN Human Rights behind bars. THE STATESMAN Nhel Soaphea Perhaps on the face of it, it fact of non-compliance with Court of Human Rights. office has raised alarm over (INDIA)/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Financial Director Heang Tangmeng Chief Accountant Sren Vicheka Treasurers Sok Sophorn, Yon Sovannara, Cheam Sopheak, Huy Hamsovannary IT Manager Seng Nak, Vong Oun

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Sound healing is believed by practicioners to increase the body’s vibration frequency which they say benefits The long and deep vibrations of the singing bowls are due to the composition of metals they are made from. people by clearing energy blockages to facilitate physical and mental healing. hong menea The bowls are hand-made by the light of a full-moon in Nepal. hong menea Relax to soothing sound of singing bowls Roth Sochieata vice on which energies they need to focus on for further healing in their IFE isn’t easy. Growing up, daily life,” she says. studying, working, starting a Dufrenne says that according to the family or moving from one training she received in India sound phase to another can be com- healing works via something called plicated.L Life often involves distress, the “law of vibration” which states anxiety and sometimes even agony. that everything in the universe moves Stress and poor emotional health and vibrates and everything therefore can affect your physical health by has its own vibrating frequency. weakening your immune system, She says that a healthy body vi- thereby making you more vulner- brates at around 68-72 MHz and that able to infection and illnesses. when people are ill or stressed it cre- Sometimes people need to pause ates an imbalance in the cells or or- and have a good rest before going back gans and this makes people vibrate to their stressful day to day reality. Dif- at a frequency of 60 MHz or lower. ferent people have different prefer- Dufrenne believes that by using ences as to methods for feeling well. singing bowls you can increase the Sound Healing is one such method vibration frequency in people’s bod- that you may not be familiar with yet. ies and that this produces beneficial Sound healing is more of an art or changes by clearing “energy block- a spiritual practice like meditation ages” which facilitates both physical rather than a medical treatment or and mental healing. science and if you are feeling seri- She says it can reduce stress, sta- ously ill you should consult with a bilises mood, lower blood pressure, medical doctor. improve quality of sleep and treat That said, relaxation and stress relief mental illness. Dufrenne conducts a therapy session by placing singing bowls around her client to immerse them in healing vibrations. hong menea are tangible benefits that sound heal- Dufrenne says she continues to build ing can inarguably provide people. Dufrenne moved to Cambodia in listen to them in order to find bowls nature of the chakras and the body on her skills by reading books and per- Marylaure Dufrenne is a French yoga January 2020 and started to work with the best healing properties. organs related to them. forming healings on a regular basis as teacher who is introducing Cambodia as a yoga teacher and sound thera- Dufrenne says that the long and She says she also places the bowls well as by gathering feedback from her to this unique method for achieving a pist full time. deep vibration of the bowls is due directly on a person’s body depend- clients to better understand what they deep state of relaxation and mindful- “Now I have a full time job but I dedi- to the combination of seven metals: ing on the situation and that per- find most beneficial to them. ness. She says that the practice uses cate many days per week to providing gold, silver, mercury, iron, copper, son’s needs. And having spent the past two sound vibrations in order to relax peo- one on one healing sessions. I also tin and lead. “Then I bal- years doing sound healing sessions ple’s minds and bodies. teach Hatha Yoga, Yin Yoga and Vin- She also says different tools can be ance their she has received an ample amount Dufrenne discovered Yoga and yasa in addition to the sound therapy. used to perform sound healing like chakras and of feedback from clients and it has Sound Healing two years ago when she I also do sound baths which is a group gongs, tuning forks and even the voice. read their been overwhelmingly positive. was in an Indian ashram in Rishikesh form of sound healing,” she says. “I use singing bowls also known as aura. After “People just love how it feels! I have called World Peace Yoga. She had ar- Dufrenne explains that Sound Heal- Himalayan Singing Bowls. So I prac- the session I a lot of regular clients. It’s an experi- rived there after leaving a stressful job. ing is complementary to Yoga but they tice singing bowl sound healing, but ask the client ence that you have to go