monday, JANUARY 11, 2021 Intelligent . In-depth . Independent Issue Number 3581 / 4000 RIEL JICA assists with gov’t Import bans uk helps raise $1b logistics across set to shore up in global covid-19 thai, vn borders local aquaculture vaccine donations national – page 4 business – page 6 world – page 8 20K jobs await returning migrants Mom Kunthear tors including manufacturing, ser- group across the capital and provinces NEA director Hay Hunleng told workers in order for them to recon- vice, construction and agriculture. tasked with registering and regularly The Post on January 10 that arrang- nect with society, their families and HE Ministry of Labour and The NEA will seek to implement monitoring the living situations of mi- ing jobs for these workers was a the job market. These measures by Vocational Training has measures introduced by Prime Min- grants who have returned from Thai- matter of moral prerogative which the government provide encourage- announced that it will pro- ister Hun Sen to create local employ- land through border checkpoints. required creating conditions that ment and social protection, allow- vide 20,000 jobs in the ment opportunities for returning Officials must collect individu- enable them to re-enter the job mar- ing them to start life again in the domesticT market to migrant workers workers to ease their transitions in als’ personal information and assist ket. Securing domestic jobs would Cambodian job market,” he said. who have returned from Thailand. coming home, allowing them to re- them with registering in the agency’s help them successfully transition Hunleng added that the NEA wel- The ministry’s National Employ- unite with their families and avoiding database so that they can seek do- upon return to their homes. comed the returning nationals and ment Agency (NEA) will facilitate job a need to migrate again for work. mestic employment after completing “Employment is an important, placement in various industrial sec- The agency has formed a working the mandatory 14-day quarantine. practical need for these migrant Continued – page 2 Kingdom sizes up 50 items for FTA approach Thou Vireak the CCFTA,” Sovicheat said. He stressed the untapped CAMBODIA is gauging about potential of Cambodian goods 50 commodities around on the international market, which to craft a strategic highlighting footwear, cloth- approach on free trade agree- ing and travel products. ments (FTAs) and make the With exports accounting for most of bilateral deals with a substantial source of income, major trading partners, he said the government con- according to Ministry of tinues to push outbound ship- Commerce undersecretary of ments of domestic products. state Pen Sovicheat. He voiced hopes that the Sovicheat on January 8 study would materialise and chaired a meeting on develop- be completed soon. ing the Kingdom’s trade strat- “Other commodities in the egy to maximise the potential small and medium enterprise benefits of the Cambodia- industry, as well as industrial China Free Trade Agreement products in special economic (CCFTA) and similar pacts zones, such as auto parts and with other trade partners. electronic components, are He told The Post on January on the list of products that we 10 that a working group had are studying as a commercial Fatal landslides been tasked with drafting a strategy,” Sovicheat said. At least 11 people were killed, including a six-year-old boy, and scores more were missing after deadly landslides hit Indonesia’s West Java province on Saturday evening. INDONESIAN NATIONAL BOARD FOR DISASTER MANAGEMENT (BNPB)/AFP matrix of 50 items to dissect the Cambodia and China technical and tariff barriers and signed a bilateral free trade preferential tariffs resulting agreement on October 12, from the CCFTA as a model to 2020, which will allow the study for future trade deals. Kingdom to export some The ministerial team has also goods to China with a zero Remains found after Indonesia plane crash been sizing up the Chinese per cent tariff rate. market to determine what Chinese ambassador to DIVERS pulled body parts, no-Hatta international airport in was from the downed plane’s The search and rescue agen- products it can absorb and Cambodia Wang Wentian wreckage and clothing from Jakarta on January 9 afternoon. voice and flight data recorder. cy said it had so far collected what global market demand congratulated the Chinese waters off Indonesia’s capital A military vessel picked up Indonesian President Joko five body bags with human remains unfulfilled, he said. side on the occasion of the Jakarta on January 10, as the the plane’s signal, and divers “Jokowi” Widodo expressed his remains as well as debris from “We have major agricultural New Year, saying it will speed military picked up a signal recovered wreckage from “deep condolences”, and called the crash site. commodities, including veg- up its inspection process, from the wreckage of a pas- around 23m below the water’s on citizens to “pray together so A child’s pink clothing, a bro- etables, fruits, grains, live ani- ensuring that the CCFTA senger jet that crashed with 62 surface, the transport ministry that victims can be found”. ken tyre and wheel, life jackets mals, meat, et cetera, which quickly enters into force. people on board. said on January 10, citing But the frantic search involv- and wreckage from the plane are our targets for export to the He said the Chinese side The Sriwijaya Air Boeing 737- Indonesia’s military chief Hadi ing helicopters and a flotilla of were found, according to Chinese market, as these prod- 500 went into a steep dive about Tjahjanto. warships appeared to offer no ucts are taxed at zero through Continued – page 6 four minutes after it left Soekar- It did not specify if the signal hope of finding any survivors. Continued – page 9

