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Tuesday, june 16, 2020 Intelligent . In-depth . Independent www.phnompenhpost.com 4000 RIEL UN agrees Foreign diplomats to urgent debate on Small-scale US racism public forums bypass Covid fees Khorn Savi test positive for Covid-19. including the US, Australia to stay at a hotel. They will THE UN’s top rights body on encouraged The decision was made dur- and France, and representa- be able to quarantine at their Monday agreed to a request from HE government has ing an inter-ministerial com- tives of diplomatic missions embassy and their homes. African countries to urgently amid pandemic decided to allow for- mittee meeting on the fight from 21 other countries. “But they must respect the debate racism and police brutal- national – page 2 eign diplomatic offi- against Covid-19 at the Minis- Ministry secretary of state health ministry’s prevention ity this week, following unrest in cials to enter the try of Health on Monday. York Sambath confirmed that measures, one of which is the US and beyond over George countryT without having health Led by health minister diplomatic officials would not allowing travel during Floyd’s death. insurance covering at least Mam Bun Heng, the meet- not be subject to the require- quarantine and until a sec- As the 43rd session of the UN $50,000 or depositing $3,000, ing was attended by the ments imposed upon for- ond test is performed,” she Human Rights Council resumed both requirements for foreign World Health Organisation eigners entering the country. told Fresh News. after breaking in March over the tourists. They will also receive (WHO) country director, “In addition, we will not take novel coronavirus pandemic, free medical treatment if they ambassadors of 10 countries them [diplomatic officials] Continued – page 2 council president Elisabeth Tichy-Fisslberger proposed to hold the debate on Wednesday. “I can see no objections. It is therefore so decided,” she said. It is only the fifth time in the council’s 14-year history that it new Integrated has agreed to hold an “urgent debate”, which is a special registration debate agreed upon within a regular session of the council. system for The first-ever such urgent debate at the council came in business debuts 2010 to address a deadly Israe- business – page 6 li raid on a flotilla bringing aid to Gaza. Urgent debates were also held in 2013, 2014 and 2018 on the situation in war- ravaged Syria. Burkina Faso’s ambassador to the UN in Geneva last Friday sent Tichy-Fisslberger a letter on behalf of Africa’s 54 countries, calling for an urgent debate on “racially inspired human rights violations, police brutality against people of African descent and the violence against the Nuclear arms peaceful protests that call for these injustices to stop”. control outlook That call came after Floyd’s family, along with the families of ‘bleak’, latest other victims of police violence research finds and over 600 NGOs this week To pedestrians’ rescue called on the council to urgently WORLD – Page 9 address systemic racism and Two motorcyclists (left) ride against the traffic on a busy street in Phnom Penh’s Tuol Kork district as a new pedestrian overpass sTORY > 2 police impunity in the US. is seen in the background. The municipal hall says the capital will boast a total of 27 pedestrian overpasses. HEAN RANSEY Friday’s letter pointed to the case of Floyd, a 46-year-old African-American man who died in police custody in Min- neapolis on May 25, after a white officer, who has since Woman dies in chemical blast been charged with murder, pressed his knee on his neck Kim Sarom working at the longan farm tree broken in two due to the incident as an accident and for nearly nine minutes. for just five days and was paid force of the blast. will not take any action His death, which was caught BATTAMBANG officials are 30,000 riel ($7.50) a day to “The victim was found 3m against the farm’s owner. on video and has sparked mas- warning about the dangers of mix chemical powder to fer- from the explosion and her Ratanak Mondol district sive protests across the US and coronavirus an chemical powder after a tilise the plants. body was severed from the governor In Saorith said on around the world, “is unfortu- female worker died on Satur- “She took the chemical to waist down and torn to Monday that it’s important to nately not an isolated incident”. inspiration for day in an explosion while put in the tank and smashed shreds,” he said. educate residents about the “Many other cases of persons smashing sodium chloride to it to become powder but then The victim had worked dangers of chemicals. of African descent [have] faced novelists, says spray on longan plants. it exploded,” he said. doing the same thing in Thai- “I have also told the depart- the same fate because of their Ratanak Mondol district Nil said the incident hap- land for 10 years, according to ment of agriculture in Ratanak origin and police violence,” lebanon writer police chief Sorn Nil told The pened around 1:30pm and a co-worker and had experi- Mondol district to educate the Burkina Faso ambassador Dieu- Post on Sunday that the vic- when the police went to the ence in mixing the chemical. farmers on the right way to donne Desire Sougouri told the lifestyle – page 14 tim, Yean Ya, 30, had been scene they found the longan Police have classified the handle chemicals,” he said. council on Monday. AFP

THE PHNOM PENH POST Hun Sen says TVET skills key to National News human resource development Inside page 3 2 THE PHNOM PENH POST june 16, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com National Small-scale public Benefit plans in the cards forums of 50 and for the disabled population fewer encouraged

Long Kimmarita Ry Sochan participation from residents to address issues,” he said. HE Ministry of Social MINISTER of Interior Sar Ministry of Interior secre- Affairs, Veterans and Kheng said municipal and tary of state Sak Setha told Youth Rehabilitation provincial administrations The Post on Monday that fo- on Monday held an can now organise public fo- rums and councils provide lo- inter-ministerialT meeting to rums as normal but have to cals with an outlet to address discuss how to better iden- limit the number of partici- issues related to their lives. tify people with disabilities in pants to less than 50. “The government has put Cambodia. In a letter on Monday, Sar great effort into tackling Secretary of state Nhek Van- Kheng wrote: “The provincial, Covid-19. We reported about nara told The Post that the municipal, district and com- problems and now we need meeting was the third of its mune councils can continue to collect information from kind aimed at gathering input to host forums as normal. residents including various from relevant ministries. “For the participants, they requests,” he said. “As a result, the inter-minis- have to practice measures pre- Advocacy and Policy Insti- terial group has provided a lot venting the spread of Covid- tute director Lam Socheat told of input and we will prepare a final report to implement The provincial, municipal, the plans we have developed. This work is not only that of district and commune the Ministry of Social Affairs councils can continue to host alone,” he said. Vannara said identifying forums as normal people with disabilities will Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation secretary of state Nhek Vannara is leading an benefit the nation as a whole effort to identify disabled people in Cambodia to issue benefit cards. Social Affairs Ministry 19 and follow the advice of The Post that it is a good idea if and issuing licences to those the Ministry of Health.” each forum considers select- with disabilities will result in dium and mild. Benefits will will feel more confident. tries have four categories, Sar Kheng advised the ad- ing participants who truly have benefits from the public and be provided to disabled peo- “People with disabilities of- some have six. ministrations to check tem- problems. It is also a good idea the private sectors. ple according to the category. ten don’t receive the things that “In the past, we identified peratures, prepare hand sani- if participants are limited to “We will issue cards for Cheat Sokha, who is wheel- meet their needs,” Sokha said. disabilities at the severe level tisers, use masks or Khmer fewer than 50 people so they benefits based on disability chair-bound, told The Post on Hands of Hope Commu- for those who are unable to krama, and practice social can discuss their issues. type and income level. Public Monday that some officials nity (HHC) executive director work. This means that the distancing. He also advised “If a forum is attended by transportation will be provid- are not familiar with people Chan Sarin told The Post on benefits to people with se- them to invite residents to 200 to 300 people, most of ed free of charge, including with intellectual disabilities Monday that identifying peo- vere disabilities were much join the forums. them will listen [to problems ] public health check-ups and and just identify people with ple with disabilities would greater than those with mild “Covid-19 has affected the but they do not provide opin- other services,” he said. physical disabilities. make it easier to classify them disabilities,” Sarin said. economic, social, managerial ions,” he said. According to Vannara, the She said if she and other peo- into different conditions. He said that based on his re- and administrative work at government has classified ple with disabilities get a state “The identification of peo- search, more than 10 per cent the sub-national level. It has www.phnompenhpost.com people with disabilities into identification card, then bene- ple with disabilities depends of the population has some also affected meetings and check the post website three categories – severe, me- fits will be available and people on each country. Some coun- form of disability. public forums and prevented for breaking news Capital to construct 27 overpasses

Niem Chheng dents and reduce traffic con- of Prime Minister Hun Sen it is readily available. He also gestion, he said. who has applied win-win urged the city to equip over- PHNOM Penh municipal gov- The governor went to visit a strategies that bring peace passes with lights and CCTV ernor Khuong Sreng said on pedestrian overpass near Phsar and development to the King- cameras to avoid unpredicta- Monday that the capital will Doeum Kor in Tuol Kork district dom,” he said. ble crimes at night. boast a total of 27 pedestrian on Monday. He then posted on Kim Pagna, the country “What I also want is to see overpasses if the public his Facebook that the public director for AIP Foundation, a the Phnom Penh administra- approves the five now in the will soon get a gift from Prime road safety NGO, applauded tion check the sidewalks,” he trial phase. Minister Hun Sen and his wife, the construction of the pedes- said. “We can construct over- “Phnom Penh will have 27 which will reduce the risk of trian overpasses in the capital. passes but pedestrians still [overpasses] at crowded plac- crossing a busy street. He said annual deaths from face accidents. They must walk es. We will build overpasses for “Step by step we have wid- road traffic accidents account- on the street because the side- the people or we will see ened the streets, improved ed for almost 10 per cent of walk is filled with parked cars whether we can construct the underground infrastruc- total traffic deaths. or occupied by a business.” lifts,” he told The Post. ture system and built over- “In principle, pedestrians The Phnom Penh adminis- Sreng said he could not con- passes. Currently, we are con- must be able to cross the street tration has to date construct- firm when the 27 pedestrian structing overpasses at safely. So having pedestrian ed three pedestrian over- overpasses will be completed. Chaom Chao to reduce traffic overpasses is very necessary, passes in Por Sen Chey district But his administration will congestion,” he said about the especially for children and eld- and near Olympic Stadium. see whether the idea wins city of three million. erly people,” he said. Two more pedestrian over- support from the public. He refuted comments that Pagna also encouraged city passes are under construc- Should the public support the Cambodia has slow develop- officials to urge people to use tion at Phsar Doeum Kor and idea, the overpasses will min- ment. “Cambodia develops the overpasses as he had seen Santhormok along Kam- imise risks from traffic acci- very fast under the leadership them avoiding it even though puchea Krom Boulevard. Gov’t reserves $2 billion for Covid-19 fight

