N U MB E R 3546 ssue I monday, november 23, 2020 Intelligent . In-depth . Independent www.phnompenhpost.com 4000 RIEL US okays Cambodia lauded for Covid-19 therapy as King sihamoni fight against Covid-19 G20 talks Mom Kunthear tion’s (WHO) Western Pacific linked to the 3 Nov diplomatic of the Republic of Senegal, signs off on region, applauded Cambodia’s visit, and the government’s compared Cambodia’s Covid- vaccine AMBODIA has drawn response to the health crisis, leaders for modelling good 19 data against that provided long-awaited global accolades for while the new report ranked public health practices,” Kasai to the WHO by 166 global na- US DRUG regulators gave its handling of the Cambodia as third out of all tweeted on November 20, re- tions, according to Ministry emergency approval to a gambling law Covid-19 pandemic, the nations in the world in its ferring to the November 3 visit of Health spokeswoman Or Covid-19 antibody therapy withC a new report finding that control of the pandemic. of Covid-19-positive Hungar- Vandine on November 22. on November 21 and Group national – page 2 the Kingdom has controlled “Collective health is based ian Minister of Foreign Affairs Cambodia was ranked num- of 20 (G20) nations pushed the pandemic better than any on strong leadership and in- and Trade Peter Szijjarto. ber 3 out of the 166 countries for global access to vac- other country in Asia. dividual actions. I commend The new ranking report, and number 1 in Asia for its cines as the pandemic led Dr Takeshi Kasai, director Cambodia for its decisive ac- which was published by the to further closures in parts of the World Health Organisa- tion to manage the cluster Economic Prospective Bureau Continued – page 2 of the world. With cases surpassing 12 million in the US, the highest in the world, some US states have imposed new restric- tions, including California, where a 10pm to 5am curfew was taking effect. On the opposite side of the Gov’t produce Atlantic, Britain has suffered more than any other country plan a relative in Europe from Covid-19, with more than 54,000 deaths success, SAYS from 1.4 million cases. The antibody therapy NEW REPORT approval in the US offers business – page 7 some hope for those infected, though a relatively small number of doses will be avail- able in the coming weeks. The same therapy was used to treat President Don- ald Trump when he was sickened with the virus. The green light for drug- maker Regeneron came after REGN-COV2, a combination of two lab-made antibodies, was shown to reduce Covid- 19-related hospitalisations Erdogan calls or emergency room visits in patients with underlying for EU dialogue, conditions. Regeneron’s antibody treat- says will build ment is the second synthetic antibody treatment to receive future in europe an emergency use approval WORLD – Page 9 (EUA) from the US Food and Reaching out Drug Administration (FDA) People collect rubbish on the Siem Reap River on Sunday. The Ministry of Environment has called on communities on the Tonle after a similar therapy devel- Sap Lake to join a weeklong clean-up campaign to reduce plastic waste. SUPPLIED sTORY > 5 oped by Eli Lilly was granted the status on November 9. Despite recent develop- ments, there are concerns that countries across the Over 110 garment factories close world will have insufficient access to vaccines, and G20 Mom Kunthear early September, 111 factories Rith said the government ing that the number of garment nations gathered for a virtual had closed in the garment, had been effective in introduc- factories that had frozen work summit on November 21 A GOVERNMENT official said footwear and travel product ing measures to keep factories contracts had decreased to 52, highlighted those worries. on November 22 that at least 110 sectors. He added the number open in one of the most impor- which affected the incomes of “Although we are optimis- Gabon’s circus garment factories had closed in of closures was similar to the tant sectors of the Cambodian roughly 14,000 workers. tic about the progress made the first nine months of the year first nine months of last year, economy. He added that the But Fa Saly, president of the in developing vaccines, ther- walks ON a and left more than 55,000 work- when 110 factories closed. global market for garment National Trade Union Confed- apeutics and diagnostics ers without jobs – but union “These closures have left products had been virtually eration, told The Post on tools . . . we must work to cre- tightrope as leaders worry those numbers 55,174 workers jobless. This shut down by the Covid-19 November 22 that the actual ate the conditions for afford- could be much higher. job loss increased somewhat pandemic and other factors. numbers might be higher than able and equitable access to Covid-19 bites Ministry of Labour and Voca- from the same period last He said the number of sus- the figures released by the these tools for all people,” tional Training undersecretary year, which saw 53,226 work- pended employment contracts said Saudi King Salman, the lifestyle – page 12 of state Ngoy Rith said as of ers laid off,” he said. was gradually subsiding, not- Continued – page 5 summit’s host. AFP

THE PHNOM PENH POST Qatar pledges $13M in funding National to help cut down dropout rates Inside page 4 2 THE PHNOM PENH POST november 23, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com National Koh Kong confronts King enacts gambling law, encroachment on betting on tighter control protected state land Voun Dara edly hired individuals to cut Niem Chheng down trees and set up border AUTHORITIES in Koh Kong posts to proclaim their own- ING Norodom Si- province are searching for the ership of the state land. hamoni has promul- individuals who set up border “Some people have planted gated a long-awaited posts on nearly 200ha of pro- large trees on state land and gambling law that tected forest, with officials and hired people to build houses or aimsK to create jobs, boost the activists claiming that powerful cottages on land in protected economy and bolster tourism tycoons had hired local people and conserved areas to make it as well as establish safeguards to encroach on the land. look like they have owned the against money laundering On Sothearith, governor of land for a long time. Most of and corruption. Koh Kong’s Thma Bang district, them are influential people who The law, which will dictate told The Post on November 22 do so as proof of ownership so how casinos and gambling op- that after protected forest land that they can request allocation erators conduct business, has 12 was allocated to people who of the land,” Chan Dara said. chapters and 97 articles. It was had lived in the district’s Russey Provincial Department of passed by the National Assem- Chrum commune for many Environment director Morn bly on October 5 and endorsed years, some people came in to Phalla said on November 22 by the Senate on October 26. claim the conservation areas that encroachment on state The law was written to man- with the intent to sell the land land had recently been on the age commercial gaming cen- to businessmen. rise in the province. tres, like casinos, and all com- “This land is in a protected “The increase of encroach- mercial gaming activities in area, not in an allocated area. ment on state land is because the Kingdom. Article 1 of the As the first conclusion, the en- bad people have heard that law maintains that it will help Under the new law, Cambodian citizens are still banned from entering casinos to gamble. SUPPLIED croachment on the land was the land is allocated from the protect social safety and secu- corruption and the financing casinos and other commercial to the country through tour- by the local people. They heard protected area to people who rity as well as boost the econo- of terrorism. Gaming operators gaming centres. Article 80 bans ism, he said. the government was allocat- don’t have land. They think the my and generate tax revenue. must keep strict accounting re- all automated teller machines, Vannak said the impact of ing the land and that there are area that they are encroaching Called the Law on the Man- cords and submit them to the or ATMS, from casinos and commercial and integrated people willing to buy land in on is land the authorities have agement of Integrated Resorts committee for scrutiny. commercial gaming centres. gaming was more positive than the area,” Sothearith said. allocated,” he said. and Commercial Gambling Article 54 states: “Commer- Pech Pisey, executive director negative, citing the tax gener- According to Sothearith, the During a recent plenary meet- (LMCG), the law sets forth the cial game operators must have of Transparency International ated for the state and jobs creat- authorities are working to iden- ing at the Council of Ministers, authority and procedures for bookkeeping according to the Cambodia, said establishing a ed. He continued that demand tify these individuals so they Hun Sen ordered the ministries managing commercial gaming standard accounting, which legal framework was just a first from casinos and commercial can arrest and send them to of Land Management, Urban and the rights and duties of in- describes the operation and fi- step in managing the gam- game centres would help Cam- court. He added those people Planning and Construction; dividuals and entities that own nancial status of its commercial bling industry and preventing bodia’s agricultural sector in ad- were secretly setting up border Agriculture, Forestry and Fish- and operate gaming businesses. games. Bookkeeping must en- money laundering. He said dition to boosting real estate. post on the land at night. eries; and Environment to al- Article 4 states that a Cambo- sure that financial report prepa- Cambodia still faces signifi- But he also cautioned Thong Chan Dara, the pro- locate land for people who had dia Commercial Games Com- ration is correct with clear dates. cant gaps in law enforcement against the negative aspects vincial coordinator for rights lived for more than 10 to 20 mittee (CCGC), which consists “It must also effectively ease and lacks of effective mecha- of commercial gaming, espe- group Adhoc, said the problem years in conservation areas and of 11 members from different the review, investigation, and nisms to enforce the law. cially if Cambodians are al- of encroachment on state land on other protected state land. ministries and chaired by the auditing on financial reports.” “Corruption in Cambodia re- lowed to gamble. started after Prime Minister The ministries were told Minister of Economy and Fi- The law maintains that Cam- mains widespread. And corrup- “In short, we see more posi- Hun Sen in July ordered rel- in July to issue land titles to nance, will govern the gaming bodians are still not legally al- tion remains an enabling factor tive than negative if we can evant ministries to inspect and those residents and to do so sector, issuing policies and reg- lowed to enter casinos. behind the problems around control this sector. If we cannot measure the land so it could be in the coming months. Hun ulations as well as conducting Article 68 of the law states: “All money laundering, which con- control it, the negative aspect allocated to local people who Sen also warned of legal ac- inspections, providing licences Cambodian people, including tinues to undermine the rule of will come out. That’s why some lived in the conservation areas. tion against powerful people and collecting income. members of the armed forces, law in Cambodia,” he said. countries have many policies to He added that wealthy and who hire others to encroach It will also be charged with public servants and elected Hong Vannak, an economic allow just a specific number [of powerful people had alleg- on protected land. taking action against those officials, are banned from en- researcher at the Royal Acad- casinos] at specific locations. commercial game operators tering casinos or commercial emy of Cambodia, said most “Cambodia established the who break the law. game facilities to gamble.” countries allow casinos and area along the borders for The law lays out the respon- The CCGC has the author- integrated commercial games. building casinos and allows Cambodian man inbound sibilities that gaming operators ity to inspect material and re- The sector helps their econo- some in Phnom Penh. This must honour in the fight against cord voices from closed-circuit my by reducing the outflow of is another strategy to control from Japan Covid positive money laundering, bribery, television cameras installed at money and attracting income the sector,” he said. Continued from page 1 Cambodia Dr Li Ailan also ap- plauded the Kingdom. efforts in controlling the Cov- “Congratulations to Cambo- id-19 outbreak and minimis- dia for managing the ‘3 Nov’ ing its impacts, according to COVID-19 event well to keep the report. Cambodia safe! Early Detec- “This assessment was based tion, Rapid Response with Tar- on the transmission of the dis- geted Interventions are essen- ease in these countries. Speak- tial to the success!” she said in ing specifically, this means a November 21 tweet. the number of patients who Meanwhile, health minister were infected with Covid-19, Mam Bun Heng sent a letter the frequency of patients re- thanking Kasai for his praise, covering, and the number of saying he hoped the WHO people who have died in each would further strengthen its country,” Vandine said. close collaboration and help She added the Economic improve health services for Prospective Bureau had as- the Cambodian people. sessed the level of national Separately, the ministry on resilience during the cam- November 22 said the King- paigns and operations that dom had detected another were deployed to fight Covid- confirmed case of Covid-19 19 in each country. She said in a 27-year-old Cambo- the report also factored in the dian man from Prey Veng role of each country’s leaders province’s Kampong Trabek in the fight against Covid-19. district. The man arrived in Vandine said Cambodia had Cambodia from Japan via done a good job containing South Korea on October 26. the impact of the “November The ministry said the man 3 event” and that the country’s had been given his fourth leadership deserved praise. Covid-19 test on his 13rd day of “Prime Minister Hun Sen quarantine by the Institut Pas- has a big heart and also a teur du Cambodge and is be- heart of compassion. He has ing treated at the Chak Angre always thought about the Health Centre in Phnom Penh. health of the people and laid The latest case brings the out proper and timely mea- country’s Covid-19 tally to sures,” she said. 306, with 11 active cases as of WHO representative to November 22. THE PHNOM PENH POST november 23, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 3 National 50 flee drug Homeless committee gets revamp rehab centre

