Friday, january 1, 2021 Intelligent . In-depth . Independent Issue Number 3575 / 4000 RIEL NBC: 4% economic growth in 2021 May Kunmakara Inflation is expected to remain be- growth recovery in Cambodia’s eco- is very important to strengthen the The advent of oil production will low three per cent, a “manageable nomic partners and the strengthen- growth base of domestic activity.” provide the Kingdom another source HE National Bank of Cambo- low” which the NBC is optimistic ing of the local economic base. According to the NBC, agriculture of funds for the national budget and dia (NBC) on December 31 it can ensure through a “stable ex- “In this context, further strength- will remain a vital and high-poten- the future development of priority forecast that the Kingdom’s change rate” and an “increased main- ening of domestic economic activity tial sector that could absorb some sectors, it added. economic growth will return tenance of international reserves”. will support and reduce the impact of the economic fallout stemming World Bank country manager for toT four per cent growth this year if The NBC said: “International fi- on Cambodia’s economic growth from the crisis, such as unemploy- Cambodia Inguna Dobraja in mid- Covid-19 vaccines can successfully nancial institutions have forecast due to the external downturn. ment or support for the poor. December said challenges remain for curtail the spread in the first half. that Cambodia’s economic growth “Therefore, the continued imple- Accelerating the diversification of the Kingdom and Covid-19 has cre- The central bank’s forecast published rate could reach four-to-6.8 per cent mentation of government policies to the economic base and the imple- ated a need to scale up job creation in its Macroeconomic and Banking [in 2021]. promote the development of small mentation of industrial develop- and stem the unemployment tide. Progress 2020 Report matches the “However, these forecasts depend and medium-sized enterprises, the ment strategies will help Cambo- She said: “Significant uncertainty forecast made by the Washington, DC- primarily on the effectiveness of the promotion of innovation and the dia’s economy recover faster from based World Bank in December. [Covid-19] vaccines, the speed of use of new technologies in all areas the pandemic, it said. Continued – page 7 Blessings for New Year from gov’t, opposition, envoys to the Kingdom Niem Chheng happiness and prosperity for all people and reminding them to GOVERNMENT leaders, oppo- stay vigilant about Covid-19. sition figures and diplomatic “Please continue to pay representatives to Cambodia attention to the prevention of issued statements marking the Covid-19 by washing your end of 2020 and identifying hands frequently with soap, challenges to face and achieve- gel or alcohol sanitiser, wear- ments to fulfil in 2021. ing masks and maintaining National Assembly president social distancing. Follow the Heng Samrin said in his instructions of the Ministry of remarks that the whole world, Health. I wish our brothers including Cambodia, had been and sisters a safe journey hit hard by the crisis caused by whether they are travelling the Covid-19 pandemic, which near or far over the holiday has been particularly bad for weekend,” he wrote. the world economy. But Cam- The prime minister also cele- bodia had the crisis under brated Cambodia’s entry into the control due to strong leader- ranks of oil producing nations. ship and a spirit of coopera- “Covid-19 has caused disrup- tion between all of relevant tion, but it could not stop our institutions, friends and devel- efforts to produce oil. Although opment partners. we cannot fully enjoy the start Samrin thanked various of 2021 in the same manner as ministries and authorities as previous years due to Covid-19, well as all of Cambodia’s vol- we should still be thankful for unteers for making physical, the huge gift the nation has spiritual and financial contri- received – the first drops of oil butions to the government produced in our country. effort in fighting Covid-19. “I would like to express my Their contribution had, to sincere gratitude to all of my some extent, alleviated the compatriots for their active impacts of the crisis on Cam- cooperation and support of the bodia’s economy, he said. government while we continue Prime Minister Hun Sen the process of building our Ride out the new year released a New Year’s message Cyclists pedal past New Year decorations at the nearly 700-year-old symbolic monastic Wat Phnom temple in Daun Pehn district’s Wat Phnom on his Facebook page wishing Continued – page 3 commune in Phnom Penh. HEAN RANGSEY 2 THE PHNOM PENH POST january 1, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com National Cambodia has more than Justice ministry: 89 per cent 8.8 million registered voters Nov Sivutha ciety organisations, embassies and general consulates in Cam- court case backlog cleared THE National Election Com- bodia to inform them of these mittee (NEC) posted the formal problems,” he said. Voun Dara results of an audit checking the NEC deputy secretary-general names of registered voters this Som Sorida said the LDP had a ust 222 days after the year that showed more than 8.8 right to express its views regard- launch of a campaign to million names on the voting list – ing the accuracy of the voter list address the court case an increase of more than 200,000 but they needed to do so respon- Jbacklog throughout the voters compared to last year. sibly and not in a manner that Kingdom, the Ministry of The League for Democracy incites division in the country. Justice has cleared 35,100, Party (LDP) objected to the He further said the LDP’s allega- or 89 per cent, out of a to- NEC’s findings and questioned tions of irregularities in the voter tal of 39,152 cases that were their validity, alleging that the list were completely unsubstantiated. pending. process of registering voters had “The LDP is asking the NEC to This has helped ease prison taken place without transpar- disenfranchise voters based on overcrowding by allowing the ency, accuracy or fairness. their accusations alone. They release of 26,100 inmates due The day before the formal vot- want us to burden Cambodi- to the ongoing campaign. ing list was posted, LDP spokesman ans who have already met the In a press release, the E Sangleng claimed that his party required conditions for regis- ministry said the municipal had identified more than 3,000 tration. If the NEC were to take and provincial court pros- cases of irregularities in communes action based solely on the opin- ecutors across the coun- across the country, including the ions of an individual or a group, try had cleared the 35,100 registration of people who had no it would be a serious mistake criminal cases in the phase residential addresses listed. and unacceptable,” he said. of prosecution, investiga- He also said the party had Sam Sokuntheamy, the execu- tion and trial. deployed 1,128 observers and tive director of the Neutral and During the campaign, the 3,561 reserve observers in order Impartial Committee for Free municipal and provincial to keep an eye on the process of and Fair Elections in Cambo- courts had also addressed Justice minister Koeut Rith launched a campaign on May 18 last year that has helped clear 89 per cent of checking the names on the list dia (NICFEC) also spoke at the court case backlog in Cambodia. justice ministry more than 36,500 new crim- and registering the names of press conference, saying his or- inal cases last year. courts had declared success announced the start of the “We see that the proceed- voters across the country. ganisation could not vouch for The ministry said that and wrapped up the cam- campaign on May 18 last year ings at municipal and provin- The LDP had more observers the accuracy of the LDP’s report among the 26,100 inmates paign. Only nine courts have after identifying 39,152 crimi- cial courts after the launch of than any other party or institution because no NICFEC representa- set to go free 11,200 have yet to do so, but we expect nal cases pending at munici- the campaign are expedited, this year, according to Sangleng. tives were present as observers. already been released, 5,600 that they will also declare pal and provincial courts. with much effort put in to He added that the LDP had filed “I would like to state that we have not been freed yet, 3,000 their success soon,” he said. He introduced four ap- address the backlog. complaints with the NEC and the aren’t in a position to verify the are free from detention, and Malin said the campaign proaches for all working “We don’t monitor all [cas- Constitutional Council of Cambo- accuracy of this report and would the remaining 6,300 have is scheduled to conclude on groups to focus on: speed, ac- es] but through some cases dia (CCC) asking that the names have liked to have had our own been sent to drug rehabilita- May 17, 2021. curacy, fairness and probity. that lawyers from our or- of people who have no residential observers present, but from what tion centres instead of being “Given the progress in ad- Licadho deputy director ganisation observed, we saw address in any commune be de- I’m hearing today it sounds like the charged. dressing the backlog, we ex- Am Sam Ath noted that the that the courts had issued a leted, but they had been ignored. [LDP] has evidence and witnesses. Justice ministry spokes- pect that the other nine courts campaign has helped ex- series of summons. The party has also compiled a But this is a complicated issue and man Chin Malin said the will also declare success and pedite court proceedings, “Persons who request 1,800-page report highlighting we would like to see an indepen- campaign had achieved re- wrap up the campaign [be- reducing case backlog and our help in their cases were the irregularities. dent investigation of these claims markable results. fore schedule],” he said. easing prison overcrowding summoned to courts one by “The report will be made pub- from someone outside the LDP to “Within these 222 days, 15 Justice minister Koeut Rith as a result. one,” he said. lic and presented to all civil so- verify them,” he said. WCS Cambodia finds five 3K new nurses to help fight Covid-19 nests of frog-headed turtle Niem Chheng Mom Kunthear already found five of them. We never expected to find so many PRIME Minister Hun Sen has allowed THE Wildlife Conservation Soci- like this. We hope we keep find- the Ministry of Health to recruit 3,000 ety’s (WCS Cambodia) Nest Pro- ing more nests until the middle nurses and include them in the state tection Team, in collaboration of next year,” he said. employment framework in 2021 to with the Fisheries Administra- For the 2019-2020 breeding strengthen the Kingdom’s fight against tion, have found five nests of the season, the WCS Cambodia’s Covid-19. critically endangered Cantor’s Gi- Nest Protection Team found 49 Hun Sen confirmed this on December ant Softshell Turtle (also known frog-headed turtle nests with 29 during his national address to announce as frog-headed turtle) during the more than 1,700 eggs in total, the end of the November 28 community 2020 breeding season on a beach but only 845 of the eggs hatched event – a reference to the first confirmed along the Mekong River in Kratie because of the hot weather. case of Covid-19 local transmission. province’s Sambor district. Som Sitha, the Koh Kong and He said the decision was made after a WCS Cambodia’s Mekong Mekong River Conservation discussion with health minister Mam Regional Coordinator Nhuon Project Manager for WCS Cam- Bun Heng about the number of nurses Chanty told The Post that the bodia, told The Post that his or- needed during a recent phone call, The health ministry will recruit 3,000 nurses to help fight Covid-19. CDC first nest they discovered had 32 ganisation will continue to coop- when Bun Heng said the ministry need- eggs, but within a week the team erate with local communities by ed up to 5,000. “As planned, we will increase [the recruit- munity as assigned. Besides this volunteer had found four more nests. hiring people from the area to act The medical staff will strengthen its capac- ment] from 1,300 to 3,000 to support the job, he is currently employed with the “If we total the number of eggs as protectors of the turtles and to ity before being deployed to target areas. health sector. Among the 3,000, we mostly Mondulkiri provincial health department in the five nests we found, there help educate other people in the “So, please be informed that [an addi- focus on nurses working in the health sector, and a clinic in the province. were more than 150 eggs. We will community about the conserva- tional] 3,000 people are integrated into but there may also be some [other] neces- “I’m not afraid ... The most important collect these frog-headed turtle tion of frog-headed turtles. the state framework for 2021. If there is sary professionals in that field,” he said. thing is for us to protect ourselves. In the eggs and put them in a safe place “Last [season] we had a lot of still a shortage, we will think more care- Bunna added that three ministries – beginning, when the ministry announced for them to hatch,” he said. community involvement and fully and arrange the deployment health, civil service, and economy and [the opportunity] for voluntary work, I The frog-headed turtle breed- we hope that this year there will accordingly to address the issue. finance – are jointly executing the stepped in immediately. I see that we ing season runs from November be even more cooperation with “But I would like to say that the recruitment work. The selection will be need to have self-protection and self- to May. The nest protection pro- the frog-headed turtles conser- requirement for this selection is only for carried out by the health ministry, while confidence. I volunteered right away as I gramme for the species is funded vation teams,” he said. those who dare to fight with Covid-19. the civil service ministry will be involved want to serve our compatriots,” he said. by the EU under the “Wildlife Sitha said local residents are “Of course, no one has the skills to in monitoring the government’s policies Sothearoth said he had received a lot Crime Partnership” Margaret A aware of the plight of the frog- fight against Covid-19 [because] it is a and procedures for recruitment. of training from the health ministry on Cargill and US Agency for Inter- headed turtle and that they sup- new occurrence ... But the question is, Hun Sen first recommended the inclu- self-protection and safety. He will take national Development (USAID) port conservation work by tell- do they dare or are they willing to enter sion of volunteer doctors and nurses for an exam to enter the state framework Greening Prey Lang (USAID-GPL). ing the WCS teams where nests the battlefield?” he said. Covid-19 fight into the state framework once the health ministry announces the Chanty said his team was are located or alerting them to In November, the Ministry of Civil on December 15. recruitment. happy to have found the nests problems in the area. Service announced the recruitment of Teav Sothearoth, who holds a bach- “I have prepared the documents so and eggs so early in the season According to WCS Cambodia, the more than 6,000 civil servants into var- elor’s degree in nursing from a univer- that when the ministry announces the because most years the number nest protection teams in the com- ious ministries, of which 1,300 will be sity in the Thai capital Bangkok, is selection exam, I will submit it imme- of total nests they find between munity have succeeded in protect recruited for the health ministry. The among those who have volunteered to diately. For me, if I pass, I would join the November and May is very few. these first five nests from destruc- number will now be increased to 3,000 fight against Covid-19. fight against Covid-19 as assigned. I will “At this time last year we had tion but there are five months to following the prime minister’s recom- Since April, Sothearoth had gone to col- not hesitate, but the most important only found one frog-headed go in the breeding season and they mendation, according to civil service lect samples for Covid-19 tests at the air- thing is whether we pass the exam or turtle nest, but this year we’ve must remain vigilant. ministry spokesman Youk Bunna. port, Olympic Stadium and in the com- not,” he said. THE PHNOM PENH POST january 1, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 3 National​ Alert on borders as new Covid cases rise