THE PHNOM PENH POST Gov’t sends funding, supplies to National provinces for returning migrants Inside page 3 2 THE PHNOM PENH POST january 11, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com National Thirteen job centres set for returning migrants Continued from page 1 for them? People all over lack jobs because labour contracts would be prepared to intro- have been suspended.” duce them to job opportuni- He pointed to factory and ties upon their completion of construction workers who quarantine in accordance with were left jobless after the out- rules established by the Min- break of Covid-19 and won- istry of Health. dered how the labour ministry Centre for Alliance of La- would fulfil such an ambitious bour and Human Rights pro- commitment. If so many jobs gramme manager Khun Tharo could really be arranged, how- said that in the current con- ever, he hoped that people text of the pandemic, securing would not feel compelled to work was a priority for affected return to work in Thailand. people in all countries, regard- The NEA’s announcement less of whether or not they claimed that jobs for returning were migrant workers. There workers were available across have also been pervasive job many industries, and agency losses across the tourism and officials were coordinating service sectors, among other with authorities at all local lev- impacted industries, he said. els to collate and analyse data Protesters gather to demand the release of activists in front of of the Appeal Court in August last year. Hean Rangsey “It’s important to ensure that on returning migrants in order jobs are sustainable over a long to more easily facilitate con- term and provide solid insur- necting them with appropri- ance of social protection. Good ate work in a timely manner. labour conditions can raise Agents must reach out to UN expresses concerns over their livelihoods properly with labourers at each quarantine decent wages,” Tharo said. centre to coordinate with He added that programmes them about available employ- to develop soft skills and pro- ment opportunities. They are detention of rights activists fessional vocational skills also tasked with organising should respond to needs in the employers and investors to Niem Chheng appear to have been charged in Khmer Thavrak; and members investigations by the police. domestic market in order to en- create sufficient positions to relation to the exercise of their of the Khmer Student Intelligence He cautioned that the people sure effective job placements. provide full employment for IX UN human rights rights to freedom of expression League Association (KSILA). named in the letter were not Social assistance should also be those who need it. experts have requested and freedom of peaceful as- The letter also mentioned defenders of human rights and provided for workers in training The NEA noted that if any mi- that the Ministry of sembly and association. purported threats against freedoms because their activities in order to enable full participa- grant workers are not informed Foreign Affairs and In- The UN experts also express trade union leaders made were not permitted by the law. tion, especially among youths. of job opportunities by mem- ternationalS Cooperation clari- concern regarding the crimi- in response to their protest “All activities [undertaken National Trade Union Co- bers of the working group, they fy the details surrounding the nalisation of the basic means over factory closures without by the accused] were pro- alition president Far Saly ap- can communicate directly with arrest, detention, “intimida- by which human rights de- any severance pay to work- scribed by law as offences and plauded initiatives to secure any of 13 job centres established tion, surveillance, threats and fenders carry out their work ers; threats made against the the police had a solid basis in work for those who had lost in Phnom Penh or the provinc- excessive use of force” against as this totally inhibits their union representing employ- evidence to initiate judicial their jobs in Thailand. es of Banteay Meanchey, Bat- 15 Cambodian rights activists. ability to report on and ad- ees of waste collection firm procedures against them. “This is a good opportunity tambang, Siem Reap, Preah Si- In response, a Cambodian vocate against human rights Cintri (Cambodia) Ltd; and “The group that has been for them to start jobs when hanouk, Kampong Thom, Prey government official explained violations in Cambodia. threats made against the subjected to these charges they finish quarantine. What Veng, Takeo, Kampot, Pursat, that all measures taken had They also raised the issue Cambodian Tourism Workers’ has no legal basis or justifica- worries us, though, is the Svay Rieng, Kampong Cham been done in accordance of reported allegations of at- Union Federation (CTWUF). tion to be absolved of them question, what jobs are there and Stung Treng. with Cambodian law. tempts to prevent human The jointly-authored UN let- without first having under- In a 17-page letter, UN hu- rights defenders from moni- ter was made public on Janu- gone a trial in the courts. man rights experts including toring peaceful demonstra- ary 8. No official reply from the “They just accuse [the gov- Rhona Smith – the UN Special tions in line with the right to government had been received ernment] of violating rights, Rapporteur on the human freedom of assembly. as of January 8, according to restricting the rights and rights situation in Cambodia In the letter, they specifi- the Office of the UN High Com- freedoms of expression and – expressed their concern