Continued from page 1 Since May 20, Cambodia has re- The government has spent more than quired all passengers travelling from $1 billion on maintaining trade balances The exemption for diplomatic officials abroad to be sent to health check fa- in sectors gravely affected by the pan- came at the same time the ministry is- cilities for testing. They then have to demic and easing the burden of workers sued a notice requiring foreign tourists quarantine for 14 days as the country and vulnerable people. to deposit $3,000 when they enter Cam- attempts to prevent a second wave of It has also been working with other bodia to cover the cost of testing, quar- the virus. countries to repatriate respective citi- antining and travelling. Ministry spokesperson Or Vandine, zens stranded amid the pandemic. Minister of Economy and Finance Aun finance ministry spokesperson Meas On Monday, the Ministry of Foreign Pornmoniroth said in a June 8 letter that Soksensan and government spokesman Affairs and International Cooperation foreigners would be required to pay be- Phay Siphan could not be reached for noted that 115 of the 143 Cambodians tween $5 and $100 for services such as comment on Monday. stranded in Malaysia had returned along testing and medical treatment. But Soksensan earlier told reporters with 89 other passengers. If a foreigner dies from the virus, $1,500, that between $800 million to $2 billion The ministry said some Cambodians which includes related fees, would be had been reserved by the government to chose to stay in Malaysia because they collected for cremation services. combat the Covid-19 pandemic. were returning to work or school. THE PHNOM PENH POST june 16, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 3 National Customs at Chrey Thom border ban six vegetables Khouth Sophak Chakrya if they are not properly decomposed before the vegetables are shipped. THE General Department of Cus- Manrin said: “The pesticides we toms and Excise mobile team at found on all six vegetables were Chrey Thom International Check- used to kill worms that eat leafy point in Kandal province has de- stems and plant roots. These toxins cided to ban imports of six types of generally disappear within five days vegetables from Vietnam – Chinese to a week after they react with sun- cabbage, broccoli, ladyfingers, small light and other minerals. lemons, pumpkin and garlic chives. “But if the pesticide only sits on The decision came after Cam- the fruit and vegetables for a few bodia Import Export Inspection days and farmers harvest them to and Fraud Repression Directorate- be sold, poisonous clumps attached General (CamControl) officials in to the leaves or stems will harm the Kandal province discovered traces health of consumers.” of pesticides on the six types of Coalition of Cambodian Farmer The building collapse in Sihanoukville killed 28 people and injured 26 on June 22 last year. facebook vegetables that could cause health Community (CCFC) director Theng problems for consumers. Savoeun applauded the action taken Moung Dara, the chief of the mo- by the authorities to prevent the flow bile Customs and Excise team, told of chemically tainted fruits and veg- The Post on Monday that during the etables from outside the country. S’ville building collapse past three days, his team worked He said many farmers are expand- with Kandal province’s CamControl ing their plantations by using natu- officials to conduct quality checks ral fertilisers with consumer welfare on more than 20 types of fruits and in mind. victims closer to justice vegetables imported from Vietnam “We cannot ban the import of through the Chrey Thom interna- fruits and vegetables from abroad Voun Dara In a Facebook post, the lawyers dech Techo [Hun Sen] have tried to tional Checkpoint. as local production does not meet said that on May 27, they left Phnom perform the task responsibly. I can’t He said: “After the poisonous pes- market demand. Instead, we ask HE Preah Sihanouk Provin- Penh for Preah Sihanouk province comment on anything else as they ticide was discovered, we seized and the government to prevent imports cial Court will hear a case to attend the hearing for the victims are in the hands of the court.” destroyed all of it and instructed our of fruits and vegetables that we on June 25 related to the of the building collapse. In July last year, nearly 50 fami- Cambodian vendors to stop import- cannot produce, or ones that are collapse of a seven-storey But they said the presiding judges lies of victims of the tragedy urged ing those products from Vietnam. spoilt or contain toxic chemicals,” buildingT which killed 28 people and postponed it after one of the lawyers the court, through their lawyers, to “But the next day, we still saw Savoeun said. injured 26 on June 22 last year, said for the accused was absent and an- move quickly to ensure justice was the six vegetables being imported. He called on farmers to increase its spokesman Lim Bun Heng. other requested the postponement. served. So, our authorities have decided to their cultivation of fruits and veg- “The court set the date of the “It has been a long time and in- Each of the families demanded officially ban the import of them etables according to the advice of hearing, and relevant parties and volves many victims. The plaintiffs from $20,000 to over $100,000 in from Vietnam.” agricultural experts, by using ferti- lawyers who will attend have been are still waiting for justice to be compensation from a Chinese- Kandal Camcontrol branch man- lisers and herbal supplements that summoned,” he said. served for something that happened owned company. ager Ou Manrin told The Post that ensure safety of consumers. Volunteer lawyers of Prime Min- a year ago,” the post said. Two days after the incident oc- agricultural pesticides are com- Savoeun also warned people to ister Hun Sen expressed frustration The deputy head of Hun Sen’s curred, four Chinese construction monly used for killing insects and not take advantage of the opportu- with the legal proceedings in May volunteer lawyers Chhy Sambath contractors were ordered to sus- helping vegetables grow, but they nity by increasing the price of the when the hearing was postponed. said: “Volunteer lawyers of Sam- pend their operations. can become harmful to consumers foods banned from Vietnam. 4 THE PHNOM PENH POST june 16, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com National Forest offences continue at Prey Lang, says PLCN report Khorn Savi

THE Prey Lang Community Network (PLCN) has claimed that within the past three months, 90 cases of forest of- fences have been carried out in the area and the numbers are only increasing. A report released on Satur- day said the biggest increase – 35 per cent – was around Kratie province. This is fol- lowed by Kampong Thom (32 The mother and daughter were sentenced to 11 years and 10 years respectively for the murder. kim sarom per cent), Stung Treng (almost The report said Kratie province saw the biggest increase. HENG CHIVOAN 21 per cent) and Preah Vihear (almost 13 per cent). past three months came from “The ministry is working in “Prey Lang is in danger. actual patrolling. collaboration with its partner, There is a lack of cooperation He said homemade trucks USAID’s Green Forest, and 19 Mother, daughter get among government agencies enter Prey Lang daily. Each protected areas in the Prey Lang that makes it harder for peo- truck delivers wood three to community forest continue col- ple to participate in patrol- four times per day and it can laborative agreements to patrol, ling the forest. There are clear deliver wood from two to four protect and conserve natural jail terms for murder signs of logging during this cubic metres in size, he said. resources to prevent offences in period,” the report states. “Forest offences have not Prey Lang,” Pheaktra said. Kim Sarom and called the lower court’s The victim and his wife fought The release of the report dropped, but has increased. The ministry has reported that ruling fair. and he strangled her. That was comes at a time when the On Sunday, I was able to take for the past four months, start- HE Appeal Court on Thida told The Post outside when the mother slashed his PLCN is considered illegal by photos of 10 homemade trucks ing from January to April, envi- Monday upheld two the courtroom on Monday neck with a knife. The mother the Ministry of Environment that I observed on a path in my ronment officials, local authori- Phnom Penh Mu- that the court did not seem to and daughter then tied him and has been banned from village. And there are hundreds ties and community groups in nicipal Court murder have considered the request. up with wires and tape before patrolling the Prey Lang area of paths,” said Sopheap. Prey Lang patrolled the area 511 sentencesT of 11 years and 10 “I will file a grievance with the wife stabbed him two more since early February. Wood delivered from Prey times and investigated forest of- years respectively. the Supreme Court because times in the chest. The ministry has threat- Lang by homemade trucks fences, including 399 cases of The accused women – moth- the Appeal Court gives me one They then went to the Teuk ened to take legal action is alleged to be bought from logging and hunting. er and daughter Kong Thida, month to file it,” she said. Thla commune police station against the network if it con- business people who are Pheaktra said the reasons 47, and Ngov Somary, 20 – were Court records showed the to confess. tinues to collect data about mostly police officers, soldiers for forest offences in the Prey convicted of murder last year women killed Somary’s hus- Last December, the Phnom logging in Prey Lang without and Military Police officials. Lang area are the residents’ but requested that the presiding band Kim Yort, 29, on May 24, Penh Municipal Court sen- its permission. Ministry spokesman Neth dependence on forest prod- judge reduce their sentences. last year. The incident started tenced them on charges of Hoeun Sopheap, a PLCN Pheaktra said the PLCN re- ucts, encouragement by illegal Judge In Vanvibol read the with an argument over a mar- manslaughter under Article member in Kampong Thom, port does not represent the business people and a limited verdict on Monday and said riage registration and Yort’s 199 of the Criminal Code and told The Post on Monday work of protecting Prey Lang. number of forest rangers. the facts showed that the two refusal to give his wife 10,000 ordered them to pay the vic- that the report about forest “Any reports from PLCN, Sopheap said PLCN is con- had brutally killed the victim riel ($2.50). tim’s family 200 million riel. offences in Prey Lang in the which is not under the law, sidering negotiating with the are [their] own responsibility ministry once the Covid-19 and the information is for its situation improves. group which does not repre- He said it is better to find sent management and con- an acceptable agreement for servation of natural resources both parties so the PLCN can in Prey Lang. patrol the forests again.

In Kampong Speu province, five homemade trucks were destroyed. grk Lorry held, trucks set ablaze in timber cases

Soth Koemsoeun dence to the Forestry Adminis- tration. I do not know about the A LORRY delivering furni- action it will take,” Yen said. ture to Phnom Penh was im- Lorry owner Nom Bunthan, pounded in Ratanakkiri prov- 49, is from Boeung Kanseng ince on Sunday as it lacked commune, Banlung town. a permission letter from the Authorities said they retrieved Forestry Administration. wooden tables, beds, vases Ratanakkiri Military Police and doors. commander Thav Yen told The lorry was sent to the The Post on Monday that his Ratanakkiri provincial Forest- officers in Kon Mom district, ry Administration, according working in collaboration with to the Military Police’s report the National Police, detained on Monday. the furniture lorry at Trapaing In Kampong Speu province, Kraham, Kon Mom district on Military Police also burned Sunday. The lorry owner has five homemade vehicles they been detained for questioning. said were being used to de- “I sent the report and evi- liver wood illegally. THE PHNOM PENH POST june 16, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 5 National Hun Sen: TVET skills key to Angkor Wat shops and stalls demolished for human resource development tourism infrastructure

Voun Dara Soth Koemsoeun that his restaurant was 20m long and 30m wide. He said RIME Minister Hun Sen said in a THE Apsara National Author- he removed it last month to letter applauding the 3rd Techni- ity (ANA), in cooperation maintain the area’s beauty cal and Vocational Education and with the Siem Reap provincial and help the ANA. Training (TVET) Day on Monday, Department of Tourism, has “Usually, the problem of re- thatP such education and training had worked with residents to re- moving this restaurant affects played a key role in developing human move 10 stalls and restaurants both livelihoods and materi- resource personnel with expert knowl- near the Angkor Wat temple als. But we must join together edge, skills and professional ethics. during the first six months of to promote the environment, He said the training programmes have this year. culture and beauty of the also contributed to the stimulation of The ANA plans to demolish temple’s compound. economic growth and created good jobs or remove all constructions “I still have another res- for citizens. in the Angkor Wat temple taurant in Siem Reap town. If The TVET day was themed TVET Im- area by the end of the year, the ANA could find a proper proves Life. said ANA spokesman Long location for us to reopen, I Hun Sen said he regarded human capi- Kosal. will follow their guidance,” tal as an important factor for increasing Kosal said restaurant own- he said. work productivity, creating sound values, ers had agreed to remove the ANA’s Facebook page quot- enhancing competitive abilities, attract- 10 constructions and stalls in ed the organisation’s deputy ing foreign investments and embracing the area and handed the loca- director-general Yith Chan- new technologies. tions to the ANA to develop daroth as saying that all con- He said: “In the context of a rapidly Hun Sen said the training programmes have created good jobs for citizens. Hean Rangsey tourism infrastructure. structions must be removed changing economic infrastructure and He said all the businesspeo- without exception, even the speedy technological progress, we need than 200,000 people, including trainees, laborated with the Ministry of Labour and ple in the affected areas were ANA’s compound in the off- to foster new skills to create new jobs. students and workers had undergone Vocational Training to carry out reforms willing to cooperate with the limits area. “Vocational skills play a vital role in new skills training. They also found good and promote the TVET programmes by ANA and would remove their On behalf of the ANA, he providing possibilities to citizens who job opportunities and created occupa- investing nearly $175 million in them. structures as requested. thanked the Ministry of aspire to have job stability and can move tions themselves he said. Some of the work included honing “The 10 removed construc- Tourism, the provincial De- to new jobs rapidly.” Currently, there are 23 public technical competitive skills and abilities of workers, tions are big stalls and res- partment of Tourism and all The prime minister also said that over and vocational training establishments training the industrial workforce of Cam- taurants that were roofed. businesspeople for cooper- the past years, the government has pri- accredited by the International Organi- bodia and developing human resources Some of them were covered ating in a common mission oritised the technical and vocational sation for Standardisation (ISO). for four priority sectors – production, with zinc and others were to preserve and increase the training system. The prime minister encouraged citi- construction, electrical and electronics. thatched roofs. There are popularity of Angkor Wat. It has invested heavily in the sec- zens to take advantage of the training. ADB said it had contributed study ma- no more left – they have re- He said the ANA will de- tor to try to catch up with the coun- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) terials and provided quality teaching to moved them almost com- velop a community square in try’s socio-economic development, the told The Post on Monday that efforts to nearly half a million high school stu- pletely.” front of the famous temple. rapid changes in technologies and job strengthen TVET in Cambodia will help dents, 40 per cent of whom are women. Restaurant owner Srun markets, and the higher expectations of maintain economic resistance to crises It also helped some 34,000 students Kimseng, who owned a res- www.phnompenhpost.com families for better living standards. such as the Covid-19 pandemic. (52.8 per cent women) to enrol in TVET taurant in front of the Angkor check the post website Over the last five years, he said, more ADB added that since 2014, it had col- programmes. Wat temple, said on Monday for breaking news 6 THE PHNOM PENH POST june 16, 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 4,069 1.3648 7.0959 107.36 4.2755 1.3959 31.12 0.6808 1.1250 1.2530 Integrated business registration system debuts