through in “I spent eight years working as a are different practices. Yoga is dynamic there are other kinds,” she says. about what order to understand it,” she says. sales director for major American and involves body movement and When performing a healing ses- they experi- She says that most people who try it companies such as Amazon. I used stretching whereas sound healing is a sion she says she normally starts out enced and I tell end up being repeat customers chief- to work under great pressure with passive activity focused on relaxation. by asking her students some ques- the client about ly because they find it very re- heavy responsibilities and of course She says that sound healing is for tions about how they are feeling. what I ob- laxing, but it’s also a fun and a lot of stress. one person or a maximum of maybe “First I want the client to feel com- served and unique experience. “At some point, I realised that I two people. If there are more than fortable and I talk to them to get give ad- “It takes you deep into wasn’t meant to live that life any two people then it is properly called a sense of their yourself. What you will find longer. I decided to take a break a sound bath. Sound baths are less mood and their there – within you – only and I moved to India. From there I intense but still helpful for entering health,” she ex- you will know. It opens discovered Sound Healing during a meditative states and they are typi- plains. up so many possibili- group session in the ashram where I cally done with up to 15 to 20 people. Then she has them ties – more than you will used to live,” she says. In her studio she has a collection of lie down on their ever know,” she says. She says she’ll never forget hear- 16 bowls with Tingshyas bells. This set back or on their belly Sound Healing Ther- ing the singing bowls used in sound is from Nepal where the best quality and she places the sing- apy at her studio is $35 healing for the first time. bowls for sound healing – called Full ing bowls around them for one person and $55 “The first time I heard it, Iim- Moon Singing Bowls – are made. and starts the bowls singing for couples. Sessions mediately fell in love. I was very at- The Full Moon bowls are made by in different combinations by at the client’s home tracted by the power of the sound hand on the night of a full moon. striking them like a bell. start at $55. and vibration. I cried because I felt Dufrenne says that this enhances “I begin by creating a sound For more details, a feeling of relief. I understood the them by imbuing their vibrations wall around them to isolate nega- visit her website: https:// healing power of sound vibrations with moon energy. tive or external energy and then I mindbodycambodia.com/ or right away through that experience,” These singing bowls are chosen place the bowls around the body check out her Facebook page: Dufrenne tells The Post. carefully by the sound healers who in particular locations due to the @marylauredufrenne. THE PHNOM PENH POST january 27, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 13 Lifestyle Italy’s TikTok influencers live lavishly in Milan

ith dreams of the big to me to require any talent,” said screen but Internet Casadei, who launched the careers in their veins, eight of many Italian online personalities young Italian influ- through his Web Stars Channel. Wencers are racking up followers as In Los Angeles, the concept had al- they spend their days in a Milan ready been tested with Hype House TikTok luxury loft. and other so-called “content hous- Aged between 16 and 20, they sing, es” where influencers live together dance and pout against the back- in a creative hub, churning out con- drop of the duplex set up by content tent for Generation Z – those born in creator Defhouse as a star academy the late 1990s until about 2010. for the virtual world. But Casadei said he wanted to The 500sqm brightly painted loft take the idea one step further, with has bay windows, a huge terrace an academy. and a jacuzzi – the perfect backdrop “The young people of the TikTok for short videos shared on the Tik- generation know nothing about pol- Tok app. itics, they don’t inform themselves, Between them they boast 16 mil- they have the attention span of a lion followers, drawn by the dances, goldfish,” he said. comedy and lip-synching accessed All the influencers live on site – on the popular platform, although although the youngest still go to their address remains a closely school – where they receive training guarded secret. in a variety of areas potentially of use in their videos, whether music and Is it talent? culture, politics and current affairs, TikTok, owned by the Chinese diction, or even good manners. group ByteDance, has experienced Show Me the Money TikTok influencers Alessia Lanza (left) a worldwide boom, driven by long and Florin Vitan stand in the kitchen of the coronavirus quarantines. In