Mom Kunthear protective measures recommended by Prime Minister Hun Sen to prevent RIME Minister Hun Sen con- the transmission of Covid-19, which firmed late on December 31 remain the same regardless of the that six more Cambodian virus mutating. migrant workers from Thai- “[Follow] the health ministry’s landP have tested positive for Covid- ‘three do’s and three don’ts’ instruc- 19, bringing the total to eight in just tions, stay on your guard and [devel- two days between December 30-31. op] healthy living habits,” she said. Hun Sen said that based on infor- Vandine said the authorities must mation he had received from the continue to strictly monitor all inter- Institut Pasteur du Cambodge (IPC), national border crossings into Cambo- the number of positive cases might dia and require anyone entering the increase in the coming days. country to quarantine for 14 days with- “In such a circumstance, we have to out exceptions and monitoring by the work with Thailand to manage the authorities to ensure compliance. situation. Meanwhile, I instruct all bor- As of December 31, Cambodia had der forces to exercise the strictest con- recorded a total of 372 Covid-19 cas- trol over all international checkpoints es, with 361 recoveries. and corridors to prevent people from At the same time, the government entering the country without inspec- has allowed the reopening of busi- tion, having their samples taken [for nesses such as fitness clubs and exer- testing] and quarantine,” he said. cise gyms and the resumption of The prime minister also ordered all football matches, and other sporting members of the Royal Cambodian competitions including national Armed Forces (RCAF) and all forces team matches. with transportation means to take Officials say the purpose [in allow- workers home to stop doing so until ing these restrictions] to be eased is further notice. Instead, he said return- Pailin provincial governor Ban Sreymom (right) at an illegal border crossing used by migrant workers from Thailand. supplied to improve the health and training ing migrant workers must be quaran- of Cambodia’s athletes in prepara- tined in provinces along the borders He added that during the dry season and guard the illegal [border crossing instructed all authorities in provin- tion for events such as the 31st SEA to prevent community transmission. workers could cross the border through points] 24 hours a day to prevent work- cial town, districts, communes and Games to be held in Vietnam in 2021 Pailin provincial deputy governor dry streambeds, but the authorities ers from entering our province without villages to pay attention to workers and the 32nd SEA Game to be host- Thou Phea told The Post that a Cam- have deployed military and police forc- being quarantined,” he said. who have returned to our province. ed by Cambodia in 2023. bodian worker infected with Covid- es and two deputy governors to the Preah Vihear provincial health “He has also strengthened the Minister of Education, Youth and 19 had been residing in the province border region to resolve this issue. department director Kong Lo told The [patrolling] of Cambodian-Lao bor- Sports Hang Chuon Naron also after returning from Thailand via the Phea said the authorities continue Post that from December 20 to 31, der areas to monitor workers who can requested that athletes continue to fol- Lem International Checkpoint in to monitor Cambodian workers about 60 Cambodian workers had trav- cross the Mekong River and Lapov low the health ministry’s instructions Battambang province returning from Thailand to ensure elled from Thailand into the province River,” Lo said. on Covid-19 safety measures, such as “From December 20 to 31, around 68 they are quarantined and cared for and have been placed in quarantine Health ministry spokeswoman Or hand-washing with soap or alcohol, Cambodian workers crossed from properly and also given additional centres in six districts and one town. Vandine said that observing public wearing masks, personal safety dis- Thailand into Pailin province [legally], funds to help their families. He said their test samples were ana- health measures are the most impor- tances of 1.5m, exercising and regu- but what we are more concerned about “Provincial governor Ban Sreymom lysed at the IPC and the National tant thing anyone can do as an indi- larly disinfecting and sanitising sports are the workers who [may have been] has assigned a joint force, a patrol force Institute of Public Health. vidual. facilities to ensure they do not become smuggled in illegally,” said Phea. and all relevant authorities to monitor “The provincial governor has “It is necessary for us to follow the places of Covid-19 transmission. Officials at all levels praised for contributions amid difficult time

Continued from page 1 bodia to continue to fulfil their “Remember to never make duties with self-confidence and others suffer because of your economy and society,” he said. pride in order to build great ambitions. Please share your Minister of National Defence achievements and bring new mercy for the sake of the hap- Tea Banh said he has seen victories for the nation and the piness of us all. Happiness for great achievements accom- people in 2021,” Sar Kheng wrote. you, your family, your nation plished in 2020 by the Royal Minister of Education, Youth and the world,” Sokha said. Cambodian Armed Forces and Sport Hang Chuon Naron UN Resident Coordinator in (RCAF) through their devotion said he highly valued the efforts Cambodia Pauline Tamesis and efforts to overcome all of education officials and teach- also released a video message obstacles. He saluted them for ers for adhering to the highest saying the past year has been their dedication to the protec- standards of professionalism in difficult for the whole world, tion of the country and secu- their conduct throughout 2020. Cambodia included. rity in support of peace, polit- He said they had jointly “Although Cambodia has ical stability, and the implemented the reform pro- been spared from the health prosperity of the people. grammes and education strat- crisis we see in many countries “The RCAF has effectively car- egies of the government effec- of the world, we have not ried out their international tively and efficiently, especially escaped the disastrous conse- duties such as humanitarian regarding the prevention of quences of the Covid-19 pan- efforts and our peacekeeping Covid-19. demic on the lives, livelihoods missions with the UN, to advance the cause of interna- As we usher in the New Year, tional cooperation and friend- ship between nations. All of this we must keep our focus on is a testament to the honour of saving lives and stopping the the RCAF and something that all of Cambodia should take transmission of the virus pride in,” the minister said. Minister of Interior Sar Kheng Kem Sokha, former leader of and future prospects of vul- expressed his appreciation for the Supreme Court-dissolved nerable Cambodians. the efforts undertaken by the Cambodia National Rescue She expressed her apprecia- National Police, civil servants Party (CNRP), also released his tion for the UN Country team, and prison officials at all levels New Year’s message on Decem- especially World Health Organ- in fulfilling their duties while ber 31, praying that 2021 isation officials in Cambodia responsibly and honestly serv- would bring national recon- for their assistance to the gov- ing the nation and the people. ciliation, solidarity, peace, sta- ernment in the response to the Maintaining peace, stability bility and prosperity to the pandemic. and security serves social and Cambodian people. “As we usher in the New Year, economic development and it “This will enable us all to build we must keep our focus on sav- is a direct result of their con- a bright future with prosperity ing lives and stopping the trans- tributions and work all over and unity to protect the inde- mission of the virus, mitigating the country, he said. pendence, sovereignty, territo- the socio-economic impact of “I would also like to appeal to rial integrity and development the pandemic and building the National Police, civil servants, of Cambodia with sustainabil- back better by standing up for and prison officials serving Cam- ity and with honour,” he said. human rights,” she said. 4 THE PHNOM PENH POST january 1, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com National The Post’s recap of 2020: A tumultuous road of a year

Prum Pheak port on February 13 after six countries had denied it over HE past year has fears of Covid-19 infection. been an eventful one The Holland America Line in Cambodia, charac- Company ship was carrying terised – and marred – over 2,000 passengers from byT crises like the global Covid- 41 countries. 19 pandemic and severe local Prime Minister Hun Sen flooding, and here, at the start stated that allowing the ship of the new year, The Post looks to dock in an emergency was back on a dozen key issues a humanitarian matter that that shaped our 2020. required Cambodia to act and rescue the vessel in a spirit of Seven-storey building col- community and free from lapses: discrimination. Among the The collapse of a seven- passengers, there were 651 storey guesthouse under con- Americans, 171 Canadians, struction in Kep province on 127 British and 91 Dutch. January 3 killed 36 people, After the ship docked, rep- including 14 women and six resentatives of governments children, and injured 23 oth- and institutions and around ers. The collapse was attribut- the world, including US Presi- ed to the foreman’s disregard dent Donald Trump and World for reinforcing the concrete Health Organisation (WHO) with rebar and removing scaf- Secretary-General Tedros Ad- folding too early. hanom Ghebreyesus, hailed The building’s owners, mas- Cambodia’s courage and ex- ter builder Euk Saron and his pressed gratitude for the gov- wife Chhiv Sothy, were ar- ernment’s assistance. rested and referred to court for prosecution. The government Covid-19 is detected in provided $10,000 to workers Cambodia and containment who sustained minor injuries begins: and to $20,000 each to those On January 27, Cambodia re- with major injuries. Families corded its first confirmed case Prime Minister Hun Sen stated that allowing the MS Westerdam cruise ship to dock in an emergency was a humanitarian matter that required who suffered a fatality received of Covid-19. By December Cambodia to act and rescue the vessel in a spirit of community and free of discrimination. SPM $50,000 and a 10 million riel 31, there had been 372 cases ($2,500) funeral stipend. Fami- identified, most of which were line instruction. ventative measures. A public figured the likelihood of actu- were an ever-present danger. lies who lost breadwinners imported. Remarkably, none When economic and social service announcement can be ally enacting such a decree Campaign addresses the were given even more. of the patients have died from activities were gradually al- heard prior to connecting tele- was only 0.01 per cent. backlog of court cases: their infections. lowed to resume, school chil- phone calls which states: “We Justice minister Koeut Rith Trial begins for Kem Sokha: To address the problem, dren and business patrons are united to combat Covid-19 Traffic enforcement increases: launched an initiative on May The Phnom Penh mu- the prime minister chaired were expected to abide by a according to the guidance of The Road Traffic Law was 18 to address a backlog of nicipal court began hearing the inter-ministerial ad hoc slew of guidelines instruct- the health ministry.” amended on May 1, signifi- court cases and prison over- the case of Kem Sokha, the Committee to Combat Covid- ing members of the public to As a result of containment cantly raising fines for mov- crowding around the country. former president of the Su- 19, comprised five deputy wear face masks, wash hands efforts by the government, ing violations while more He affirmed that all measures preme Court-dissolved Cam- chairmen – the ministers of with disinfectants and main- compliance by the public and than 3,000 police officers have implemented by the ministry bodia National Rescue Party the interior, defence, finance, tain physical separation. treatment of Covid-19 pa- been deployed on main roads would strictly adhere to exist- (CNRP), on January 15, more health and Council of Min- KTVs, theatres, restaurants, tients by healthcare facilities, across the country to monitor ing legal procedures in order than two years after he was isters – and 27 more officials barbershops, beauty parlours Cambodia’s response to the traffic, inspect vehicles and to uphold principles of jus- arrested in September, 2017 from relevant ministries and and public transport imple- pandemic has been ranked drivers and issue citations ac- tice and accuracy. He stressed for conspiring with a foreign institutions. mented higher standards of as the most effective in the cording to Sub-Decree 39 in that corruption must not be power under Article 443 of The committee has imple- hygiene as well as checking world for controlling and response to an alarming up- allowed to compromise the the Criminal Code. mented many measures in- the health of guests with elec- minimising its impact. tick in traffic accidents. integrity of the legal system. Hearings were held two cluding cancelling holidays tronic thermometers. Imposition of the fines has The minister also welcomed days per week until the trial and major ceremonies, clos- Additionally, migrant work- State of emergency law is come under criticism from participation from civil so- was indefinitely suspended in ing the national borders to ers returning from abroad drafted: drivers and others requesting ciety organisations in moni- mid-March on account of the tourists, suspending visits to and other passengers arriving President of the Senate Say that the stricter law enforce- toring legal proceedings. As outbreak of Covid-19. Sokha prison inmates and prohibit- to Cambodia were subject to Chhum signed a Royal Code ment be delayed on account a result of the campaign, by faces up to 30 years in prison ing large public gatherings. health inspections and quar- on April 29 preparing for the of financial hardships faced December 25, nearly 89 per if found guilty. Businesses such as gyms, antine of up to 14 days before imposition of a declaration of by the public in light of the cent – or 35,100 out of 39,152 casinos, pubs and dance clubs being allowed to continue on a national state of emergency. Covid-19 problem. pending criminal cases – had Cambodia allows Westerdam were temporarily ordered to to their intended destinations. The Constitutional Council National Police chief Neth Sa- been addressed. to dock: cease operations. Likewise, Hun Sen and the Ministry of of Cambodia (CCC) had an- voeun claimed, however, that The government allowed schools and child care facili- Health frequently reminded nounced two days earlier that the single aim of strengthening Former Tuol Sleng prison the MS Westerdam cruise ship ties were closed, and students the public to be very cautious such a law would be legal un- the law and its enforcement chief dies: to dock at Preah Sihanouk began taking courses via on- and remain diligent in pre- der article 22 of the constitu- was to reduce the accidents While serving a life sen- tion. and damage to the property. tence handed down by the Consisting of five chapters He said that the fines would Supreme Court at the Ex- and 12 articles, the law was serve as a lesson for drivers. traordinary Chambers in the proposed by Minister of Justice Institute for Road Safety Courts of Cambodia (ECCC), Koeut Rith and initially ap- acting director Kong Ratanak Kaing Guek Eav, the former proved on April 10 by the Na- said the measures had pro- Tuol Sleng prison chief better tional Assembly before passing duced positive results. More known as Duch, died on Sep- a final review on April 17. motorists had renewed their tember 2 at the age of 77 in Government officials were driver’s licences, had their the Khmer-Soviet Friendship quick to stipulate that the vehicles safety-inspected and Hospital after a long illness. law had been prepared as cautiously abided by the Road Following his death, his a tool to combat the Covid- Traffic Law. body was cremated at the 19 crisis in the event that According to a report from Chak Angre Krom pagoda in the situation in the country the National Road Safety Phnom Penh in the presence deteriorated to a point that Committee (NRSC), traffic of a small number of relatives. its use would be deemed to accidents decreased by 23 per Duch was arrested in 1999 and have become necessary. cent over the first 10 months sentenced to 35 years in pris- Throughout the ensuing of last year compared to the on in 2010 by the lower court pandemic, however, an official year before, resulting in 779 at the ECCC for crimes against state of emergency by royal fewer incidents, dropping humanity and serious viola- decree has yet to be declared, from 3,453 in 2019 to 2,674. tions of the Geneva Conven- even as many other countries Interior minister and NRSC tions of 1949 concerning the enforced similar laws. chairman Sar Kheng urged deaths of at least 12,272 vic- Addressing concerns about police to arrest drivers re- tims at the Tuol Sleng prison. the prospect of excessive law sponsible for hit-and-run Unsatisfied with the ruling, enforcement, the prime min- accidents and bring them to he appealed against it, and ister noted that based on his justice. He also called on driv- in 2012, the Supreme Court The collapse of a seven-storey guesthouse under construction in Kep province on January 3 killed 36 people, more than 40 years of experi- ers and passengers to remain at the ECCC sentenced him including 14 women and six children, and injured 23 others. HENG CHIVOAN ence governing the nation, he careful as traffic accidents to life in prison. He served THE PHNOM PENH POST january 1, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 5 National​ The Post’s recap of 2020: A tumultuous road of a year the sentence in the Kandal Hungarian Minister of For- ment, members of the public provincial prison from 2013 eign Affairs and Trade Peter responded enthusiastically until his death. Szijjarto visited Cambodia on and began making private November 3, having initially donations for the cause. By Floods cover the countryside: tested negative for the virus December 28, a fund estab- Cambodia experienced upon his entry, then testing lished by the government rain-induced floods in mid- positive for it the next day had received more than $55 October, flooding the capital when entering Thailand. million. and 19 provinces across the As a result, senior Cambo- On December 17, an inter- country. A report on October dian officials who had been in ministerial meeting by video 24 by the National Commit- contact with Szijjarto, includ- conference with major aid tee for Disaster Management ing Hun Sen, and a total of organisations and partner said that the natural disaster 1,802 people were instructed nations discussed plans for had affected 136,442 families to quarantine themselves for procurement of the vaccines representing 545,768 people. 14 days. A total of four peo- and implementing a vaccina- In total, 43 drowning ple, including a member of tion programme. deaths were reported while the National Assembly, tested The government an- 925 schools, 305 pago- positive for the infection. nounced a goal to inoculate das, 270,007ha of rice and In a separate event on No- at least 10 million people 88,779ha of other crops, as vember 28, Cambodia saw its against Covid-19 and poten- well as 2,301km of national first cases of local transmission tially as many as 13 million and provincial roads, had of Covid-19 within the com- people which would require been affected by the floods. munity. The wife of director- 26 million doses for a two- The prime minister deployed general of prisons Chhem Sa- step vaccination. all means at his disposal to vuth and five family members Following the ‘November 28 community’ event, the prime minister and health officials urged all people who The COVAX Facility would had been in direct or indirect contact to be tested and quarantined. INTERIOR MINISTRY mitigate the damage, describ- tested positive for Covid-19, provide vaccines for 20 per cent ing the floods as the worst to sparking a massive and urgent – were quarantined for 14 days. by the pandemic, totalling prompting a warning from of the country’s population, hit the country during his ten- effort to conduct contact-trac- Of the total, 41 tested positive. $169.38 million. Subsidies the prime minister of strict amounting to three to four mil- ure in government. He offered ing and testing of people who The Ministry of Labour, were made to families holding measures to be taken against lion people. The government condolences to families who might have been exposed. Youth and Sport again in- Poor ID cards with each fam- people who attempted to de- declared it would assume re- had lost members and over- The prime minister and structed schools to close and ily receiving at least 120,000 fraud the system. The Minis- sponsibility for vaccinating the saw the distribution of relief health officials urged all people later announced that grade riel (almost $30). try of Planning subsequently rest of the people by seeking aid donations to victims. who had been in direct or indi- 12 national examination can- Because the Covid-19 crisis identified 14,400 incidences from development partners. rect contact to be tested and didates would pass automati- had yet to subside, Hun Sen of irregularities. First to receive the vaccine November 3 event and quarantined. He also called on cally without sitting the exam. announced on December 15 will be doctors and front-line November 28 community people not to blame each other that the government would is- Covid-19 vaccine purchases: health officials as well as teach- transmission: but to cooperate for the sake Cash support is given to the sue a fourth round of payments Hun Sen announced on De- ers, members of the armed Although Cambodia had of society and averting wider poor affected by Covid-19: set to continue into January, cember 8 that the government forces and prison officials, fol- brought the Covid-19 pan- spread of the virus. From June 25 to December February and March for which planned to buy Covid-19 vac- lowed by judges, attorneys and demic under control through In the weeks following the 24, the national government a reserve of $200 million had cines for distribution to the na- court officers and other gov- October, the next month saw outbreak, 18,829 people – in- provided a series of cash pay- been made available. tion’s people free of charge, pri- ernment officials whose work two major events spark new cluding the interior minister ments to 681,999 poor and Distributing the funds was oritising people at high-risk. necessitates interacting with outbreaks. and many subordinate officials vulnerable families affected delegated to local authorities, Following the announce- members of the public. 6 THE PHNOM PENH POST january 1, 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 4,072 1.2750 6.5414 103.13 4.0225 1.3224 29.98 0.7702 1.2290 1.3659