Thou Vireak new system, businesses are only required to register once. IX ministries and “The cost of registration state-run institutions under the new mechanism have been integrated has been reduced by about into a business regis- 40 per cent. The patent tax trationS system on an informa- for the year of registration has tion technology platform that been reduced by 50 per cent was launched on Monday by and the registration taxes for government representatives. new registration documents The platform intends to make are now exempt. the process of registering and “Businesspeople are no lon- opening a business in Cambo- ger required to take a photo and dia easier and more efficient. scan their fingerprint immedi- The six ministries and state ately after listing,” he said. institutions listed in the system Cambodia Chamber of are the ministries of Interior; Commerce vice-president Economy and Finance; Com- Lim Heng said the new sys- merce; and Labour and Voca- tem would also help reduce tional Training, as well as the bureaucracy and corruption. General Department of Taxa- He said: “We, in the private tion and the Council for the sector, welcome and strongly Development of Cambodia. support the registration sys- Speaking at the launch, fi- tem and expect that it will at- nance minister Aun Pornmon- tract more foreign investors iroth said the new system will to Cambodia.” improve the Kingdom’s invest- But, while the business regis- ment climate and enhance tration system provides advan- overall competitiveness. tages, the government should He said: “I am truly thrilled. focus on strengthening human I hold this new registration resources so that the system system in the highest esteem, is fully understood and infor- which will allow businessmen mation about it can be eas- to register their businesses at ily accessed, said Federation of the Ministry of Commerce, Minister of Economy and Finance Aun Pornmoniroth (front, centre) says the new system will improve the Kingdom’s investment climate and Association for Small and Me- enhance overall competitiveness. HONG MENEA register their taxes at the Gen- dium Enterprises of Cambodia eral Department of Taxation dynamic investment destina- fullest extent possible.” will allow data to be quickly ministries and institutions will president Te Taingpor. and announce the opening tion, especially in the context Phan Phalla, the secretary transferred between minis- also be provided in a digital for- He told The Post: “We wel- of an enterprise at the Minis- of changing global produc- of state of the finance minis- tries for review and approval, mat and can be self-published come the launch of the on- try of Labour and Vocational tion chains and relocating of try and the chairman of the he said. for official use,” said Phalla. line registration system, but Training at the same time. factories, he said. inter-ministerial registration “All the processes will be He said the system reflects we would like the ministry The whole process can be “I encourage business- system working group, said done completely online. There the government’s commit- to launch a human resources done in only eight days.” people to use the new busi- the system is the first of its are no tangible documents. ment to reform by reducing training course to make sure The platform will help turn ness registration system kind in Cambodia. “All fees will be paid online complex procedures and sav- people have a comprehensive Cambodia into a modern and and its mechanisms to the The data exchange platform and certificates issued by the ing time and costs. With the understanding of it.” Minister asks company for paper mill South Korea says may Hin Pisei its plantation area before com- sign FTA next month mitting to investing in a full- CAMBODIA has appealed to fledged pulp and paper mill, Thou Vireak two governments sign an FTA, Paper Tree Investment (Cam- the likes of those in Thailand. it will provide a boost for her bodia) Co Ltd to expand its “When we have sufficient SOUTH KOREAN officials have company. eucalyptus-based pulp mill raw material, the company expressed their intention to sign She said: “This agreement will into paper production. plans to set up a paper mill a free trade agreement (FTA) give a competitive advantage to This would effectively make and a wooden tile factory,” with Cambodia next month to the private sector to export the facility the Kingdom’s first said Sopheak. boost bilateral trade, news goods to the [Korean] market.” paper mill. But given the ongoing eco- hailed by local businessmen. The two countries signed a Paper Tree Investment is a nomic slump, he said, another The Korea Herald quoted joint feasibility study on estab- subsidiary of Thai-based Paper three-to-five years are required South Korea’s Deputy Prime lishing an FTA last year. Tree Holding Co Ltd. Estab- for the Kingdom to be able to Minister and Minister of Econ- During a visit to South Korea lished in 2013, the company is supply enough eucalyptus for omy and Finance Hong Nam- in February, Prime Minister Hun currently cultivating a total of a paper mill. ki as saying on Monday: “Since Sen said bilateral trade between 1,056ha of land in four different He said his company cur- the proposal for an FTA with Cambodia and South Korea locations – two in Banteay rently purchases eucalyptus Cambodia was raised in March reached over $1 billion last year, Meanchey province, one in Bat- trees at $25-$30 per tonne. last year, as part of the govern- up more than 36 per cent from tambang province and another Paper Tree Investment (Cambodia) Co Ltd currently purchases eucalyptus Banteay Meanchey provin- ment’s New Southern Policy, a $756 million in 2018. trees at $25-$30 per tonne. SUPPLIED one in Pailin province. cial deputy governor Ly Sary joint feasibility study and The Kingdom exported $335 During a visit to one of its paper mill. He said it also seeks to increase said there are currently three related public hearing were million in goods and imported plantations, Minister of Agri- “I would like to ask the com- its wood purchases from grow- large eucalyptus tree farms in completed late in May and on $696 million last year, he said, culture, Forestry and Fisheries pany to look into the possibil- ers in the provinces, which it the province. June 12, respectively. noting that exports to South Veng Sakhon requested the ity of setting up a paper then grinds to pulp before The tree is not only easy to grow, “Based on this, the govern- Korea mostly comprised of company to expand its cultiva- processing unit in Cambodia, exporting it to Thailand. but also harbours great potential ment plans to complete the clothes, shoes, travel goods tion area and look into the rather than shipping raw Eucalyptus pulp is an impor- for the economy, he said. process, including submission products, beverage, compo- possibility of engaging in con- materials to [paper mills in] tant raw material in paper- “As local authorities, we of reports to the National nents for electronic equip- tract farming arrangements to Thailand,” he said. making and in manufacturing always encourage investors and Assembly and launch FTA ment, rubber, medical and enhance the livelihoods of Paper Tree Investment other products, he said. people to plant more trees. Not negotiations in July,” he said. agricultural products. local communities. project director Tek Sopheak He noted that eucalyptus only does this help create new Mao Sothea, a sales man- Meanwhile, he said, Cambo- At the same time, he also told The Post on Monday that cultivation remains limited in jobs and new opportunities for ager at Kirirom Food Product dia mainly imports vehicles, requested the company to the company is currently the Kingdom despite the high families to earn income, but it Co Ltd, a mango processing beverages, electronic equip- consider converting its exist- working to expand its eucalyp- market demand, adding that also contributes to the care of plant which exports to South ment, home appliances, med- ing pulp mill into a pulp and tus tree plantations. the company must first expand the environment,” he said. Korea, told The Post that if the ical and plastic products. THE PHNOM PENH POST june 16, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 7 Business Imported pigs from Thailand Thai household debt could soar beyond may reduce pork price in VN 80 per cent of GDP HE price of live hog in the Viet- THE Covid-19 crisis has had fourth quarter of last year. namese market decreased re- a massive impact on house- While overall GDP value cently after the Ministry of Agri- hold debt in Thailand and it is decreased to 15 trillion baht culture and Rural Development expected to rise to more than ($480 billion) this year from allowedT imports of pigs from Thailand. 80 per cent of gross domestic 16 trillion baht last year, com- In the northern region, the price of live product (GDP), state think- bined with the income shock hog fell slightly by between 1,000-3,000 tank National Economic and household debt is expected to dong (4.29-12.88 US cents) per kg to 92,000- Social Development Council surpass 80 per cent of GDP this 95,000 dong ($3.95-$4.08). Meanwhile, the (NESDC) has warned. year, he warned. prices in the central and southern regions Thai household debt stood Consumers also used personal were down to 88,000-93,000 dong per kg. at 79.8 per cent of GDP in the loans for doing businesses, esti- Nguyen Van Trong, deputy director of first quarter of this year. mated to be 17.9 per cent of total the ministry’s Department of Livestock The pandemic resulted in personal loans, which include Breeding, said the price of live pigs will businesses shutting down in hire purchase, auto loans and drop further in the near future. addition to the drought already mortgage, he said. Taking this Trong said there are many businesses having hit households hard, behaviour into account, house- registering to import live pigs, some of leading to increased borrowing hold debts could be lower. them have registered imports of between of money as incomes declined, Non-performing loans arising 100,000-200,000 pigs. said NESDC secretary-general from consumption loans is about Insiders said that the price of live Thosaporn Sirisumphand 3.23 per cent of total consump- pigs imported from Thailand is about (pictured). tion loans, up from 2.9 per cent 50,000 dong per kg, but it will increase The economic impact will in the fourth quarter of last year, because the transport of live pigs must be severe in the second he said. Bad debts amounted go via Cambodia and Laos. quarter, he predicted, to 156 billion baht. Nguyen Dinh Bich, an expert in research The price of live hog fell to 92,000-95,000 dong ($3.95-$4.08) per kg in Vietnam’s northern region and as many businesses Thai household debt to- to 88,000-93,000 dong per kg in the central and southern regions. VIETNAM NEWS AGENCY/VIET NAM NEWS and analysis of Vietnam’s agricultural mar- have laid off workers, talled 13.47 trillion baht ket, told local media that the import of live ent time. In the long run, the market will sions on veterinary hygiene requirements, or cut their employ- in the fourth quarter of pigs will meet the increasing demand of still lack pork.” quarantine procedures and quarantine ees’ salaries. last year, up four per cent Vietnamese consumers and pulling down He said although the price of live pigs certificates for pigs from Thailand. “The income shock year-on-year, but down the price of domestic pork. dropped sharply in recent days, the price The price of pork began fluctuating led to continued 5.5 per cent quarter-on- Bich said: “Frozen pork is mainly used of pork at traditional markets and super- early last year as Vietnam was facing the expansion of quarter. The debt- for food processing and serving meals for markets still remained high at between outbreak of African swine fever. consumer to-GDP ratio was workers, while fresh pork is always used 170,000-230,000 dong per kg. Under the government’s direction on loans, grow- 79.8 per cent, the in the family meal.” At an online conference held between reducing the price of live pigs to 60,000 ing 7.1 per highest in 14 In addition, he said due to fears of Vietnam Department of Animal Health dong per kg for stability in the domestic cent, while quarters. It African swine fever recurrence, many and Thailand Livestock Development market during the Covid-19 pandemic, the NESDC is expected farm owners sold pigs sooner than the Department last week, the two sides dis- 15 major livestock enterprises has com- had predicted it to surpass expected time, making the price drop. cussed and agreed procedures and con- mitted to join the price stabilisation pro- should be less,” 80 per cent Bich said: “The sale of pigs increased ditions to import live pigs from Thailand. gramme for several months. However, he said. Consum- of GDP this the supply of pork in the country. How- The pigs will be slaughtered in Vietnam. the price of pork is not yet controlled. VIET er loans expanded year. THE NATION ever, it is only positive news at the pres- The two sides also agreed detailed provi- NAM NEWS/ASIA NEWS NETWORK 7.5 per cent in the (THAILAND)/ANN 8 THE PHNOM PENH POST june 16, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com

www.phnompenhpost.com/post-focus fashion Affordable luxury and ‘precious moments’ see Sandara shining Pandora jewellery and Bering timepieces have found their way onto the wrists of young Cambodians, as a timely venture into the Kingdom is paying off handsomely for Sandara.