Long Kimmarita in P Sihanouk OLICE took back at least HE government has shaken 13 addicts to the Keo Phos up the national committee on Pdrug rehabilitation centre homelessness and appointed in Preah Sihanouk province by Minister of Social Affairs, Vet- November 22 after more than eransT and Youth Rehabilitation Vong 50 people broke out and fled Sauth as chairman. from the centre on the night of The committee is now made up of November 20. 15 government officials and Phnom “For those who escaped from Penh and provincial governors the centre, they did not make a throughout the country. mistake because they are victims According to the government’s No- of drugs too,” Stung Hav district vember 17 decision seen by The Post police chief Ros Key said on on November 22, the composition November 22. of government officials serving as “The director of the centre said members on the committee are from he sent the names of the remain- relevant institutions such as the min- ing people to their guardians who istries of Interior; Tourism; Economy will send them back to the centre and Finance; Health; Foreign Affairs sooner or later,” he added. and International Cooperation; and According to Key, drug addicted Education, Youth and Sports. people are usually sent to the The government also announced Kraing Thnong Rehabilitation the annulment of all decisions and Centre in Phnom Penh. The regulations contrary to this decision reason these people escaped and the officials named in the direc- was they were not used to living tive shall perform their duties from in a new location. They removed the date of signing. a window and then climbed over Social affairs ministry spokesman the fence. Touch Channy told The Post on No- A beggar in Phnom Penh’s Meanchey district. A re-shuffled homeless committee plans to address the issue.hong Menea An official at the Keo Phos vember 22 the decision was made after many homeless people there are across Poor] cards, which allow them gov- in various districts, there are still many Rehabilitation Centre, who asked old committee members had changed the country. When we get this data we ernment benefits and cash,” he said. homeless people, including mentally- to remain anonymous, said the their roles and responsibilities. will decide what to do with it,” he said. According to the latest assessment ill homeless people, he said. centre is managed by the Minis- He said a meeting will be held to im- The national committee on homeless- by the social affairs ministry, there are “The new committee should look for try of Social Affairs, Veterans and plement a strategy and set new direc- ness was established by the government more than 3,000 homeless people in strategies to address the integration Youth Rehabilitation. tions to address homelessness across in 2005. Channy said the committee had Cambodia. In Phnom Penh, there are of homeless people to the community He said it was built to treat the country. done a lot of work on the issue of home- more than 400, most of whom live in and prevent them from returning to victims of drug abuse. “In the future, we will have a com- lessness with research, providing vari- the Prey Speu Social Welfare Centre the homeless state of mind,” he said. The Kraing Thnong Rehabilita- mittee meeting to meet the new ous support and integrating homeless and Orphanage, which is in charge of “There should be a separate centre tion Centre delivered 103 male members, and at this meeting we will people back into the community. the elderly and the homeless. for treatment.” and female patients on Novem- form a strategy to address the issue. “The authorities have better man- Rights group Licadho deputy director Sam Ath believes if all these problems ber 20 to detox there. “At the end of November, we will also aged homeless people during this Am Sam Ath said the number of home- are not solved, the number of home- The officer said they were conduct a homeless census, which period and the number of homeless less people has been declining. But that less people may increase and affect the broken into groups of five to 10 means we will direct all provinces to people has not increased. does not mean that there are no home- government’s image by showing the per room. Kim Sarom conduct the same census to find out how “Most homeless people have [ID- less people, because on the streets and poverty of the people in the country. 4 THE PHNOM PENH POST november 23, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com National Qatar pledges $13M in funding Hunt on in security guard shootings to help cut down dropout rates Khouth Sophak Chakrya investigate and arrest the armed groups. Voun Dara POLICE are searching for sus- He said he had received the pects who allegedly shot to land from the Ministry of Ag- ATAR has signed off death a So Nguon Group secu- riculture, Forestry and Fisher- on a memorandum rity guard and seriously injured ies to cultivate various crops, of understanding another in Kampot province but claimed people have been Q(MoU) with the Min- on November 18. encroaching on the land. istry of Education, Youth and Provincial police chief Mao He also expressed concern Sports on the Phase II Devel- Chanmathurith told The Post after receiving information opment Project for Children on November 22 that after the that the ringleader and ac- and pledged $13 million to shooting, police cordoned off complices were continuing to improve Cambodia’s educa- the forest near his plantation hide in the jungles nearby. tion sector. where the incident took place “At the moment, we are still The focus will primarily be and arrested two gunmen on afraid that the gunmen will on vulnerable children in pri- the night of November 19. sneak out and shoot at our se- mary education. He said police are investi- curity guards again,” he said. The MoU was conducted gating others who might be Nguon said if the gunmen via video conference on No- involved and searching for the remained at large, his compa- vember 19 between Minis- ringleader, who they said was ny would not be able to con- ter Hang Chuon Naron and probably hiding in the forest. tinue development as planned Khalifa bin Jassim al-Kuwari, He identified the arrested as and would suffer losses. director-general of the Fund residents aged 21 to 23 from He said the shooting has for Development of Qatar. Prey Peay village in Chhouk made some investment part- Ministry spokesman Ros district’s Trapaing Phlaing ners skittish, especially Chinese Soveacha said on November 22 commune. investors who want to cooper- the project is to support out-of- “According to the suspects, ate with the company to grow school children and those who more than 10 people were in- bananas. cannot finish primary school. volved in the shooting includ- Police said they suspected “This foundation is giving ing . . . the ringleader. This the shooting was the result of $13.8 million to help strength- person and his accomplices a land dispute because resi- Education minister Hang Chuon Naron after signing the MoU with Qatar. Education ministry en education at the primary are believed to be hiding in dents have accused the com- school level,” he said. risk of dropping out. school at the secondary level, press release, 35 BEEP learn- the forest with weapons,” he pany of encroaching on their He said the purpose is to According to the ministry the Ministry of Labour and ing centres will be set up in 15 said. residential land. help children who are at risk of statistics for the 2018-2019 Vocational Training, the edu- provinces to support young Police have surrounded The company has denied dropping out and ensuring an school year, the total number cation ministry and UNESCO people in Cambodia to em- the area and are entering the allegations, claiming it equitable education and life- of students at the primary have announced the launch of brace the growth of decent very carefully to intercept the was villagers who illegally en- long learning opportunities. level was 2.1 million. Of the a new Basic Education Equiv- and productive employment armed group, he added. croached on its land. Naron thanked Qatar for number, more than 4.4 per alency Programme (BEEP) opportunities by ensuring On November 22, the com- The government granted providing the funding to help cent dropped out. learning centres in target that they can respond to the pany’s chairman, So Nguon, the firm 6,300ha in Chhouk Cambodian children at the Separately, to support young provinces in Cambodia. needs of the market and are expressed his appreciation for district in 2015 to develop primary level and children at people from dropping out of According to a November 2 prepared for quality work. the efforts of the authorities to agro-industrial crops.

Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) outgoing president Yuichi Sugano said his agency will continue its assistance with demining. cmac Oddar Meanchey farmer steps on landmine Soth Koemsoeun cutting weeds to plant crops danger in our area before. This eral Heng Ratana, said mine when he stepped on the mine is the first case,” Phirum said. accidents were happening A FARMER in his 40s in Od- and sustained a severe injury According to the Cambodi- regularly along the Cambodia dar Meanchey was seriously to his left leg. He is currently an Mine Action and Victim As- and Thailand border. injured after stepping on a getting treatment at the pro- sistance Authority (CMAA), in Japan International Coop- mine on his property on No- vincial hospital. the first 10 months of this year, eration Agency (Jica) presi- vember 21. “He does farm work near his there were 41 cases involving dent Yuichi Sugano, who re- The incident took place on house every year and there has mines. The explosions caused cently departed his post, met a farm located in O’Smach never been a problem like that. 16 deaths and 29 injuries. Ten with Ratana on November 20 commune, Samrong town. This time he stepped on a mine people were left paralysed. and said Jica will continue to District police chief Horm left over from war times and it Cambodian Mine Action support CMAC through tech- Phirum said the man was exploded. There hasn’t been Centre (CMAC) director-gen- nical aid. THE PHNOM PENH POST november 23, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 5 National Government Tonle Sap lake plastic waste tackled urged to do Nov Sivutha more to assist HE Ministry of Environment has called on communities jobless workers on the Tonle Sap Lake to join a weeklong clean-up campaign Continued from page 1 toT reduce the plastic waste and pollu- tion that is destroying the ecology and labour ministry and that more Cam- biodiversity of one of the world’s most bodian workers were losing their productive freshwater fisheries. jobs and incomes each day. Environment ministry spokesman “It is really hard to assess these Neth Pheaktra on November 22 an- losses. Workers are still struggling nounced the opening of National San- to make a living and certain workers itation Day and the Tonle Sap Festival have migrated abroad. But there are 2020 under the theme “Good sanita- still a lot of workers who have no jobs tion, environment, good community – it is worrisome,” he said. health in Siem Reap”. The campaign Saly said even though Cambodia will continue until November 28. is under the General System of Pref- He urged community members erences (GSP) programme, which who live on the Tonle Sap in Siem will facilitate imports to the UK Reap, Kampong Thom, Kampong starting in January, he was still not Chhnang, Pursat and Battambang optimistic. provinces to stop throwing rubbish He called on the government to in the lake and to help reduce pollu- seriously address these problems tion, especially plastic waste. and ensure that the Kingdom’s “The Tonle Sap Lake was polluted workforce has good working condi- by plastics from community mem- People prepare to remove waste from the Siem Reap River in Siem Reap province on Sunday. supplied tions and more jobs. bers who live on it and by the plas- In late September, the government tics that people throw into various BambooShoot Foundation. Ocean biodiversity, especially many spe- Phluk, Chong Khnies, the Siem Reap rolled out extensive measures to creeks and rivers that flow into the Recovery Alliance, an NGO based in cies of national fish and an impor- River and the Mechrey community. manage the impact of the Covid-19 lake,” Pheaktra said. Hong Kong and California, is a donor tant ecology. [We] must stop plas- The main focus of the programme crisis and to bolster the economy He stressed that discarded plastic partner for the campaign. tics from polluting the environment is to educate communities about from October to December. bags, which can take hundreds of He estimated that nearly 5,000 so the lake retains its beauty and at- sanitation, Sophal said, adding that The government, after studying years to decompose, were polluting people from five communities on the tracts more tourists. We practice the local people would learn how to gath- economic developments in the the environment and harming soci- Tonle Sap Lake and the downstream slogan: We are clean, our communi- er and sort plastic waste properly. region and the world, also intro- ety, health and the environment. river of Siem Reap would take part ties are clean. The Tonle Sap is clean “The campaign to collect plastic duced six rounds of stimulus meas- Pheaktra said the celebration of in the celebration. Pheaktra added without plastic,” according to report waste takes place every year in No- ures worth about $1 billion. National Sanitation Day on Novem- that 2,450 members had joined the Pheaktra wrote last year. vember when the Tonle Sap Lake The first goal of the measures was ber 23 would include a campaign to clean-up campaign while another 2, Sea Sophal, director of NGO2 Bam- waters start to recede. In June, when to sustain and restore businesses so clean up plastic waste during the re- 500 had agreed to clean up the areas booShoot Foundation, said on Novem- the Tonle Sap waters start to rise, it they can help drive economic ceding season of the Tonle Sap Lake. around their respective houses. ber 22 that the programme would take flows back,” Sophal said. growth in the post-Covid-19 era. The celebration was organised by the Pheaktra said the plastic waste place for a week from November 22 “Thousands of community mem- The second goal was to help the live- environmental department of Siem that will be collected this year will to 28. The campaign was launched at bers will join us in conserving the lihoods of poor and vulnerable Reap, the Siem Reap provincial ad- be recycled as environmental clay. communities near the Tonle Sap from biodiversity of the Tonle Sap Lake families through a cash hand-out ministration and the charity NGO2 “The Tonle Sap Lake abounds with areas in Kampong Khlaing, Kampong for all of us.” programme. Man busted with 50kg of drugs meant for export Soth Koemsoeun