Trading Information on Cambodia Securities Exchange Date: December 31, 2020 Auction Trading Method (ATM) No Stock Closing Price Opening Price High Low 1 ABC 17,100 17,160 17,160 17,100 2 GTI 3,200 - 3,200 3,200 3 PAS 14,200 14,160 14,200 14,000 4 PEPC 2,900 2,900 2,900 2,900 5 PPAP 11,700 11,700 11,700 11,500 6 PPSP 1,180 1,150 1,180 1,150 7 PWSA 6,100 6,100 6,100 6,100 Indonesia, LG in $9.8B CRF to launch ‘Malys Angkor’ deal for first integrated brand of fragrant rice exports EV battery industry INDONESIA has sealed a deal – mining holding MIND.ID, Thou Vireak “I think rice exports will con- worth $9.8 billion with South oil and gas giant Pertamina, tinue to be stable or grow as de- Korea’s LG Energy Solution to electricity giant PLN and met- HE Cambodia Rice mand in the agricultural sector develop the world’s first in- al miner PT Aneka Tambang Federation (CRF) will . . . remains high. As long as we tegrated electric vehicle (EV) (Antam) – to build the integrat- launch the “Malys maintain a balance in quality, battery industry, Indonesia’s ed battery plant, Bahlil said. Angkor” brand in quantity and competitive pric- investment chief said on De- He said the investment mid-2021T and require all rice es, we will maintain this export cember 30. would support the planned millers and exporters to at- growth,” Lak said. The memorandum of un- end-to-end domestic supply tach its label to their products Saran recalled that 2020 derstanding (MoU) was signed chain for EV batteries from bound for China and the EU, had been the most difficult by Investment Coordinating nickel mining to battery recy- its president Song Saran said year for the rice sector, due to Board (BKPM) head Bahlil La- cling, adding that the govern- on December 30. the effects of the EU’s tariffs hadalia and LG Energy Solu- ment was also encouraging lo- He said the Kingdom ex- on Cambodian milled-rice tion representatives in Seoul cal companies to get involved. ported around 700,000 exports, the Covid-19 crisis, on December 18 with South Indonesia possesses almost tonnes of milled rice in 2020, the droughts and the floods, Korean Minister of Trade, In- a quarter of the global reserves 80 per cent of which was the and the shipping crisis in the dustry and Energy Sung Yun- of nickel, a key metal for elec- in-vogue fragrant rice. last quarter of the year. mo witnessing the signing. tric vehicles, and is seeking to The CRF also plans to export But, he said, Cambodia is still The deal is the result of a se- use that advantage to build a the Sen Kra’op 01 rice cultivar a proud milled-rice exporter, ries of negotiations that started domestic battery industry with for the first time, he said. which supplies and ensures with a meeting between Presi- support from low power prices Sen Kra’op 01 is a high- food security to countries in dent Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and and low-cost manufacturing. quality and delectable variant the region and beyond. his South Korean counterpart To that end, the government of rice that was developed in He added that even under Moon Jae-in in Busan, South banned all nickel ore exports The CRF will launch the ‘Malys Angkor’ brand of fragrant rice in 2018 by the Cambodian Agri- mid-2021. HONG MENEA these difficult circumstances, Korea in November 2019. last year and plans to ban all cultural Research and Devel- Cambodia had still been able to The MoU includes strategic in- metal ore exports starting June opment Institute (CARDI) in that import milled rice from millers owners and exporters export more than $470 million vestment projects in the EV bat- 2023, thereby forcing miners to collaboration with the Austra- Cambodia and our partners.” must comply with the stan- worth of milled rice in 2020. tery cell industry that integrates process the ore domestically. lian government through the Mekong Oryza Trading Co dards and norms to promote Cambodia exports most the mining, smelting, refining, The investment by LG Ener- Cambodia-Australia Agricul- Ltd CEO Hun Lak told The recognition of “Malys Ang- of its milled rice, buoyed by and precursor and cathode in- gy Solution will be the latest in tural Value Chain programme Post that “Malys Angkor” is in kor” in the world market.” rising consumer recognition dustries, according to a BKPM a series made by South Korean (CAVAC). the same grouping of Cambo- At the same time, he said, in markets such as mainland statement on December 30. companies, including Hyun- Saran said: “We will contin- dian luxury milled rice that is the CRF and exporters are China, Hong Kong, Gabon Bahlil told reporters in a vir- dai Motor, which plans to set ue to work to boost our high exported to the global market. busy promoting the export of and Australia. tual press briefing on Decem- up an electric car factory. quality milled rice exports. He said: “We have already Sen Kra’op 01. He confirmed “Cambodia’s milled rice has ber 30: “This investment will Indonesia’s EV batteries will We look forward to continu- registered the fragrant rice that this type of milled rice been growing in the right direc- make Indonesia the first coun- not only cater to the EV indus- ing to work to improve the ‘Malys Angkor’ with the Min- is recognised by the Ministry tion and will reach the official try in the world that is integrat- try but also to the energy stor- livelihoods of those in the istry of Commerce and the of Agriculture, Forestry and export of one million tonnes ing the electric battery industry age industry, both of which are Cambodian rice industry. World [Trade] Organisation, Fisheries as a bona-fide fra- through sustainable production [supply chain], from mining to expected to grow exponen- “We truly thank all our part- so in 2021 we want to export grant rice variety with high and will provide socio-econom- electric car lithium batteries. tially over the decade as major ners and I send the most cor- rice officially using the ‘Malys yields that is not seasonal and ic benefits to communities in all “This is the biggest investment economies double-down on dial blessings to the countries Angkor’ brand and the rice which farmers like to grow. value chains,” Saran said. since the [1998] Reform Era and green energy commitments. will serve as an opportunity for Indonesian Mining Associa- Indonesia to recover from the tion (IMA) executive director coronavirus pandemic.” Djoko Widajanto told The Ja- Indonesia’s pursuit to boost karta Post: “We are hoping that local EV production and the LG’s investment will be a break- ACLEDA Bank unveils new logo EV battery industry reflects through for SOEs to connect Jokowi’s ambition for “mas- local businesses with the EV Thou Vireak the use of the latest technolo- Strelitzia genus, which bear a ACLEDA Bank, which has been sive downstreaming”, which battery supply chain because gies to make them more mod- striking resemblance to the logo. actively providing banking aims to turn the country from otherwise, we will need time ACLEDA Bank Plc, the first ern, more secure and easier for Channy said white repre- services for more than 29 a commodity-driven econo- to develop both the technology commercial bank to be listed our community of customers sents righteousness, transpar- years,” Channy said. my into an industrial one. At and human resources.” on the Cambodia Securities – public or private – from all ency, honesty and integrity; ACLEDA Bank has four sub- the same time, massive for- Indonesian Chamber of Com- Exchange (CSX), on Decem- backgrounds, and maintain gold stands for value and qual- sidiaries – ACLEDA Securities eign investment in the sector merce and Industry (Kadin) ber 31 officially launched its the highest quality in the bank- ity; while blue signifies unity, Plc, ACLEDA Institute of Busi- is expected to help boost the deputy chairman Johnny Dar- new logo after nearly 30 years ing and financial sector.” stability and wellbeing. ness, ACLEDA Bank Lao Ltd and country’s economic recovery. mawan told the Post on De- of operation. The new logo will preserve The combination of the three ACLEDA Microfinance Institu- The government ordered cember 30: “The government Speaking at the launch cer- the symbol, identity and mean- colours presents the seeds and tion Myanmar and has a repre- in October its biggest state- must allow these companies emony, president and CEO In ing that the bank has built over resources for sustainable sentative office in Myanmar. owned enterprises (SOEs) to to use locally manufactured Channy said the change was the past 29 years, he said. growth and development in the As of September 30, ACLEDA establish a battery holding materials to produce the bat- in line with the bank’s strategic In the middle of a blue circle financial sector, he said. Bank’s total assets stood at company that will develop an teries in a bid to further sup- mission perspective and glo- lies a “pakshi-svarga” or “bird “I would also like to express 26.10 trillion riel ($6.5 billion), end-to-end domestic supply port local businesses. bal fintech development. of paradise” in gold and white, my gratitude to the customers, total loan portfolio grew to chain for EV batteries. “If the government wants He said: “I officially launch which he said denotes the sus- and the general public from all 16.99 trillion riel, deposits Under the MoU, LG Energy Indonesia to become a major the new ACLEDA Bank logo tainable strengths and pros- milieus, in the public and pri- reached 18.56 trillion riel, while Solution, a subsidiary of LG player in the EV industry, then with our existing digital infra- perity of the bank. vate sectors, especially the the number of digital ACLEDA Group, will collaborate with the country must be able to structure and will continue to “Bird of paradise” is also a National Bank of Cambodia Unity Instant service subscrib- South Korea’s Hyundai Motor produce its own batteries.” THE develop our services through common name for flowers of the with its continuing support of ers hit 1.62 million. as well as the appointed SOEs JAKARTA POST/ASIA NEWS NETWORK THE PHNOM PENH POST january 1, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 7 Business US impose An outlook into 2021 economy new tariffs other types of adjustments to port to the Chinese market and on France, their business model, includ- beyond. However, the CCFTA BUSINESS ing adoption of digital tech- alone may be insufficient to nologies to facilitate a less boost Cambodia’s trade and Germany INSIDER contact-intense environment economic performance. for employees and customers. THE US on December 30 an- The year 2020 was an economi- As is highlighted in the Coun- What steps does the World nounced that it will impose cally tense year with every coun- try Economic Update’s Spe- Bank recommend the govern- additional tariffs on French try in the region and around the cial Focus, firms’ use of digital ment to take to reap in the fruit and German products as part world – including Cambodia – platforms to conduct business from regional and FTA deals? of a long-running dispute over striving to combat the spread of practices increased in response It is essential to facilitate an subsidies for aircraft manu- Covid-19, which not only poses to Covid-19 in Cambodia. expansion of domestic and facturers Airbus and Boeing. a global health risk, but also The World Bank remains foreign investment arising The tariffs are on “aircraft threatens a serious impact on committed to supporting the largely from recent bilateral manufacturing parts from global economic growth. Royal Government of Cam- and regional FTAs. France and Germany, cer- Cambodia’s economy will bodia in its transformation to In this regard, introduc- tain non-sparkling wine from contract two per cent in 2020 a digital economy – a policy ing competitive investment France and Germany, and before swiftly recovering to four agenda that is more impor- laws and incentive schemes is certain cognac and other per cent growth this year, the tant now than ever. particularly important. In the grape brandies from France World Bank projects, citing ef- medium term, nurturing in- and Germany,” which will be fective government measures You briefly touched on the tegration of Cambodia’s agro- added to the list of products that respond to the specific needs RCEP and CCFTA. How will processing and manufacturing taxed since 2019, according of the most affected sectors – in- these and the nine other FTAs value chains into regional value to a statement from the US cluding tourism, garments and in the pipeline offset the impact chains will also be needed. Trade Representative (USTR). textiles, and construction. of the EU’s recent withdrawal Improving connectivity, It said the move was in retal- These figures are similar to of Cambodia from its ‘Every- upgrading skilled labour and iation to tariffs imposed by the the government’s projections thing But Arms’ arrangement reducing energy costs will are EU which it considers unfair. World Bank senior economist for Cambodia Ly Sodeth. SUPPLIED of a 1.9 per cent contraction and better equip the Kingdom among other key steps. The decision is the lat- for 2020 before a return to 3.5 Private consumption is travel goods, footwear, bi- to achieve medium- and long- est twist in the 16-year trade per cent growth this year. partly underpinned by gov- cycles, electrical parts, and term economic stability? How else does the King- battle over aircraft subsidies The government has been ernment fiscal direct support, vehicle parts and accessories The partial withdrawal of the dom and Cambodians stand that turned increasingly sour pulling out all the stops to amounting to 2.8 per cent fell by 2.5 per cent during the EU’s “Everything But Arms” to benefit from similar FTA under the protectionist in- boost local production capac- of gross domestic product first nine months of 2020. trade preferential treatment deals down the line? stincts of US President Don- ity for export and sign free trade (GDP). While the contraction Due to travel restrictions became effective on August Trade agreements between ald Trump, and comes despite agreements (FTA) in hopes of re- in goods and services exports and lockdowns, Cambodia’s 12, 2020, affecting approxi- countries that lower trade bar- hopes for a trade truce follow- inforcing trade and investment is relatively large, due mainly tourism and hospitality sec- mately 20 per cent of Cambo- riers on imported goods pro- ing Joe Biden’s election. relations with countries in the to the sharp decline in the tor has experienced a severe dia’s exports to the EU. vide welfare gains to consum- The EU was authorised last region and around the globe. tourism sector, it is expected downturn, with international Cambodia manufacturing ers – from increases in variety, year by the World Trade Or- The Post’s May Kunmakara, to recover this year. arrivals falling by 74.1 per exports are adjusting. Exports access to better-quality prod- ganisation (WTO) to levy ad- sat down with World Bank se- Import contraction has cent year-on-year during the of garments, travel goods, ucts, and lower prices. ditional customs duties on nior economist for Cambodia been moderate as consump- first nine months of 2020. footwear and bicycle prod- The CCFTA is expected to US products. Ly Sodeth to discuss the King- tion has held up, thanks large- This has only been partly ucts to the US market rose to attract FDI inflows to Cam- But Washington believes dom’s 2020 economic perfor- ly to the relatively large gov- offset by a return of domestic $2.7 billion, expanding at 7.6 bodia. Sectors such as agri- it has been penalised by the mance and what we can ex- ernment intervention. The tourism. Public investment per cent year-on-year in the culture, agroprocessing and method of calculation chosen, pect this year. recent signing of the Cambo- programme initiatives intro- first nine months of 2020. manufacturing are well posi- which, according to the Trump dia-China Free Trade Agree- duced by the Cambodian au- The US market is the larg- tioned to export to the Chi- administration, has led to an What were the key consid- ment (CCFTA) and Regional thorities to build physical in- est, accounting for 36 per cent nese market and beyond. excessive amount of customs erations in the World Bank’s Comprehensive Economic frastructure in the provincial of Cambodia’s total exports of Cambodia’s comparative duties levied on US products. projection? Partnership (RCEP) will help towns of Sihanoukville and garment, travel goods, foot- advantages may include The USTR statement said: With the easing of social dis- further promote domestic in- Siem Reap will improve the wear, and bicycle products. its underutilised labour “In implementing its tariffs … tancing measures, Cambodia’s vestment and regional trade. connectivity and underpin Trade agreements between force and relatively low la- the EU used trade data from a domestic economic activity tourism sector development. countries that lower trade bour costs, generating gains period in which trade volumes has been gradually returning to What’s the current outlook for barriers on imported goods through specialisation and had been drastically reduced normalcy. Domestic demand, the Kingdom’s garment and With Covid-19 catalysing a rise provide welfare gains to con- economies of scale. due to the horrific effects on including domestic travel and tourism sectors after nearly a in e-businesses and a govern- sumers from increases in va- This will potentially help the global economy from the tourism, is picking up. year of the Covid-19 pandemic ment-backed transformation riety, access to better-quality Cambodia expand beyond the Covid-19 virus. We haven’t seen significant upending life as we know it? in today’s growing digital econ- products, and lower prices, established pattern of pro- “The result of this choice was adverse impacts so far of the The immediate future of omy, does the World Bank see thus creating trade. duction heavily dependent on that Europe imposed tariffs on pandemic on the banking garment exports, which ac- itself getting involved? The CCFTA is expected to at- garment and footwear, while substantially more products sector or on the balance of count for two-thirds of man- How well firms cope with tract foreign direct investment promoting a more diversified than would have been cov- payments, while market con- ufacturing exports, remains the adverse shocks of the (FDI) inflows to Cambodia. economic structure. ered if it had utilised a normal fidence has been gradually uncertain. Cambodia’s ex- global Covid-19 pandemic Sectors such as agriculture, period. Although the United restored as the outbreak is ports of manufactured prod- will, among other factors, de- agro-processing, and manufac- This interview has been edited States explained to the EU the largely under control. ucts which include garments, pend on their ability to make turing are well positioned to ex- for length and clarity. distortive effect of its selected time period, the EU refused to change its approach. “[As a result, the US] is forced to change its reference period to the same period used by the Preparing Cambodia for return to growth European Union.” The US also deplored an EU Continued from page 1 He said: “The government pandemic and ensure a return “strong Covid-19 vaccine in- nerabilities arising from the decision to exclude the UK from is very pro-active in its re- to growth in 2021, the World frastructure, as well as closely prolonged construction and its calculations, which it argued remains to Cambodia’s growth sponse to the impact caused Bank recommends in its re- monitoring economic vul- property boom”. unfairly increased the tariffs. outlook. The most important by Covid-19, dealing with it port that Cambodia pursue a The feud over European air- policy goal must be to urgent- in an immediate way. This number of key measures. craft manufacturer Airbus and ly regain jobs lost and sus- builds confident among in- The Kingdom must boost its US competitor Boeing is the pended due to the pandemic. vestors as evident in the still- “pro-poor and growth-en- longest and most complicated “Looking ahead, it is essen- robust investment and busi- hancing public investment ever handled by the WTO. tial that domestic and foreign ness climate. including cash-for-work proj- The aviation feud predates investments are encouraged “Other barriers imped- ects” and promote “labour- Trump, but Washington quick- to take advantage of recent ing investment and business intensive sectors to generate ly embraced the opportunity bilateral and regional free growth have been swiftly jobs by taking advantage of to impose $7.5 billion in tariffs trade agreements. handled by the government, the quick recovery of domes- against Europeans after also “This would be possible leading its trajectory along an tic demand for consumer being cleared to do so by the through prompt introduction improved path.” goods”, the World Bank said. WTO in 2019. of a competitive investment Cambodia’s economy is It must also provide “op- Washington imposed puni- law and incentive schemes, to- projected to return to four portunities to facilitate an ex- tive tariffs of 25 per cent on gether with moves to improve per cent growth in 2021, the pansion of domestic and for- iconic EU products such as the ease of doing business.” World Bank said, citing an eign investment arising from wine, cheese and olive oil and Ministry of Economy and Fi- improvement in economic recent bilateral and regional put a 15 per cent tariff on Air- nance spokesman Meas Sok- activities and the effective free trade agreements, includ- bus planes in March. sensan recently told The Post implementation of the gov- ing the Cambodia-China Free In retaliation, the EU has that government intervention ernment’s intervention mea- Trade Agreement and Region- been imposing customs du- efforts have helped stabilise sures to keep the economy al Comprehensive Economic ties on $4 billion of US ex- the economy to maintain sat- afloat amid Covid-19. Partnership”, it added. The Kingdom’s economy is projected to return to four per cent growth ports since the beginning of isfactory progress. To quickly recover from the It also recommended a this year. YOUSOS APDOULRASHIM November. AFP 8 THE PHNOM PENH POST january 1, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com S pecial​​ ReportReport Raising the alarm on rising private debt Although Cambodia’s economic growth has been somewhat underpinned by strong credit growth, it is starting to worry experts as the pandemic prolongs