Italy, its Brands – Herno, Vodafone and ‘Defhouse’. afp stars are becoming more and more Pioneer, to name a few – enter con- familiar. tracts with Web Stars Channel, the “One day you hit the stars, and the “People recognise me when I walk production house, who in turn pay next day you’re at the bottom,” said through the streets of Milan,” said a cut to Defhouse’s influencers. Alessia Lanza, 20, who counts 1.4 Simone Berlini, a 20-year-old for- “This has nothing to do with TV million followers. mer business management student shopping shows. It’s about creative TikTok faces scrutiny in Italy after whose TikTok subscribers have dou- people in the digital world imbued the recent death of a 10-year-old girl, bled to 2.7 million since October, with the philosophy of a brand, in who allegedly took part in a “black- when Defhouse launched. a natural and playful way,” Casadei out challenge” on the platform. Berlini says he sees the incubator said. Authorities have temporarily as a springboard for a future career, Casadei said he initially expected blocked access to TikTok for users hopefully as an actor. it would take three years to break who cannot definitively prove their Defhouse’s founder, 44-year-old even, with rent alone costing €500 age. Under TikTok’s terms and con- Luca Casadei, said he was initially ($608) a day. It happened after three ditions, users must be at least 13. sceptical over TikTok’s offerings. months. As one Defhouse influencer, Jas- “At first I was not at all convinced. Despite the money to be made, min Zangarelli, 17, explained: “So- Moving your lips to music tunes some recognise success in the vir- cial networks are a nice thing, if you TikTok influencer Yusuf Panseri performs in a video for the social network TikTok in without even singing didn’t seem tual world is ephemeral. use them well.” AFP the ‘Defhouse’, a TikTok influencers incubator in Milan. afp Down syndrome scientist German politician panned over takes first step to sainthood The French scientist who discov- Down syndrome is a genetic dis- Candy Crush game confession ered the cause of Down syndrome order associated with mental and has taken the first step to sainthood, physical disabilities, recorded in 23 A German regional leader has the Vatican said on January 21. out of every 10,000 births in the EU sparked a backlash after he admit- Pope Francis has recognised the in 2015. ted on a chat app to playing Candy “heroic virtues” of Professor Jerome Lejeune’s research helped the Crush on his phone during online Lejeune, who died in 1994 aged 67, a prenatal detection of the disorder, pandemic response meetings with statement said. sometimes leading to abortions – Chancellor Angela Merkel. This clears the way for Lejeune to be something he strongly objected to. Bodo Ramelow, head of the east- beatified in the future, provided that The professor became a passion- ern Thuringia state, made the con- the Vatican attributes a miracle to him. ate anti-abortion campaigner, work- fession during what he thought was Beatification is one step removed ing with the Vatican on the issue a closed meeting on the invitation- from sainthood, which normally and becoming personal friends with only audio chatroom app Club- comes after the attribution of a sec- Pope John Paul II, who was recently house at the weekend. ond miracle. made a saint. The politician from the hard-left In 1958, Lejeune and two other A foundation in his name now sup- Die Linke party said that during the researchers discovered that Down ports research and treatment for ge- often hours-long sessions, “some syndrome sufferers are born with an netic intelligence disorders, and is en- people play Sudoku, others play extra chromosome. gaged in anti-abortion advocacy. afp chess or Scrabble on their phones, and I play Candy Crush”, according to German media reports. He also reportedly referred to the chancellor as “Merkelchen”, a diminutive meaning “little Merkel”. Responding to criticism online and in the media, Ramelow apolo- State premier Bodo Ramelow of the far left Die Linke party uses his mobile phone to gised for the Merkel slur and re- take pictures of photographers at the Thuringian State Parliament in Erfurt, eastern flected on Twitter that “diminishing Germany, prior to the re-running of a vote to elect the Thuringian State Premier. afp the chancellor’s name was an act of male ignorance”. “We are discussing fundamental Ramelow and other state pre- At a press conference in Berlin encroachments on basic rights. in miers pushed back hard against on January 25, Merkel’s spokesman schools, in education, in the econo- Merkel’s proposals for a tougher Steffen Seibert quipped that the my, and you have to be involved in lockdown at a decisive pandemic revelation “speaks for itself and re- a focused way,” he told reporters in meeting in October – weeks before quires no further comment”. Berlin on January 25. an explosion in new coronavirus Armin Laschet, the head of Merkel’s Thuringia’s interior minister, cases. conservative CDU party, said he did Georg Maier of the Social Demo- Ramelow has since expressed not play games in the pandemic crats, told the RND broadcaster regret and admitted that the chan- This 1962 file photo taken in Paris shows French paediatrician and geneticist Jerome conferences “because they are about that Ramelow “should reconsider cellor was right to push for tougher Lejeune, who discovered the gene that causes Down syndrome. afp very, very important questions. his behaviour”. measures. afp 14 THE PHNOM PENH POST january 27, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com Lifestyle Thinking caps