A MAN was sent to the Phnom Penh Municipal Court on November 21 after being arrest- ed while packaging drugs in Phnom Penh’s Sen Sok district. The arrest also led to a raid at his rental home in Por Sen Chey district, where the Na- tional Police’s anti-drug de- partment officers seized near- ly 50kg of methamphetamine and other drugs allegedly packaged for export abroad. The new building is 95 per cent complete after its construction broke ground last year. public works ministry Anti-drug department direc- tor Lek Vannak on November 22 said the suspect, 35, was Transport ministry set to relocate sent to court on November 21 to begin legal proceedings. Nov Sivutha inauguration ceremony. space is happening in line He said the suspect was The old headquarters, which with increasing land prices in caught on November 18 while THE Ministry of Public Works he said was cramped, will be the city centre, especially land packaging drugs in Sen Sok and Transport is set to move given to the Ministry of Mines along Preah Norodom and district’s Phnom Penh Thmei from its current location near and Energy. The new building, Preah Monivong boulevards. commune. Police at the time Wat Phnom in Phnom Penh’s he added, will provide suitable “The value of the ministry’s confiscated two packages of Daun Penh district to Street space for officials but declined old headquarters has also methamphetamine weighing 598 in Russey Keo district’s to reveal the cost. increased because it is sur- about 100 grammes. Chraing Chamreh II com- The new building has drawn rounded by a collection of After questioning, the po- The man was caught with nearly 50kg of meth, 302 grammes of Ecstasy and 77 grammes of the hypnotic drug Nimetazepam. police mune in January. some criticism on social me- commercial buildings and lice searched his room in Por Ministry cabinet director dia, with some Facebook users shopping malls,” he said, add- Sen Chey district’s Chaom ing the value of the drugs. According to the anti-drug Kong Vimean told The Post on alleging that it did not follow a ing many government facili- Chao commune and seized [The suspect] used these department report, the crack- November 22 the new build- Khmer architectural pattern. ties had relocated to suburbs. more than 40kg of metham- drugs for export and distrib- down in Phnom Penh Thmei ing is 95 per cent complete, Vimean said the building Chey said he does not dis- phetamine, or Ice, as well as uted them to certain countries commune was ordered by after its construction broke was not copied from abroad. agree with the relocation as long 302 grammes of Ecstasy and abroad. National Police chief Neth ground in May last year. “It is Khmer work. The criti- as the new place is a modern 77 grammes of the hypnotic He also kept some to distrib- Savoeun and his deputy Mak Public works minister Sun cism is just opinions of a mi- building, has a garden, a wide drug Nimetazepam. ute locally, and we are search- Chito. Chanthol led his delegates nority of individuals. Nothing area and can provide effective “I cannot estimate how ing for any relevant accom- Chito is also in charge of on November 19 to check the can please all people,” he said. public service to people. much it is worth because plices,” Vannak said. the National Authority for progress on the construction. Network for Social Account- “If the old place is cramped we have to consider product Municipal court spokes- Combating Drugs (NACD). Vimean said the ministry ability (Ansa) executive direc- in terms of providing public prices, material prices, export man Kuch Kimlong could not The raid was coordinated plans to invite Prime Minister tor San Chey said the trend of services, the new place should prices and wholesale and retail be reached for comment on by deputy prosecutor Plang Hun Sen to preside over the changing government office have more space,” he said. prices. So we are still research- November 22. Sophal. 6 THE PHNOM PENH POST november 23, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com Business

USD / KHR USD / CAD USD / CNY USD / JPY USD / MYR USD / SGD USD / THB AUD / USD EUR / USD GBP / USD 4,056 1.3060 6.5714 103.80 4.0920 1.3437 30.33 0.7288 1.1859 1.3280 S’pore group seeks $14M in damages from PPSP over ‘breach of contract’ Sangeetha Amarthalingam

INGAPORE-based Asiatic Group (Hold- ings) Ltd is seeking a minimum of $14.4 million relief from Cambodia Securities Exchange (CSX)-listed Phnom Penh SpecialS Economic Zone Plc (PPSP) for alleg- edly breaching a power plant joint venture (JV) agreement. Asiatic Group’s wholly-owned Colben Sys- tem Pte Ltd and 95 per cent-owned Colben Energy Holdings (PPSEZ) Ltd (CEZH) have started arbitration proceedings that were re- ferred to the Singapore International Arbitra- tion Centre on November 19. In a statement last week, managing director Tan Boon Kheng of Singapore Exchange Ltd’s Catalist listed-Asiatic Group said the breach in the JV agreement resulted in substantial changes in the power plant’s operational and business model that were detrimental to the interests of the project. Tan said the claim represents Colben’s and CE- ZH’s loss in value of their shareholding in Colben Energy (Cambodia) PPSEZ Ltd – the JV company with PPSP set up in 2006 – as a result of the an- ticipated losses in the JV company’s revenue. In an immediate response, PPSP, which af- firmed its associate relationship with Asiatic The Phnom Penh Special Economic Zone houses 92 companies from 14 countries. HONG MENEA Group, said it is seeking professional legal ad- vice and will make further announcements on nies from 14 countries that manufacture gar- “To date, the zone has attracted over 100 busi- In its first fiscal half ended September 30, it any material development on the matter. ment, automobile parts, food and beverage, and nesses and factories as customers, taking electric- posted a net loss of S$531,000 (US$395,000) PPSP owns 23 per cent stake in the JV firm plastic products, according to PPSP’s filing. ity from Asiatic Group’s power plant,” he added. versus S$851,000 net profit last year. which is involved in the generation and supply Meanwhile, Asiatic Group is a contractor for But he alleged that PPSP instigated for re- It cited a combination of factors including of power to the special economic zone (SEZ). engineering, procurement and construction, visions to the electricity tariffs, which was in the drop in cost of sales due to lower direct “[Our] investors and the public are well in- and operation and maintenance. breach of the JV agreement. operating costs and absence of refurbishment formed [on the notice of arbitration],” said Main It also operates a fire protection solutions This resulted in a revision of tariff rates ap- cost incurred on the engines in Phnom Penh Board-listed PPSP in a filing with CSX on Friday. segment which provides firefighting and pro- plied in the zone by regulator Electricity Au- and Sihanoukville in the first six months of The counter closed down 10 per cent at tection systems. thority of Cambodia (EAC) on June 30. this year. 1,770 riel on Friday for a market capitalisation Colben System is a specialist in the business of It allowed companies to opt for electricity Revenue in the six months to September 30 of 65.6 million riel ($16,146). controlled power supply, engineering and pro- supply from the national grid source without fell 6.5 per cent to S$20.9 million from S$22.3 The SEZ which covers an area of 357.3ha in curement, and power generation construction. Asiatic Group’s power plant’s back-up feature. million in the corresponding period last year Phnom Penh saw net profit plunge 97.1 per It built, operated and maintained a heavy “The [consequence] significantly changed due to lower revenue from Phnom Penh and cent to $271,691 in the first half ended June fuel oil-fired power plant with an initial ca- the project’s operational and business model. Sihanoukville, which was caused by a dip in 30, 2020 from $9.4 million a year ago. pacity of 15MW within the economic zone. [Due to] EAC’s decision, it is anticipated that electricity demand compared to last year. Revenue fell 61 per cent to $9.9 million in the The power plant, which was completed in [we] would suffer losses in the revenue gener- Covid-19 also impacted the revenue in its first half compared to $25.5 million in the year- 2008, offers stable power for companies with- ated by the project,” Tan said. firefighting and protection segment. ago period, partly attributed to lower land sales. in the zone, principally acting as a back-up It should be noted that both the JV compa- The group operates two other power plants Tycoon Lim Chhiv Ho owns 45.09 per cent electricity supply provider to customers. nies have been involved in arbitration pro- in Cambodia – one for state-owned Electricite of PPSP, which also operates the 68.4ha Poipet Tan said this was consistently promoted as a ceedings for other reasons in the past. du Cambodge and another in Sihanoukville, SEZ in Banteay Meanchey province. selling point to attract businesses to establish The group has been recording year-on-year and a biomass power plant in Teluk Intan, The zone in Phnom Penh houses 92 compa- their operations and factories in the zone. losses since financial year endedM arch 31, 2019. Perak state in Malaysia. Royal Group subsidiary strikes EPC contract for coal plant

Thou Vireak vide construction, installation and According to a sub-decree issued sify energy production to include 2,650MW of electricity in 2018, an commissioning services. on August 6, the government granted other sources and ensure stable elec- increase of about 15 per cent com- BOTUM Sakor Energy Co Ltd (BSE) Citing an SET statement, the 168ha in Botum Sakor National Park tricity supply in Cambodia. pared to 2017, according to official on November 18 struck a contract Shanghai-based financial news por- in Koh Kong to the Royal Group to He said that without exception, statistics from the energy ministry. with Shenzhen-listed Sinosteel Engi- tal said the total contract value is to build the power station. the government assumes the ulti- The Kingdom’s electricity demands neering & Technology Co Ltd (SET) the tune of about $1.1 billion. The project will require $1.34 bil- mate responsibility in reviewing the are currently covered by hydroelec- for the engineering, procurement The contract covers the construc- lion in capital investment and will socio-environmental impact of tricity and coal power, accounting for and construction (EPC) of a 700MW tion of two new 350MW engine units be online in 2023 or 2024. Of that, 30 every development project in the around 48 per cent and 47 per cent coal-fired power station in south- and ancillary generation and trans- per cent will come from direct cap- power sector. of generation, respectively. western Koh Kong province, Yicai mission facilities, as well as a dedi- ital and 70 per cent will be from “All in all, we need to expand our Jona told The Post early this month Global reported on November 19. cated coal terminal, it said. bank loans, the sub-decree said. energy portfolio to include a pletho- that electricity demand in the King- BSE is a wholly-owned subsidiary Construction of the first unit is The project will be developed under ra of sources, inter alia, hydropower, dom retreated between 10 and 12 of the Kingdom’s largest conglomer- scheduled to be completed within 36 a 35-year build, own, operate (BOO) coal and solar to ensure the supply per cent this year due to Covid-19- ate, Royal Group of Companies Ltd, months of breaking ground, with the model. to consumers, be they citizens, indus- induced economic shocks in key while SET is a wholly-owned sub- second unit slated to be finished 12 It said the Ministry of Environment tries, cottage industries or service sectors – above all in garment man- sidiary of Beijing-based state-owned months later, it added. has to work in collaboration with the providers,” Jona said. ufacturing. enterprise Sinosteel Corp. Koh Kong deputy provincial gover- Ministry of Economy and Finance According to Electricite du Cam- On the Shenzhen Stock Exchange, As outlined in the EPC contract, nor Sok Sothy told The Post on Sunday and others to prepare the deal. bodge, peak electricity demand in the SET’s share price fell 0.04 yuan (0.61 Yicai Global said, once it secures pay- that the provincial administration has Victor Jona, director-general of the country is expected to increase to US cents) or 0.94 per cent to close at ment, SET will present the design and yet to receive a construction schedule Ministry of Mines and Energy’s Gen- 2,300MW this year and hit 2,500MW 4.22 yuan last week for a market cap- will procure and supply the equip- for the project and confirmed that eral Department of Energy, in August by next year. italisation of 5.30 billion yuan, with ment and materials, as well as pro- construction activity had not begun. said the government needs to diver- Cambodia consumed a total of 17.08 million shares traded. THE PHNOM PENH POST november 23, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 7 Business​ Loba, EAcham Gov’t produce plan a relative success ink MoU to up trade, freight Hin Pisei