re- cally mentioned the arrests of missioner for Human Rights political rights and freedoms garding both the detention of Rong Chhun, a member of the (OHCHR) in Cambodia. [without any basis],” he said. 11 activists and the charges Cambodia Watchdog Council; “Individuals should never Malin added that Cambo- brought against them, and Ouk Chhayavy , president of be arrested or criminally dia has repeatedly clarified intimidation on others. the Cambodian Independent prosecuted for their peaceful [the facts] in all of these cases The detained activists in- Teachers Association (CITA); participation in assemblies. for the UN already. He said clude those from women’s environmental activists from The excessive use of force the new UN letter might have rights organisations and others Mother Nature Cambodia; against human rights defend- come about after the UN offi- A mobile job centre in Banteay Meanchey. Banteay Meanchey provincial hall who, according to the UN letter, members of the youth group ers and those participating cials received complaint from in peaceful demonstrations the defendants’ relatives and is also cause for serious con- civil society organisations. cern,” the UN experts wrote. “These expressions of con- As it is their responsibility un- cern and requests for clarifica- der the mandates provided by tion are of no benefit at all to the the UN Human Rights Council, detained. What might be useful the UN officials said they had would be their participation in the duty to request clarification the court procedures in order of [the status of] all cases. to introduce some evidence They requested that the proving that the detained are Cambodian government clar- not guilty as charged. ify several points for them in- “To date, there is no solid cluding a list of defendants, the legal basis for dropping these facts used as a basis for their charges because the police prosecution, the relevant Cam- do in fact have a solid legal bodian laws the defendants are basis,” he said. alleged to have violated, and Malin continued that the a list of all arrests, detentions joint letter was written from the and charges made related to point of view of the authors and public demonstrations. was therefore just a collection Cambodian foreign min- of opinions rather than facts. istry spokesman Koy Koung However, he added, the Cam- could not be reached for bodian Permanent Mission to comment on January 10. the UN Office in Geneva would But Ministry of Justice still take the time to respond spokesman Chin Malin said it and explain these cases to the was normal for [UN officials] human rights experts. to express their concerns af- At least one of the cases the ter receiving complaints or UN inquired about – Chhun’s reports sent to them on behalf – is due to be heard in court of the accused parties. He said soon, according to a letter from the government would explain Phnom Penh municipal court each of the cases to them. deputy prosecutor Seng Heang. Malin said the cases raised by Heang said the municipal the UN experts are now in the court will hear Chhun’s case hands of the courts following on January 15. THE PHNOM PENH POST january 11, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 3 National​ Funding, supplies sent to quarantine sites

Mom Kunthear again upon arriving in Japan. The notice also detailed re- HE government has quirements for sponsors of for- provided additional eign workers who must fulfil funding and materi- contractual obligations to carry als to four provinces out prescribed safety measures borderingT Thailand in order including paying for Covid-19 to supply returning migrant tests. After workers arrive in Ja- workers currently in quar- pan, however, the government antine. From December 20 will accept responsibility for through January 7, a total of any further protocols. 12,088 Cambodian migrants Arriving passengers who do have returned via checkpoints not have the required certi- along the Thai border. fication will be remanded to Ministry of Health secretary a site determined by Japan’s of state York Sambath said on quarantine director. January 8 that Prime Minis- Passengers will be tested ter Hun Sen had decided to again on their third day of provide an additional 700 arrival, and if the test comes million riel ($171,000) to the back negative, they will be provincial administrations released with orders to self- of Battambang, Pailin, Ban- quarantine at home for 14 teay Meanchey and Oddar days. They are instructed to Meanchey. download the Covid-19 Con- “Three provinces received tact-Confirming Application 200 million riel each, while (COCOA) to track their move- Oddar Meanchey received ments. 100 million riel. Additionally, Also on January 9, the health the government has also pro- ministry confirmed four cas- vided 8,000 packages of sup- es of Covid-19. All four are plies to these four provinces, migrant workers who arrived with each receiving 2,000 A migrant receives supplies at a quarantine centre in Banteay Meanchey province’s Serei Sophoan town on Saturday. Banteay Meanchey provincial hall from Thailand via Battam- packages for distribution to bang and Banteay Meanchey migrant workers in quaran- both sides had restricted traf- and escaping, we have found “The prime minister has paid notice on January 9 introduc- provinces on January 5. tine,” she said. fic across border checkpoints them and returned them for close attention to ensure that ing conditions imposed by In Pailin province, six mi- This marks the second time since early last year, and be- proper quarantine,” she said. our returning citizens have ad- the Japanese government for grants who had returned in less than two weeks that cause of the recent Covid-19 She