Israeli painter Iddo Markus poses for a picture at his studio, surrounded by his paintings of former US President Donald Trump, in the northern port city of Haifa. AFP Israeli artist portrays 120 shades of Trump he face is obscure figure,” Markus said. H“ e be- In his cluttered studio, the and grim, but the came a complex person, in- walls covered with sketches, blonde comb-over stead of an image, instead of cut-out photos and smears of and tie leave no doubt an icon. paint, Markus readily admit- thatT the image carpeting the “The way he holds himself ted his fixation wasn’t unique “STOP SIGN” studio of Israeli painter Iddo was different after he lost,” he to Trump. Markus is that of former US added, saying this conveyed “I’m obsessed with every- ACROSS 51 Bonkers 12 Many an imam President Donald Trump. “that he is a human being and thing I do,” he said. 1 Cookie unit 52 Compass direction (Abbr.) 13 Concealing Muslim dress “Let’s start by saying that he understands something Repetition is a part of his 6 Dull 53 Bookbinder’s fabric 18 Corn flour I don’t like him,” the voluble has changed”. practice – for one series, he 11 Sound of distress 56 Old-style second-person verb 23 Holder for a potion artist stressed. “Before that, I really felt he created around 1,000 works 14 Places to grow? 58 “Anytown, ___” 24 Expenditures Markus, with his short thought he was god.” based on a childhood picture 15 Evoking goose bumps 59 Reason for a shot in the arm? 25 Commits anew beard and piercing black Markus has dubbed the of his wife, painting them 16 Avian runner down under 60 “___ it or lose it” 26 Linen fabric eyes, said he was nonetheless portrait series The Appren- on small wooden squares or 17 Buy backs 61 “Tsk!” 28 Four-stringed instruments, fascinated by the now “tragic tice, after the reality TV show even huge canvases over a 19 Damage 62 Vanished briefly 31 Symbol of bravery figure”. that contributed to Trump’s period of five years. 20 “___ Love You” (Beatles tune) 68 Before, in palindromes 35 Go to seed again? The walls and floor of his popularity. “I’m not a person who needs 21 Full array of golf clubs 69 Like a ram, but not a Ram 37 Cathedral displays 22 Pen necessity 70 One who walks down the aisle? studio in the northern port He said one of the works a drama to paint,” Markus 38 Airborne targets 23 Augury 71 Harvest goddess city of Haifa are packed with had been acquired by a US said. “I don’t need war, love . . . 40 Adorn 27 Tuscany, once 72 Large, colorful parrot portraits of the former US citizen who wanted a remind- I need a journey.” 42 Make up for a loss 29 Color 73 Insincere president. er of “how low” US politics And painting Trump “was 45 State of oppression 30 Machine with a shuttle DOWN When Trump presented could go. an interesting journey”. AFP 47 Botch 32 Join, as oxen 1 Prickly seed casing (Var.) his candidacy for the 2016 50 Digestion aid 33 “___ be my pleasure!” 2 Broke a fast presidential election, the Is- 53 Broad-winged hawk 34 Aviator 3 Red Sox legend Williams 54 Seize by force raeli artist said he “couldn’t 4 Approached stealthily 36 Some unsubstantiated sightings 55 Orchestra offering believe it”. 5 Masculine reflexive 39 Like fine Burgundy 57 Cur’s curb Then, when Trump was 6 Reno action 41 Born first 63 Santa ___, Calif. eventually elected, he said 7 Certain state souvenir 43 Ailing 64 Pulpit-facing seat he was terrified, even “re- 8 Stopped lying? 44 Ore sources 65 Density symbol, in mechanics pulsed” by the Republican’s 9 Excellent grade 46 Artist’s prop 66 Dusk, to poets 10 Demolish “way of treating people and 48 Agile deer 67 Like deadpan humor minorities”. 49 Italian desserts 11 Not quite out to pasture But he could not tear his eyes from the man with the Tuesday’s solution “orange face and yellow hair”, whose image and laconic prose inundated television networks and social media for more than four years. His first painting of Trump, In his cluttered studio, the walls covered with sketches, cut-out photos done hastily, was followed by and smears of paint, Markus readily admitted his fixation wasn’t around 120 more oil-colour unique to Trump. AFP works on canvas and wood. They depict a man with a distorted face, but whose sil- houette is immediately rec- ognisable. ‘Tragic’ muse Tuesday’s solution “The first paintings were much more colourful and faster,” said Markus, who went to art school in both his native US and current home Israel. But he said the figure took on a more “pathetic” air af- ter Trump’s supporters ran- sacked the US Capitol ear- lier this month, and after his electoral defeat to Democrat Markus became fascinated by the ‘tragic figure’ of Donald Trump, and Joe Biden. the walls and floor of his studio are packed with some 120 portraits of “Now I feel he’s like a tragic the former US president. AFP THE PHNOM PENH POST january 27, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 15 Sport Olympics, Euros face inoculation dilemma