THE Logistics Business Association (Loba) on November 20 signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the European American Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Belgium) Beijing Representative Office (EAcham) to further enhance Cambodia-China trade, investment and freight relations. The agreement was signed by Loba president Chea Chandara and EAcham president Gao Ying via video link. Chandara told The Post on Novem- ber 22 that the Chinese side wants guidance on the import of goods from China to Cambodia, while the Cam- bodia Freight Forwarders Association seeks counsel for shipments in the reverse direction, especially when it comes to agricultural products. “The cooperation will help the two countries attain growth in trade and direct investment with each other,” he said. According to him, the MoU will also provide investors with more oppor- tunities to attend international exhi- bitions in China. “After Covid-19, both sides plan to bring their investors to each other’s country in order to visit factories and give them a chance to strike up business meetings as well,” Chandara said. Gao said EAcham had seen rapid The 2,000 households signed on to the Boosting Food Production programme were able to produce 28,130 tonnes of vegetables last year. pOST STAFF growth in its 16 years and now boasts an office in each of Beijing, Thou Vireak gramme were able to produce 28,130 programme was insufficient to cover She said its members strive to grow Guangzhou and Shanghai. tonnes of vegetables last year, or 77 the massive needs of producers and vegetables according to good agricul- She said: “There are over 150,000 over- $20 million government tonnes per day. This represents just consumers. tural practices (GAP) and govern- seas members or clients from more agricultural initiative 47 per cent of the target. On the other hand, it highlighted ment policy. than 156 countries in our database. achieved remarkable results Last year’s figure is equivalent to a the potential of the Kingdom’s farm- “We’re seeing success these days, hav- “But not many of them are from Cam- in its three years of opera- 13 per cent jump from the 24,900 pro- ers to churn out more safe vegetables ing been awarded GAP certification. bodia. So the MoU will be a joint effort tionA but still fell far short of its target, vided in 2018, which was a far cry from and fragrant paddy varieties when Our farmers’ vegetable market has to promote business and trade exchang- the General Directorate of Agricul- the 10,200 generated in 2017, it said. backed by technical assistance and received loads of support, netting us es between China and Cambodia. More ture reported. The project benefited 58,280 people given material and financial support, higher prices, which has in turn allowed enterprises from Cambodia can benefit The Boosting Food Production pro- directly and 301,680 indirectly during he said. us to lead better lives and turn to grow- from our cooperation in the future. gramme, a three-year initiative launched its implementation, it added. “The General Directorate of Agri- ing safer vegetables,” Chantha said. “I believe that members of both in mid-2016, had set a goal of supplying Kean Sophea, deputy director of culture wants to continue the food According to the report, the house- parties will have a bright future in the local market with 60,000 tonnes a the agriculture ministry’s Depart- production promotion project in a holds covered by the initiative farm business cooperation. year of vegetables that meet interna- ment of Horticulture and Subsidiary second phase. on 697ha, of which 1,873 own less “[Despite Covid-19 lockdown tional quality and safety standards. Crops, noted that the initiative was a “[This is] to ensure clear and effec- than 1ha and 127 have more. restrictions,] I am still expecting that Spearheaded by the ministries of bit too ambitious and that it assumed tive achievements toward expanding Farmers were organised into 138 our chamber can put Cambodia into Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries; that the average land area owned by financial and economic profit to safe-vegetable production groups and one of our destinations for Chinese and Economy and Finance, the the households was 4,000sqm. locals in the 11 target provinces and 33 vegetable production communities business delegations for investment project was motivated by the pinch However, that number is actually subsequent ones as per their cultiva- to grow “safe vegetables” in accord- or procurement in the future.” of rising food prices, unfavourable closer to 3,000sqm, he said. tion potential,” Sophea said. ance with GAP regulations, it said. Cambodian exports to international trends in international competitive- Looking on the positive side, Sophea Ek Chantha, a farmer and member “On-site inspections showed that markets in the first eight months of this ness and the more than $200 million said: “Having provided farmers with of the Ten Baht Agricultural Commu- farmers were able to expand their year clocked in at $11.714 billion, up in annual vegetable imports. modern techniques and irrigation sys- nity based in Pursat province, said the cultivation area when equipped with 18 per cent year-on-year, while imports In its summary report of the initia- tems, we were able to chalk up a high- community received technical training adequate irrigation systems and reached $11.853 billion, slipping 11.6 tive, the directorate said the 2,000 er volume of vegetables each year.” from the directorate and development armed with better vegetable produc- per cent year-on-year, the Ministry of households signed on to the pro- Still, he said the first iteration of the partners as part of the initiative. tion techniques,” it added. Economy and Finance reported. Export data could sway Thai bourse Korean Air says will push Kasikorn Securities has and China’s industrial profit for staff leave of absence advised investors to follow last month. Korean Air president Woo Ki- a large number of overlapping Thailand’s export data from The SET Index closed at hong said the firm would push personnel and routes, con- last month, the Covid-19 out- 1,389.34 last week, up 3.18 per for employees’ leave of absence cerns have been raised that break and the political situa- cent from the previous week, instead of cutting headcount large-scale restructuring will tion in Thailand and US as while average daily transac- once the merger with Asiana occur after the merger. factors that would affect the tion was 81.68 billion baht Airlines takes place. Regarding the route opera- Stock Exchange of Thailand ($2.70 billion), down 25.88 per “Korean Air has never under- tion, he said: “We will not con- (SET) Index this week. cent from the previous week. gone artificial restructuring over solidate and abolish redun- An analyst at Kasikorn Secu- The Market for Alternative the past 51 years,” Woo told dant routes. Currently, 80 per rities predicted the SET Index’s Investment rose by 1.48 per reporters after the 22nd Tour- cent of passenger routes are support line at between 1,375 cent, closing at 320.99. ism Industry Committee meet- resting, and we will consider and 1,360, and resistance line Thai stock indices closed in ing in Seoul on November 20. how to operate them when the at between 1,400 and 1,420. positive territory over an “In order to increase effi- spread of Covid-19 stabilises. Among international eco- improvement in the country’s ciency after the merger, [some] “The merger between Kore- nomic data, he advised follow- third-quarter GDP, positive employees will take a leave of an Air and Asiana Airlines will ing the US third-quarter gross news in the development of a absence until the end of the take about two years as early domestic product (GDP), the Covid-19 vaccine, S&P Global coronavirus crisis.” as possible. minutes of the US Federal Ratings’ move to maintain the Woo’s remarks are interpret- “Instead of operating it inde- Reserve, the US new homes country’s credibility, Bank of ed as an attempt to dispel con- pendently, we will proceed and durable goods sales, US Thailand’s lenient currency cerns over possible manpower with the plan through consul- personal income and spend- supervision measures, and restructuring that will result tations between the Korea The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) Index closed at 1,389.34 last ing in October, US and the foreign investors’ mass buy- week, up 3.18 per cent from the previous week, while average daily from the merger of two major Development Bank and Asi- eurozone composite purchase ups of Thai stocks. THE NATION transaction was 81.68 billion baht ($2.70 billion), down 25.88 per cent domestic airlines. Since Kore- ana.” THE KOREA HERALD/ASIA NEWS managers index this month (THAILAND)/ASIA NEWS NETWORK from the previous week. AFP an Air and Asiana Airlines have NETWORK 8 THE PHNOM PENH POST november 23, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com Business​ Experts propose solutions to Indonesia’s Jokowi calls for businesses to join push VN agriculture industry hands with 2M farmers INDONESIAN president Joko back to 102.25 last month. “Jokowi” Widodo has urged The government has also been businesses to partner with two working to secure food supplies million independent farmers amid pandemic-induced dis- by 2023 to improve their pro- ruption on supply chains. ductivity, as the country seeks At least 31 provinces reported to improve its farmers’ welfare garlic shortages in April, just a and food security. month after the first Covid-19 The president’s request came cases were discovered in the after the Indonesian Chamber country. Many provinces also of Commerce and Industry reported shortages of other sta- (Kadin) reported that it had ple foods like sugar, chilli and helped one million independ- chicken eggs, according to ent farmers through partner- Jokowi at the time. ships with business entities. Kadin reported that it was part- These partnerships report- nering with public-private coop- edly helped increase farmers’ eration platform the Partnership productivity by 40 per cent to for Indonesia’s Sustainable Agri- 76 per cent and revenue by 50 culture (PISAgro) to work with per cent to 200 per cent. the one million farmers. “I believe Kadin can achieve Most are cocoa farmers, fol- this target,” Jokowi told a vir- lowed by corn, rice, palm oil, cat- tual event on November 18. “I tle and coffee farmers, according really hope a collaborative, to Franky Oesman Widjaja, the inclusive business model can deputy chairman of agribusiness,

The most affected agricultural products in Vietnam are fresh fruits, vegetables and aquatic products. VIETNAM NEWS AGENCY/VIET NAM NEWS prop up the food sector as a new food and forestry at Kadin. economic driver that will create He said: “The mentoring was he Covid-19 pan- decreased by 50 per cent, industry still has opportunities tion through new distribution more jobs and become a source successful because we used the demic has impacted affecting the company’s reve- amid the pandemic, according channels like online sale sys- of welfare for Indonesians.” inclusive closed-loop module, Vietnamese agricul- nue. It only achieved 70 per to Dr Anh. tems. Developing the food sector which covers training, access to tural products and cent of the plan.” These include increasing Dr Anh suggested the state will require a new approach good seeds, good agricultural exports,T especially to China, Regarding the impact of demand for agricultural prod- have policies to invest in sci- that can make the production practices, access to financing, disrupting agricultural value Covid-19, Dr Pham Cong ucts globally and new-genera- ence and technology to improve process more efficient, improve purchase guarantee by the chains and posing risks to Nghiep from the Agricultural tion free trade agreements (FTAs) the efficiency of production, food quality at an affordable mentor companies and literacy farming households. System Research and Develop- such as the Comprehensive and support small scale farmers to price, preserve the environ- on finance and technology.” According to Vietnam Acade- ment Centre said the centre’s Progressive Agreement for Trans- participate in the value chain ment and improve the farmer The inclusive closed loop is a my of Agricultural Sciences research found agricultural Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and and enhance the chain’s risk welfare, the president added. partnership scheme that deputy director Dr Dao The Anh, value chains of some products the EU-Vietnam FTA. resistance capabilities. The economic downturn encompasses both the upstream the most affected agricultural such as black pig, ginger, However, the challenge is the The state also should adopt induced by the Covid-19 pan- and downstream parts of the products are fresh fruits, vegeta- banana and beef of Cao Bang high-quality standards from policies to strengthen the demic caused farmers’ terms agriculture business. bles and aquatic products. and Bac Kan provinces import markets. capacity of farmer households, of trade (NTP) to fall to 99.47 Kadin has run a pilot project Agriculture is also affected decreased by 30-77 per cent. At the forum, experts and cooperatives and businesses in May, with a figure under based on the inclusive closed- by diseases and natural disas- The selling prices of beef and managers proposed mecha- in the food processing indus- 100 suggesting farmers are loop system with chilli farms. THE ters, and farmer households banana also decreased by 21.4 nisms, policies and solutions try and provide training to suffering a deficit. It bounced JAKARTA POST/ASIA NEWS NETWORK are most at risk, Anh told a per cent and 57.3 per cent, to promote a sustainable agri- help farmers professionalise. forum on Vietnam’s agricul- respectively. cultural system. He added it is necessary to tural policy in the context of Production costs increased Specifically, for production have policies to train and foster the pandemic on November 19 by three-to-25 per cent, lead- units, it is necessary to pro- cooperative human resources, in Hanoi. ing to the businesses’ revenue mote the application of sci- encourage and create condi- The pandemic not only dropping by 30-82 per cent. ence and technology in the tions for businesses to associ- affects farmers, small-scale The pandemic also affected processing of farming prod- ate with cooperatives. producers and cooperatives production, transportation ucts and reduce loss and waste Some delegates also pro- but also export enterprises. costs and caused an increase as well as to strengthen disease posed the government, minis- The outbreak caused a in the loss and waste of farm- prevention and control. tries and localities continue to reduction of consumption ing products, according to the The promotion of links promote solutions to create because many families have research group. between production and con- jobs after the pandemic. had to tighten spending while The surveys also showed that sumption of agricultural prod- Social security policies need goods could not be exported businesses need support in ucts in chains should also be to be implemented effectively. due to border closures, leading markets, inputs to production, strengthened to ensure product The state needs to partici- to the backlog, said GC Food loans, interest rate reduction, circulation and harmonious pate in the supply of essential JSC director Nguyen Van Thu. vocational training, job crea- distribution of benefits between input products for processing He said: “From the beginning tion, debt payment reschedul- parties in the pandemic. to ensure a stable, adequate of this year, the company’s aloe ing and financial support. In addition, it is necessary to and quality supply. VIET NAM NEWS/ Indonesian President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo has urged businesses to vera products for export have However, the agriculture promote product consump- ASIA NEWS NETWORK partner with two million independent farmers by 2023. AFP US mobile start-up Wish files IPO, claims 108 million users The operator of the mobile e-com- but the Financial Times said the com- the top 10 selling merchants on our merce start-up Wish filed documents pany is aiming for a richer value in platform were located in the United for a share offering on November 20, the IPO of $25 billion to $30 billion. States selling refurbished electronics, revealing a user base of more than Wish’s slogan is “shopping made beauty products, and hobby items, 100 million. fun” and includes videos and games which illustrates the ongoing diver- The filing by US-based parent firm as part of the retail experience. sification of our merchant base and ContextLogic said the platform is “To enhance user engagement, we product categories.” looking to expand the business which incorporate fresh gamified features, The filing comes amid a wave of up to now has been connecting mer- rich user-generated content includ- IPOs in the tech sector including chants based mainly in China with ing photos, videos and reviews, and from delivery start-up DoorDash, consumers around the world. a wide range of relevant products to gaming firm Roblox and home-shar- Wish’s initial public offering (IPO) make shopping more entertaining,” ing giant Airbnb. filing said it was the most downloaded the IPO filing said. Wish was founded by Polish-born shopping app and operated in more Its business has been focused so far Peter Szulczewski, who is the CEO of than 100 countries, having shipped on delivering goods at low prices from the firm launched in 2010. more than 640 million items. Chinese sellers, but has been expand- “I grew up in Soviet-controlled com- The start-up said it had 108 million ing to bring in merchants from Europe, munist Poland in the 1980s where I monthly active users at the end of Latin America and North America. learned first-hand what it is like to not September. It posted a loss of $120 “Through our diversified and global have access to basic goods and serv- million in the past quarter on revenue merchant base, we are able to offer ices,” he said in the IPO filing. of $1.7 billion. greater depth and breadth of catego- “I founded Wish to help the unders- Wish’s most recent valuation based ries and products,” the filing said. erved who have been neglected by Wish was founded by Polish-born CEO Peter Szulczewski and launched in 2010. WISH.COM on funding rounds was $11.2 billion, “For example, in 2019, four out of existing e-commerce offerings.” AFP THE PHNOM PENH POST november 23, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 9 World Trump offers fodder for world’s strongmen