retailer in the world in terms of total volume and is behind only Cartier and Tiffany & Co in terms of gross sales. Last year Cambodia became the fastest-growing market for Pandora in Southeast Asia, Tea said. Already a household name across the world, Pandora products have captured the hearts of young, urban professionals due to their ever- changing yet timeless design. Tea said that Pandora was excelling in the Cambodian market due to its digital reach and its commitment to “affordable luxury”. ot all that glitters may be The brand’s number one seller is its gold, but Sandara Industry charms collection. The trend encour- and Development Company ages people to purchase mementos Ltd’s prospects are shining brightN after bringing two celebrated Danish brands to the Kingdom. The company acquired the exclu- sive Cambodian distribution rights to the Pandora and Bering Time brands in 2018 and has rapidly expanded its retail presence in around 18 months. “Part of the mission of Sandara is to bring affordable products to Brand manager Bun Kolsalyta. Post staff the local market, and our retail arm has and link them brand, Sandara also runs three Bering As a result, the company has been active with onto their Time stores. The Danish brand produc- streamlined its digital sales platform Pandora and Ber- bracelets – es sleek, modern watches emblematic and is already recording sales through ing,” CEO Thierry Sandara has seen presumably of minimalist Scandinavian design. Facebook and its website. Tea told The Post year-on-year growth one from “Pandora is famous all over the “In 2018 to 2019, we achieved 80 from his office in of 80 per cent over Pandora. world, but I have to admit that we per cent year-on-year growth. This the capital’s Daun two years. “Each were a bit hesitant with Bering in the year we initially forecast 30 per cent supplied Penh district. Pandora beginning. However, we are pleasantly growth. With Covid-19, we will “We have plans to design has its surprised with how well the Cambo- probably do minus 30 per cent or open new stores, but we are own meaning, dian market has embraced the style minus 50 per cent compared to 2019. waiting to see if the market touching on of the product and the brand value,” “However, we have maintained will be stronger next year,” he family, friends said Tea. our staff and taken measures for said of the effect of the corona- and precious Total revenue for Pandora and Ber- their safety and also the safety of virus outbreak on retail stores. moments. The ing in Cambodia totalled more than our customers” “We have seen more decisive charms are a $1 million last year. “Overall, retail businesses across the buyers, despite overall sales having lifelong journey Tea added that Sandara has seen world have been impacted. This is a dropped due to less foot traffic in because after clients year-on-year growth of 80 per cent good time to strategise our next move malls and lower disposable income. finish one collection, over two years. because the entire business community Most shoppers look for the best prod- they start another,” The firm was planning on open- is in the same boat. ucts and are more selective in their said brand manager Bun ing two new outlets this year, but the “We are very confident that our shopping behaviour.” Kolsalyta. Covid-19 pandemic has temporarily brands are going to come back even Pandora is the largest jewellery Along with the jewellery thrown cold water on expansion plans. stronger,” said Tea.

CEO Thierry Tea has spearheaded the success of Pandora in Cambodia. Post staff Pandora’s charms collection are its most popular seller. Post staff Bering Time has three retail outlets in Phnom Penh. supplied THE PHNOM PENH POST june 16, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 9 World Beijing Another African-American killed by strives to police adds fuel to US tension, debate curb new HE fatal shooting of an Afri- a struggle broke out. can-American by a Cauca- Video of the incident circulating on Covid cases sian police officer in the US social media showed two white po- BEIJING is trying to curb a new city of Atlanta has poured lice officers wrestling Brooks to the cluster of local Covid-19 infec- moreT fuel on the raging debate over ground in the parking lot. tions that has led to more than racism, prompting another round of One of them attempts to use a Taser 50 new cases in the past four street protests and the resignation of on Brooks, who managed to grab the days, including shuttering a the southern city’s police chief. stun gun and run away, the video im- major wholesale market linked The death of 27-year-old Rayshard ages show. to all new infections, imposing Brooks was ruled a homicide by the The Georgia Bureau of Investigation a partial lockdown in its vicin- county medical examiner’s office on (GBI), which probes police-involved ity and ramping up mass test- Sunday, a day after the Wendy’s res- killings, also released the restaurant ing and screening in key areas. taurant where he died was set on fire surveillance video that showed Brooks The capital reported eight and hundreds of people marched to turn and appear to fire the Taser at the new confirmed cases as of denounce the killing. officers. Sunday and added 36 new His deadly encounter with police on GBI director Vic Reynolds told re- infections on Saturday, with Friday drew expressions of outrage, porters that an officer reached for his the majority found in its south- shock and dismay in a country deeply service weapon, and as Brooks turned ern Fengtai district but also shaken by civil unrest since the May back “the weapon goes off”. affecting five other districts. 25 police killing in Minneapolis, Min- Brooks was taken to the hospital but A large number of the newly nesota of George Floyd, an unarmed died after surgery, the GBI said, add- confirmed patients work at or black man. ing that one officer was injured. have been to Fengtai’s Xinfadi Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bot- L Chris Stewart, a lawyer acting for wholesale market, which sells The death of 27-year-old Rayshard Brooks was ruled a homicide by the county medical toms announced at a news confer- examiner’s office on Sunday, a day after the Wendy’s restaurant where he died was set on the dead man’s family, said dispropor- a wide range of agricultural, ence on Saturday that Police Chief Er- fire and hundreds of people marched to denounce the killing.AFP tionate force was used in the confron- meat and seafood products, ika Shields had decided to step down. tation. and the remaining ones had She said: “I do not believe this was a CNN’s State of the Union. instead supported dismantling trou- He told reporters: “In Georgia, a direct or indirect exposure to justified use of deadly force.” Clyburn is among the lawmakers de- bled police forces in places like Min- Taser is not a deadly weapon – that’s the market, the city’s health The officer who shot Brooks – iden- bating how to reform a judicial system neapolis, her hometown, and rebuild- the law. commission said. tified as Garrett Rolfe – has been dis- seen by critics as stacked against poor ing them from the ground up. “Support came, in I think two min- On Thursday, Beijing report- missed. and minority citizens and which has “Nobody is going to defund the po- utes. He would have been boxed in ed its first domestic infection Fulton County District Attorney proved stubbornly resistant to change. lice,” said Clyburn, the third-ranking and trapped. Why did you have to kill in nearly two months – a Paul Howard said his office would de- Some activists on the left have Democrat in the House of Represen- him?” 52-year-old man who had not cide whether to lay criminal charges taken up “defund the police” as a ral- tatives. “[The officer] had other options been outside Beijing for the against Rolfe by mid-week, the Atlan- lying cry, one that US President Don- “The fact of the matter is, the police than shooting a man in the back.” past two weeks but visited the ta Journal-Constitution reported. ald Trump has jumped on to use as a have a role to play,” he said. “What we Brooks had four children, Stewart seafood and meat hall of the James Clyburn, an African-Ameri- cudgel against his Democratic rival have got to do is make sure that their added and had celebrated the birth- market on June 3. can member of Congress from South for the White House, Joe Biden. role is one that meets the times.” day of his eight-year-old daughter On Friday, six more people, Carolina, said he was incensed by the Biden, for his part, has tried to dis- Friday’s incident began when police earlier on Friday. either workers at the market or killing. tance the party from the defund move- responded to a complaint that Brooks His death is the 48th shooting in- people who had recently vis- “This did not call for lethal force. ment, instead advocating increased was asleep in his car, blocking the volving an officer that the GBI has ited it, were confirmed with And I don’t know what’s in the culture funding for community policing. drive-in lane at the Wendy’s. been asked to investigate this year, having contracted the virus. that would make this guy do that. It Ilhan Omar, a Somali-American Brooks allegedly failed a sobri- according to the Atlanta Journal-Con- On the same day, in a city- has got to be the culture. It’s got to congresswoman from Minnesota, ety test administered by police, and stitution. Fifteen of those incidents wide check of agricultural be the system,” he said, speaking on called his proposal “ludicrous” and when the officers tried to arrest him, were fatal. AFP product wholesale markets and large supermarkets, only 40 samples taken from the Xinfadi market tested positive for the virus, said the commission. All confirmed patients in Report: Nuclear arms control outlook ‘bleak’ Beijing are mildly or moder- ately ill, except for one patient NUCLEAR powers continue to At the same time, nuclear forces of both countries being classified as a severe modernise their arsenals, a powers continue to modernise remained below the limits case on Friday and one whose research report said on Mon- their weapons while China specified by the treaty. condition has not been day, warning that tensions and India are increasing the “[But both nations] have revealed, commission data were rising and the outlook for size of their arsenals. extensive and expensive pro- show. arms control was “bleak”. Sipri said: “China is in the grammes underway to replace The State Council’s Joint Pre- “The loss of key channels of middle of a significant mod- and modernise their nuclear vention and Control Mecha- communication between Rus- ernisation of its nuclear arse- warheads, missile and aircraft nism said during a meeting on sia and the US could poten- nal. It is developing a so-called delivery systems, and nuclear Sunday that the strictest epi- tially lead to a new nuclear nuclear triad for the first time, weapon production facilities. demiological survey and com- arms race,” said Shannon Kile, made up of new land- and sea- “Both countries have also prehensive investigation into director of the nuclear arms based missiles and nuclear- given new or expanded roles the origin of the source will be control programme at the capable