Sangeetha Amarthalingam

FTER years of ex- panding credit to the private sector which fuelled economic growth,A Cambodia might have to come to terms with a burgeoning private debt, one which the World Bank warned as having “substan- tially increased” in the past two decades. It does not help that the pandemic is further weighing down on it, although mon- etary measures have tempo- rarily staved off risks of in- creased indebtedness. As of September 30, 2020, 270,648 loan accounts valued at around $3.7 billion were restructured, with small busi- ness loans forming the largest segment at 60 per cent. It was followed by mortgage and personal finance about 15 per cent each, said Oeur Sothearoath, CEO of Credit Bureau Cambodia (CBC). But although containment of financial risks triggered by the pandemic helped to maintain stability in the banking and microfinance sector, the World Bank found that risks accu- mulated by an overleveraged financial sector remained. “Private debt has risen sig- Phnom Penh’s growth has been supported by strong development in the real estate and construction sector in the past 10 years. Hong Menea nificantly, and vulnerabilities, including high credit concen- More worrying was the 19 Often, the private debt size bolstered by the phenomenal terest rates and numerous loan and livelihoods reeling from tration, related-party lending per cent credit-to-GDP gap, is larger than public debt, rise in loans given by micro- products associated with hous- the effects of the virus. risks, lack of consolidated which is above the 10 per the latter amounting to some finance institutions and com- ing loans and corporate loans, True to form, such detri- cross-border supervision, and cent threshold of the Bank of $7.6 billion or 28.5 per cent of mercial banks, and credit card and growing middle class with mental disturbances can gaps in the implementation International Settlement, sig- GDP as of June 2020, well be- applications. expanding income capable of lead to redundancies, bank- of risk-based supervision, nalling a build-up of exces- low the 40 per cent buffer. The consumer credit index paying additional loans. ruptcies, loan losses, a sharp remain,” the latest economic sive credit. “Yes, exactly,” said econo- report for the third quarter “Added to it is the private reduction in non-compulso- update in November showed. (The gap is an early warning mist Dr Chheng Kimlong. “Pri- ended September 30, 2020 sector demand for more capi- ry consumer spending, and Credit to gross domestic indicator of a financial crisis vate sector debt is now larger (3Q20), recorded by the CBC tal for their investment proj- postponement of invest- product (GDP), which mostly for central banks, which can than public sector debt.” showed an 87 per cent year- ects, including real estate,” ments, said Anthony Gal- encapsulates private debt, draw up macroprudential pol- However, he contended that on-year climb in credit card Kimlong said. liano, CEO of Cambodian has inched up year-on-year. icies to stabilise the sector). it is “in fact a general trend applications while personal While synonymous with a Investment Management National Bank of Cambo- Total debt (external and in many countries, including finance and mortgage grew at healthy economy, growing Holdings Ltd. dia (NBC) data revealed that domestic debts), according member nations of the Or- 52 per cent and 50 per cent, private debt is symptomatic of “Unfortunately, Cambodia credit-to-GDP came in slight- to the World Bank, was 148.4 ganisation for Economic Co- respectively. fast-paced economic develop- is experiencing one of the ly below 120 per cent as of per cent of GDP in 2018, from operation and Development”. This growth is backed by im- ment and poses challenges, as greatest risks of a highly lever- December 31, 2019. 58.3 per cent of GDP in 1997. In Cambodia, the surge is proved credit access, lower in- is the case now with incomes aged economy, and a negative External Debt by Currency Non-performing Loan in percent, 2013 – 2019 in percent, Q1 2008 – Q4 2019