he US has long litical scientist at the Univer- But he said the effect could championed de- sity of Zimbabwe, said Trump be more palpable in problem- mocracy around the was singing “sweet music to atic democracies as leaders world, pushing per- autocratic rulers”. see how Trump can brazenly sistently,T if not always consis- He said: “It’s tragic. We are claim victory and find some tently, for leaders to give up used to that in Africa but support, despite Biden win- power when they lose. when it happens in the US ning nearly six million more President Donald Trump we get shocked because it’s votes and edging Trump out is now establishing a new happening in a centuries-old 306-232 in the state-by-state US model – refusing to con- democracy. Electoral College that deter- cede, making unsubstantiated “It’s a dirty lesson our lead- mines US elections. claims of fraud and seeking the ers will take advantage of and “They see the power of that intervention of courts and po- cite even in the long-term fu- approach, that even a society litical allies in hopes of revers- ture when they lose and don’t as educated and sophisticated ing his defeat to Joe Biden. want to concede defeat.” in certain ways as the United Political figures and ex- Garry Kasparov, the Russian States can fall victim to that perts interviewed in several chess legend and outspoken kind of big lie,” said Caroth- countries fear that Trump’s critic of President Vladimir ers, senior vice-president for blueprint will be eagerly em- Putin, said Trump’s assault studies at the Carnegie En- braced in fragile democra- on the democratic process dowment for International cies, especially in Africa, let- will result in “many similar Studies in Washington. ting strongmen point to the attacks in future elections, in He drew a parallel to Trump’s world’s most powerful nation the US and elsewhere”. denunciations of “fake news”, in justifying their attempts to “Democracy discredited, a term now cited around the cling to office. Putin’s dream,” he wrote on world by governments that “Donald Trump’s refusal to Twitter. want to muzzle the media. concede reinforces the view Carothers said nations of our leaders in Africa that Shifting discourse on elections where Trump’s election chal- elections should be done in Thomas Carothers, an ex- lenges could provide a model a way so that they don’t lose,” pert on democracy promo- include India, the world’s larg- said Mahamat Ahmat Alhabo, tion, noted that nations such est democracy which has long secretary-general of the op- as Russia, China and Egypt had robust votes but where hardly needed tips from position Party for Freedoms right-wing Prime Minister Na- Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden after speaking during election night at the Chase Center in and Development in Chad. Trump on how to oppose rendra Modi has been taking Wilmington, Delaware, and US President Donald Trump on election night in the East Room of the White Eldred Masunungure, a po- competitive elections. aim at civil society. afp House in Washington, DC, early on November 4. AFP Erdogan calls for EU dialogue, Pompeo meets Taliban, and Kabul negotiators, says Turkey’s future in Europe wants talks to speed up Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdo- gan reached out to the EU on November US Secretary of State Mike He also met Qatar’s ruler, 21, while warning the bloc not to be ma- Pompeo met Afghan govern- Emir Sheikh Tamim bin nipulated amid escalating tensions over ment and Taliban negotiators Hamad al-Thani, and Mo- the eastern Mediterranean. in Doha, calling for them to hammed bin Abdulrahman Turkish deployment of a ship to search speed up their peace talks as al-Thani, the foreign minister, for gas in waters claimed by Greece has Washington accelerates its on his stop in Doha, which is triggered a fierce war of words with EU military withdrawal from Af- the Taliban’s base for diplo- member states, which early this month ghanistan. macy. extended sanctions against Ankara for Pompeo “called for a sig- But there was no an- another year. nificant reduction in violence nouncement of any break- The measures include visa bans and and encouraged expedited through in talks between the asset freezes against individuals in- discussions on a political Taliban and the Afghan gov- volved in contested gas exploration in roadmap and a permanent ernment, ahead of Pompeo’s the Mediterranean. and comprehensive cease- departure. “We expect the EU to keep its prom- fire”, according to theUS State He flew on to Abu Dhabi ises, not to discriminate against us or at Department. for the next leg of his seven- least not to become a tool to open en- The top US diplomat met nation tour of Europe and the mities targeting our country,” Erdogan separately with the Afghan Middle East, as US President said in a video address to his ruling party government and Taliban ne- Donald Trump shores up late- congress. gotiation teams in a luxury term priorities. At one point Turkey had pursued a hotel in the Qatari capital, Abdullah Abdullah, chair- track towards EU membership, but it and his encounter with the man of Afghanistan’s High encountered opposition from several radical Islamist insurgents Council for National Recon- EU members and has pulled back under lasted over an hour. ciliation, told AFP that the Erdogan’s leadership. His visit came in the wake government and the Taliban But on November 21 he said: “We don’t Turkish President and leader of the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) Recep Tayyip of a rocket attack which were “very close” to breaking see ourselves elsewhere but in Europe. Erdogan speaks during his party’s group meeting at the Turkish Grand National Assembly in struck densely populated ar- a deadlock in talks. We envisage building our future together Ankara on November 11. AFP eas of Kabul, killing at least “We are close, we are very with Europe.” A Greek foreign ministry statement lems”. eight people in the latest close. Hopefully we pass this Turkey has no problem with any denounced the move as “illegal conduct, He was not among the first world lead- outbreak of violence in the phase and get to the sub- country or institution “that cannot be which further undermines any prospect ers to congratulate US President-elect Afghan capital. The Taliban stantial issues” including se- resolved through politics, diplomacy or for a constructive dialogue. Joe Biden however. denied responsibility and the curity, he said during a visit dialogue,” he added. “These actions, which essentially And while he has close ties with Presi- Islamic State group claimed to Turkey. Erdogan’s message comes as EU lead- cancel any prospect for improving EU- dent Donald Trump, there have also been the deadly strike. Last week, the Pentagon ers are to decide at a December summit Turkey relations, are taking place, while tensions between the two countries over “I would be most interested said it would soon pull some whether to impose further sanctions in Turkish officials state that their country’s several issues. in getting your thoughts on 2,000 troops out of Afghani- response to recent Turkish activity. accession to the EU is a ‘strategic prior- Turkey’s purchase of a high-tech Rus- how we can increase the prob- stan, speeding up the time- Its exploration ship Oruc Reis remains ity’,” the ministry said. sian missile defence system angered ability of a successful out- line established in a February at the centre of tensions with Brussels In the same speech, Erdogan said Tur- Washington, while Ankara has protest- come”, Pompeo said as he met agreement between Washing- and on November 21, Ankara extended key wanted to “actively use its long and ed the US refusal to extradite a Muslim the Afghan government side, ton and the Taliban that envi- its mission until November 29, despite close alliance with the United States for cleric who Erdogan blames for staging a noting the shared interest in sions a full US withdrawal in protests from Athens. a solution to regional and global prob- failed 2016 coup. afp such a scenario. mid-2021. afp 10 THE PHNOM PENH POST november 23, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com ASEAN Banners of Duterte: Ensure access to Covid vaccine Islam cleric HILIPPINE Presi- safe. To do this, we need to dent Rodrigo Duterte strengthen partnerships to in Jakarta stressed the need for make vaccines a global public countries to ensure good,” he said. universalP access to a Covid- Duterte also said countries prohibited 19 vaccine and to keep trade must share best practices as free, open and fair in order to he welcomed Malaysia’s ini- Jakarta Military Commander achieve comprehensive and tiative to establish the Covid- Major General Dudung Abdu- inclusive economic recovery Live online portal. rachman has revealed that he in the face of the pandemic. Apec must also see to it that had ordered his subordinates Duterte made the call on No- trade would be free, open and to take down banners in the vember 20 when he spoke at fair, Duterte said. city depicting Islamic Defend- the 27th Asia-Pacific Econom- “This is key to achieving ers Front (FPI) leader Rizieq ic Cooperation (Apec) Leaders’ sustained and inclusive eco- Shihab. Meeting, which was held on- nomic recovery,” he said. A video recently made the line and hosted by Malaysia. rounds on social media show- The 21-member Apec en- Collective efforts’ ing several people wearing dorsed the Apec Putrajaya The new reality is “sober- Indonesian Military (TNI) uni- Vision 2040 that commits ing”, Duterte said, but added: forms and taking down banners the member economies to “If anything, we must recom- showing images of the firebrand deepen regional economic in- mit ourselves to bolder, more cleric. “The officers in uniform tegration, address income in- concrete ways to ensure our who took down the banners equality within and between region’s economic well-being acted based on my order,” Du- countries, and enhance eco- and vitality.” dung said on November 20. nomic cooperation to face the He said the Apec Putrajaya The Jakarta Public Order new globalisation, driven by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte speaks in Manila during the virtual Apec meeting among world leaders, Vision 2040 recognises the Agency had initially taken down digitalisation and innovation. hosted by Malaysia. AFP pressing challenges of today the banners, Dudung said, but and economies have to be re- done through deeper engage- tilateral cooperation and and foresees those of the fu- FPI supporters later came to Saving lives opened while protecting people ment with the international tripartite arrangements be- ture. reinstall them, prompting the In his address to fellow state and helping them adjust to the community, especially with tween the government, pri- “Through this Vision, we soldiers to remove them. leaders, Duterte described “new normal”, Duterte said. close partners in the Pacific vate sector and multilateral reaffirm our support for a Indonesia had laws regulat- Covid-19 as the defining chal- “This is a difficult balance Rim region,” he said. financial institutions, he said. free and rules-based multilat- ing the mechanisms for putting lenge of the generation, with to strike. Here lies the com- “There is no other way. Let eral trading system, with the up banners, including stipula- unprecedented reach and plexity and enormity of the ‘Unimpeded flow’ us resolve to act decisively World Trade Organisation as tions on banner taxation, he ramifications. recovery process,” he said. One of the areas [we] can on universal vaccine access its vanguard,” he said. said, adding that permits were He noted that most coun- World leaders must work work together is in ensuring and maximise these mecha- “Indeed, the Apec Putrajaya not secured for the banners. tries immediately focused on even more closely together the unimpeded flow of medi- nisms,” he said. Vision 2040 gives us renewed “This is a country under a saving lives even if it meant so that their recovery from cal supplies and technologies, “It is folly to assume that confidence in our collective rule of law so everyone must bringing economies to a halt. the pandemic would be com- especially Covid-19 vaccines there can be pockets of safe efforts and ability to build abide by the law,” Dudung This was the right thing to do plete, Duterte said. to which all must have access, havens in the face of a global back better, healthier and said. “No one can play by their at the onset as it saved lives and “We aim for a comprehen- Duterte said. pandemic.” more prosperous societies,” own rules and act as if they are contained the virus, he said. sive recovery with no one This can be achieved “We have to defeat the vi- Duterte said. PHILIPPINE DAILY In- the rightful one.” But this was not sustainable left behind. This can only be through bilateral and mul- rus everywhere, or no one is quirer/Asia News Network He said the TNI would con- tinue its operation to take down banners depicting Rizieq, as there should not be banners campaigning for a “revolution” or any other similar rhetoric. Thailand’s ‘Bad Students’ educated on the streets The general warned that the cleric and his supporters that A mild-mannered teenage girl with 175 protesters have been charged with versity students in the 1970s, and in- reading, and a World Bank report in he would not hesitate to take owl glasses, a bob haircut and daisies sedition or public assembly offences. stead focus on promoting the work of 2015 noted widespread “functional illit- a stern approach if they at- painted on her fingernails is not your Thai schools have very strict dress the monarchy. eracy” among students across all types tempted to threaten the coun- typical school troublemaker. standards, with ponytails and ribbons The campaign has had a mixed re- of Thai schools. try’s unity. He also said the FPI But in the eyes of Thailand’s ultra- mandated for girls and military-style action from her teachers. The report said problems included and its leader should not think conservative school system and the crew cuts for boys. “If my teachers are on same side with chronic teacher shortages, too many that they “represent the Islamic kingdom’s justice system, Benjamaporn But after years of having rules me, the democracy side, they will admire under-resourced small schools, and a community”. “Ploy” Nivas has been cast as a rebel for drummed into them, Ploy and her fel- me – but if they want [the status quo] focus on rote learning. “It’s better for the FPI to be daring to express herself. low high school activists have gone those teachers hate me,” Ploy said. Corporal punishment is still practised disbanded, if necessary,” Du- “Students should be able to think for rogue, emboldened by the broader regularly in Thai schools, despite gov- dung said as quoted by kom- themselves and be themselves,” Ploy political protest movement currently Defying dangers ernment efforts to ban it. pas.com. told AFP during a recent protest at sweeping Thailand. Youth-led pro-democracy demon- Teenage girls are the backbone of Rizieq has been in the spot- Bangkok’s democracy monument. The students want cultural change, a strations have rocked Thailand since the Bad Student movement, which light since his return to Indone- The 15-year-old is at the forefront of curriculum overhaul, equality and a re- July, and have for the most part been Ploy attributes to growing frustrations sia on November 10, when huge Thailand’s “Bad Student” movement laxation of rigid rules. peaceful. over the lack of gender equality in crowds of his supporters wel- which is planning a major rally in Bang- “We are brainwashed . . . as students But at a rally on November 17 police Thailand. comed him at both Soekarno- kok on November 21. we are taught not to ask questions, used water cannons and tear gas on ac- She said: “I think that girls and LG- Hatta International Airport in Ahead of the event, officers on No- but to study and memorise facts for tivists, and six people suffered gunshot BTQ people are suppressed by the pa- Tangerang, Banten, and the FPI vember 19 issued her and two male exams,” she said. wounds. triarchy both at home and at school. headquarters in Tanah Abang, students with a summons to report to a History textbooks are a particular Despite the dangers, Ploy insists pro- This has made me come out to fight for Central Jakarta, gathering with- Bangkok police station for questioning. bone of contention in a country which testing is her duty. myself and for everyone.” out adhering to the Covid-19 Thai Lawyers for Human Rights say has seen a dozen coups since becom- “We cannot afford to be afraid of physical distancing rule. the trio have brought the tally of juve- ing a democracy in 1932. anything, otherwise we cannot change ‘Schools are dictatorships’ The controversial cleric also niles facing prosecution over protest ac- School books gloss over events such anything,” she said. At an early October rally outside a drew crowds of thousands tivities in Thailand to four – while overall as the massacre of pro-democracy uni- Since August, the Bad Student move- high school in central Bangkok, scores when he visited an Islamic ment has campaigned for the resigna- of mostly female students tied white boarding school in Puncak tion of Minister of Education Nataphol ribbons on the gate. in Bogor, West Java, and dur- Teepsuwan and even staged a mock They covered the student identifica- ing the commemoration of funeral for him. tion numbers embroidered on their Prophet Muhammad’s Birth- There have long been calls to reform uniforms with tape and shielded their day (Maulid) and the wedding the kingdom’s schools but progress faces from the media throng. of his daughter over last week- has been piecemeal, Pumsaran Tongli- A young female student leader made end in Tanah Abang, drawing emnak, an expert at the state-backed an impassioned speech atop a truck ire from the public. Equitable Education Fund, said. outside the school, demanding respect The Jakarta Public Order The Thai government needs to shift from teachers instead of “preaching Agency (Satpol PP) ordered its focus from granting access to edu- about rules”. Rizieq to pay a 50 million ru- cation to improving its quality, he told It’s a sentiment that strikes a chord piah ($3,500) fine for violating AFP, particularly for those who cannot with Vegas, a 16-year-old transgender Covid-19 protocols during the afford expensive private schools. student forced to change schools be- events in Jakarta. The police “The gap between the haves and the cause of discrimination and bullying. are currently investigating pos- have-nots is quite high,” Pumsaran said. Vegas, who declined to give their full sible violations of health proto- In international assessments, Thai name, describes schools as training cols at the events. students score lower than the Organi- students to fit in with Thailand’s hierar- Those found violating the sation for Economic Cooperation and chical society, rather than challenge or law face charges under Article Development (OECD) average in maths question it. 93 of Law No 6/2019 on health Teenage protest leader Benjamaporn ‘Ploy’ Nivas (centre) taking part in a pro-democracy and science. “Schools are like small dictatorships, quarantine. THE JAKARTA POST/ASIA rally in Bangkok. AFP They perform particularly poorly in with all their rules.” AFP NEWS NETWORK THE PHNOM PENH POST november 23, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 11 Opinion