repeated the ministry’s equate shelter and provisions foreign migrant workers. Cam- from Thailand with infec- the government has distrib- outbreak in Thailand, Cam- call for all returning migrants because everyone is in this bodians entering Japan with tions were declared recovered uted extra funds and supplies bodia had further tightened to enter quarantine, imploring together. Success or failure in work permits and resident after a second negative test to the four provinces, follow- controls. them not to try to escape the containing the virus depends visas are required to obtain a and were discharged from the ing a package of 650 million “We have done a better job provided accommodations on cooperation from our mi- certificate indicating that they provincial referral hospital. riel handed out on January 2. of managing our returning because the purpose of the grant workers who have come have tested negative for Covid- As of January 10, Cambodia Health ministry spokes- countrymen. Although there quarantine is to keep them, from Thailand,” she said. 19 within 72 hours prior to had recorded a total of 391 woman Or Vandine said on have been incidents of pas- their families and the commu- Separately, the Cambodian departure from their country Covid-19 cases with 20 re- January 10 that authorities on sengers jumping from trucks nity safe from the virus. embassy in Japan released a of origin. They will be tested maining hospitalised. Three men sent to court Kingdom meets climate deadline for trafficking 2kg drugs Niem Chheng

Soth Koemsoeun district on January 5. THE government has successfully sub- The other two suspects were mitted Cambodia’s updated National OFFICERS of the National Police’s Sreng Long Heng, 31, and Seng Determined Contribution (NDC) to the anti-drug department sent three Bunhay, 29. They were appre- UN Framework Convention on Climate male suspects to the Phnom hended on January 7 in Baliley Change (UNFCCC) and earned praise as Penh Municipal Court on Janu- commune’s Samaki Meanchey more than half of the world’s countries ary 10 after a series of arrests at village of Banteay Meanchey failed to do so by year’s end. three different locations. province’s Poipet town. The Kingdom’s 158-page NDC was sub- They are accused of being in- Vannak said the three sus- mitted before the deadline of December volved with the transportation pects were accomplices and 31. It covers many aspects such as climate and storage of more than 2kg of part of an organised network change impact and the country’s adapta- various illegal drugs including that facilitated the distribution tion and mitigation efforts, among others. ecstasy, methamphetamines, of drugs to dealers and users. In the NDC foreword, Minister of En- ketamine, among others. All three are Cambodians. vironment and National Council for The National Police’s anti- “Besides these three men, Sustainable Development chairman drug department director Lek we are trying to identify their Say Samal said the document presented Vannak, said the three sus- other accomplices. We have Cambodia’s commitments and needs for pects and the drugs seized as some reason for optimism as the next decade to realise the vision of a evidence was sent to the mu- our investigators are now fol- low carbon and resilient society. A parched rice field in Kandal province’s Lvea Em district on Sunday. HENG CHIVOAN nicipal court on January 10. lowing up on leads in order to He said this document was developed According to the department arrest [everyone involved],” through extensive consultations over nine and mitigation actions contribute to a volved in the climate change response. January 10 report, the first sus- Vannak said. months, with contributions from all con- more inclusive society. “For the first time, we are seeing offi- pect arrested was Meas Thida, Phnom Penh Municipal cerned stakeholders in the country, includ- Also, a significant effort was made to cial emissions reduction targets set on 36, who was apprehended in Court spokesman Kuch Kim- ing relevant ministries and agencies, civil develop a solid framework for measure- issues like renewable energy, energy effi- Tonle Bassac commune of long could not be reached for society representatives, development part- ment, reporting and verification. This ciency or waste management. The target Phnom Penh’s Chamkarmon comment on January 10. ners, academia and the private sector. was to ensure that it was able to generate to halve deforestation by 2030 is consis- “Cambodia has always been a strong credible evidence on progress made and tent with the recently approved national supporter of multilateral action on climate on challenges encountered. REDD+ strategy,” he said. change. As a country particularly vulner- As of January 1, only around 70 out of The NDC, he said, confirms the main able to the impacts of climate change, we nearly 200 countries in the world had objectives announced by Prime Minis- understand the urgency of ambitious cli- submitted their NDC. Almost all coun- ter Hun Sen at the UN Climate Ambi- mate action and aim to lead by example, in tries had signed up to the Paris Agree- tion summit in early December last year. line with our capacities and responsibilities ment in 2015 to limit global warming This is positive and reflects a growing under the UNFCCC,” the minister said. to well below two degrees Celsius above recognition that green technologies will He said the updated NDC was im- pre-industrial levels, according to AFP. be a major driver of economic growth in proved in several important ways, in- “Congratulations to Cambodia for the coming decades, and that Cambodia cluding climate change mitigation submitting an extensive update of its needs