S OLYMPIC organis- is, for now, awkward. important than someone else’s ers deny reports that “This is not an issue about life,” said Hartung. the Tokyo Games the Olympics, it is about an Steve Solomon, a 400m run- this summer will be issue of how we use a scarce ner who is captain of Austra- postponedA again, they, and resource to try and combat lia’s Olympic team, summed other sports bodies, are wres- what has obviously been one up the dilemmas. tling with the issue of vacci- of the most devastating health “My preference would be nating participants for Covid- crises of our time,” said World to get vaccinated before I go 19 at international events. Health Organisation senior to Japan, certainly,” Solomon On January 25, Denis adviser Bruce Aylward. told The Guardian. Masseglia, the president of There is also the question “If I am not vaccinated by the French National Olympic of the impact of international then, I will still go . . . I firmly Committee, said there was no visitors. believe that the vaccine needs choice but to vaccinate and In Japan, which reportedly to be given first to those parts that “holding the Games is at plans to start mass vaccina- of the population that are stake”. tions in May, a quarter of the most vulnerable to the coro- The International Olympic population is over 65 and 12.5 navirus. Athletes are not part Committee (IOC) officially per cent are over 75. of that population.” has been more cautious Former marathon world re- ahead of the Tokyo Games, ‘Comprehensive measures’ cord holder Paul Tergat, now scheduled for July 23 to Au- The Olympics are not the the head of the Kenyan Olym- gust 8. It encourages the vac- only event facing these di- pic committee, agrees. cination of athletes but says lemmas in an international “We want everyone going to it cannot impose inoculation. sports calendar filled with re- Tokyo to get vaccinated early IOC president Thomas Bach scheduled events. enough for them to be reas- has said there would be “nei- After a handful of people on sured,” he said. “The sooner, ther a vaccine obligation nor three chartered flights taking the better.” a priority to athletes” for this tennis players to Melbourne Masseglia pointed out that the summer’s Olympics. ahead of next month’s Aus- situation would have changed Bach cannot impose tests “for tralian Open returned posi- by the summer. A man walks along a corridor past an official Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics advertisement board in the legal reasons”, said Masseglia. tive Covid-19 tests, the local Shinjuku district of Tokyo on November 30 last year. AFP “It’s out of the question that The Games will be on agen- authorities ordered everyone athletes should be given pri- da of the IOC Executive Board on board into 14-day quaran- hensive measures to hold a safe No decision has yet been British Paralympic cyclist Neil ority over other categories on January 27. tine. Some 72 players remain and secure games, even with- made about vaccinations and Fachie told the BBC. of population, but between “For those who do not wish in lockdown. out making vaccines a condi- there is debate about wheth- “The last thing you want now and the Games we can to be vaccinated, it is impor- Turkmenistan, which claims tion,” Katsunobu Kato, the chief er to stick to the plan to play to do is take a vaccine away assume that it is possible to tant to know that the precau- to have no Covid-19 cases, said cabinet secretary, told a press matches in 12 countries. from someone who needs it have them vaccinated with- tions for participation will last week it planned to vacci- conference last week. “It’s too soon to take a de- far more. out penalising other people,” be extremely tough,” said nate foreign athletes compet- Tokyo organisers say their cision,” a UEFA spokesman “Should we get offered he said. Masseglia in a video press ing in Davis Cup qualifying Games has cost 1.64 trillion said, adding that the subject the vaccine then I imagine I In Russia, the sports minis- conference, warning of “quar- and at the Track Cycling World yen ($15.9 billion). would come under “consider- would take it, but there’s defi- try said that the plan to “vac- antine