Living on the margins: A community www.phnompenhpost.com

EDITORIAL PERSONNEL Publisher & Chief Executive Offi cer Ly Tayseng battles Covid-19 impact Senior Editor Joshua Purushotman Opinion Managing Editor Post Khmer Nick Beresford and sam rith Michael Wasserman Deputy Chief of Staff Phak seangly CAN no longer afford to buy Business Editor food easily after the Covid-19 may kunmakara outbreak,’ says 30-year-old Deputy Business Editor Phorn Sambath who has sangeetha amarthalingam been‘I working as an Edjai, for the last Deputy Head of Lifestyle Desk 15 years in Phnom Penh. Pan simala Edjai is the term that refers workers Senior Reporters in the informal waste sector including meas sokchea, niem Chheng waste pickers. It derives from the Viet- Reporters namese word for waste Ve Chai, as khouth sophak Chakrya, kim sarom, Cambodia relies on Vietnam for Long kimmarita, hin Pisei, mom kunthear, processing its recyclable material. The hong raksmey, Pann rethea, Voun Dara, recycling business remains undevel- roth sochieata, orm Bunthoeurn, oped in Cambodia and the Edjai com- soth koemsoeun, Thou Vireak, nov sivutha munity plays a major, if unappreciat- Photographers ed, role in this recycling economy. heng Chivoan, hong menea, hean rangsey Over 2,000 Edjai work in Phnom Web Editor Penh and thousands more pick Leang Phannara through waste across Cambodia, con- Webmasters tributing to the collection and recy- sous Chanthy, Pang Vichea cling of nearly eight per cent of total SIEM REAP BUREAU municipal solid waste, estimated at Offi ce Manager over 300,000 tonnes per year. They sophearith Blondeel work day and night, scouring streets PRODUCTION & PRINTING and landfills to purchase, locate and Head of Desktop Publishing collect recyclable materials such as nhim sokphyrak plastic, paper, glass, aluminum and Desktop Publishing other metals. They then carry these suon savatdy, Chum sokunthy, Danh Borath materials using hand carts or by Tep Thoeun Thyda, Tim Borith, Than Veasna motorcycles and sell them to interme- diaries at recycling depots. Depot HEAD OFFICE managers in turn sell these on, chiefly to overseas recycling businesses. However, the Covid-19 pandemic resulted in the closure of depots for Post Media Co, Ltd. over three months from April to June. The Elements Condominium Level 7, Over 2,000 Edjai work in Phnom Penh and thousands more pick through waste across Cambodia, contributing to the collection and Hun Sen Boulevard, Phum Prek Talong, With nowhere to sell their products, recycling of nearly eight per cent of total municipal solid waste, estimated at over 300,000 tonnes per year. Chanraksmey Korm Sangkat Chak Angre Krom,12353, Phnom the Edjai were left without an income. Penh, Cambodia “I worry and I am very scared about dents are in Edjai communities. income, many were forced to take municipal office. Extra support is Tel: 023 888 161, 023 888 162 the risks of a Covid-19 infection. In July, most recycling depots reo- loans to meet basic needs, often needed to overcome the lack of for- Cellcard: 078 555 166, 078 555 133 What should I do if I get infected and pened, but the price for recyclable from informal lenders charging mal status to receive an equity card. Smart: 086 822 999, 086 277 999 infect my family and relatives?” said waste such as plastic bottles has high interest rates, just to meet basic Another is to integrate the Edjai com- SIEM REAP Math Et, a 61-year-old Edjai working dropped more than 50 per cent. Com- needs. This often traps them in a munity into a circular economy, while No 629, Street 6 Dangkum Commune in Phnom Penh. pared to their average income from downward spiral of debt. officially recognising their role in waste Tel: 063 966 290, Fax: 063 966 590 The Edjai community is highly sus- April to September last year, the income Therefore, there is an urgent need collection and recycling. The govern- COMMERCIAL DEPARTMENT ceptible to Covid-19 risks. They for many Edjai has dropped by up to 80 to provide food such as rice, noodles, ment is developing a national circular Chief Operating Offi cer meticulously comb through rubbish per cent over the same period this year. and other staple foods for Edjai com- economy strategy. One of the key steps James ong soon Teck without protective gear, risking infec- Struggling to survive, many have munities, especially those who are is to use this highly effective Edjai net- Advertising Department tion from used masks or other con- been forced to eat less. Some have hardest hit and have fallen into pov- work and recycling depots and integrate Chap narith, 017 996 241 taminated materials. sought assistance from NGOs and erty. Personal protective equipment them into a more formal system of recy- hun Channet, 017 578 768 Even during normal times, life is the government for immediate relief (PPE) such as reusable masks and cling. Other countries such as the Philip- Prach monnyreak, 012 123 7777 hard for this community. Many also of food and cash. gloves are also needed to provide pines, India, and Indonesia have suc- keo Puthy, 012 966 605 work at night to avoid harassment as However, not all have access to protection, from potential Covid-19 cessfully integrated informal waste Phon sok Chea, 012 717 404 they collect recyclables from streets, such assistance. Most informal waste risks. Reflective jackets can also pickers into a formal recycling economy. Jessa Piastro, 092 445 983 restaurants, and stores. As most resi- pickers remain left out of formal sys- increase visibility to prevent traffic Covid-19 has affected millions CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION dents and businesses do not properly tems such as a family registry, and so accidents during both day and night. across the planet. As we move towards Acting Distribution Manager separate the waste they generate, are unable to access social protection In cooperation with the government recovery and rebuild, we must ensure Thenh rithy, 087 888 854 Edjai must open and search through schemes such as IDPoor. Many Edjai and NGOs, UNDP plans to provide that no one is left behind. That is Circulation Supervisor refuse bags themselves. Without any live in informal settlements, live in 600 sets of food and PPE for 600 Edjai especially true of the Edjai communi- nou Chanthy, 096 999 2828 reflective clothing, Edjai communi- rented homes, and lack official docu- families in Phnom Penh. ty who provide Cambodia with invalu- yim Veasna, 015 814 499 ties face a higher risk of traffic acci- mentation. Additionally, Edjai are not Yet, in order to ensure long-term able recycling services. ADMINISTRATION dents while working on the streets. recognised as an official workforce wellbeing, several additional inter- Admin & HR Manager “I am afraid to die being hit by a and so their access to recyclable ventions are required. Pich socheat Nick Beresford is UNDP Cambodia Resident Assistants to Admin & HR Manager car,” says Moeun Aann,36, while waste remains precarious. One is to assist the Edjai in register- Representative and Michael Wasserman is nhel soaphea explaining how common traffic acci- Without any access to other ing for the IDPoor system at the local Circular Economy consultant. 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 12 THE PHNOM PENH POST november 23, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com Lifestyle Gabon’s circus walks on a tightrope ILTRID Mabiala climbs to the top of a human pyramid – backwards – with the lithe agility Wof a cat. Six metres below, a thin mat offers little protection if he puts a foot wrong. The leopard print-clad acrobat is a performer with Le Cirque de l’Equateur, which once represented Gabon at the world’s biggest circus festivals, but now cannot afford even basic safety equipment. The mats are falling apart, the safety ropes have snapped and the acrobatic nets are long gone. The small central African country’s only circus troupe – and its only circus school – is facing ruin. The oldest member of the troupe, Seraphin Abessolo, has spent nearly Without funding or equipment, it could not keep up with the demands of a modern circus. AFP 30 of his 49 years with the circus. “The circus is all about stage and now the pandemic. But according to the older members, equipment – trampolines, juggling The circus still has its home in Libre- the site is a shadow of its former self. gear, diabolos. All of that is gone. ville on land that late president Omar “It was once like a small village,” Even though we have specialists in Bongo Ondimba gave to the Saint An- recalls Abessolo. all those areas,” he says with a sigh. dre church, where the missionary and “There was a small stone tunnel Since the beginning of the coro- Le Cirque de l’Equateur’s founder Jean- at the entrance and when you came navirus pandemic, “nobody calls us, Yves Thegner had worked. Thegner out of it, you were amazed,” he says. it’s been almost nine months since died from Covid-19 in March. The tunnel has since caved in. we last performed”. In the small green space in the The walls are cracked and crum- But the circus was struggling even heart of the capital, the sound of bling in the makeshift quarters before the pandemic hit. birds singing rings through the where a dozen members of the mango and banana trees. troupe live. During the rainy season, ‘You must control the fear’ Children run, jump, dance and do water drips through the roof. At its home in Gabon’s capital Li- acrobatics on old tyres. In the shade The circus is now pleading for help breville, the trees carry red signs re- of a faded umbrella, older people from sponsors and the authorities. calling the glory days – Cirque Boug- play chess, casting occasional dis- “We wrote to the minister and lione 1994-1995, Shanghai Festival tracted looks at the leaping kids. even the president of the republic 1998-2000, Rome Festival 2000. Free of charge, the circus school Ali Bongo Ondimba, but nothing “In the past we had more than 20 trains 19 “student artists” aged from worked,” Mpoungou says. bookings a year,” the association’s eight to 14, most coming from the “The objective of the school is to take president Maik Mpoungou says. local neighbourhood. unemployed young people and of- “The problems started in 2005. We “Stretch your feet!” shouts trainer fer them training so they can become had fewer and fewer contracts, cir- Corneille Mba Edzang. seasoned artists, so they can have con- cuses asked for new acts which are “You must control the fear,” he tells tracts, travel and live from their art.” more difficult to implement, and a student who missed a landing. Some students become discour- our resources dwindled.” “What drew me here is doing acro- aged and quit, but others like Ma- Then the culture ministry batics,” says 12-year-old Brice, in his thieu Bikoubilou, a 28-year-old acro- stopped paying its annual subsidy third year at the school. bat who has been with the troupe for of 500,000 Central African CFA “We also want to travel and join five years, refuse to give up hope. francs ($900) in 2009. the professional troupe,” chips in “Today I have to do small jobs to sur- It could no long keep up with the fellow student Emmanuel. vive. But our shared dream is to repre- demands of a modern circus, which sent Gabon internationally,” he says. have themselves recently struggled A shared dream “So I work and I tell myself that across the world due to animal wel- The grounds still bounce to the at the end of all these difficulties, An acrobat trains on a tightrope at the facilities of ‘Le Cirque de l’Equateur’ circus fare concerns, rising touring costs rhythm of the acrobatics. happiness is waiting for us.” AFP troupe in Libreville on October 30. AFP Robot reminds Japan shoppers to wear masks ASKING someone to put on a Kyoto-based research insti- mask is a touchy subject, so one tute ATR, which built the shop in Japan has enlisted a robot electronic clerk. to make sure its customers wear Its camera and laser scanner them during the pandemic. can detect when people are “I’m sorry to bother you, but not wearing a mask, or stand- please wear a mask,” says the ing too close together in the small humanoid machine after queue – in which case it asks wheeling up to a bare-faced them to move apart. shopper, in a demonstration As well as enforcing social video released by its developers. distancing, Robovie can direct “Thank you for understand- customers to the part of the ing,” it says when the cus- store they want to go to, tomer obliges, bowing its according to ATR. rounded white head towards Japan has had a compara- them in thanks. tively small coronavirus out- The robot nicknamed break overall, although cases “Robovie” has been deployed are rising with a record 2,201 at a sports store in the city of infections recorded nation- ‘Robovie’ the robot works at a sports shop in the Japanese city of Osaka, reminding customers who are not wearing a mask to put one on. AFP Osaka in an experiment by wide on November 18. AFP THE PHNOM PENH POSTNovember 23,2020 Kingdom aspartof Covid-19 safety campaign Colgate handsout250,000 barsof soapacross Canadia Bank isaninspiration to me to contribute to promoting better livingandlifestyles among the Cambodianpeople.” our customers and employees.”​​ understanding. Taekwondo star Seavmey landsCanadiaBank ambassador role Cambodia’s Asian and Southeast Asian Games taekwondo gold medallist Sorn Seavmey was appointed Canadia Bank’s brand ambassador for 2021 last Wednesday, with the signing of a memorandum of memorandum a of signing Wednesday,the last with 2021 forambassador brand Bank’s Canadia appointed was Seavmey Sorn medallist gold taekwondo Games Asian Southeast and Cambodia’sAsian ​Atceremony, signing the bank’sthe CEO, ofOne said:” RaymondourSia, performanceBankis be Canadia valuesat to driven, promoteswhile bankalso the healthylifestyles and living both with Seavmey added: “I am proud to be chosen as Canadia Bank’s brand ambassador. Through its core values and the prominent leadership of chairman [Nheak Oknha] Pung Kheav Se, www.phnompenhpost .c om Email: [email protected] the Ministry of Rural Development. and (Unicef) Fund Children’s Nations United the out of support carried the with being is campaign The Covid-19. of spread the prevent to Challenge #SafeHands Organization’s Health World the support ogt i dntn 2000 as f op cos abda to Cambodia across soap of bars 250,000 donating is Colgate Socialite 13