Source: National Bank of Cambodia Source: General Department of National Treasury (NBC Financial Stability Review 2019) Despite high credit growth, FIs have managed to sustain low NPLs THE PHNOM PENH POST january 1, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 9 Special​​ Report economic shock,” he said. tioned that the exchange rate The NBC has repeatedly comes under pressure as fi- Credit to GDP and Gap flagged the issue of vulner- nancing from abroad rises, see- ability of rapid credit growth, ing that Cambodia’s borrowings in%, Q1 2010 – Q4 2019 particularly in the real estate are in foreign currencies. and construction sectors It noted that the outstand- which have received massive ing US dollar debt accounted foreign direct investments in for 43.5 per cent of the total recent years. outstanding debt, followed by Its concern was further special drawing rights (25.7 compounded by the presence per cent). of direct mortgage lending by Interestingly, although Chi- real estate developers without na is the largest creditor with a proper supervision. total outstanding debt of $3.7 This falls under shadow billion or 46.8 per cent of the banking activities that have total, the World Bank said, its expanded over the years, and debt denominated in Chinese which the NBC has limited yuan was less than 15 per cent data. of the total debt stock. According to the World Bank, So, could increased govern- Note: Total credit=Banks+MFIs. This gap is computed using a one-sided GP filter with a lambda of 4000,000 which shares a similar concern ment borrowing compound Source: National Bank of Cambodia with the NBC, credit to con- private debt? Kimlong dis- struction, real estate activities, missed that notion, saying and mortgages grew quickly, that Cambodia has been Banking System Credit Growth averaging 32.1 per cent per “extremely prudent” when it year from 2009 to 2019. comes to external borrowings in percent, y-o-y, Q1 2016 – Q4 2019 And although the increase and debt management. in outstanding domestic He felt that despite the credit financing in those seg- economic slowdown and the ments decelerated to 23.1 per decline in revenue, the gov- cent year-on-year in August ernment had not borrowed this year – from 39.4 per cent much more as it would in the as at the end of 2019 – it still case of sustained economic came up to 34.6 billion riel. growth. Out of that, mortgage fi- Galliano said developing nancing was the largest at economies were printing 14.2 billion riel, followed by money “like there is no to- construction financing (10.5 morrow, borrowing trillions, billion riel) and real estate with staggering governmen- (9.8 billion riel). tal borrowing that far exceeds “There is a consensus that the global financial crisis”. booms and busts in asset For example, even as the prices can contribute to fi- new stimulus package is be- Source: National Bank of Cambodia nancial sector distress and ing debated in Congress, the macroeconomic imbalances. US has already spent $2.6 Balance restructure by product ($) “The pandemic has con- trillion on stimulus spending strained the ability of house- and $900 billion on tax relief. holds to repay loans, in par- “This is a survival game,” Gal- Agriculture Loan 107.92M ticular mortgage loans, which liano said, as governments rea- are mostly denominated in lise the importance of quanti- US dollars,” the bank said, tative easing in the absence of Construction Loan 55.32M noting that financial stability stimulus, tax holiday and emer- had been maintained so far. gency relief for businesses, Having said that, growth in failing which global economy Mortgage 457.86M private debt can impact the could plunge into a deep and economy, Kimlong opined. prolonged depression. Indebtedness can be dam- He said the Kingdom is con- Personal Finance 594.38M aging when it passes the fronted with similar challeng- threshold, for instance, reach- es but has fewer options as it Small Bussiness Loan 2,477.28M ing 60 per cent or more over has yet to issue bonds. There- GDP as some businesses have fore, it still relies on foreign been severely shattered. debt and international aid to Social Loan 18.30M “[Besides], those who took raise capital. loans from microfinance “Given the limitations on Source: Credit Bureau Cambodia (as of September, 2020) institutions or commercial government borrowing av- banks are on the brink of col- enues, [Cambodia] should and regularly monitor their lapse or have closed down as accelerate its entrance in the portfolio,” Sothearoath said. Share of Credits a consequence,” he said. global capital markets to di- Likewise, Galliano opined in percent, Q1 2008 – Q4 2019 Still, he noted that as of to- versify its borrowing options that banks are flush with li- day, the real estate and con- and facilitate opening corpo- quidity. He said given the struction sector remain rela- rate issuance to international economic conditions, banks tively healthy as a big majority investors,” he said. have increased prudence on of the construction projects But can the risk of private lending and have a reduced committed a year earlier or so debts reduce, particularly as credit appetite. have not been put on hold. all market sectors depend on The credit market model At the same time, many mi- credit to expand? For now, is still substantially based on cro and small housing proj- the loan restructuring pro- the collateral pledge and ac- ects have continued to grow. gramme, which has been credited payment capacity “This will perpetuate further extended to June 2021, has for loan model. private sector credit growth or at yielded some positive results. “I see no indication that least maintain the momentum. It is also touted as a way to this model will change, and However, it remains unclear as tackle private debt. given the current risk adverse to when it will continue,” said CBC’s Sothearoath said climate, borrowing should be Kimlong, who is vice president even during Covid-19, ongo- more restrictive,” he felt. of independent think-tank ing access to credit helped How about meeting credit Asian Vision Institute. borrowers meet their finan- demand via state-developed With revenue collection im- cial obligations and manage mechanisms such as the low pacted this year, public debt their cash flows. Financial in- interest SME co-financing is likely to rise to fund a wid- stitutions (FIs) also allow for scheme and Credit Guarantee ening fiscal deficit, projected interest rate and instalment Corporation? to be 5.6 per cent of GDP in adjustments for those who Kimlong was frank in his 2020 and 6.1 per cent in 2021, continue paying their loans reply when he said that these on the back of the pandemic, after the restructuring. schemes can work to some the World Bank said. However, the impact on extent only if the private sec- Accordingly, 87 per cent of borrowers who opened a loan tor remained resilient and is the total borrowing by Cam- account just prior to restruc- able to manage current risks. bodia is mostly for public turing will be very different “The NBC will use some of investment in physical infra- than the one who is at the end the monetary policy to prop up structure. of the loan tenure. the financial industry but it is But while the risk of public “FIs would have to assess unlikely to disincentivise credit Source: National Bank of Cambodia debt distress stays low, it cau- the situation of the borrowers growth in the private sector. 10 THE PHNOM PENH POST january 1, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com World Republican senator to object to certification of Biden win