to seize this opportunity. targets in the agricultural and waste sec- firstN DC,” UNFCCC executive secretary “In the energy sector, we believe that tors, and an ambitious target in the For- Patricia Espinosa tweeted on January 6. with current technology and price trends, estry and Land Use sector for halving the UNDP Cambodia resident representa- Cambodia will be able to exceed the tar- deforestation rate by 2030. tive Nick Beresford told The Post on Janu- gets set for 2030, and we look forward to The NDC, he said, paid particular at- ary 10 that Cambodia’s updated NDC was working with the government and pri- Three suspects arrested for drug trafficking in the capital and Banteay tention to gender and vulnerable groups, a comprehensive document, incorporat- vate sector stakeholders to achieve this Meanchey province earlier this month. police to ensure that Cambodia’s adaptation ing inputs from all key stakeholders in- higher level of ambition,” he said. 4 THE PHNOM PENH POST january 11, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com National Man charged NEC rebuffs voter list complaint over murder

Nov Sivutha of senior PP

HE National Election police official Committee (NEC) is- HE driver of a Lexus cross- sued a statement on over who was involved in January 8 denounc- Tthe shooting death of a ingT baseless allegations of senior police official following irregularities raised by the a hit-and-run in the capital late League for Democracy Party last month has been placed in (LDP) about the registration pre-trial detention. process for last year’s annual Ke Chanmean – a 24-year-old update of the voter list. resident of Ansa commune’s “For most of the LDP’s com- Anlong Vil village in Pursat plaints, there is insufficient province’s Kandieng district – was evidence and a lack of clear charged by the Phnom Penh legal facts to prove that either Municipal Court with conspiracy the voter registrar, voter regis- to commit murder and drug tration team or the commune trafficking. and district authorities vio- The victim was identified in the lated the electoral rules and police report as Reth Sineth, 40, procedures,” the NEC said. a deputy chief of the municipal The statement claimed that police’s minor crime bureau. LDP’s observers had initiated Sineth was first shot in his back arguments with officials at al- and then again through the most all voter registration of- forehead. fices across the country. According to the report, Then, the NEC said, the ob- Chanmean was driving the al- servers secretly took photos, leged shooter, Ear Naren, home made audio recordings and in a black Lexus crossover after snatched documents from the drinking heavily on the night of newly registered voters with- December 29. When arriving at the out asking for permission. scene in the capital’s Por Sen Chey League for Democracy Party spokesman E Sangleng during a press conference on December 30. Hean Rangsey The NEC further said that district near the Phnom Penh since its inception the LDP had ed the excellent results. vannarom declined to com- opponent of the LDP. Further, 2020 voter registration results International Airport, Chanmean been causing problems by us- “But the NEC regrets that the ment further on January 10. the NEC’s message was full of because it found evidence of rear-ended Sineth’s Ford pick-up. ing the wrong forms to register LDP has refused to recognise LDP spokesman E Sangleng falsehoods [aimed to] mislead irregularities and civil society The suspects then fled the scene, as political party observers and the results and even insulted accused the NEC of being un- public opinion into thinking organisations hold the same prompting Sineth to give chase. to monitor voter registration, national institutions, including der political influence and de- the LDP has made baseless al- opinion. After a heated argument over and also ignoring other NEC the NEC [as] the regulator and viating from its role as a non- legations,” he said. “I urge the two sides to hold restitution, Naren shot Sineth to procedures . also rejected the [decision of partisan, impartial, fair and Neutral and Impartial Com- discussion on the past short- death. “The review and registration the] Constitutional Council [of independent institution. mittee for Free and Fair Elec- comings, resolve them peace- Chanmean was later arrested of the 2020 voter list were going Cambodia],” the NEC said in a “The NEC has gradually tions in Cambodia executive fully and stand by the procedure in Battambang province’s Tuol Ta ahead smoothly and we thank statement. forgotten its role as a [election] director Sam Kuntheamy said to promote a [fair and] smooth Ek commune on January 4 while the stakeholders who applaud- NEC spokesman Dim So- regulator and has become an the LDP did not recognise the election,” he said. Naren remained at large. Municipal court spokesman Kuch Kimlong confirmed on January 9 that Chanmean was charged by municipal court dep- uty prosecutor Chhay Hong and Japan’s JICA assists with cross-border logistics referred to Investigating Judge Li Sokha for further action. Nov Sivutha site surveys is now underway. the Vietnamese border. JICA study to be completed as resulting in queues of hundreds Phnom Penh municipal police Units from the JICA working According to Sorya, after planned, but given ongoing of vehicles stretching more than chief Sar Thet could not be reached THE Japanese International group have been deployed to JICA completes its research, complications from the pan- a kilometre. for comment on January 10. Cooperation Agency (JICA) will study conditions at each bor- the organisation will furnish demic it was uncertain how “The JICA working group is The National Police’s