of a fortnight” and Championships in October. Bach has called the Games ation for the medical protocol nitely a question mark of am I cinate athletes of national “tests in the mornings and The Central Asian state said a “light at the end of the tun- of the Euro”. really deserving or not?” teams” would be a priority for evenings”. it would provide the vaccines nel” for humanity and some That view is shared by fenc- those “preparing to partici- While vaccination pro- for free and give athletes the in the industry argue they ‘Not high risk’ er Max Hartung who doubles pate” in the Olympics. grammes are kicking into choice of which type they should go ahead. Athletes and sports admin- up as chairman of the Ger- In theory, Russia’s ‘national gear around the globe, they want. Football’s European cham- istrators have offered con- man Olympic Committee’s teams’ are banned from Tokyo. are still focusing on those Japan is trying to balance pionships, which like the trasting opinions. Athletes’ Commission. The ministry said, however, facing the highest risk, so safety against compulsory Olympics were due to take “We’re fairly young, fit peo- “No athlete will tell some- that the vaccination pro- the question of whether elite vaccination. place last year, are scheduled ple who would not be con- one who has a higher health gramme would be “volun- athletes should be a priority “We are considering compre- in June and July. sidered high risk for Covid,” risk that their sport is more tary”. AFP

Late show sees Spurs edge past Injury rules France centre Vakatawa Wycombe into FA Cup fifth round out of Six Nations opening matches TOTTENHAM left it late to Centre Virimi Vakatawa is Toulouse’s Dorian Aldgheri go examinations on a knee see off Championship strug- likely to miss two of France’s while there are call-ups for injury this week instead of glers Wycombe 4-1 with three opening Six Nations games uncapped Thierry Paiva and joining up with the Test side. goals in the final four min- with knee ligament damage, Thomas Pavault. Full-back Thomas Ramos utes to reach the FA Cup fifth sources said on January 25. Bordeaux-Begles’ tight- also withdrew from the squad round on January 25. Vakatawa, 28, who has head Paiva comes in for Jean- last week with a groin injury Jose Mourinho took the scored 10 tries in 27 Test Baptiste Gros and La Ro- and has been replaced by chance to leave Harry Kane, appearances, suffered the chelle’s Thomas Pavault takes Vincent Rattez. Son Heung-min and Tanguy injury in Racing 92’s Top 14 the place of back-rower Swan Fly-half Romain Ntamack is Ndombele on the bench with loss to Bordeaux-Begles on Rebbadj, who pulled out of likely to miss the opening two Spurs facing a brutal sched- Janaury 23 and will be out Toulon’s Top 14 win on Janu- games of the competition af- ule across four competitions for between three and six ary 24 with a dental problem. ter undergoing surgery on a in the coming months. weeks. On January 22, Atonio and double jaw fracture he suf- But all three were needed in He will be sidelined for the Lavault’s clubmate Gregory fered on club duty late last the second-half to get past a tournament opener at Italy Alldritt said he would under- month. AFP Wycombe side that have won on February 6 and the match just three times in 23 games at Ireland a week later but in the second-tier Champion- could return for the following ship this season. Wanderers midfielder David Wheeler (top) vies with Spurs midfielder games against Scotland, Eng- Harry Winks in both teams’ FA Cup fourth round match on Monday. AFP Gareth Bale was given a rare land and Wales. start in his second spell at Spurs the Premier League on Janu- tenham’s club record fee. “Following my medical tests, by Mourinho, but the on-loan ary 28, but Mourinho sent on The Frenchman tapped home unfortunately I will be side- Real Madrid winger missed Kane, Son and Ndombele after Son’s pass to make it 3-1 and lined for many weeks. three big chances early on to the break as he tries to end the then showed stunning footwork “Thanks to everyone for give the visitors the lead. club’s 13-year wait for a trophy. to bamboozle the Wycombe de- your support,” Vakatawa said Instead, Tottenham were An extra 30 minutes were the fence and fire in at the near post on Twitter. forced to come from behind last thing Spurs needed and in stoppage time. Lyon’s Pierre-Louis Barassi when Fred Onyedinma swept they finally made the break- “He’s very creative. He’s one had already been named as home at the far post on 25 through when Harry Winks of these players that can break the New Zealand-born mid- minutes. curled home from the edge of the balance,” added Mourinho fielder’s replacement. Japhet Tanganga and Mous- the area after Kane had been on Ndombele starting to de- Earlier, the French Rugby sa Sissoko struck the crossbar, denied by Ryan Allsop. liver on his €60 million ($73 Federation announced three but Spurs