US Republican senator on De- cember 30 said he will object to Congress’s certification next week of the results of the Novem- berA 3 presidential election, a move that may The landslide destroyed homes in a Norwegian village close to Oslo slightly delay – but not derail – the final con- leaving 10 people unaccounted for. Norwegian News Agency/aFP firmation of Democrat Joe Biden’s victory. Several Republican members of the Ten missing after Norway House of Representatives have also said they plan to object to the January 6 cer- tification of the Electoral College vote mudslide buries homes but Josh Hawley of Missouri was the first Rescue workers were still people hurt had been seri- senator to confirm so publicly. searching on December 31 ously injured and was trans- Vice-President Mike Pence is to lead the for survivors from a landslide ferred to Oslo for treatment. joint session of Congress which certifies the that destroyed homes in a One-fifth ofA sk’s 5,000 pop- Electoral College results that determine the Norwegian village close to ulation have been evacuated. winner of the White House race. Oslo leaving 10 people unac- Prime Minister Erna Sol- Biden won 306 of the Electoral College counted for, including two berg visited the village on De- votes that represent the returns of the pop- children, and 10 injured. cember 30 and described the ular vote in each of the US states while in- Work continued overnight landslide as “one of the larg- cumbent Donald Trump won 232. after a whole hillside col- est” the country had seen. Congressional certification of the lapsed in Ask, 25km northeast The authorities issued an Electoral College results has historically US Senator Josh Hawley, Republican of Missouri. AFP of the capital. appeal to people not to set been a formality but Trump has refused Homes were buried under off fireworks for New Year’s to acknowledge his defeat and spent the Republican senators. She said: “I have no doubt that on next mud and some houses were Eve which could hinder the past two months making claims of elec- At least one member of the House and Wednesday, a week from today, that Joe left teetering on the edge of use of helicopters and drones tion fraud while not producing any cred- one member of the Senate need to lodge an Biden will be confirmed by the acceptance a crater caused by the slide, equipped with thermal cam- ible evidence. objection to certification to send it to the of the vote of the Electoral College as the with several falling over the eras. Dozens of lawsuits brought by the Trump floor for debate and a vote. 46th president of the United States.” edge as the day went on. The Norwegian Water Re- campaign and his Republican allies alleging But a vote would be doomed to failure Jen Psaki, a spokeswoman for the Biden Chief of operations Roger sources and Energy Direc- election irregularities have been dismissed in the Democratic-controlled House and transition team who has been tapped to be Pettersen told reporters: “It torate said the disaster was a by courts around the country. would also be unlikely to pass in the Re- next White House press secretary, also said is important for me to stress “quick clay slide” of approxi- Republican Senate Majority Leader publican-majority Senate, where a number the move would not prevent Biden from that we are looking for survi- mately 300 by 700m. Mitch McConnell has reportedly sought of Republican senators have already ac- taking office on January 20. vors . . . Now there’s daylight Quick clay is a sort of clay to dissuade fellow Republican senators knowledged Biden’s victory. Psaki told reporters: “Let me first say the and that will help us in our found in Norway and Sweden from objecting to certification of the re- Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic speaker of American people spoke resoundingly in this work with better visibility.” that can collapse and turn to sults but Hawley said he plans to do so the House, on December 30 said Hawley’s election and 81 million people have voted Police said one of the 10 fluid when overstressed. anyway and he may be joined by other move would come to nothing. for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.” aFP Iran honours ‘martyr’ Soleimani, slain by US Cuba asylum Iran this week honours military commander seekers rally Qasem Soleimani who was assassinated a year ago by arch-enemy the US and is revered as a he- roic warrior across the Islamic republic. on border of Since his death in a January 3 Baghdad drone strike that sparked mourning across Iran at mass funeral processions, the “martyr” Soleimani has Mexico, US entered the ranks of Iran’s glorious generals, im- Several hundred Cuban asylum mortalised in portraits, sculptures, ballads and seekers protested on the Mexican- an upcoming TV series. US border into the early hours of The commemorations on January 3 come only December 30, pleading to be al- weeks before US President Donald Trump, who lowed into the US while their appli- ordered the killing, leaves the White House and cations are processed. Joe Biden takes over, offering hopes of a some- US authorities deployed bor- what less bellicose relationship. der agents and used barbed wire Soleimani’s killing at age 62 sharply height- to block a bridge between El Paso, ened tensions between Washington and Tehran, Texas and the Mexican city of Ciu- whose decades-old animosity had deepened dad Juarez where the crowd massed when Trump withdrew from Iran’s nuclear deal from late on December 29. and launched a “maximum pressure” campaign Cuban migrant Raudel Tejeda to isolate Iran. said: “The only thing we’re asking for Within days, Iran retaliated to the killing of is that they let us wait in the United a military leader long deemed untouchable by States for our political asylum.” firing rockets at Iraqi bases housing US forces, The protesters alleged they had which claimed no lives but caused injuries and faced human rights violations while preceded a tragedy. stuck in Mexico. In the tense hours that followed the rocket Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (right) grants the Order of Zolfaghar, the highest military honour of Another migrant Laura Garcia Iran, to General Qasem Soleimani (left) on March 10, 2019. KHAMENEI.IR/AFP strikes, when it appeared the conflict could esca- said: “We didn’t leave Cuba to live late further, Iran accidentally shot down a Ukrai- Soleimani headed the Quds Force, the foreign Afghanistan and Syria. here in Mexico. The Mexican police nian passenger plane near Tehran, claiming the operations arm of the Islamic Revolutionary Khamenei had already declared him a “living mistreat us a lot. They ask us for lives of all 176 aboard. Guard Corps, which directly answers to Iran’s su- martyr” before his death, and in 2019 Soleimani money for everything. They kidnap A year on, Iran is readying to honour Soleimani, preme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. became the only recipient of the highest military us. There’s a lot of violence.” whom the US had labelled a “terrorist” in 2005, A veteran of the 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq war, he honour, the Order of Zolfaghar, since the revolu- Under US President Donald but whose portrait has been displayed by sup- went on to oversee Iran’s military operations in tion. Trump’s “Remain in Mexico” pro- porters in Gaza, Iraq, Lebanon, Pakistan, Syria Syria, Iraq and elsewhere. Khamenei said this month that “Soleimani em- gramme, tens of thousands of non- and Yemen. bodies Iranian values” such as “courage and re- Mexican asylum seekers have been The anniversary comes as sanctions-hit Iran ‘Courage and resistance’ sistance spirit”. sent back over the border pending remains in the grip of the region’s worst outbreak In the eyes of many Iranians, the country’s pro- Iran regards Soleimani as having joined the the outcome of their applications. of the novel coronavirus, which has killed more jection of power beyond national borders under hallowed ranks of warriors who fell for the moth- The coronavirus pandemic has led than 55,000 out of more than 1.2 million people Soleimani saved the multi-ethnic nation from erland, from the era of the Persian empire into to delays in the process and added infected in the country. the conflict and disintegration suffered by Iraq, modern times. AFP to the migrants’ frustration. aFP THE PHNOM PENH POST january 1, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 11 ASEAN 2020: the year youth rose up in Thailand hailand witnessed from German soil. its first youth-led The German foreign minis- uprising against es- try later said no evidence was tablishment elites for found to support the allega- moreT than a generation last tion. year. Last month, with no sign of It began when the Consti- an end to pre-democracy pro- tutional Court handed down tests, Prayut announced that a controversial ruling to dis- “all laws” would be deployed band the Future Forward Par- against protesters. Police ty in February. promptly resumed enforcing The political situation had the lese majeste law (Section been relatively calm since 112) against protesters after a the military coup in 2014. But two-year hiatus. early last year, the tide turned Some 37 protesters, includ- against the military-backed ing a 16-year-old, have now government and key institu- been summoned to hear lese tions that were deemed to be majeste charges, according siding with dictatorship. to Thai Lawyers for Human Future Forward had com- Rights. manded 81 seats in Parliament The move drew condemna- after monopolising the youth tion from the UN High Com- vote to come third in 2019’s mission for Human Rights, election. which called for all charges to When it was banned, flash be dropped against the peace- mobs sprang up in universi- ful protesters and urged the ties and schools as the younger Thai government to amend generation rebelled against Section 112. those in power. Protesters took a break from The pro-democracy protest- street rallies, but their push ers took a break during the to abolish Section 112 saw Covid-19 lockdown, before campaign posters mushroom returning to the streets in July. Pro-democracy protesters give the three-finger salute as they take part in an anti-government rally at Lat Phrao intersection in Bangkok on across Bangkok. They also re- December 2. AFP The protests snowballed, gath- minded people of suspected ering support from wider so- long-held taboo against pub- reform aimed at making the in- must be reformed. ly the following morning, the enforced disappearances of ciety as more and more Thais lic debate of the royal institu- stitution more transparent and The government responded government imposed a severe Thai political activists since the vented frustration at what they tion, which is guarded by a lese accountable to the people. with water cannons, tear- state of emergency in Bangkok 2014 coup, by hanging mock perceived as extended junta majeste law that carries a pen- The pro-democracy protest- gas and serious legal charges and arrested protest leaders. corpses at public venues. rule. alty of up to 15 years in jail. ers took the name Khana Rat- against demonstrators. On October 26, Khana Ratsa- Protest leaders vowed to The turning point was a rally Later the same month, sadon (People’s Movement) On October 14, protest- don took their protest to the in- keep up the pressure on the at Democracy Monument in Thammasat University student and made three demands – ers marched to Government ternational stage, marching to government and elites in 2021, early August, when human Panusaya “Rung” Sithijirawat- Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o- House and camped there over- the German embassy in Bang- announcing they would in- rights lawyer Anon Nampa, 36, tanakul, 22, stepped onto a cha must step down, the junta- night to mark the anniversary kok to ask its government to in- tensify their political activities called for reform of the mon- protest stage and issued a 10- drafted Constitution must be of the 1973 uprising that oust- vestigate whether His Majesty this year. THE NATION (THAILAND)/ASIA archy. His action shattered a point manifesto for monarchy rewritten, and the monarchy ed a military dictatorship. Ear- the King was ruling Thailand NEWS NETWORK Indonesia bans hardline Vietnam’s Phuc praises security ministry for anti-corruption work Islamic Defender’s Front Vietnamese Prime Minister equipment at the Hanoi Centre Nguyen Phu Trong at the Nguyen Xuan Phuc has spoken for Disease Control and inflat- national conference on corrup- Indonesia has banned an Chief security minister Mah- this afternoon. If it’s banned highly of the Ministry of Public ing purchase price of medical tion prevention and control on influential hardline Islamic fud MD told reporters in Jakar- again, we will do it again . . . Security’s contributions to the equipment at Hanoi’s Bach Mai December 12. group as police held its leader in ta on December 30: “The gov- We’re here to stay,” he added. fight against corruption of the Hospital. Highlighting that the CPV and custody over allegations he vio- ernment prohibits and will Police arrested the FPI’s fire- whole country. Phuc asked the ministry to the state always attach impor- lated virus protocols by holding stop any FPI activities because brand leader Rizieq Shihab Addressing the conference to work closely with the Govern- tance to anti-corruption work, mass gatherings, the country’s they do not have legal stand- two weeks ago over allegations review corruption prevention ment Inspectorate and relevant Phuc asked the ministry to chief security minister said on ing as a mass organisation.” he breached coronavirus and control work of the minis- agencies in finalising mecha- accelerate the investigation December 30. The group’s licence to oper- restrictions after holding a try on December 30, Phuc said nisms on corruption and regu- progress of serious corruption The order bans the Islamic ate had expired in 2019 but it series of sermons with tens of the security force had played a lations in corruption manage- cases that attract public con- Defender’s Front (FPI) from continued activities illegally, thousands of followers. key role in fighting against and ment while building a national cern, focusing on those who holding activities or using its he added. investigating corruption cases. database on managing proper- make fake drugs, evade tax, name in public, effectively yank- The move sparked an angry ‘Moral revolution’ According to Deputy Minister ties and incomes of former offi- cause pollution and the cases ing its ability to legally operate. reaction from the Islamist The arrest came just days of Public Security Lieutenant- cials who used to hold posi- covered by officials. The politically powerful group group, which vowed to carry after Jakarta police shot dead General Le Quy Vuong, since tions. On this occasion, the prime was long-notorious in the on despite the ban. six FPI followers in a highway 2013 when the ministry’s steer- The prime minister praised minister, who is also chairman world’s most populous Muslim Group spokesman Novel shootout. ing committee on anti-corrup- the ministry for being the first of the Central Emulation and majority nation for targeting Bamukmin said: “They can If found guilty, Rizieq could tion, thrift practice and com- sector to follow the anti-corrup- Reward Council, presented the night clubs and other establish- ban FPI but they cannot stop face up to six years behind bating wastefulness was tion orders issued by President First Class Victory Medal to the ments it deemed “immoral”. our struggle to defend the bars. established, the ministry has and Communist Party of Viet- ministry. VIET NAM NEWS/ASIA NEWS It has also attacked minority country and religion. Rizieq was welcomed by tens prosecuted 1,856 corruption nam (CPV) secretary-general NETWORK Muslim sects it considers “devi- “If we want, we can declare of thousands of followers on cases and 4,072 offenders, ant”. a new Islamic organisation his return last month from retrieving nearly 19.5 trillion Saudi Arabia where he fled dong ($846 million) and more shortly after police named him than 290,000sqm of land. a suspect in a pornography The ministry has strictly case in 2017. imposed fines on serious and He remained in exile for complicated corruption cases, three years. including ones remaining Since his return, he’s called unsolved for a long time, stick- for a “moral revolution”, stir- ing to the motto of not giving ring concerns about the any priority to any case. group’s bid to boost its politi- The money laundering cases cal power. that went unsolved in previous Rizieq was among the main years but have been investi- figures behind mass rallies in gated and prosecuted include 2016 against the then governor those of Tran Van Liem, Giang of Jakarta, Basuki Tjahaja Pur- Kim Dat, Nhat Cuong case and nama, over allegations that he Alibaba Real Estate Group. insulted the Quran. The ministry detected viola- Rizieq was welcomed by tens of thousands of followers on his return Basuki, who is Christian, was tions in the healthcare sector to Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (centre) presents the last month from Saudi Arabia where he fled shortly after police named sentenced to two years in pris- issue warnings, including the First Class Victory Medal to Minister of Public Security To Lam. VIETNAM him a suspect in a pornography case in 2017. AFP on for blasphemy. AFP illegal bidding of medical NEWS AGENCY/VIET NAM NEWS 12 THE PHNOM PENH POST january 1, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com Opinion Fintech can drive strong www.phnompenhpost.com

EDITORIAL PERSONNEL Publisher & Chief Executive Offi cer Ly Tayseng post-Covid-19 recovery in Asia Senior Editor Joshua Purushotman Opinion Managing Editor Post Khmer Bambang Susantono Sam Rith Deputy Chief of Staff Phak Seangly O SAY 2020 has been a chal- Business Editor lenging year is a massive May Kunmakara understatement. The Covid- Deputy Business Editor 19 pandemic has quickly underminedT development gains from Sangeetha Amarthalingam Deputy Head of Lifestyle Desk recent decades and slowed growth in Pan Simala many Asian economies. Senior Reporters Yet, every crisis presents opportuni- Meas Sokchea, Niem Chheng ties. One is the rapid advance in digit- Reporters al technology, which offers a way to Khouth Sophak Chakrya, Kim Sarom, recoup some of these gains and spur Long Kimmarita, Hin Pisei, Mom Kunthear, a strong economic revival once the Hong Raksmey, Pann Rethea, Voun Dara, pandemic has passed. Roth Sochieata, Orm Bunthoeurn, As we all know, the pandemic has Soth Koemsoeun, Thou Vireak, Nov Sivutha accelerated the use of digital technol- Photographers ogy. Many of us have become adept at Heng Chivoan, Hong Menea, Hean Rangsey online video conferencing and other Web Editor digital tools while working from Leang Phannara home. Pervasive restrictions on Digital Teams mobility and lockdowns have driven Sous Chanthy, Pang Vichea, Suy Sovandy companies to shift their businesses SIEM REAP BUREAU and services online. The use of digital Offi ce Manager technology and e-commerce has Sophearith Blondeel become the business norm. PRODUCTION & PRINTING Digital payment platforms have Head of Desktop Publishing eased a transition from offline to online Nhim Sokphyrak transactions – and their use has sky- Desktop Publishing rocketed in many parts of the region. Suon Savatdy, Chum Sokunthy, Danh Borath In the Philippines, for example, the Pervasive restrictions on mobility and lockdowns amid the Covid-19 pandemic have driven companies to shift their businesses and Tep Thoeun Thyda, Tim Borith, Than Veasna leading mobile wallet company services online. The use of digital technology and e-commerce has become the business norm. post staff GCash saw a 700 per cent year-to- HEAD OFFICE year increase in transaction volume loan in Indonesia to promote fintech- needed to develop and nurture a dig- solutions should be supported by in June alone, and doubled its regis- led financial inclusion for micro and ital ecosystem. This should include appropriate policies and regulations tered users in the first half of this year. small enterprises and marginalised measures to ensure fair competition, to develop viable business models New business models have prolifer- groups. lower barriers to entry, protect con- that can reduce costs and meet Post Media Co, Ltd. ated with the rise of digital platforms. Going forward, there are five sumers and promote data privacy. investment needs. The Elements Condominium Level 7, Last year, digital platform revenues actions the private and public sectors Third, in developing Asia the lack of Fifth, the increasing reliance on dig- Hun Sen Boulevard, Phum Prek Talong, reached $3.8 trillion globally, equiva- can jointly take to realise fintech digital ID often blocks access to digit- ital financial solutions risks spurring Sangkat Chak Angre Krom,12353, Phnom lent to 4.4 per cent of global gross potential and help communities al services, which require verifiable fraudulent and criminal activities that Penh, Cambodia domestic product (GDP). build back better from the pandemic. identities to use. Steps should be tak- threaten data integrity and privacy. Tel: 023 888 161, 023 888 162 Asia accounted for just under half Equitable access to digital financial en to ensure the development of Financial institutions need a holistic Cellcard: 078 555 166, 078 555 133 Smart: 086 822 999, 086 277 999 of that, while the US generated 22 per infrastructure is the first. Asia contin- robust, secure, and sustainable digital approach to fortify their cyber-de- SIEM REAP cent, and the euro area 11 per cent. ues to see uneven development of ID systems. Progress is being made. fence and security. No 629, Street 6 Dangkum Commune The use of digital financial services basic digital infrastructure and vary- In Papua New Guinea, the ADB is This can be done by reducing risks Tel: 063 966 290, Fax: 063 966 590 also increased consistently, with the ing degrees of digital readiness. helping develop a smart card using and strengthening the ability to COMMERCIAL DEPARTMENT rise in the use of digital platforms. Steps should be taken to expand near-field communication (NFC) recover quickly after an attack Chief Operating Offi cer If promoted wisely, fintech solutions investment in digital infrastructure technology to enable identity verifica- through platforms to share intelli- James Ong Soon Teck can help secure a sustainable and and connectivity by expanding tion even in areas without electricity gence on incidents, often in real-time. Advertising Department inclusive recovery from the pandemic. broadband internet access and cover- or internet. Governments also need to ensure Chap Narith, 017 996 241 Fintech applications through smart- age, and by improving the delivery of Fourth, fintech offers new ways to their regulatory systems can adapt to Hun Channet, 017 578 768 phone-enabled saving, crowd-funding, affordable mobile and broadband catalyse sustainable development the ever-evolving global digital land- Prach Monnyreak, 015 239 293 and security tokens can greatly services. Providing digital education finance amid considerable develop- scape. International cooperation is Keo Puthy, 012 966 605 enhance the efficiency of resource allo- and training will also unlock the abili- ment gaps. Fintech platforms can essential to safeguard cybersecurity – Phon Sok Chea, 012 717 404 cation and reduce transaction costs. ty of communities to capitalise on the also be used to increase savings and given that there are no borders in Jessa Piastro, 092 445 983 They can also encourage efficient deliv- spread of digital technologies. channel resources into publicly or cyberspace. CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION ery of social goods and services. Second, an effective digital ecosys- privately funded investments. This tragic pandemic has highlighted Acting Distribution Manager For that to happen, we need to work tem needs to be developed to support Blockchain-based solutions and the power of digital technology. We must Thenh Rithy, 087 888 854 together to close digital divides that the creation, diffusion and scaling up asset tokenisation (which transforms harness this power to reinvigorate inclu- Circulation Supervisor deprive socially marginalised and vul- of technology and innovation. The pri- tradable assets into a security token sive growth so that communities, espe- Nou Chanthy, 096 999 2828 nerable groups, including the poor, vate sector will drive most innovation. that digitally represents the asset cially in poor and remote areas, can sur- Yim Veasna, 015 814 499 women, elderly and rural communi- However, in most countries, public ownership) are promising ways of vive this crisis and thrive beyond it. THE ADMINISTRATION ties, of the connectivity they need to policy continues to play an important addressing financing gaps and secur- JAKARTA POST/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Admin & HR Manager join the digital economy and leverage role in forging critical links between ing sustainable funding for infra- Pich Socheat fintech to promote inclusive growth. financial and technology firms. structure. Assistants to Admin & HR Manager The writer is vice-president for knowledge Recently, the Asian Development A complementary, consistent and Initiatives by entrepreneurs to management and sustainable development at Nhel Soaphea Bank (ADB) approved a $500 million multifaceted policy framework is develop and implement new fintech the Asian Development Bank. Financial Director Heang Tangmeng Chief Accountant Sren Vicheka Treasurers Sok Sophorn, Yon Sovannara, Cheam Sopheak, Huy Hamsovannary IT Manager Seng Nak, Vong Oun