photos SUPPLIED photo SUPPLIED 14 THE PHNOM PENH POST november 23, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com Lifestyle New Zealand gov’t vows to crack Thinking caps down on defecating backpackers

A campervan owner sets up a camping table. New Zealand tourism minister Stuart Nash said he planned to ban travellers from hiring campervans that do not have toilet facilities. AFP he New Zealand gov- visitors could expect changes is considered by the world’s ernment promised on when borders eventually reo- most discerning travellers as November 18 to take pen. one of the top three places in the action against back- “They need to buy into our world to visit,” he said. packersT relieving themselves at sustainability brand and Before the pandemic, tour- natural beauty spots as part of what we stand for as a coun- ism was one of New Zealand’s post-coronavirus tourism try – defecating on the side of biggest money-spinners, with plans. the road and waterways is not about four million annual Kiwis have long complained who we are as a nation,” he international visitors contrib- about so-called “freedom camp- told reporters. uting NZ$16.2 billion (US$11.2 ers” who travel the country in Nash said he planned to ban billion) to the economy. “LITTLE AMMO” campervans that do not have travellers from hiring camper- Nash suggested that visitors toilet facilities and leave human vans that were not self-con- in future should follow his own ACROSS 46 Sick-day reason 22 Opposite of 16-Across waste by the side of the road. tained as part of a tourism example before setting out to 1 Brings up the rear 47 Short-necked diving bird 25 Group of conspirators Tourism minister Stuart Nash industry reset when the Covid- explore New Zealand’s rugged 5 It may be irresistible 48 Forming lasting relationships 26 Software buyers said the practice did not fit New 19 pandemic eases. natural wonders. 9 Fuzzbuster’s finding 57 Family treasury 27 Having two equal lobes Zealand’s “100 per cent pure” “My ambition is that once glo- “I always go before I leave 14 Opera feature 58 German river 28 Graven image, e.g. 29 Horsepower booster image and that international bal borders open, New Zealand home,” he said. AFP 15 Not made up 59 Equine color 30 They’re good for your hands 16 End of the Greek alphabet 60 Inner personality, to Jung 31 Traffic snarler 17 Predicament 61 Actor’s lines 32 Hurriedness 18 Snobbery 62 Pearl Mosque city 33 Union platform? Don’t poo-poo it! Indian dung 19 The entire range 63 Filled, as a ship’s hold 35 Death notice, briefly 20 Swimsuit models 64 Piano parts 36 Strange sky sightings 23 Convent resident 65 Large bell sound DOWN 38 What bores induce festival celebrates end to Diwali 24 Hilo souvenir 39 Uniform cloth 1 Lion’s antithesis 25 Ark measures 44 Appellation for winter 2 Word with “high pressure” 29 Bugler’s goodnight 45 Compulsory force 3 Essential point 31 Half a ballroom dance 46 Logging channel 4 Kimono adornment 34 Place for all kidding? 47 Superior residence? 5 Planet beyond Saturn 35 Word said with a grimace 48 Heathen god 6 Despot’s duration 36 River to the Caspian Sea 49 Arm bone 7 Worn threads 37 Good time to make the bed 50 “What am ___?” (auction query) 8 Unnamed alternative 40 Nutmeg cover 51 Giraffes have a long one 9 Kind of gallery 41 Pen ends 52 Epoxy 10 Valuable fiddle 42 Ground-cover plant 53 Hardly vibrant 11 Prefix meaning “half” 43 Hallucinatory drug 54 “Faster! Faster!” 12 Malaria symptom 55 Make hourly 44 No longer deceived by 13 They may be trapped in a maze 56 Entanglement 45 A reindeer 21 Head of state? Friday’s solution

Laughing and cheering as they scoop up handfuls of cow dung to roll into balls, men and boys from Gumatapura village in southern India mark the ‘Gorehabba’ festival every year by flinging poo at each other.AFP Dozens of exuberant villagers greater protection of the beasts, The manure is brought to the scooped up handfuls of cow and many Indian states have local temple on tractors pulled Friday’s solution dung to mould and toss at each long banned their slaughter for by cattle adorned with mari- other like snowballs last week meat. gold flowers, before a priest for the Gorehabba festival, a “People from neighbouring performs a blessing ritual. local conclusion to India’s most villages and districts come to After that, the dung is important festival, Diwali. participate in this festival and dumped in an open area – with The festival is unique to a vil- enjoy it,” local headmaster men and boys wading in to pre- lage where locals believe their Shambu Lingappa told AFP on pare their weapons for the bat- god – Beereshwara Swamy – November 17. tle ahead. was born in cow excrement. The day begins with the col- “By lifting cow dung with Some Hindus believe cows lection of “ammunition” from your hands, it cures a lot of dis- and everything they produce is cow-owning homes in the vil- eases . . . and there is a strong sacred and purifying. Hindu lage, which lies on the border belief that participants will nationalist Prime Minister of the southern states of Karna- never get sick,” said school Narendra Modi has pushed for taka and Tamil Nadu. teacher Mahendra. AFP THE PHNOM PENH POST november 23, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 15 Sport Free agent Hayward Atletico edge past Barca for headed to Charlotte Coveted NBA free agent Gor- The NBA’s free agency negoti- don Hayward is headed to the ating period began on Friday, La Liga title boost over Real Charlotte Hornets on a deal but deals can’t be finalized until reported by ESPN to be worth the signing period starts on Sun- tletico Madrid de- $120 million over four years. day. livered a major boost Hayward’s agents Priority Both the New York Knicks and to their hopes of win- Sports added confirmation of Indiana Pacers had been report- ning La Liga on Satur- the move on their Twitter feed ed to be in the running to land dayA by beating Barcelona 1-0 with a post saying “Congrats to Hayward, with the 30-year-old and consigning their oppo- @gordonhayward on agreeing to forward reported by some to nents to their worst start to a terms with @hornets!” favor a return to his native Indi- league season in 29 years. Hayward became a free agent ana before the Hornets appar- Yannick Carrasco finished Thursday when he declined a ently swooped in. brilliantly from range after $34.2 million player option with Meanwhile, journeyman point mistakes from Gerard Pique the Boston Celtics for the upcom- guard Rajon Rondo is joining the and Marc-Andre ter Stegen ing season. Atlanta Hawks on a reported left the goal gaping but Barca, He had inked a four-year, two-year, $15 million deal. and a below-par Lionel Messi, $127.8 million contract with the The 34-year-old Rondo is failed to respond at the Wanda Celtics in 2017, but his tenure in entering his 15th NBA season Metropolitano. Boston was shadowed by injury, and this will be his sixth team. Instead, Atletico recorded starting with a grisly foot and He spent the last two with the their first league victory over ankle injury suffered minutes Los Angeles Lakers. Barcelona in 10 years, which into his regular-season debut Rondo thanked the Lakers, his puts them three points ahead with the club. teammates and the fans on of Real Madrid, with a game in He missed the rest of that sea- Instagram earlier Saturday. hand, and second in the table, son, and after a spotty 2018-19 “To the fans . . . thank you for level on points with early lead- campaign he averaged 17.5 welcoming me with open arms ers Real Sociedad. points, 6.4 rebounds and 4.1 from Day 1 and showing me love. It also leaves their oppo- assists in 52 games of the pan- Being apart of #LakeShow was nents languishing in 10th, Barcelona’s French midfielder Antoine Griezmann (left) heads the ball against Atletico Madrid’s Spanish demic-disrupted 2019-20 cam- something special and I’m proud with Barcelona’s 11 points defender Mario Hermoso during the Spanish League football match. afp paign. we brought it back to you!” from their first eight games Hayward was sidelined again Also, the Toronto Raptors are their worst tally at this stage by the sight of Pique hobbling ered the ball through the goal- point through Gerard More- in the playoffs in the NBA’s quar- poised to sign guard Fred VanV- since the 1991-92 season. off in tears with what the club keeper’s legs before a curling no’s second-half penalty. antine bubble in Orlando, leet to a four-year, $85 million “Like any coach, I am re- said was a “sprained right finish from 50 yards sent the “It feels like a small reward,” spraining his right ankle in the deal, Canadian media reported. sponsible,” said coach Ronald knee”. ball into the open net. said Zidane. “We deserved opening game of Boston’s first- The deal represents a huge Koeman. “We know we have to Pique was hurt during a col- Clement Lenglet should more today for the game we round series against Philadel- payday for VanVleet, who entered improve the results. I continue lision with Angel Correa and have equalised but headed played. I’m annoyed because phia. the league as an undrafted free to trust the players I have.” was in distress as he departed. Messi’s cross straight at Jan of the effort from the boys.” He returned during the East- agent in 2016. Real Madrid had earlier been “I am worried,” said Koe- Oblak yet Barcelona were far Mariano was almost sold ern Conference finals, in which VanVleet played a crucial role held to a 1-1 draw by in-form man. “A lot of damage has from dominant and Messi last summer but had to stand the Celtics fell in six games to the in the Raptors’ run to a champi- Villarreal, another slip-up for been done.” struggled for his usual influ- in for Karim Benzema, who is Miami Heat. onship in 2019. afp the reigning champions to en- Antoine Griezmann almost ence. injured, and Luka Jovic, who force the sense that this could put Barca in front against his Philippe Coutinho came on tested positive for coronavirus be Atletico’s year. old club while Marcos Llor- and Pique hobbled off. Messi on Friday. And beating Barcelona in ente went closest for Atletico, floated a free-kick wide and Sergio Ramos, Eder Militao La Liga for the first time since skimming the crossbar after a saw a shot blocked before and Casemiro were all miss- 2010 – before Simeone arrived neat exchange between Kier- substitute Martin Braithwaite ing following the international as coach – will do wonders for an Trippier and Correa down was given a late chance after a break, leaving Nacho Fer- the team’s belief and extends the right. poor kick by Oblak. But Barca nandez and an unfit Raphael what is now a considerable Messi might have scored but were unable to find a way Varane to fill in at the back, advantage in the table. was uncharacteristically hesi- through. while Martin Odegaard made It also extends Atletico’s un- tant, with an even half about a rare start in midfield. beaten run in the league to 24 to finish goalless until two er- Real slip up again Given the absentees, a draw matches. rors gifted Atletico the lead. Earlier, a patched-up Real may not worry Zidane too much, “Today we were able to Pique was caught out of Madrid had to hang on for a particularly against a buoyant win but it absolutely doesn’t position after a heavy touch draw against Villarreal. Villarreal side who sat second change anything,” said Sim- and Mario Hermoso did well Mariano Diaz gave Madrid at kick-off after four victories on eone. “We’re working well and to free Carrasco. Ter Stegen, the lead after just 105 seconds the bounce. I’m excited about this team.” already upfield, rushed out to but Zinedine Zidane’s team Another slip means Madrid Another disappointing day fill the gap Pique had left but faded at La Ceramica and Vil- have now won only three of their Coveted free agent Gordon Hayward of the Boston Celtics signed to a for Barca was soured further Carrasco’s first touch feath- larreal claimed a deserved last seven games. $120 million deal with the Charlotte Hornets. afp Haaland hits four as Dortmund cuts Bayern’s lead