had to wait until Ndombele has been a million, £53 million) price tag. forwards have withdrawn Bale made amends for his player transformed in recent “On top of that, if he can score from the squad including ex- earlier misses by equalising in weeks after a difficult first a goal for us that’s even better.” perienced prop Uini Atonio. Bordeaux-Begles’ French centre Pablo Uberti (right) tackles Racing 92’s first-half stoppage time. season in England following Spurs will face Everton away Atonio, 30, who weighs Virimi Vakatawa during the French Top14 rugby union match between Tottenham host Liverpool in his move from Lyon for Tot- in the last 16 next month. AFP 145kg, has been replaced by both teams at The U Arena in Nanterre, Paris, on Saturday. AFP 16 THE PHNOM PENH POST january 27, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com Sport Lampard ‘disappointed’ with Chelsea exit as ex-PSG coach Tuchel set to take charge

rank Lampard expressed first team by Lampard, such as Ma- his disappointment at not son Mount, Billy Gilmour, Tammy being given time to succeed Abraham and Reece James, posted after being sacked by Chel- messages of thanks to their former seaF on January 25, with former Paris manager on social media. Saint-Germain boss Thomas Tuchel “As a Chelsea fan growing up I’ve set to take over at Stamford Bridge. always looked up to you, idolised Lampard led Chelsea to a fourth- you. I can’t explain what it’s been like placed Premier League finish and to play under you, the whole journey the FA Cup final in his first season in has been surreal,” said James on Ins- charge. tagram. “I cannot thank you enough However, he failed to match much for putting your trust into me and greater expectations this season after giving me the opportunity to play for the club spent a reported £220 mil- my boyhood club!” lion ($300 million) on new players in Lampard’s first managerial posting the summer transfer window. was at second-tier Derby. In his one A run of five defeats in their last season in charge in 2018/19, they eight Premier League matches has reached the Championship play-off seen Chelsea slip to ninth, 11 points final, where they lost to Aston Villa. behind leaders Manchester United. “I don’t worry for Frank. I’m sure The 3-1 FA Cup fourth-round win he’ll go on to have a great managerial on January 24 against Championship career as I feel he handled himself side Luton was not enough to save fantastically well in that job,” said the former England midfielder. Lampard’s former England team- “It has been a huge privilege and mate Gary Neville, who predicted an honour to manage Chelsea, a club Tuchel will also suffer from Abram- that has been a big part of my life for ovich’s hire and fire culture. so long,” Lampard said in a statement “Tuchel will be exposed to exactly posted on his Instagram account. the same rules as Frank. We’ll be talk- “I am disappointed not to have ing about him being let go in the next had the time this season to take the Chelsea legend and manager Frank Lampard has been sacked by the football club after a poor run in the Premier League. His 18 months to two years, I’m pretty club forward and bring it to the next departure marks the 14th managerial change since Russian tycoon Roman Abramovich’s takeover. POOL/AFP sure of that.” level.” The German only became avail- The club said it had been a “very movich said: “This was a very dif- visit of Wolves on January 27. Stamford Bridge in 2003. able a month ago when he left PSG, difficult decision” to part ways with ficult decision for the club, not least His departure marks the 14th man- less than five months after taking their all-time record goalscorer, because I have an excellent personal No return on investment agerial change since Abramovich’s them to the Champions League final, who won three league titles and the relationship with Frank and I have After serving a transfer ban in takeover, which transformed the which they lost to Bayern Munich. Champions League during his 13- the utmost respect for him. Lampard’s first summer window, London club into English and Euro- The 47-year-old won back-to-back year career as a player at Stamford “He is a man of great integrity and Chelsea splashed out on Kai Hav- pean heavyweights. league titles with PSG, but that was Bridge. has the highest of work ethics. How- ertz, Ben Chilwell, Hakim Ziyech, “Of course I feel sorry. But this is not enough to satisfy the club’s Qa- “Recent results and performances ever, under current circumstances Timo Werner and Edouard Mendy, the brutality of modern football,” tari owners, who replaced him with have not met the club’s expectations, we believe it is best to change man- but that outlay has failed to trans- said Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho, former Tottenham manager Mauri- leaving the club mid-table without agers.” late into improved results. who coached Lampard and was twice cio Pochettino. any clear path to sustained improve- Chelsea are aiming to have Lampard’s Premier League sacked by Abramovich despite win- Prior to PSG, Tuchel impressed at ment,” Chelsea said. Tuchel, who was abruptly fired by points-per-game average of 1.67 ning three league titles at Chelsea. Borussia Dortmund, having started In a rare public statement, the French champions PSG in Decem- is the lowest for any Chelsea man- A number of younger players hand- his managerial career with Augsburg club’s Russian owner Roman Abra- ber, on the bench in time for the ager since Abramovich arrived at ed their breakthrough in the Chelsea and then Mainz. AFP European talking points: Atletico, Bayern surge clear