TO CONTACT US [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.phnompenhpost.com © Post Media Co, Ltd The Phnom Penh Post is wholly owned and printed by Post Media Co Ltd. The title The Phnom Penh Post in either English or Khmer languages, its associ- ated logos or devices and the contents of this publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the written consent of Post Media Co Ltd. www.phnompenhpost.com THE PHNOM PENH POST january 1, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 13 Lifestyle Hope for a 2021 comeback in Bollywood

HE dancers stopped while stars such as Deepika strutting on Bolly- Padukone were hauled in for wood film sets this questioning as the investiga- year as the Indian tion escalated. filmT industry struggled to find “It has been a terrible year,” any spring in its step during a actress Swara Bhasker said. disastrous 2020. “The slander campaign by The annus horribilis for the some sections of the media world’s most prolific movie against the film industry has industry began with the heart- been horrendous.” breaking deaths in April of luminaries Irrfan Khan and Reel problems Rishi Kapoor within 36 hours Virus restrictions mean- of each other. while forced producers to hit Others to pass away includ- pause on shootings, putting ed composer Wajid Khan, who thousands of livelihoods at died from the coronavirus risk in Hindi-language Bolly- at 42, director Basu Chatter- wood as well as India’s other jee, Bollywood’s first female regional film industries. choreographer Saroj Khan, From “spot boys” running and SP Balasubrahmanyam, errands on set to “junior ar- singer of an estimated 40,000 tistes” eking out a living as ex- film songs. tras, the sector relies on a huge But it was the suicide in army of low-paid workers. June of 34-year-old star Sush- “The loss of employment and ant Singh Rajput that had the income has been devastating widest repercussions. for so many,” Bhasker said. India’s sensationalist TV Productions have tenta- news channels – eager to cast tively resumed, but pandemic the film industry as a den of restrictions forbid them from iniquity – accused Rajput’s shooting the elaborate musi- former girlfriend, actress cal sequences that are a hall- Rhea Chakraborty, of driving mark of Hindi movies. him to his death with black This point was brought magic and cannabis. home in a social media post Actors perform on a Bollywood film set on Madh Island off the coast of Mumbai on November 21. afp The 28-year-old, who de- in August by superstar Am- nies any wrongdoing, spent itabh Bachchan – who this scribing a film set as “a sea of Abhishek, whose crime caper films simultaneously in cine- ers are contemplating clo- months in custody for alleg- year spent weeks in hospital blue PPE”, or personal protec- Ludo went straight to Netf- mas and on digital platforms, sure, film trade analyst Komal edly buying drugs for Rajput, with the coronavirus – de- tive equipment. lix last month, said the silver with Warner Bros planning to Nahta said. screen experience “cannot be do so with all its 2021 releases, “It is going to be catastroph- ‘At the crossroads’ duplicated”. its Indian counterparts have ic,” he said. Cinemas were shut for “We love our outings to the no such plans. And although shoots have months and although they re- theatre; we love watching our Filmmaker Anurag Kashy- resumed, every week throws opened in October, virus-wary films on the screen while eat- ap, who is starring in AK vs up new cases of stars testing viewers are staying away, and ing a nice tub of popcorn, our AK, a black comedy out on positive for coronavirus, forc- some theatres are wondering samosas and cold drinks and Netflix this week, said: “There ing productions to shut down. if the crowds will ever return. going with our friends and are certain films that must be But as vaccine efforts pick A trip to the cinema has tra- family,” he said. seen projected onto the big up pace, and with eagerly- ditionally been hugely popular “I absolutely see theatres screen.” awaited films like 83 and in India, ranging from $1 tick- making a comeback and I re- “Filmmakers create content Sooryavanshi tipped for re- ets at single-screen theatres to ally hope they do.” based on where their work will lease in cinemas next year, air-conditioned multiplexes But he acknowledged that be seen . . . You have to know observers are betting on a offering seat-side biryani and the immediate outlook ap- what size of screen your film boisterous, Bollywood-style hot fudge sundaes. peared hazy. is going to be seen on, and comeback. New releases have ground “I think we are at the cross- studios and distributors must “How long it will take, I don’t to a halt, with many producers roads right now . . . What is that fulfil that promise,” he said. know. But it will strike back with preferring to screen their films new normal going to be?” The casualties are already a big, big bang,” said Nahta. directly on streaming platforms piling up. Hari Prasad Jayanna, a film A camera crew works on a Bollywood film set on Madh Island off the ‘Big bang’ coast of Mumbai. The dancers stopped strutting on Bollywood film sets that boomed as the pandemic A string of beloved single- director in Bangalore, agreed: this year as the Indian film industry struggled to find any spring in its forced millions into lockdown. Although Hollywood has screen cinemas have downed “The cinema industry will be step during a disastrous 2020. afp But Bachchan’s actor son mooted the idea of showing their shutters and many oth- forever.” afp French lingerie: lace, clasps, and optical illusions

UNDER soft light and in con- 39-year-old designer Lisa that I really wanted to wear,” centrated silence, seamstress- Chavy. she said. es at a workshop in the heart The rest of the line is ready- Forgoing cushioned bras of Paris carefully assembled to-wear and designed to and shape-altering pieces for fine Calais lace, embroidering appeal both to clients who a more natural look, Livy’s it with onyx beads and sequins want something racy but dis- designs focus on delicate, in delicate motifs. creet, and for those looking intricate patterns in lace for an A couture bra takes two days beyond function for lingerie elegant feel. to create, a bustier three. Cor- that is a bit more showy and a During a recent fitting before sets, meanwhile, require “real fashion accessory in its own a photo shoot, Chavy carefully expertise, it’s very French”, right: a subtle sexy strap, or bit fastened an ornate gold clasp according to Amandine and of lace to peek out from under- on a bra worn by one of the Vanille at the headquarters of neath clothing. models. luxury lingerie brand Livy. Chavy, who has been a Hidden clasps and other A piece is made in 20 steps, designer for mainstream visual illusions, such as lace- sometimes with 15 materials. labels, created the brand three work resting on transparent The process takes patience years ago hoping to offer tulle, are part of the playful and precision. something more modern and seduction that is Livy’s sig- The limited collection, made fresh, in a country where lin- nature. entirely by hand, is created gerie has been world-famous Lingerie should be refined, exclusively for weddings or red for 200 years. commanding and vulnerable French underwear fashion designer Lisa Chavy, founder of the lingerie brand Livy, adjusts a creation on a carpet events, according to “I couldn’t find any lingerie all at once, Chavy said. afp model during a fitting session on November 4 at the Livy store in Paris. afp 14 THE PHNOM PENH POST january 1, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com Lifestyle White caviar offers exclusive alternative

n HIS waders, Stefan Outliving dinosaurs Astner checks on the al- Though sturgeon breeding bino sturgeon: Almost in countries like China, Italy two decades after they and France started as a purely Ihatched, they’re ready to be financial venture, it is now gutted for their caviar and to also seen as a sustainable al- be shipped out for New Year’s ternative to wild sturgeon. celebrations. Having survived the demise “The fish have already been of the dinosaurs, some stur- through the ultrasound so we geon species have recently saw that they are full [of roe] gone extinct, while others are and they will go into produc- on the brink. tion soon,” Astner says, dip- In Russia and Iran, produc- ping his net into a small pond tion of wild caviar collapsed teeming with the rare, white in the 1980s due to overfish- sturgeon. ing as well as pollution in the Deemed the most expensive Caspian Sea. food in the world, demand for Most countries along the caviar – essentially, salted roe Danube now protect the local – has driven most sturgeon sturgeon species, though ex- species to the brink of extinc- perts worry that conservation tion in the wild. might have come too late. But fish farms like the one Official government data in where Astner works in the vil- Romania, where the Danube lage of Groedig, near the Aus- empties into the Black Sea, trian city of Salzburg, offer a show that catches of Russian more sustainable alternative. sturgeon plummeted from Owner Walter Gruell is one 3,725kg in 2002 to just 37kg in of about 2,500 sturgeon farm- 2005, indicating that overfish- ers worldwide that produce ing had gravely diminished a combined 415 tonnes of their numbers. caviar a year, according to the Walter Gruell, fish farmer and fish delicacy store owner, cuts open a freshly caught 16-year-old albino sturgeon at his store in the village of Anif Though the country issued World Sturgeon Conservation near Salzburg, Austria. afp a moratorium in 2006, impov- Society’s most recent figures erished fishermen continue dating from 2018. The female that Gruell just ing, partly because people maker, and shortly before had The eviscerated fish were to try and catch the fish, as the But patience is imperative cut yields 600g, worth €8,000 still want to treat themselves, been in contact with an airline later found in a reservoir. dozens of kilogrammes of roe for producers. ($9,750) – more than three Gruell believes. hoping to serve first-class trav- A year before that, 400 in- that one sturgeon can carry are The required investment is times the price that black cav- “People want to savour the ellers caviar “Made in Austria”. dividual sturgeon worth worth as much as a fisherman’s high and doesn’t pay off for iar fetches. present moment,” he says, Demand for caviar remains €50,000 were stolen from an- annual income. years until the sturgeon be- between the many phone high, and not just from pay- other farm. Some fans of the delicacy gin carrying roe – that’s if they Sturgeon rustlers calls ahead of the end-of-year ing customers, but sturgeon At Gruell’s farm, the fish, still believe that the taste of aren’t stolen by gangs hoping The coronavirus pandemic celebrations, when he makes rustlers, too. which include sturgeon na- wild caviar eclipses that ex- to skip the arduous breeding has curbed demand as up- close to 40 per cent of his an- A year ago, 400kg of stur- tive to the Danube, are pro- tracted from farmed sturgeon process. scale restaurants, like all eat- nual turnover. geon were stolen from a farm tected by surveillance camer- – though Gruell says his albi- The albino female that Gru- eries in Austria, have been While AFP visited his farm, less than two hours away as and high fences with heavy nos are in a taste category of ell slices with surgical preci- closed. But retail is boom- Gruell spoke to a luxury auto- from Groedig. padlocks. their own. afp sion is 16 years old. Slowly, he removes, rins- es, and weighs the cream- coloured roe, which, like the fish, lacks pigmentation. There are no more than 40 sturgeon breeders specialising in albinos worldwide, accord- ing to Thomas Friedrich, an expert on sturgeon at the Uni- versity of Natural Resources and Life Sciences in Vienna. Though there’s no research suggesting that lack of pig- mentation affects caviar’s taste, Gruell is convinced of its superiority, asserting that “it’s even sweeter, even smoother than the tradition- ally black one.” Consumers are willing to A 30g box of freshly extracted caviar worth €8,000 is pictured on December 15. Rare 16-year-old albino female sturgeons whose caviar will soon be shipped around the world at pay for the difference. afp astronomical costs. afp Hollywood film sets shut down as Covid-19 cases soar

Most Hollywood productions have people has suffered nearly 750,000 have recently sunk to “lows we have shut down again until at least mid- cases including just under 10,000 not seen since the weeks after restart January, the movie industry’s acting deaths. of production last summer”. union announced, as Covid-19 cases Southern California’s “stay-at- Besides a few dozen indie movies, soar to record levels in Los Angeles. home” order was extended indefi- very few feature films resumed pro- SAG-AFTRA said the majority of nitely Tuesday, with multiple hospi- duction in the Los Angeles area this entertainment productions will tals overwhelmed and forced to turn year, with most filming activity “remain on hiatus until the second away ambulances. restricted to commercials and music or third week of January if not later,” SAG-AFTRA has steered months- video shoots. in a statement to members late on long efforts to restart Hollywood In contrast, high-profile produc- December 29. since its initial March shutdown, co- tions have resumed abroad, includ- The message comes after Los Ange- signing a deal with top studios in ing the latest Tom Cruise blockbuster les county health officials on Christ- September to ramp up on-set coro- Mission Impossible 7 in the UK and mas Eve urged filmmakers to “con- navirus safety measures for its actors, Italy, and TV series such as Supergirl sider pausing work for a few weeks including testing. and Batwoman in Canada. during this catastrophic surge in Even so, Los Angeles entertainment Lack of coronavirus insurance con- Covid-19 cases.” productions were at less than half tinues to hamper productions hop- Los Angeles – the nation’s most pop- their usual activity levels in October, ing to restart. ulous county – has emerged as the lat- before again declining as Covid cases SAG-AFTRA said it would ensure est US epicenter of the coronavirus began to soar. “appropriate precautions for the pandemic, topping 7,000 Covid hospi- Film LA, the body that grants per- holiday hiatus period including addi- People wearing facemasks walk at the Griffith Observatory with a view of the Hollywood talisations for the first time Monday. mits for productions around Los tional time for testing prior to the sign. Most Hollywood productions have shut down again until at least mid-January. afp The sprawling county of 10 million Angeles, said applications to film resumption of production.” afp THE PHNOM PENH POST january 1, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 15 Lifestyle Thinking caps