aircraft.” to nuclear weapons in their rolled out in Xinfadi and its Stockholm International Peace The country has repeatedly military plans and doctrines, nearby areas. Research Institute (Sipri) and rejected Washington’s insist- which marks a significant The meeting stressed co-author of the report. ence that it join any future reversal of the post-Cold War expanding testing to cover all Russia and the US account nuclear arms reduction talks. trend towards the gradual key areas and key populations for more than 90 per cent of The number of nuclear war- marginalisation of nuclear while tightening control of the world’s nuclear weapons. heads declined in the past year. weapons.” movement in affected com- Kile was referring to the At the start of this year, the US, The Treaty on the Non-Pro- munities, launching rigorous future of the New Strategic Russia, Britain, China, India, liferation of Nuclear Weapons screening and enforcing cen- Arms Reduction Treaty (New Pakistan, Israel and North Korea (NPT), a cornerstone of the tralised quarantine of all con- START) between the US and together had 13,400 nuclear global nuclear non-prolifera- firmed cases and their close Russia, which is set to expire arms, Sipri estimates, 465 or tion regime, celebrates its 50th contacts, suspected cases as in February next year. 3.35 per cent fewer than at the anniversary this year. well as people with fever. It is the final nuclear deal still start of last year. The number of nuclear arms Precautions against hospi- in force between the two The decline was attributed worldwide has declined since tal-acquired infections must superpowers, aimed at main- mainly to the US and Russia. hitting a peak of almost 70,000 be strengthened and all agri- taining their nuclear arsenals While the future of the New in the mid-1980s. cultural product markets, below Cold War levels. START treaty remains uncer- The five original nuclear catering venues and related The Sipri researchers said: “Dis- tain, Washington and Moscow powers – Washington, Beijing, logistics facilities nationwide cussions to extend New START or have continued to respect their Moscow, Paris and London – in will be disinfected, heard the to negotiate a new treaty made obligations under the accord. March reiterated their com- Sipri has warned that global tensions are rising and the outlook for meeting. CHINA DAILY/ASIA NEWS NET- no progress in 2019.” The report said: “In 2019 the mitment to the treaty. AFP nuclear arms control is ‘bleak’. PIXABAY WORK 10 THE PHNOM PENH POST june 16, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com ASEAN Philippine journo convicted Indonesian wet HILIPPINE journalist Maria Res- sa was convicted on Monday of markets carry high cyber libel and sentenced to pris- on in a case that watchdogs say marksP a dangerous erosion of press free- dom under President Rodrigo Duterte. risk of infection Ressa, 56, and her news site Rappler have been the target of a series of cases FOR millions of Indonesians, In a recent report on Indo- and probes after publishing stories criti- pasar (traditional markets) nesia, the health body said at cal of Duterte’s policies, including his have always been the first least one polymerase chain drug war that has killed thousands. stop to buy daily supplies, reaction (PCR) test per 1,000 The award-winning former CNN jour- thanks to affordable prices, people per week in trans- nalist faces up to six years behind bars in a chance for haggling and a mission areas with results the culmination of a case that has drawn wide range of goods. provided in 24-48 hours was international concern. Even when Covid-19 hit among the “non-negotiable It was not immediately clear how many the country, jostling crowds measures” during the new years she would have to serve if the con- at traditional markets re- normal period amid the sky- viction becomes final, and Judge Rainel- mained, raising concern that rocketing cases. da Estacio-Montesa allowed Ressa to re- new clusters may emerge as It also recommended ex- main free on bail pending an appeal. the country begins to ease the tensive contact-tracing and A defiant Ressa told journalists after coronavirus curbs. quarantining of all contacts the conviction in Manila: “We are going Indonesia has seen several surrounding new cases. to stand up against any kind of attacks Covid-19 clusters emanate It said: “At least 80 per cent of against press freedom . . . It is a blow to Philippine journalist Maria Ressa has vowed to fight after a libel conviction that activists say from traditional markets. new cases [should] have their marks a dangerous erosion of press freedom. AFP us. But it is also not unexpected. Among the recent ones are close contacts traced and in “We are meant to be a cautionary tale. Duterte’s government has said the robust environment for media freedom”. 26 confirmed cases related to quarantine within 72 hours of We are meant to make you afraid. But case is not politically motivated and that Ressa’s verdict comes just over a month Cileungsi Market in Bogor re- confirmation . . and at least 80 don’t be afraid. Because if you don’t use authorities must enforce the law, even after government regulators forced off gency, West Java, 20 cases from per cent of contacts of new cas- your rights, you will lose them.” against journalists. the air ABS-CBN Corp, the nation’s top Klender Market in East Jakarta es are monitored for 14 days.” Monday’s verdict decided a trial that But rights groups and press advocates broadcaster, following years of threats and another 14 from Serdang The Ministry of Trade is- stemmed from a businessman’s 2017 say the libel charge along with a series of by Duterte to shut down the network. Market in Central Jakarta. sued a circular late last complaint over a Rappler story five years tax cases against Rappler and a govern- Both Rappler and ABS-CBN have re- Indonesian Traditional Mar- month to support the opera- earlier about his alleged ties to a then- ment move to strip the news site of its ported extensively on Duterte’s anti-drugs ket Traders Association (Ikap- tion of traditional markets judge on the nation’s top court. licence amount to state harassment. campaign in which police have gunned pi) spokesperson Reynaldi while implementing health Ressa, who Time magazine named as a London-based human rights NGO down alleged dealers and users in opera- Sarijowan told The Jakarta protocol to prevent further Person of the Year in 2018, did not write the Amnesty International said: “Ressa and tions condemned by rights groups. Post on Friday: “Close inter- spread of Covid-19. The cir- article and government investigators initial- the Rappler team are being singled out Some of the crackdown’s highest-pro- action at traditional markets cular stipulates, among other ly dismissed the businessman’s allegation. for their critical reporting of the Duterte file critics have wound up behind bars, could lead to new clusters. things, limiting the number But state prosecutors later filed charg- administration. including Senator Leila de Lima, who Enforcement of health pro- of visitors and using outdoor es against her and Reynaldo Santos, the “With this latest assault on indepen- is serving three years in jail on drug tocol and information cam- facilities if possible. former Rappler journalist who wrote it, dent media, the human rights record of charges she insists were fabricated to paigns by local governments In Indonesia, the physi- under a controversial cybercrime statute the Philippines continues its free fall.” silence her. are badly needed.” cal distancing approach at aimed at online offences such as stalking New York City, US-based Human Rights In 2018, Duterte denounced Rappler Among 12.3 million traders traditional markets drew the and child pornography. Watch said the case “will reverberate not as a “fake news outlet” and subsequently at 13,450 traditional markets public’s attention when mar- Santos was also found guilty on Mon- just in the Philippines, but in many coun- banned Ressa and her colleagues from across Indonesia, the associa- kets in Central Java allowed day and allowed to remain free on bail. tries that long considered the country a his public engagements. AFP tion has recorded 535 vendors vendors to sell their products in 20 provinces contracting along the roads with a 1m dis- the virus, 29 of whom have tance between one another. died as of Friday. The highest However, vendors at Jakarta’s number of cases at 133 was markets were unable to do so recorded in East Java. due to space constraints, said The Ikappi has issued a the president director of Jakar- health protocol for vendors ta-owned market operator PD and traditional market man- Pasar Jaya, Arief Nasrudin. agers that includes guide- Starting on Monday, he said, lines on the distance between the company would instead stalls, plastic curtains be- impose an odd-even kiosk tween traders and customers, number policy, meaning ven- body temperature checks and dors with odd kiosk numbers routine disinfecting. were only allowed to operate However, Reynaldi ex- on odd dates and vice-versa. pressed doubt that the guide- Jakarta has confirmed 51 lines would be properly en- cases linked to eight tradi- forced at every market. tional markets as of Friday, The pandemic, which Ikappi data show. prompted a stay-at-home or- In the second-worst-hit prov- der and mobility restrictions, ince, East Java, more than 100 had caused a 65 per cent vendors have reportedly been slump in revenue for the trad- infected by the disease, mostly ers, he said. Poor compliance in its capital Surabaya, the sec- with health protocol at tradi- ond-largest city in the country. tional markets would make Surabaya economy and it difficult to restore public business agency head Agus trust, hence sales would fur- Hebi Djuniantoro said moni- ther suffer. toring the implementation of Traditional markets have health protocols at traditional gained worldwide attention markets would be intensified. as the outbreak in China of Airlangga University epidemi- Sars-CoV-2, the virus causing ologist Windhu Purnomo sug- Covid-19, was believed to have gested strong rules and strict originated in a wet market in enforcement to be applied at the Hubei provincial capital of traditional markets, both those Wuhan. under local administrations Indonesia has seen the and those run independently number of cases and fatali- by communities. ties rise sharply in the past “By applying health proto- week, bringing the total num- cols, we can at least minimise ber of confirmed infections the risk of transmission at tradi- to 38,277 and the death toll tional markets,” he said. to 2,134 as of Monday. Aside University of Indonesia epi- from Jakarta, East Java, South demiologist Pandu Riono sug- Sulawesi and East Kaliman- gested that the management tan have become epicentres mend infrastructure and facili- of the outbreak. ties to ensure better air and wa- The World Health Organisa- ter circulation. tion (WHO) has urged people “Our traditional markets to maintain general hygiene commonly lack cleanliness and and keep a safe distance from hygiene,” he said. THE JAKARTA others. POST/ASIA NEWS NETWORK THE PHNOM PENH POST june 16, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 11 Opinion