head provide technical assistance to der while other units are tasked the government with a final much would be achieved. drawing up plans to reduce bor- of criminal police department, improve the flow of transna- with devising and implement- report containing specific rec- On January 6, the ministry’s der congestion. This is an Ngeng Chou, declined to provide tional shipments at check- ing strategies for the modern- ommendations for widening General Department of Trans- important issue, and the results details, saying the police are points along Cambodia’s bor- isation of Cambodia’s com- roads, constructing buildings, port deputy director-general of their study should help to still investigating the case ders with Vietnam and Thailand mercial truck fleet and a “green and expanding parking capac- Kong Sophal accompanied improve efficiency at the bor- and searching for the alleged where current facilities and logistics plan,” Sorya said. ity as well as improving border JICA team members on inspec- der, facilitating greater transport shooter. Soth Koemsoeun procedures lead to traffic con- He explained that normal management by expanding tions of the Banteay Chakrei, volumes,” Chanthy said. gestion and long delays. cross-border traffic was still operational hours and stream- Prey Vor-Binh Hiep and Bavet Ministry of Public Works and closed due to the Covid-19 lining crossing procedures and checkpoints along the border Transport spokesman Wasim pandemic, but a restricted document processing. with Vietnam. Sorya told The Post on January flow of commercial goods He added that JICA’s project Sophal noted that JICA’s 7 that JICA had initiated a remains permitted. An unin- was slated to continue for two technical expertise could help study of cross-border logistics, tended consequence of the and a half years, but due to to increase the efficiency of completing first-phase plan- extra restrictions, however, has the outbreak of Covid-19 cross-border transport, a key ning for the project and pre- been excessive congestion of operations were delayed for aspect of implementing their liminary consultations with vehicles and goods seeking to six months and are just now comprehensive logistics plan. the government. cross the borders, particularly beginning. He said the ministry was A second phase entailing on- at the Bavet-Moc Bai station at The ministry expects the considering options to better facilitate the movement of goods at border stations while still preventing the spread of Covid-19 and they welcomed JICA’s assistance. Cambodia Logistics Associa- tion president Sin Chanthy acknowledged that JICA had launched the project to improve the Cambodia-Viet- nam border some time ago but progress had just begun. He said the lanes at the Bavet- Moc Bai border checkpoint were too narrow for trucks, making them a continuous obstacle to smooth cross-bor- der transport. Due to the pandemic, new restrictions pertaining to the control of vehicles and chang- ing of drivers have further slowed down delivery of goods and forced vehicles to remain Trucks transporting goods across the Cambodia-Vietnam border checkpoint on January 6. public works ministry parked for long durations, THE PHNOM PENH POST january 11, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 5 National​ Officer shoots wife, self dead after tiff Kim Sarom hospital, but they were pro- nounced dead at the scene. A 53-year-old Military Police Am Sam Ath, deputy director officer shot his wife to death of rights group Licadho, before himself following an described domestic violence as argument in the early hours of a scourge of society which con- January 10 in a rented room in tinues to occur among families Kouk Khleang commune of across the spectrums of wealth Phnom Penh’s Sen Sok district. and education. Despite gen- District police chief Hour eral social progress, incidence Meng Vang identified the officer of domestic violence has not as Seng Kimsan, a coach at the been significantly reduced and Kambol Military Police Acade- has actually worsened over the my, and his wife Chuob Saren, years, he said. 36. They are survived by a Sam Ath said the deleterious 15-year-old daughter. effects of domestic violence He said because the couple were manifold, leading to deaths had died, it was not possible to and traumatic hospitalisations determine the cause of the inci- of victims, incarceration of per- dent with certainty, but police petrators and orphaning of chil- suspect that the shooting was dren who are often further vic- motivated by jealousy. timised by reduced standards of Commune police chief living from poverty as well as an Duong Vannak said on January increased drop-out rate from 10 that Kimsan shot his wife school. These burdens then fall three times in the back. She upon the government, he said. Approximately 80 families have volunteered to dismantle their homes or cease home construction on the banks of the Sekong River in Stung Treng was killed in the kitchen before “Reasons for domestic vio- province. FACEBOOK the husband shot himself in lence are attributable to a social the head in the bedroom. mindset which still values A Sen Sok district policeman women less than men, subor- who asked not to be named dinating women in their homes 80 S Treng families agree to be said Kimsan had an ex-wife or places of work, perpetuating with whom he had five chil- unacceptable beliefs and tradi- dren. He later married Saren tions like forced marriages and who was an online merchant. exploiting loopholes in law relocated from Sekong River She communicated with her enforcement,” he said. customers every day, leading Sam Ath added that other Orm Bunthoeurn with plans to beautify the area. roads and canals