It WAS a very good weekend points across Europe’s major at Eibar. Real Madrid won 4-1 ing Borussia Dortmund in mid- “Now the difficult phase against a Saint-Etienne team for Atletico Madrid and Bayern football leagues. at Alaves and Barcelona were week, lost at home to Wolfsburg. begins.” decimated by a coronavirus Munich as they extended their 2-0 winners at Elche but this is Dortmund have slipped to sev- While reigning champions outbreak. leads at the top in Spain and Atletico’s league to lose Atletico’s title to lose now, even enth after losing 4-2 at Borus- Juventus beat Bologna, maybe PSG and Lille are level on Germany respectively. Atletico Madrid are towering if the season is barely at its mid- sia Moenchengladbach, a irrepressible Atalanta are the points, with Lyon two points However. it remains tight at over their rivals atop La Liga after way point. result which underlined why ones to really look out for. The behind in third. And perhaps the top in France and Italy with beating Valencia 3-1 on January They are seven points clear of they are apparently so keen to Bergamo side are, like Juve, even Monaco could get Milan clinging on to their lead 24, inspired by goals from Joao Real in second, and 10 above make Gladbach’s Marco Rose seven points off the lead, but involved yet. They beat Mar- on top Serie A, while Portugal’s Felix and Luis Suarez. Barcelona in third, with a game the long-term replacement to they are 10 games unbeaten, a seille 3-1 and are six points off sleeping giants claimed silver- Diego Simeone’s side had to in hand on each. the sacked Lucien Favre. run which has seen them score top spot in fourth, having ware. come from behind to get the 26 goals while beating Milan scored 14 goals in winning their This is a quick review and points, three days after Suarez’s Bayern capitalise on rivals’ Milan winter champions but and Roma, and drawing in last four games. round up of the main talking late penalty secured a 2-1 win inconsistencies beware Atalanta Turin. The Bundesliga is arguably AC Milan’s resurgence has More to come for Sporting? the most exciting league in been remarkable and they are Neck and neck in Ligue 1 Sporting Lisbon claimed sil- Europe just now and yet any top at the halfway point in Serie Paris Saint-Germain are find- verware by beating Braga 1-0 in hopes of a lasting title race are A, meaning they earn the sym- ing their form under new coach the Portuguese League Cup fading after Bayern Munich bolic crown of winter champi- Mauricio Pochettino if January final thanks to a goal from went seven points clear, mak- ons. 22’s 4-0 thumping of 10-man young Spanish defender Pedro ing the most of slip-ups by their However, they slumped to a Montpellier was anything to go Porro, who is on loan from challengers. 3-0 home loss against Atalanta by. With Kylian Mbappe scoring Manchester City. Hansi Flick’s side have at San Siro, a second defeat in twice and Neymar on target on It is the third time Sporting bounced back from a recent four following a run of 27 league his 100th appearance, they have won the trophy in four blip and their 4-0 crushing of games unbeaten. showed they will take some seasons but this time they will bottom team Schalke was their That suggests they may strug- stopping. hope it is simply a precursor to third win in eight days. gle to hold onto top spot in the However, the good news is the big one: not since 2002 have It came after second-placed run-in, and they only remain there is a proper title race in they won the league but this RB Leipzig lost 3-2 at struggling two points clear after Inter were France, with Lille grinding out season, with talented young Mainz, leaving them with just held 0-0 at Udinese. a superb 1-0 win at Rennes coach Ruben Amorim, they are one win in four. “Being winter champions thanks to Canada striker unbeaten after 14 games and Atletico Madrid forward Suarez (left) vies with Valencia midfielder Meanwhile third-placed Bay- means nothing to me,” said Jonathan David and Lyon win- are four points ahead of Ben- Soler in the La Liga match at Wanda Metropolitano on Sunday. AFP er Leverkusen, superb in beat- Milan star Zlatan Ibrahimovic. ning a one-sided derby 5-0 fica and Porto. AFP