Three practical subjects www.phnompenhpost.comto teach www.phnompenhpost.com

EDITORIAL PERSONNEL EDITORIAL PERSONNEL Publisher & Chief Executive Offi cer Publisher & Chief Executive Offi cer Ly Tayseng in every schoolLy Tayseng Executive Editor-in-Chief Executive Editor-in-Chief Joshua purushotman Opinion Joshua purushotman Managing Editor Post Khmer Piseth Leng Managing Editor Post Khmer sam rith sam rith Deputy Chief of Staff Deputy Chief of Staff phak seangly ETSY Devos, the current Sec- Business Editor phak seangly retary of Education of the may Kunmakara Business Editor US, recently said schools Deputy Business Editor may Kunmakara have not changed much in sangeetha amarthalingam theB last 100 years. What we teach our Deputy Business Editor Deputy Head of Lifestyle Desk sorn sarath kids has essentially been the same for pan simala a long time although the world has Deputy Head of Lifestyle Desk Senior Reporters evolved dramatically and rapidly. pan simala meas sokchea, Niem Chheng Many parents wonder why their chil- Senior Reporters Reporters dren are not interested or engaged in meas sokchea, Niem Chheng Khouth sophak Chakrya, Kim sarom, long school. Not that these students are not Reporters Kimmarita, Khorn savi, hin pisei, soth smart enough to grasp the subjects but Khouth sophak Chakrya, Kim sarom, long Koemsoeun, Voun dara, sous yamy,soung they simply lack interest in them. Not Kimmarita, Khorn savi, hin pisei, soth sovanny, Thou Vireak, ry sochan that the teachers are doing a terrible Koemsoeun, Voun dara, sous yamy,soung Photographers job but the students find the subjects sovanny, heng Chivoan, hong menea rather abstract and irrelevant to their Web Editor ry sochan daily life. Take mathematics as an leang phannara Photographers example. By middle school, kids start Webmasters learning algebraic equation. Some like heng Chivoan, hong menea sous Chanthy, pang Vichea it and some don’t. But many don’t Web Editor SIEM REAP BUREAU know why they have to learn it. They leang phannara Offi ce Manager may assume it is important since it is a Webmasters sophearith Blondeel concept everyone is required to learn. sous Chanthy, pang Vichea PRODUCTION & PRINTING But they can’t prove for a fact that it is SIEM REAP BUREAU Head of Desktop Publishing important and neither can most Offi ce Manager Nhim sokphyrak Through their study of computer programming, kids will develop creativity, problem solving and critical thinking skills, all of which are adults. What’s being taught has been sophearith Blondeel Desktop Publishing the way things are. So everyone just crucial for their future success. yousos apdoulrashim suon savatdy, Chum sokunthy, danh Borath PRODUCTION & PRINTING carries on with it. No questions asked. Tep Thoeun Thyda, Tim Borith, Than Veasna Head of Desktop Publishing However, a lack of interest could lead To remain a world leader, China has of purpose for what they do. Metrics and Evaluation, stroke and dia- Nhim sokphyrak to serious negative consequences. If a recently made clear of its ambition to Through their study of computer betes are among the top 10 causes of HEAD OFFICE student does not find a subject (say lead in new technologies such as 5G programming, kids will developDesktop crea- Publishingdeaths in Cambodia, and dietary risks History) interesting, he or she will like- and Artificial Intelligence. China tivity, problem solving and criticalsuon savatdy, andChum highsokunthy, blood danh Borathpressure are among the ly do poorly in that subject. In addi- (along with other top developed thinking skills, all of which are crucialTep Thoeun Thyda,top Tim risk Borith, factors Than Veasna driving the most deaths tion, they may even cheat on the nations) began introducing compu- for their future success. Not only will and disability. I personally have friends Post Media Co, Ltd. exams just to get by without any inten- ter science to primary and secondary they pick up important skills but HEAD they OFFICE that are unfortunately struggling with The Elements Condominium Level 7, tion to master the subject. Lastly, if the schools several years ago. will also find the subject highly rele- diabetes, high blood pressure, and/or Hun Sen Boulevard, Phum Prek Talong, student does not have support from The only way for Cambodia to move vant/useful in their daily life. obesity. I bet others do too. Sangkat Chak Angre Krom,12353, Phnom his or her parents or surrounding envi- up in the labour force food chain is to According to a research article pub- Penh, Cambodia ronment, he or she may even drop out upskill its people like China did, espe- Personal finance Post Media Co,lished Ltd. on MedCrave, Cambodians Tel: 023 888 161, 023 888 162 Cellcard: 078 555 166, 078 555 133 of school. That’s the worst of all. cially in the field of computer science. Where do our Cambodian childrenThe Elements spend Condominium an average Level 7, $600 million for Smart: 086 822 999, 086 277 999 What if we can teach our kids sub- Per the World Economic Forum, “the learn how to manage and grow Hunmon Sen- Boulevardmedical, Phum care Prek abroad Talong, such as in Thai- SIEM REAP jects that are not only highly relevant future of work will see a shift in ey? Nowhere. At least not formally.Sangkat Chakland, Angre VietnamKrom, Phnom and Penh, Singapore. Total No 629, Street 6 Dangkum Commune to their daily life (which makes them demand away from office support Most of us know how to work Cambodiahard spending including domestic expense Tel: 063 966 290, Fax: 063 966 590 interested), but also highly useful for positions, machine operators, and for money but don’t know how to SIEM REAP would be much larger and unknown. their future? I believe that these three other low-skill professions – and make money work hard for us. As a What if these medical expenses could COMMERCIAL DEPARTMENT No 629, Street 6 Dangkum Commune practical subjects will do just that. towards technology professionals result, many of us spend our lives be cut by half? How much richer Chief Operating Offi cer Tel: 063 966 290, Fax: 063 966 590 such as computer engineers and working for money instead of the would Cambodians be? James ong soon Teck COMMERCIAL DEPARTMENT Computer programming or coding information communication technol- other way around. If we are to work Worse, sickness is not just about Advertising Department The world has greatly advanced ogy (ICT) specialists”. Wouldn’t we hard in acquiring the right skillsChief and Operating money. Offi cer It negatively affects emotions Chap Narith, 017 996 241 hun Channet, 017 578 768 due to new discoveries in technology want to prepare our children for the get good income, we better knowJames ong soonand Teck wellbeing. It reduces quality of life. prach monnyreak, 012 123 7777 – telephone, computer, or the inter- jobs of tomorrow? how to keep and grow that money.Advertising DepartmentFrom a personal observation and in Keo puthy, 012 966 605 net. Technology has helped us get Chap Narith, line017 996 with 241 the report above, I attribute phon sok Chea, 012 717 404 work done faster and boosted our hun Channet,those 017 578 above 768 diseases to unhealthy diet Jessa piastro, 092 445 983 standard of living. However, certain prach monnyreak,and 012lifestyle 123 7777 caused by lack of educa- The only way for Cambodia to CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION group of people benefit more from CIRCULATIONtion & DISTRIBUTION on nutrition. Take white rice as an Acting Distribution Manager Acting Distribution Manager technology than others. move up in the labour force example. Most Cambodians consume Thenh rithy, 087 888 854 Thenh rithy Specifically, technology creators rice or rice type of meals three times a Circulation Supervisor benefit way more than the mere food chain is to upskill its ADMINISTRATIONday. Rice clearly makes up the majori- Nou Chanthy, 096 999 2828 technology consumers. For instance, Admin & HR Managerty of their daily food intake (while it yim Veasna, 015 814 499 Apple Computer makes iPhones that people like China did pich socheat should not). Several studies have ADMINISTRATION sell for hundreds of billions of dollars Assistants to shownAdmin & HRthat Manager white rice is linked to type Admin & HR Manager per year which is good for its owners Clearly, Cambodia needs to move Recent real estate boom in CamboNhel soaphea- 2 diabetes. How many Cambodian are pich socheat and employees. But the consumers, away from low-paid agriculture or gar- dia produced many telltales. We all aware of it? More importantly, how Financial Director Assistants to Admin & HR Manager although they get to enjoy the phone, ment manufacturing to higher-paid have heard of people who sold large many believe in it? heang Tangmeng Nhel soaphea have to pay a steep price for it. For electronics and software development plots of land they inherited from Fruits and vegetables which is the Financial Director Chief Accountant countries such as Cambodia that still industries. To do that we have to invest their family just to spend that money foundation of recommended food heang Tangmeng sren Vicheka relies heavily on agriculture, imagine in teaching our kids early on the field on depreciating assets such as expen- pyramid are instead consumed way Chief Accountant Treasurers how many bags of rice that a Cambo- of computer science. Fortunately, sive cars. With less money on hand, too little. Some people have a general sren Vicheka sok sophorn, yon sovannara, dian needs to produce to exchange there are numerous resources availa- they had to move outside the capital sense of what is good and what is Treasurers Cheam sopheak for one iPhone. Better be the creator ble for free or at low cost for such edu- resulting in lost economic opportuni- bad. But the question is: how many sok sophorn, yon sovannara, than the consumer. cation. But every parent needs to ty – not to mention their childrenIT Manager los- of them take it seriously? Cheam sopheak, huy hamsovannary China is now clearly a world power understand its importance and ing access to quality schools. seng Nak, Vong Tooun instill a strong knowledge or IT Manager that could surpass the US. Important ensures that their child gets the same What if, from a very young age, our cause a change in behaviour in any- seng Nak, Vong oun to note that China did not rise to pow- learning opportunity as other children kids get to learn how money works.TO CONTACT USthing requires a long process of edu- er by accident but by years of building in top countries. Learn to become a Where money or credit comes [email protected] cation. If our children get to learn at a TO CONTACT US [email protected] up its human capital. Just about every creator rather than a consumer. Different ways to grow money. [email protected] young age, as part of their curriculum, [email protected] large technology company (Apple, Unlike most subjects, computer Taxes. Investments. Leverage. [email protected] the benefits and dangers of various [email protected] IBM, et cetera) has operations in Chi- programming or coding can be fun to Not only will they find it super [email protected] types of food, they would form strong [email protected] na. This is because, among other fac- learn if taught properly. Coding is to life but also well serving for theirwww.phnompenhpost.com beliefs and shall consciously make the www.phnompenhpost.com tors, China can provide a large supply telling computers what to do such as future. The rich get richer by making© Post Mediaright Co, Ltd decisions on what to consume, © Post Media Co, Ltd of talented labour force with a large money work hard for them. Our kidsThe Phnom Penh Post is wholly owned producing animated stories or com- which would lead to a heathier life The Phnom Penh Post is wholly owned and printed by Post Media Co Ltd. The variety of technology expertise and manding a robot. Therefore, kids ought to learn how to do it too. and less medical expense. and printed by Post Media Co Ltd. The skills. According to the National Acad- have the freedom to unleash their title The Phnom PenhThrough Post in either these three subjects, I Nutrition title The Phnom Penh Post in either emy of Science of the USA, China pro- creativity – they are allowed to create English or Khmerhope languages, that ourits associ- kids learn to eat English or Khmer languages, its associ- duces 185,000 graduates in computer what their minds can imagine. At the Cambodian issue related to healthated logos is or deviceshealthy, and the acquire contents ofthe skills the world ated logos or devices and the contents of science per year compared to 65,000 same time, they learn to break down obvious. Ironically, as the economythis publicationseriously may not be reproduced needs, and create wealth for this publication may not be reproduced in the US. To put it in perspective, the a project into small pieces and solve grows, more people appear to getin sick whole or in manypart without generations the written to come. in whole or in part without the written number of college graduates in Cam- and even at a younger age, especially it step by step. Furthermore, they get consent of Post Media Co Ltd. consent of Post Media Co Ltd. bodia for all majors is just about to apply what they learn almost in large cities such as Phnom Penh. The author is the founder of SabaiCode, a coding 48,000 per year. instantly – resulting in joy and sense According to The Institute for Healthwww.phnompenhpost.com and robotics school based in Phnom Penh. www.phnompenhpost.com 12 THE PHNOM PENH POST june 16, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com Lifestyle Nigeria’s Nollywood creatively copes with virus

S coronavirus closed to take a while before it really businesses around starts up again.” the world and forced billions to stay home, ‘New experiences’ NAigerian director Obi Emelo- To navigate the current nye came up with an innova- troubles the industry has be- tive way to keep filming. gun pushing its boundaries. Inspired by his wife’s tele- Producer Charles Okpaleke conferencing calls from their teamed up with two local cin- isolation in Britain, he wrote ema chains Genesis Group and put together a short fea- Nigeria Ltd and Silverbird ture about a couple separated Group of Companies Ltd to between London and Lagos. launch open-air “Drive-in” There was just one day for facilities. rehearsals and two for film- A first screening in Abuja ing, and relatives shot the ac- late last month saw all tickets tors on mobile phones in their sell out in just a few hours as homes on two continents. viewers flocked to watched his “I said to myself, ‘What if I film Living in Bondage from shoot a film remotely? I can the comfort of their own cars. direct my actors and produce Okpaleke said: “Covid forces it from home, and the cost us to rethink our habits, but it is zero,” the well-known 53- is also an opportunity to try year-old director told AFP. new experiences.” “I wanted to show young Producers and directors are people that despite the count- also looking increasingly to less difficulties of our profes- the release their films on on- sion, despite the coronavirus, line streaming services like you can make a film without Netflix and its local competi- funding, without even a real tor Iroko TV. camera.” And even up-and-coming Inventiveness has always industry hopefuls were given been a hallmark of Nigeria’s the opportunity to keep on Nollywood – the second most Nigeria’s Nollywood – the second most prolific film industry on the planet – has risen from shaky homemade movies to slickly-produced blockbusters. AFP honing their skills despite the prolific film industry on the disruptions. planet – as it has risen from free on YouTube last month. salaries are miserly and ram- over the past three months at artists to technicians to ush- French start-up LAFAAC has shaky homemade movies to “Things are very bad? You pant piracy robs it of crucial Filmhouse Ltd, a cinema chain ers – are going unpaid. partnered with cinema school slickly-produced blockbusters. can make them better!” revenues. he co-founded in 2012. Netflix has suspended the Femis and Nigerian televi- But now, in the face of the The arrival of the virus has “We’ve been through other filming of its first original sion channel Wazobia to offer coronavirus crisis that has ‘Difficult times’ dealt a major blow just as pro- difficult times, but this crisis series made in Nigeria and online training to would-be seen social distancing rules The Nigerian film industry ducers try to focus on higher- is even worse,” he said. French media giant Vivendi scriptwriters via a mobile app. shut down shoots and cinemas is riddled with contradic- quality movies, cinema audi- Babatope estimated losses has delayed the opening of LAFAAC co-founder Francois closed, the sector has needed tions. ences grow and giants like for the sector had reached its first cinema in the capital Catala said: “Nowadays there is that spirit more than ever. On the surface are the red Netflix push to tap into the over $9 million so far due to Abuja. a huge demand for series from “We are an endangered spe- carpets, glitz and glamorous country of 200 million, the the virus. Distributors reckon some Subsaharan Africa despite a cies, we have to be innovative stars with millions of Insta- most populous in Africa. Dozens of film shoots have 50,000 jobs are under threat relative lack of training.” and to push the boundaries,” gram followers. Moses Babatope watched in been put on hold or scrapped since the sector juddered to “I believe that online re- said Emelonye, whose short But underneath, much of dismay as a government order and the legion of workers in a halt. leases are the future of Nol- Heart 2 Heart was released for the sector is poorly-funded, to close saw income evaporate the industry – from make-up Babatope said: “It’s going lywood.” AFP Brazilian nursing home offers residents ‘hugging curtain’ A RETIREMENT home in Brazil has didn’t get married so she could take come up with a creative solution to care of us.” allow friends and families to enjoy Nurses carefully disinfect the plas- personal contact with aging residents tic curtain after each use. particularly vulnerable to the coro- “When we saw that this pandemic navirus – a “hugging curtain”. was going to last a long time, we had The large plastic curtain, installed to find a safe way to let families see the in a retirement home in the city of residents and let the aging residents Sao Paulo, allows residents on one know that their loved ones are think- side and visitors on the other to ing of them,” said Mairo Martins, a engage in the sort of comforting hugs physical therapist at the facility. that Covid-19 has made impossible For visitors, the feeling of being for months. able to take a loved one in their arms The curtain has pockets through is deeply moving, especially as the which resident and visitor can insert pandemic continues to rule out nor- their arms, and they are outfitted mal human contact. with shoulder-length black gloves for “It’s good for them, but for us too. added protection. It’s been a while since we could hug “It really feels good. I missed her so anyone,” said Murilo Meira, 51, dur- much!” said 68-year-old Silvio Naga- ing a visit to 90-year-old Nair da ta after enjoying a long, emotional Costa Marques, who needed a hug with his sister, Luiza Yassuko, nurse’s help to stand for the much- who is 76, at a retirement home in the awaited hug. affluent Morumbi neighbourhood. Sao Paulo state is Brazil’s richest “Because of the pandemic, I wasn’t and most populous state, with 46 mil- able to visit her, especially because lion inhabitants, but it is also the at my age I’m also part of a high-risk hardest-hit by the coronavirus. There group. have been 172,875 confirmed cases “It’s an excellent system – it’s great of Covid-19 and 10,581 deaths, the to be able to take her in my arms,” latest official tally shows. said Nagata, a retired civil servant. Brazil has registered the second-larg- “There were 12 of us brothers and est number of coronavirus deaths in the sisters, and she was practically a world, at 43,332, and of people infected mother to me,” he went on. “She (867,624), after the US. AFP The ‘hugging curtains’ have allowed loved ones to embrace once again at a retirement home in Brazil. AFP THE PHNOM PENH POST june 16, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 13 Lifestyle Europeans crave a post-virus beach holiday