Erling Braut Haaland netted four goals and The Norwegian now has 10 goals in seven Bun- draw with Werder Bremen. Bayern forward Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting Youssoufa Moukoko became the youngest play- desliga matches this season to give him a total fired over with the goal at his mercy five minutes er in Bundesliga history on Saturday as Borussia of 31 goals in 30 games in all competitions for Bayern held from time. Dortmund routed Hertha Berlin 5-2 to trim Bay- Dortmund. Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer produced However, Neuer’s heroics at the other end pre- ern Munich’s lead at the top of the table to just After Matheus Cunha gave Hertha a first-half great stops to twice deny US forward Josh Sar- served the draw. a point. lead at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium, Dortmund gent as Bremen earned their first point at Bayern It was the first time the 20-year-old Haaland roared back. for a decade. Hradecky’s howler had scored four goals in a game for Dortmund Haaland equalised when he tapped home an “We had to invest a lot,” Neuer told Sky. Bayer Leverkusen are third after their 2-1 win since his January debut, with all of them coming Emre Can pass on 47 minutes. The 34-year-old bounced back after conceding at strugglers Arminia Bielefeld thanks to Ale- in the second half. He grabbed his second two minutes later with six goals in Germany’s crushing defeat by Spain ksandar Dragovic’s late winner. “I drank a Red Bull at half time, I got some perfect timing to slip his marker and fire in a in midweek with two brilliant first-half saves in The victory was a relief for Leverkusen goal- wings and everything was good,” said Haa- Julian Brandt pass. quick succession. keeper Lukas Hradecky, who scored a embar- land. Haaland wrapped up his hat-trick on 62 min- He used a boot to block a Sargent shot, then rassing own goal early in the second half. utes, just before Raphael Guerreiro stabbed the lunged across goal to save from Ludwig Augustin- Leverkusen were 1-0 up thanks to a Leon Bai- ball home from close range to make it 4-1. sson. ley goal when Hradecky sliced a clearance, Cunha converted a late penalty, but the night In the dying stages, Neuer then stood tall to which rolled into the empty net behind him. belonged to Haaland who finished a move he block a shot by Sargent, who had broken clear. Dragovic stabbed home from close range two started with 10 minutes to play. Bayern coach Hansi Flick was far from pleased minutes from time to spare Hradecky’s blushes. There was still time for history to be made as that Bremen took the lead in his 50th game in RB Leipzig sit fourth after Yussuf Poulsen came Moukoko made a late cameo off the Dortmund charge, saying his team “have to defend better”. off the bench and produced a deft second-half bench to replace Haaland. Bremen deservedly went ahead just before volley in their 1-1 draw at Eintracht Frankfurt One day after his 16th birthday, Moukoko is half-time when midfielder Maximilian Eggestein after winger Aymen Barkok gave the hosts an the youngest player in Bundesliga history. finished off a superb attack. early lead. “He’s only just turned 16 – that is amazing,” “We conceded a very cheap goal, that’s how Despite having seven players quarantined Haaland said of Moukoko. “He has a big career Bremen’s plan worked and they defended very with the coronavirus, a depleted Hoffenheim ahead of him.” well,” said Bayern forward Thomas Mueller. drew 3-3 at home with Stuttgart. Dortmund’s Norwegian forward Braut Haaland Dortmund’s romp in Berlin moved them sec- Kingsley Coman equalised in the 62nd minute Schalke’s winless run stretched to 24 league (center) scores against Hertha Berlin to trim Bayern ond in the standings, behind defending cham- at the Allianz Arena by meeting a Leon Goretzka games, dating back to January, after losing 2-0 Munich’s table lead to a point. afp pions Bayern who stayed top despite a 1-1 home cross at the far post. at home to Wolfsburg. afp 16 THE PHNOM PENH POST november 23, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com Sport Spurs sink Man City to take Premier top spot

ottenham pow- to Everton on the opening into title contention as they ered to the top of the weekend, sparking hopes of again flattered to deceive at Premier League with a genuine title challenge. Old Trafford despite picking an impressive 2-0 “The players gave every- up a long-awaited win. winT against Manchester City, thing and followed a strat- Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s while Chelsea are up to sec- egy. They were amazing,” men got two slices of penalty ond place after their victory Mourinho said. fortune as West Brom were at Newcastle on Saturday. “We found a way to play awarded a spot-kick first ear- Manchester United remain and it was magnificent to see ly in the second-half when well off the pace in ninth, but them play how they did.” Fernandes challenged Con- did manage a first home win Tottenham, who last won nor Gallagher. in the Premier League for the top-flight title in 1961, However, on review, referee seven games as Bruno Fer- lead Chelsea by two points David Coote overturned his nandes’s twice-taken penalty with the two set to face each original decision. saw off lowly West Brom 1-0. other next weekend. Moments later, the Red Spurs end the day on top City are languishing in 11th Devils got a penalty for Dar- of the table for the first time place, eight points behind nell Furlong’s handball. in six years as goals from Son the leaders, albeit with a Fernandes’s first effort was Heung-min and Giovani Lo game in hand. saved, but he got a second Celso saw off a toothless City Pep Guardiola extended chance as Sam Johnstone at the Tottenham Hotspur his contract at the Etihad to had jumped off his line prior stadium. 2023 this week, but his side to the Portuguese interna- Tottenham took the lead look a shadow of the swag- tional’s kick. after five minutes as Son ran gering outfit that won suc- Fernandes slammed home onto Tanguy Ndombele’s loft- cessive league titles in 2018 the reprieve, but was still not ed pass, beat the City offside and 2019. happy at missing from the trap and slotted a cool finish Twelve points from eight spot for the third time this under Ederson for already games is City’s lowest total at season. his 11th goal of the season. this stage of a Premier League “Ok, I scored the second City dominated posses- campaign since 2008-09. one but I need to score the sion but struggled to create “We had more chances than first one,” he said. “Three chances and were cut open them but we lost. Mourinho’s Tottenham Belgian defender Toby Alderweireld (right) vies with Manchester City’s Brazilian striker Gabriel points is the most important again for a Spurs score with teams are like this, you make Jesus during the English Premier League match in London on November 21. afp thing but we know we can do just their second shot on tar- a mistake and they punish much better and we will do get. you on the counter attack,” unbeaten in nine games in The visitors’ pressure was the Newcastle defence and for sure.” Lo Celso came off the bench Guardiola said. all competitions and have rewarded in the 10th min- slipped a pass to Abraham, Earlier, Aston Villa missed to score just 35 seconds after not lost in their last six league ute when Mason Mount who guided his shot in off the chance to go top for a few his introduction as he raced ‘Stay humble’ matches. whipped in a low cross and the post. hours as Brighton ended a onto Harry Kane’s sublime Chelsea maintained their With five clean sheets in Fernandez turned it into his “I won’t get excited about run of seven games without a pass to slot past Ederson. fine form as Federico- Fer their last six outings in all own net under pressure from being top of the table for five win with a 2-1 victory at Villa On the one-year anniver- nandez’s first-half own goal competitions, Chelsea’s third Ben Chilwell. minutes,” said Lampard. “It’s Park. sary of Jose Mourinho’s ap- and Tammy Abraham’s strike successive league victory Chelsea put the result important to be humble and Solly March scored the pointment, Tottenham are sealed a 2-0 win at St James’ was the perfect way to start beyond doubt in the 65th know it’s a long race.” winner after Ezri Konsa can- unbeaten in their last eight Park. a hectic period leading up to minute when Timo Wer- United still have a long way celled out Danny Welbeck’s league games since losing Frank Lampard’s side are Christmas. ner accelerated away from to go to claw themselves back opener. afp England’s May running on instinct Tuktamysheva rules at Russian skating G Prix England wing Jonny May said he had can’t really remember it at the moment,” May’s tendency to run cross-field to no Former world champion She finished with 148.69 been running on instinct after scoring a May told reporters. effect early in his Test career, added: “I Elizaveta Tuktamysheva lived points for the program for a stunning solo try in an 18-7 Autumn “Off the back of good work defensively remember watching him in the 2015 World up to her billing as ‘The Empress’ total of 223.39 points. Nations Cup win over Ireland on Satur- it creates the turnover and gives us the ball Cup and at one stage he was going to end when she took her fifth career “I was not confident of vic- day. in space, so credit to the pack,” he added. up in Row K. Now he’s a serious finisher.” Grand Prix victory at the Ros- tory as the competition was The 30-year-old produced one of the all- Asked if the sensational score was pure- May, a member of the England side telecom Cup on Saturday. very strong,” Tuktamysheva time great Twickenham tries after bursting ly a matter of instinct, May replied: “A hun- beaten 32-12 by South Africa in last year’s The 23-year-old from St told isu.org. clear from near his own line before beating dred per cent. I don’t have enough time to World Cup final, returned the compliment Petersburg saw off compatriot “It was a nice surprise and a the Ireland cover, chipping ahead and then think about it when it’s like that off a quick by saying of Jones: “He’s one of a kind, very and European champion Alena nice ending to this Grand chasing down his own hacked kick for a turnover ball. charismatic there is no one else like him. Kostornaia with fellow Russian Prix. score between the posts. “It is awesome scoring tries for England,” He’s obsessed with getting better and I Anastasiia Guliakova finishing “It was a great atmosphere and It was a score that deserved to be cheered added May, whose 17th-minute opening think that is shown with what we do . . . We third on her Grand Prix debut. great support and I did not want by a capacity 80,000 crowd but May, who try saw him outjump Ireland full-back really do shoot for the stars with Eddie.” Tuktamysheva, who had been the program to go downhill. The only minutes earlier had put England 5-0 Hugo Keenan to catch England captain For all that England’s colossal defensive in second place following the music keeps building and it is up with the first of his side’s two tries, had Owen Farrell’s cross-kick. effort meant Ireland didn’t score until short program, nailed a triple such a rare chance now to per- to settle for the congratulations of team- May has now scored 31 tries in 59 Tests, replacement Jacob Stockdale’s try seven Axel-double toe in her Japanese- form in front of an audience. I mates in a fixture played behind closed equalling the England tallies of Ben Cohen minutes from time, they only managed six themed performance of “Chron- fed off the energy of the crowd doors because of the coronavirus pan- and Will Greenwood, with only retired second-half points via two Farrell penal- icles of a Mischievous Bird”. and I gave energy back.” afp demic. wing Rory Underwood (49 in 85) ahead of ties. “Everything happened really quickly, I him in the all-time Red Rose list of try- Jones, however, had no complaints after scorers. his Six Nations champions’ fourth succes- But May said breaking records was not sive win over Ireland. a motivating factor in his career. “I’m never disappointed when we beat “Tries are great and I love scoring them, Ireland. I know how hard it is to beat Ire- but they come and go and every week I land,” he said. have to make sure I defend well, my basics England will be assured of topping Pool have to be brilliant.” A with victory away to Wales next week- Meanwhile Eddie Jones, appointed Eng- end. land coach five years ago this week, rated Wales had lost six matches in a row prior May as one of the best finishers he’d to Saturday’s 18-0 win over Georgia, yet to seen. score a point in this tournament following “Jonny is right up there if you consider last week’s 40-0 defeat by England. he’s 30 and is still improving every aspect But a wary Jones said: “They (Welsh rock of his game,” said Jones. band Stereophonics) wrote a song about how the only game that counts is beating England’s wing Jonny May (left) scoresagainst ‘Shoot for the stars’ Ireland during the Autumn Nations Cup rugby England, so we’re anticipating a different Elizaveta Tuktamysheva of Russia performs her routine in the Women’s union match. afp Veteran Australian coach Jones, recalling animal next Saturday.”afp Short Program at the Rostelecom Cup of Figure Skating in Moscow. afp