at the new river bank collapsing so the plan to her husband’s jealousy, the causes included issues like Yuth noted that the move location for them. The people to relocate will benefit them. officer speculated. stresses over the stability of PPROXIMATELY 80 was also intended to keep the just have to go build their “It is good that the authori- He added that following an livelihood and balance of pow- families have volun- families affected safe from homes there to stay,” he said. ties will exchange land with us argument and the shootings, er within a family as well as teered to dismantle natural disasters like the river One of the people living because living along the river their daughter had rushed out forms of insanity like jealousy their homes or cease bank collapsing or flooding. along the river banks, Pin means dealing with too many of the room, shouting for help which can be exacerbated by homeA construction on the “Now, there have been Kunthea, told The Post that issues. The land and our homes from neighbours. She asked for consumption of alcohol and banks of the Sekong River in some landslides and homes the authorities had already can collapse into the water her parents to be taken to a drugs. Stung Treng province, while collapsing and our people are tried to get them to relocate when floods happen,” he said. others are submitting requests concerned about it. We are a few years ago but the com- However, another villager, for a new plot of land at a dif- afraid of increased danger [to pensation was not acceptable Khat Pin, expressed disagree- ferent location following them] when the water flow is and they refused to leave. ment over the timing of the orders issued by the provincial strong,” he said. Now, however, the authorities relocation. authorities in late December Yuth added that another rea- had allocated land for them to She said most of the people to relocate. son for the move was the main- relocate to and so they happily are not opposed to relocation Siem Pang district governor tenance of public order and to agreed to go, she said. in general, but currently it is not Phan Yuth said approximately maintain state control of the “I think sooner or later we a good time to undertake such 200 families living along the land along the river bank. will end up having to relocate, a move because some people river are required to relocate. The authorities have allo- so we’ll do it sooner because are facing financial crisis amid He said the authorities have cated land for the families at a we can use our old wood to the Covid-19 pandemic. not yet forced them to dis- new location, including land construct a new house. And “Now there is an epidemic mantle their homes but have for a market for them to sell if we agree to relocate earlier [Covid-19] and it is too hard requested that they relocate goods, in Sekong and Thma than others we might get a to make money. Right now There was a murder-suicide in a rented room in Kouk Khleang commune of so the land along the river’s Keo communes. better plot at the new loca- we lack the money needed Phnom Penh’s Sen Sok district in the early hours of Sunday. FRESH NEWS banks can be developed. Each family would receive tion,” she said. to relocate. We don’t disagree He added that the authorities a plot of land measuring 25m Another villager, Sdeung [with moving eventually], but would like the process of relo- by 45m to build their home Phoeung, acknowledged that [until the economy improves] cating to be completed early on, he continued. the people living along the river it would be better to postpone this year in order to proceed “We’ve already constructed are worried about flooding and the relocation,” she said.

Five escape, one caught in Kandal jail breakout Khouth Sophak Chakrya

KANDAL provincial police are hunting for four fugitives still at large after escaping from prison on the night of January 9. A fifth escapee has been re- arrested. (From left to right) Run Pov, Seng Suon Huong, No Mesa, Nang Chhiek Leang and Chhom Simy. FACEBOOK Provincial deputy police chief Chhun Sinat said on January ing and theft with aggravating tified as No Mesa and Nang ons spokesman Nuth Savna 10 that police and local au- circumstances,” he said. Chhiek Leang who were ar- declined to provide details, cit- thorities were actively search- Sinat said a man named rested on January 1, and Run ing an ongoing investigation. ing for the missing four and Chhom Simy was apprehend- Pov and Seng Suon Huong who “Our police are now ques- would return them to prison. ed shortly after he managed to were arrested on January 4. tioning the one who was ar- “According to a report from escape from the prison. He was Provincial prison chief Chat rested and returned to prison. the provincial prison, the group originally arrested on January 4 Sineang could not be reached Some prison guards have also of four were charged by the pro- for possession of illegal drugs. for comment. been questioned regarding vincial court with drug traffick- The four others were iden- General Department of Pris- the incident,” he said. 6 THE PHNOM PENH POST JANUARY 11, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com Business

USD / KHR USD / CAD USD / CNY USD / JPY USD / MYR USD / SGD USD / THB AUD / USD EUR / USD GBP / USD 4,058 1.2679 6.4627 103.82 4.0320 1.3247 30.06 0.7780 1.2244 1.3598