FTER anxious months confined at home, eager Europeans are digging out their suit- cases,A sunscreen and flip-flops, and daring to plan a post-coro- navirus summer holiday. With restrictions being lift- ed and the tourism industry up against the wall, the EU has set out plans to reopen its internal borders on Monday. But even if travel within much of the EU is permitted, many Europeans are expected to stay put and take holidays in their own countries this year. From Spain and Italy, to France, Greece and Britain, the picture of what holiday- makers in search of sun, sea or culture can expect, remains very mixed. Une ‘Staycation’? In France, the world’s num- ber one tourist destination, the government is banking on the French staying in the country for their holidays, to help kick- start the key tourism sector. To hammer home the mes- sage and remind the French what’s on offer at home, it is about to launch a #Cetete- jevisitelaFrance campaign, meaning: “This summer I’m visiting France.” Many seem to have already heeded the call. The head of France’s Entre- Beachgoers at Prado Beach in Marseille, France enjoy a game of volleyball while wearing masks. The government is hoping French tourists will holiday at home. AFP prises du Voyage association, which represents sectors of hard to imagine a summer ing affected by Monday’s re- eral agreements with indi- In fact, many of its world Italian border which is a major the travel industry, said just 20 season in Spain without its opening since it didn’t close vidual countries but would renowned historic sites and axis for traffic between north- per cent of summer bookings foreign visitors. its borders in the first place. get around the quarantine monuments have been reopen- ern and southern Europe, es- in travel agencies so far are Masks will remain compul- However, it has imposed a requirement. ing since last month, including pecially for German tourists. for trips abroad, compared to sory in public and closed spac- 14-day quarantine on all ar- Even without the contro- Saint Peter’s Basilica in the Vati- 66 per cent normally. es until the virus is defeated, rivals from abroad, including versial measure, travel to Brit- can and Rome’s Colosseum. Sorry, the buffet is closed With just over 90 million authorities have warned. British nationals, to avoid ain remains tricky, with hotel But, just like Venice’s canals From Monday, whether visitors from abroad last year, In the meantime, Ibiza’s new Covid-19 cases entering bookings and rentals still off where gondolas await punt- you’re visiting from Germany, France has backed the resump- lively nightlife gets a boost. the country, which has the the cards, unless for business ers, the landmarks currently Switzerland or Albania, the tion of quarantine-free travel Spain’s Balearic Islands, highest death toll in Europe. reasons. remain quiet, with low num- Acropolis and the turquoise within the EU from Monday. which also include Mallorca The move is likely to hit in- Restaurants and tourist at- bers of mostly Italian visitors. waters of the Greek islands But says it will apply recipro- and Menorca, will be allowed ternational tourism, with Big tractions are also still shut- With tourism making up 13 are back on the itinerary. cal measures if other countries to welcome almost 11,000 Ben, Buckingham Palace and tered. per cent of GDP, authorities are Greece plans to reopen its impose quarantine require- German tourists during the other hotspots unlikely to see keen to push the Italy brand. borders to the majority of ments for French citizens. second half of June under the foreign tourists flocking to Roman holiday Nevertheless, foreign tour- European tourists, as well as Paris, Europe’s most vis- pilot project. them while most people arriv- “Benvenuti in Italia!” is the ists, gelato in hand as they those from certain other parts ited city, has gradually begun Travellers will have their ing from overseas are required catchword in Italy, which was meander along Rome’s streets of the world, including Austra- coming back to life, with cafe temperature taken on arrival to self-isolate for a fortnight. the first European country to taking in the sights, remain lia, Japan and New Zealand. terraces open again. under the scheme, which will On the other hand, to enable be hit hard by the coronavi- few and far between. However, anyone from a re- The Eiffel Tower reopens on be conducted according to Brits to head to sunnier climes, rus. Switzerland and Austria gion particularly badly hit by June 25, albeit with limits on “strict health guidelines”, the the government has said it is Three months after going into have only agreed in recent the virus will have to undergo the numbers of visitors, who region has said. looking at establishing “air lockdown, but keen to turn a days to reopen their borders mandatory tests and spend will only at first be able to go up bridges” with countries with page and revive its key tourism with northern Italy, a signifi- their first night on Greek soil the monument by the stairs, Welcome to . . . quarantine low rates of the virus. sector, Italy reopened to travel- cant move due to the alpine in a designated hotel. among other restrictions. Britain is not strictly speak- The move calls for bilat- lers from Europe on June 3. Brenner Pass on the Austrian- These include the Paris The enigmatic Mona Lisa region, Madrid and Italy’s and other artworks will again northern Lombardy region, be on view at the Louvre from among others. July 6. Greece’s two main airports in Athens and Thessaloniki are What’s ‘fiesta’ in German? set to reopen to arrivals from Spain’s borders will remain 29 countries from Monday, closed on Monday as it goes the start of the tourist season. through the final stages of For those headed to the rolling back one of the strict- beaches of Corfu or Crete for est lockdowns in the world instance, a domestic flight or – although German tourists boat will have to be the order will be allowed to visit the of the day. Balearic Islands as part of a Sea connections with Italy pilot project. and land borders with the So, for a few more weeks, Balkans were also to reopen Spaniards have their tourist on Monday. sites to themselves. Across the country, tourists But, from July 1, the likes of will have access to all of Greece’s Barcelona’s monumental Sa- tourist gems, including archae- grada Familia or the ancient ological sites and museums, Alhambra in Granada will re- with systems in place to filter open to foreign visitors. visitors at the entrance. Madrid has set that target While open-air cinemas, date for the opening of its nightclubs and tavernas are borders, the resumption of in- already open, and parasols ternational tourism, as well as and beach towels will have ending quarantine for arrivals. to be kept well spaced out on With tourism accounting the sand, there is one down- for 12 per cent of gross do- side – buffets are off the menu mestic product (GDP), it’s Germans soak up the sun at a beach in Berlin’s Wannsee area. AFP in hotels. AFP 14 THE PHNOM PENH POST june 16, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com Lifestyle Coronavirus will be an Thinking caps inspiration for writers, says Lebanese novelist

“NO COVER-UPS”