A cyclist pedals along the cycle path along the 17th June boulevard near the landmark Brandenburger Gate in central Berlin on December 7. AFP Berlin road rage, cyclists clog streets in pandemic t’s rush hour on a grey police chief Barbara Slowik. ics are simply “trying to deni- morning in Berlin and grate cyclists in order to distract a stream of cyclists are Compulsory registration? attention from the delays in gliding along Friedrich- In an interview with the Ber- drafting a new transport strate- Istrasse, the fabled shopping liner Morgenpost newspaper in gy” to increase the use of public street that runs through the October, Slowik even proposed transport. city centre. compulsory registration for cy- Just three percent of public “Move!” one of them yells clists to make it easier for the space in the city is reserved for after illegally mounting the authorities to identify those cyclists, but they make up 18 “STUFF” pavement and charging at a who break the rules. per cent of traffic, says Anika defenceless pedestrian. “More than 50 per cent of all Meenken of the Verkehrsclub ACROSS 52 Paint layer 19 H H H, in Athens Bernd Lechner, a 40-year-old traffic accidents involving- cy Deutschland (VCD) transport 1 Hinged fastener 54 Of great proportions 24 Theater of old insurance clerk, manages to clists are caused by the cyclists association. 5 Withdraw 56 Tire pressure meas. 26 Legalese for “unless” dodge the speeding bike just themselves,” she said. “Aggressiveness occurs when 9 Zeniths 58 Advertisement word 27 Library listing in time, but he’s had enough And some are paying with space is too tight, which natu- 14 Teen bane 60 Connect, as a stereo 28 Drained of blood of the “increasingly aggressive” their lives: 17 cyclists have been rally leads to more stress,” she 15 Bone in the arm 64 They don’t belong to me 29 Cries like a sheep attitude of cyclists in the Ger- killed in traffic accidents in Ber- said. 16 Like a tack 67 Habitual ways 31 Was not right man capital. lin this year, 11 more than in By way of contrast, cars make 17 Who went to market? 68 Coarse-ground grain 33 Lend ___ (listen intently) “It’s getting worse and worse. 2019. up some 33 per cent of traffic in 20 Upholstered piece 69 Operatic Trojan princess 34 False front I’m starting to become more But the idea of compulsory the city but take up 58 per cent 21 On a date 70 Acute feeling of anxiety 35 ___ Park, Colorado scared of bicycles than of cars,” registration is unlikely to be- of the space. 22 Fleur-de-___ 71 Kind of terrier 37 They have morals he said. come reality because of the “im- But Oliver Woitzik, head of 23 Catch ___ (start to understand) 72 Beds in tents 39 Eagle’s abode Berlin has long been known mense bureaucracy” it would transport for the Berlin police, 25 Type of trap DOWN 42 Showy lily as a bike-friendly city, but a entail, Ragnhild Soerensen of argues that “we can’t just build 27 Keyboard word 1 They go over your part 43 Means of evading a law sharp rise in the number of Changing Cities, an NGO that roads, cycle paths and pave- 2 Have a yearning 48 “Peter Pan” pooch 30 Shirts or skins cyclists during the coronavirus lobbies for sustainable trans- ments everywhere”. 3 Dither 50 Cut-up 32 It’s stored on a farm pandemic has been causing port, said. “What would help a lot would 4 Pasta sauce option 53 Payment conditions 36 Getaway of fantasies tensions on the road. Berlin has about three mil- be for people to stop putting 38 “Will be” in a Doris Day song 5 State of calm passivity 55 Funny one The number of Berliners lion bicycles, compared with their own ego first, and also 40 Skull cavity 6 Utmost (Abbr.) 56 Unit of loudness cycling to work or to go shop- only 1.1 million registered to know when to give up their 41 “Better!” 7 Passionately studying 57 Something to hum 44 River in Hades 8 Anklebone 59 Half of a fortnight ping has increased by some cars, she points out. rightful place” if there is danger 45 Roman despot 9 African snake 61 Metric weight, for short 25 per cent since the start of But the police chief’s com- involved, he said – a skill that 46 Minimal effort 10 Young at heart 62 Brigade the pandemic, according to ments have ignited a fierce is sometimes lacking among 47 Pulver, for one 11 Star followers of note 63 Edible spheroids city authorities. debate on the behaviour of those on both four wheels and 49 Christian with a fashion sense 12 Physics work units 64 Pan Am rival, once All good news for fitness, air cyclists in the city. two. 51 Hi-___ graphics 13 Infiltrator 65 Winning finish? quality and public health, since “We are being pushed In any case, cyclists who 18 Glasses piece 66 Dissenting vote it reduces the number of peo- around, insulted. Many people break the rules are more likely ple using public transport dur- think they are better people to be fined in future as Berlin is Thursday’s solution ing the fight against Covid-19. just because they ride a bike . . . expanding its use of officers on But at the same time, police This anarchy has to stop,” the bikes around the city, he said. have registered a sharp rise in Tagesspiegel newspaper wrote Their number, currently the number of offences com- recently. around 40, is expected to “climb mitted by cyclists and a surge to 100 in the spring” and then in complaints about them from ‘Denigrating cyclists’ continue to grow over the next pedestrians, according to Berlin According to Soerensen, crit- few years. AFP

Thursday’s solution

Bicycle and car commuters are seen crossing a busy intersection at Potsdamer Platz in central Berlin on December 7. AFP 16 THE PHNOM PENH POST january 1, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com Sport Lewis Hamilton knighted Atletico extend La Liga lead, in Britain’s honours list Lewis Hamilton has been been made a Member of the knighted in Britain’s traditional Order of the British Empire Real slip with draw at Elche New Year Honours list after (MBE). equalling Michael Schumacher’s Burrow, 38, was diagnosed tletico Madrid record of seven Formula One with motor neurone disease in extended their lead world titles. December last year. His MBE is at the top of La Liga The list recognises outstand- in recognition of services to his on December 30 af- ing achievements in various sport but also for raising MND terA Luis Suarez fired them to fields including showbusiness, awareness. a 1-0 win over Getafe while sport and politics, as well as the Burrow said: “[The year] 2020 Real Madrid could only draw contributions of a larger num- has taught us all to appreciate 1-1 at Elche. ber of everyday citizens. the gifts we have and it is my Suarez struck in the 20th There are many awards this honour and privilege to accept minute with a superb header year for those seeking solutions this award on behalf of all the from Yannick Carrasco’s cross to the problems posed by coro- MND community. to move Diego Simeone’s navirus as the pandemic drags “I hope it gives people hope Atletico up to 35 points, two on. that we are not ignored and the ahead of local rivals Madrid Hamilton, 35, surpassed Schu- drive for more research and sup- after they were pegged back macher’s record number of port to end MND will not by a Fidel Chaves penalty fol- career race wins during a stellar stop.” lowing Luka Modric’s early season in 2020 that was short- Also included in the list are opener. ened due to the coronavirus former footballers Jimmy Real Sociedad, Sevilla and pandemic. Greaves and Ron Flowers, who Villarreal are all a further A group of British lawmakers are the last surviving members seven points back, with Bar- last month called on Prime Min- of England’s 1966 World Cup- celona 10 behind Atletico in ister Boris Johnson to recom- winning squad to be honoured. sixth after their 1-1 draw with mend the driver for a knight- They have been made MBEs. Eibar on December 29. hood. Bob Champion, who won the Atletico have also played Hamilton, who lives in Mona- 1981 Grand National on Aldan- two fewer matches than reign- Atletico Madrid forward Luis Suarez (left) scores a header in the La Liga football match against Getafe at the co, has faced scrutiny in the past iti while recovering from cancer, ing champions Madrid after Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid on Wednesday. afp over his tax arrangements but has been made a Commander a scrappy win emblematic of has insisted he pays a substan- of the Order of the British Empire Simeone’s reign on his 500th ‘Two points dropped’ Carvajal was caught tearing header two minutes from tial amount of tax in Britain. for his charitable work at the match as club coach. Zinedine Zidane’s Madrid at Antonio Barragan’s shirt, time keeps Granada in sev- The Mercedes driver has Bob Champion Cancer Trust. “When I got on the plane knew that whatever hap- with Fidel stepping up to enth place on 24 points, two become an outspoken support- Exeter director of rugby Rob to come here I thought that pened in the late fixture they stroke home the leveller. behind fourth-placed Sevilla, er of equality, diversity and the Baxter, whose team completed when I left the club [as a would trail Atletico going Lucas Boye then hit the post Sociedad and Villarreal. environment this year and made a domestic-European double player] that I always wanted into the new year, but they for the hosts before home Valencia’s seventh league several strong human rights last season, has been made an to come back,” said Simeone, looked on course for a rou- keeper Edgar Badia made two defeat of the season leaves statements related to democ- Officer of theO rder of the British who is in his 10th year as tine win at struggling Elche superb stops to deny Carvajal them level on 15 points with racy and racism. Empire, while the team’s cap- Atletico coach. when Modric opened the and Sergio Ramos as Madrid Real Valladolid, who are Former Leeds Rhinos rugby tain, Joe Simmonds, is made an “I found men [Koke, Saul scoring in the 20th minute. pushed for a win that would third-from-bottom in the league player Rob Burrow has MBE. afp Niguez] who wanted to get Croatian Modric pounced have kept them level on relegation zone. the club out of the bad patch to place a perfect header in points with their capital city Javi Gracia’s side haven’t it was in, and I have a relation- the top corner after Marco rivals. won a La Liga match in their ship with them that goes be- Asensio’s long range shot “When I look at how we last seven attempts and had yond football.” thumped back out off the bar, played in the first half, I tell their task made harder when Uruguay forward Suarez’s the second time Madrid had myself it’s two points dropped. Jason and Goncalo Guedes eighth goal of the season was hit the woodwork in the early Plenty of teams will drop were sent off within three a good as it got for Atletico, minutes. points. It’s a hard season, and minutes of each other mid- who despite fielding a strong The away side thought they we still have plenty of matches way through the second half. line-up did not impress in a had a penalty nine minutes left,” said Zidane. Granada’s Domingos Duarte match of little incident at the before the break when ref- was then shown a straight red Wanda Metropolitano. eree Jorge Figueroa Vazquez Granada in Euro hunt card three minutes later af- However Atletico’s third pointed to the spot for what Earlier Granada moved ter he cynically hacked down straight win keeps them top he thought was an Ivan to within two points of the Manu Vallejo as he attempted of the pile after a fraught last Marcone handball, but the Champions League places to burst through on goal with few days in which Diego Costa awarding was cancelled fol- after beating Valencia 2-1 in the scores still level. was allowed to leave and Kier- lowing a VAR check. a feisty match where three Molina punished the belea- an Trippier was banned until Elche then got a spot-kick players were sent off in six guered away side by thump- the end of February for betting of their own five minutes into second-half minutes. ing home Alberto Soro’s cross. Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton raises his 3rd-place trophy breaches. the second half when Dani Jorge Molina’s powerful afp after the Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix ion December 13. pool/afp Liverpool draw at Newcastle, miss chance to stretch lead

Liverpool squandered the flight match of 2020 after being Park means the champions enter once again, although it took a break when Salah beat the off- his effort past the upright. chance to open up a five-point held to a goalless draw by New- the New Year with a three-point late goal-line clearance from side trap to control the ball in It nearly got much better for lead at the top of the Premier castle on December 30. lead over Manchester United, Fabian Schar and Darlow’s bril- front of the advancing Darlow, the Magpies 11 minutes from League in the final English top- The 0-0 stalemate at St James’ having played a game more. liance to keep them at bay. only to stab his shot wide of the time when Ciaran Clark met But they will rue their missed Newcastle, who came into post, and the keeper produced Matt Ritchie’s free-kick with a chances in a match in which the match without a win in four a fine reaction save in stoppage downward header that Alisson they enjoyed nearly three-quar- games in all competitions, time to repel Firmino’s header had to turn away. ters of possession. Mohamed started positively, with return- from point-blank range. But Schar hacked the ball off Salah – top of the Premier League ing striker Callum Wilson Mane headed into the side- his own line ahead of Mane goalscoring charts with 13 goals almost catching goalkeeper netting from Trent Alexander- seconds later and Darlow bril- – missed the target either side of Alisson Becker unaware with a Arnold’s 49th-minute corner liantly clawed away another half-time with just goalkeeper speculative early shot. and when Liverpool turned the Firmino header at the death to Karl Darlow to beat and strike- The Reds needed Alisson to screw, with Mane going through preserve his clean sheet. partner Roberto Firmino saw be at his best to deny Wilson his full repertoire of tricks, the Klopp’s men finish the calen- two headers superbly saved. once again 10 minutes later Magpies’ rearguard came under dar year on 33 points from 16 Three days after lowly West after he had outpaced defend- increasing pressure. games, three clear of United, Brom snatched a point at er Nathaniel Phillips. Salah had another chance to who have 30 points after 15 Anfield, Jurgen Klopp’s men, break the deadlock midway matches. The two teams, with a who have now won only two of Liverpool wasteful through the second half when combined 39 English titles Newcastle United defender Fernandez (right) tackles Liverpool forward their eight league away games Liverpool should have been he was played in by Firmino but, between them, meet on January Salah in their match at St James’ Park on Wednesday. pool/afp this season, were frustrated ahead 11 minutes before the after steadying himself, directed 17 at Anfield. afp