ACROSS 49 Lessens in intensity 23 International hold-up man? 1 Type of list 50 A number’s homophone 24 “Haus” wife? Novelist Jabbour Douaihy thinks the virus will push environmental issues to the forefront, and may spur a 5 Pitchman’s decoy 53 In the altogether 25 Arid Asian area ‘return to correct, organic agriculture’. AFP 10 IRS challenger 57 Recolored 26 Director Reitman 13 Well-informed about 58 “Joy to the World,” for one 27 Ozs. add up to them EBANESE novel- play Rhinoceros, which uses “Concern for the environ- 14 Creme de ___ (chocolate liqueur) 59 Cattail 28 Luges, in essence ist Jabbour Douaihy the story of a fictional pan- ment will grow,” he said. “It 15 Mares and hens, e.g. 60 Sidewinder’s trail shape 30 Backs up, as a burglar says the coronavirus demic to criticise political will become clear that we need 16 Basics required to survive 61 Total lack of interest 31 Come from ___ pandemic, like past regimes. to return to correct, organic 19 “Slippery” tree 62 Public scenes 32 Hauls laboriously epidemicsL and wars, will feed Albert Camus used his 1947 agriculture.” 20 Signs a contract, slangily DOWN 33 “May I get you anything ___?” the imagination of novelists. novel The Plague, set in the Douaihy expects a shift to 21 Abalone production 1 Type of sock 35 Like marquetry or parquetry “Great authors wrote about Algerian city of Oran, to sum- self-sufficiency and a return to 22 Picnic pests 2 Fall stone 36 Authenticating symbol previous pandemics and used marise his philosophy on futil- national economies. 23 Nearest the stern 3 Where many students go at night 37 Shahdom of yore them as symbols,” said ity, Douaihy added. Reliance on distance learn- 25 Lively dance movements 4 Traditional fastball sign 41 Bird or human, e.g. 5 Hounds’ clues 42 Ethiopian’s neighbor Douaihy, who has twice been The coronavirus pandemic ing and remote education 28 Throat disorder 6 Literary drudges 43 Flower in a pocketful? shortlisted for the prestigious “will leave scars and marks on could also grow, affecting glo- 29 Track-runner’s path 7 Closes, as a deal 44 Atmospheric balloon probe International Prize for Arabic the mind, on the way we think bal communication and glo- 30 Poe’s middle name 31 Dark or pale drink 8 Lead-in to Vegas 45 Go-aheads Fiction (IPAF). and particularly on the imagi- balisation. 34 Motto for one sans locks 9 Part of L.A. 46 “Pound” and “sponge” desserts He said the novel coronavi- nation”, he said. But “the trend of excessive 38 Current regime 10 “___ and the Man” (Prinze 47 Old movie theater name rus “will become part of the consumption is here to stay ‘Environmental movement’ 39 Desires strongly sitcom) 49 “Rats!” general literary scene and the [and] individualism may 40 They may precede riches 11 Lords and ladies 50 0-0 condition imagination of humanity, just Douaihy, whose novel June become stronger”, he said. 41 Sheepish sounds 12 Balance sheet listing 51 Popular cookie like wars, the plague . . . and Rain was shortlisted in 2008 The author compared the 42 Far from dense 15 Word after “rubber” or “time” 52 Bettor’s numbers other pandemics in history”. for the inaugural IPAF, often closure of national borders 44 Church events 17 Evening hour 54 Expert fighter pilot While the virus will change known as the Arab Booker over the coronavirus to people 47 Asset 18 Focused 55 Japanese honorific human behaviour, he does not Prize, made the list again four retreating to their homes. 48 African ruminant 22 “___ Lang Syne” 56 Grille covering expect it to completely over- years later with The Vagrant. He said: “We go back to our turn our way of life. Monday’s solution The 71-year-old, with a doc- [The pandemic] will leave scars torate in comparative litera- ture from the Sorbonne, is and marks on the mind, on the waiting out Lebanon’s corona- way we think and particularly virus lockdown in the town of Ehden, in the hills above the on the imagination northern city of Tripoli. He said he had not been homes as if they are a refuge ‘Scars on the mind’ “bothered” by Lebanon’s strict from the virus. States have Douaihy compared the coro- coronavirus lockdown meas- done the same, trying to shut navirus to his experience of ures, despite finding it hard at themselves in. Lebanon’s 1975-1990 civil first to adjust and to focus on “This foresees a retreat from war. reading and writing. principles the world had tried He said: “I don’t think the Douaihy said he did not to promote, such as freedom Lebanese war was written expect fundamental changes of movement.” Monday’s solution about until it was over and in the worlds of politics, soci- But while the coronavirus done with, meaning it could ety and economics as the pan- had put the brakes on transna- be used in literature.” demic recedes. tional movement, it was “too He said he was avoiding “It’s always said that things early to draw conclusions from writing about this period for will be different after the cur- that”. the time being. “Writing novels rent crisis, but I’m not sure And although the Arab world takes time – we can’t write that human behaviour will has not been hit as hard by the about events that are still tak- change drastically. virus as Europe and the US, ing place.” “I tend towards the view that the region still faces its own But in time, he added, the humanity will overcome this crises, he said. coronavirus pandemic will pandemic and carry on destroy- Despite the pandemic, “we begin to inspire literature. ing the environment – although still face our normal conflicts, He cited French-Romanian I expect to see some kind of as if nothing had happened”. playwright Eugene Ionesco’s ecological movement emerge. AFP THE PHNOM PENH POST june 16, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 15 Sport Marcelo takes knee as Madrid return with win over Eibar ARCELO cele- gas but never found the second brated by taking to make Madrid nervous, de- a knee as foot- spite a brief spell of pressure. ball club Real Before going off, Hazard was MMadrid returned from three busy, the Belgian involved in months away following the all three goals. coronavirus suspension by His weaving run through beating Eibar 3-1 on Sunday. midfield led to Kroos’ shot After scoring Madrid’s third and it was his effort that was goal in the 37th minute, Mar- cleared out to Marcelo, who celo dropped onto his left drove into the corner. knee and raised his clinched After a miserable opening right fist into the air, appar- season in Spain, it was a bright ently in support of the Black start for Hazard, who could Lives Matter movement. now redeem himself by play- Madrid’s win may have ing a crucial role in the run-in, come at a cost as Eden Hazard if he can stay injury-free. Real Madrid’s Brazilian defender Marcelo kneels on the field to celebrate his goal during a La Liga football match between Real Madrid and Eibar. AFP and Sergio Ramos were both Perhaps even more im- Marcelo to lash into the corner. substituted early in the sec- pressive though was Karim Eibar were better after the ond half and were seen with Benzema, who linked up bril- break as Edu Exposito forced ice packs strapped to them liantly with Hazard and was a full-stretch save from Thi- while sitting in the stands. unfortunate not to get the baut Courtois and then Sergi Hazard was making his goal an excellent all-round Enrich headed against the first start since February and performance deserved. crossbar. Bigas did score after his ice pack appeared to be Gareth Bale started on the diverting in Pedro Leon’s shot around his troublesome right bench but came on and could but Madrid held on. ankle, which he injured in start against Valencia on Earlier, Diego Costa scored November and February, be- Thursday. his first goal since October fore undergoing surgery in Zidane is likely to rotate but Atletico Madrid missed March. heavily over the next few the chance to move into La Coach Zinedine Zidane weeks, with the games com- Liga’s top four by drawing 1-1 said: “We knew Eden would ing thick and fast. away at Athletic Bilbao. lack a bit of rhythm playing Costa celebrated by holding the whole game. New surroundings up the shirt of Virgina Torre- “He played well for an hour, Madrid’s coach will also cilla, a player from Atletico’s he took a knock which was a have been pleased to get off women’s team, who under- scare but at half-time he said to a positive start in their new went surgery on a brain tu- he was fine. He is happy with training ground home, which mour last month. what he has done and we are was the 100th different stadi- His equaliser came two min- happy with him.” um to be used in La Liga. utes after the excellent Iker Madrid’s win means they They will be playing all their Muniain had given Bilbao the reduce the gap behind league remaining home matches at lead towards the end of the leaders Barcelona back to the Alfredo di Stefano Stadi- first half and neither side could two points after the Catalans um to allow renovation work find a winner at the empty San thrashed Real Mallorca 4-0 on at the Santiago Bernabeu to Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane (centre) and his team sit two points behind league leaders Barcelona. AFP Mames, with Atletico defend- Saturday. continue this summer. er Santiago Arias missing the Madrid struck in the fourth “We know the situation, it’s Mallorca and Madrid were only footing perfectly into the far again, the former picking out best chance late on. minute after a superb strike all a bit strange,” said Zidane. slightly later, as Hazard broke top right-hand corner. the latter, who generously Diego Simeone’s side stay from Toni Kroos before Ra- “But the players are all cham- through Eibar’s midfield and Ramos doubled their ad- gave Ramos an open goal. sixth, level on points with mos tucked away Hazard’s pions and we have to get our Casemiro set Benzema free. vantage after starting, and Marcelo put Eibar all but out Getafe and one behind Real pass on the counter-attack. heads around it.” The ball was cleared to finishing, a ruthless counter- of sight before half-time as Ben- Sociedad, who were held to Eibar pulled one back in the Barca had needed less than Kroos on the edge of the area, attack. In between, Benzema zema played through for Haz- a 1-1 draw at home to Osa- second half through Pedro Bi- two minutes to score against who struck first time, side- and Hazard were involved ard and his shot spilled out to suna. AFP Tennis with a twist: New age tournament makes debut WITH new rules and new for- is traditionally scored, with also featured at the weekend. mats, Patrick Mouratoglou, four quarters, noisy count- The tournament package is the coach of Serena Williams, downs, time-outs, and even sold over the internet and unveiled his Ultimate Tennis bonus cards to prolong a serv- organisers are hoping to sign Showdown tournament in the ice game. up 50,000 subscribers, paying south of France on Sunday. Even the commentators are between €10 and €12 ($11.30 Targeting a younger audi- visible on a mini-screen. and $13.50) to watch the ence, the players were allot- There will be 50 matches in action. ted nicknames such as the total over five weekends of ten- There is also potential ‘Sniper’, ‘Underdog’, ‘Rebel’ nis where every player faces income from paying fans, but and ‘Artist’ and its ambitious each other before a round- Sunday’s action took place host hopes he can launch a robin final of six. behind closed doors due to the parallel circuit to the ATP. Although he was absent this coronavirus restrictions. Whether it catches on or not weekend, world No3 Domin- With the professional tour remains to be seen but the ic Thiem is t he highest-ra nked on ice since the middle of ‘Sniper’, better known as Aus- player. March, the event at the Mour- tralia’s Alexei Popyrin, went Stefanos Tsitsipas, Matteo atoglou academy near Nice at down as the first match winner Berrettini and David Goffin, least gives players the chance beating the ‘Underdog’ Elliot who are all in the world top 10, to stay match sharp. Benchetrit, the world No208. are also involved. French star Richard Gasquet The matches pan out very Dustin Brown, dubbed the ‘Art- said: “You will not find a player Dominic Thiem, ranked No3 in the world, is the highest profile player to join the Ultimate Tennis Showdown. AFP differently to the way tennis ist’ for his serve-and-volley style, ready to play five sets.” AFP 16 THE PHNOM PENH POST june 16, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com Sport Three races to savour at Royal Ascot OYAL Ascot goes past 10 runnings – then Glass ahead on Tuesday Slippers could be the haven despite being behind for them as the main rival. closed doors due to Glass Slippers has got the theR coronavirus pandemic. better of Battaash before Here AFP Sport picks out when she won the Group One three races which could light Prix de l’Abbaye last October up the five day meeting: in fine style. Her trainer Kevin Ryan said: Tuesday “She’s a high-class filly and we King’s Stand Stakes have always thought a lot of Punters believe that this is her . . . In a normal year she’d the year that top sprinter Bat- have had a run before but I’m taash will add the one race not worried that she hasn’t.” missing from his trophy cabi- Thursday net after filling the brides- The Royal Ascot, which begins on Tuesday behind closed doors, is the centrepiece of Britain’s horseracing year and punters are ready. AFP maid role in the past two Ascot Gold Cup editions of the five furlong Dettori’s chances of an eighth win in the Gold Cup was back could well be Nayef Road tive races at Royal Ascot but Wichita – trained by Aidan (1000m) dash. win in the meeting’s most his- in 1992 on Drum Taps. “This who warmed up for the race there is no race I would prefer O’Brien – finished one place The six-year-old is the best toric race and guiding Stradi- has always been the target. with an impressive win in to win than the Gold Cup.” in front of him but with backed horse of the week thus varius to a third successive He is as good as we can get the Sagaro Stakes. Kameko proving too good for far and with his conqueror of victory have been boosted con- him and he is good to go.” His trainer Mark Johnston Saturday both of them. Kameko misses the past two renewals Blue siderably with Aidan O’Brien Should Stradivarius win do has won the Gold Cup three St James’s Palace Stakes the race as he is being aimed Point retired it would appear deciding not to send Kew not expect the trademark fly- times – his first ever Royal As- This mile contest for colts at the Derby next month. the prize is all but his. Gardens over from Ireland. ing dismount from 49-year- cot winner was Double Trig- could produce the duel of the Pinatubo’s trainer Charlie Trainer Charlie Hills said: Stradivarius warmed up for old Dettori. ger in the 1995 edition – and it meeting between Pinatubo Appleby said: “Obviously I’m “There’s pressure but it’s fantas- Ascot with a respectable third Dettori said: “I had a couple remains very much the prize and Wichita. disappointed as it’s the first tic training a horse like him for in the Coronation Cup at of winners at Newmarket last he covets the most. Pinatubo will be seeking to time he’s been beaten but at so long . . . He’s six and has al- Newmarket a week ago over weekend and returned to an Johnston said: “The big ex- restore some lustre to his image least he hasn’t fallen out the ways put in at least one scintil- a much shorter distance than empty enclosure . . . it was pret- citement will be Nayef Road – though the one of the wonder back of the telly. lating performance a season.” the 2 1/2 miles (4,000m) of ty anti-climactic . . . So I did not in the Gold Cup and he has a horse is gone – after finishing “He gives himself every op- If people are doubtful about the Gold Cup. do them there and I don’t feel great chance. third in the English 2000 Guineas portunity to back up quickly be- his chances – the favourite “Stradivarius ticks the box- like doing it at Ascot.” “It is an undisputed fact there last weekend in what was his first cause he conserves energy from has not landed the odds in the es,” said Dettori, whose first His principal challenger are more commercially attrac- defeat in his seven race career. one race to the next.” AFP Berger wins playoff at Colonial in US PGA virus return DANIEL Berger parred the first play- bogey putt to fall only one back. off hole on Sunday to defeat Collin Schauffele followed by sinking a Morikawa and capture the Charles 25-foot birdie putt at the par-3 16th Schwab Challenge, the first US PGA but missed the playoff by missing a event in three months after a corona- three-foot par putt at 17, the ball roll- virus pandemic shutdown. ing around the edge and out, and Berger went over the green with his coming up just short from 24 feet on approach at the par-4 17th in the a birdie putt at 18. playoff, chipped inches from the cup “I’m playing really good golf,” said and tapped in, then watched Mori- Schauffele. “There’s no reason to do kawa lip out from three feet on the what I’m doing.” left edge to deliver the emotional vic- Schauffele lost for the fourth time after tory at Colonial Country Club. leading a PGA event through 54 holes. It marked the biggest moment in The event was the tour’s first after Berger’s fight back from a left wrist a 91-day shutdown due to the Covid- injury that threatened his career. 19 outbreak. “This is one of the greatest days of my life, from where I’ve been and Rose misses playoff where I’ve come from,” Berger said. Rose was just short on an 18-foot bird- “It has been a long year and a half. ie putt at 18 to finish in the 266 pack. I’m happy to be here.” “It did look good,” Rose said. “A The victory, which came with no couple feet out, I thought I had made spectators on the course, was the it. A lot of guys are going to know they third career US PGA title for Berger, had a chance.” whose wins at the 2016 and 2017 St World No1 Rory McIlroy struggled Jude Classics also came on the sec- to a 74 to share 32nd on 274. ond weekend of June. Harold Varner, among three Afri- It was a level the 27-year-old Florid- can-American players on tour and ian feared he might not attain again Floridian Daniel Berger, 27, took the trophy on Sunday at Colonial Country Club and called it one of the great days of his life. AFP the centre of the PGA’s racial justice after his injury. conversation after the death of “It’s just a range of emotions,” said twice in the playoff before chipping Berger closed with a 10-foot birdie Patrick Reed another shot back. George Floyd, led after 36 holes but Berger. “I’ve grinded so hard the last to three feet, shook his head and said: putt on the 72nd hole in regulation to In the final regulation holes, Mori- closed with a 72 to finish on 271. two months – just to be in this position. “Just hit a bad putt. fire a four-under par 66 in the final round kawa made a stunning birdie putt “I was just focusing on playing good I’m glad all the hard work paid off. “It’s going to sting for a little bit,” he at Fort Worth, Texas, to match Morikawa from just inside 50 feet at the par-4 golf,” Varner said. “Today wasn’t what “I came back stronger than I ever said. “But we’ll make it out and move after 72 holes on 15-under 265. 14th to match Schauffele for the lead I’d like but all in all a great week.” have before, and I wanted it more on to next week.” Britain’s Justin Rose and the US’ at 15-under. The tour’s revamped schedule than I ever have before. It means Morikawa also missed left on a Xander Schauffele, Jason Kokrak and At 15, Schauffele blasted out of a sends players to the Heritage tour- more than it ever did before.” birdie putt from just inside six feet at Bryson DeChambeau shared third on fairway bunker and rolled into water nament in South Carolina next Morikawa, who found the rough 18 to settle for a spot in the playoff. 266 with US stars Bubba Watson and left of the green, then made a 31-foot week. AFP