Trading Information on Cambodia Securities Exchange Date: January 8, 2021 Auction Trading Method (ATM) No Stock Closing Price Opening Price High Low 1 ABC 16,860 16,960 16,960 16,820 2 GTI 3,290 3,290 3,290 3,290 3 PAS 14,100 13,800 14,100 13,800 4 PEPC 2,770 (SQ) - 2,770 2,770 5 PPAP 11,780 11,580 11,780 11,580 6 PPSP 1,160 1,180 1,180 1,120 7 PWSA 6,100 6,100 6,100 6,000 Exports surge ASEAN-Hong Kong FTA set for Feb 12 14 per cent to Thou Vireak Cambodia. “Under the IA, Cambodia HE part in relation to will provide Hong Kong en- $16 billion in Cambodia under the terprises investing in its area ASEAN-Hong Kong with fair and equitable treat- 2020, PM says free trade agreement ment of their investments, (FTA)T and Investment Agree- physical protection and se- Continued from page 1 ment (IA) is set to take effect curity of their investments, on February 12, according to and the assurance of the free will also hasten the implementation Hong Kong’s Trade and In- transfer of their investments of rice warehousing and drying- dustry Department. and returns.” equipment projects, which will help The Kingdom will be last Cambodia Rice Federa- the Kingdom ship more high-qual- country in which the two tion president Song Saran ity agricultural products to Asia’s agreements enter into the said that while Hong Kong largest market. force, following Indonesia importers maintain rather “The Chinese side will continue to on July 4 and Brunei on Oc- strict conditions, they are encourage more Chinese companies tober 20, the department regular buyers of Cambo- to invest in Cambodia,” Wang said. said in a press release, citing dian milled rice. The Kingdom’s total exports reached an unnamed government He said: “In my view, Cam- $16 billion in 2020, marking an increase spokesman. bodia participation in the of more than 14 per cent over 2019, He said in the release: “Hong Hong Kong-ASEAN free trade Prime Minister Hun Sen told a live Kong enterprises and service market will be akin to hav- press briefing on December 29, citing providers will be able to enjoy ing a Hong-Kong-Cambodia preliminary data. the full benefits as committed one. This’ll make our prod- But bilateral trade value with other to by all 10 ASEAN member ucts more competitive on countries stood at $32 billion, he said. states under the agreements. the Hong Kong market and This is down from $36.7 billion in Their business opportuni- Total ASEAN-Hong Kong merchandise trade stood at HK$1.018 trillion (US$131 billion) in 2019, while will help bolster the pres- 2019, according to National Bank of total services trade between the two sides was to the tune of HK$137 billion in 2018. pIXABAY ties in ASEAN markets will be ence of our food-processing Cambodia (NBC) figures. greatly enhanced.” told The Post that internal According to the Hong bodia under the FTA, Hong and all manner of other in- The prime minister noted that “Hong Kong forged the procedures would be fina- Kong government spokes- Kong traders have to comply dustrial sectors there.” exports of the Kingdom’s seven key FTA and the IA with ASEAN lised soon, expressing hopes man: “As far as Cambodia is with the relevant preferen- ASEAN was Hong Kong’s agricultural products clocked in at in 2017 and the agreements that the Kingdom will bene- concerned, it will progres- tial rules of origin and fulfil second largest trading part- $3.881 billion. have entered into force fit from the Hong Kong mar- sively reduce and eliminate the related requirements. ner in merchandise trade Milled rice accounted for 675,000 gradually since June 2019.” ket through the agreements. customs duties on goods “[They must] apply for in 2019 and the fourth larg- tonnes worth $514 million, up 11.11 “The agreements are com- He said: “We have already originating from Hong Kong. certificates of origin from est in services trade in 2018, per cent year-on-year. prehensive in scope, encom- signed the agreements. We “The tariff commitments the Trade and Industry De- according to the Hong Kong Shipments of cassava, cashew nuts, passing trade in goods, trade will formally issue a notifi- made by Cambodia cover partment or Government government spokesman. mango, yellow bananas and Pailin in services, investment, eco- cation once internal proce- different kinds of Hong Kong Approved Certification Or- Total ASEAN-Hong Kong longan weighed in at seven million nomic and technical coop- dures have been completed commodities, including jew- ganisations to cover the merchandise trade stood at tonnes, 218,884 tonnes, 850,000 eration, dispute settlement so that both parties can im- ellery, articles of apparel and goods concerned. HK$1.018 trillion (US$131 tonnes, 313 tonnes and 174 tonnes, mechanisms and other re- plement them immediately. clothing accessories, watch- “On trade in services, Hong billion) in 2019, while total respectively, valued at “more than $1 lated areas.” “We hope that these agree- es and clocks as well as toys. Kong service providers will services trade between the billion”, $288 million, $473 million, Pen Sovicheat, undersec- ments will enable Cambodia “To enjoy the preferential enjoy legal certainty in mar- two sides was to the tune of $551 million and $57 million. retary of state at the Cambo- to capture some of the ex- tariff treatment for exporting ket access for an extensive HK$137 billion in 2018, he Meanwhile, peppercorn exports dian Ministry of Commerce, port market in Hong Kong.” Hong Kong goods to Cam- range of services sectors in said. were worth $25 million, he added. Import bans to shore up aquaculture Hin Pisei pend the imports now is to security for the country. significant headway in promot- boost the domestic market, but “What’s more, local aquac- ing local aquaculture – espe- INDUSTRIAL players in the we will reinstate them once ulture products are of superior cially fish and frog farming. aquaculture sector applauded demand is high enough.” quality because they are given With family and business a government decision to tem- Besides boosting the high-grade feed that is prop- aquaculture now on a rising porarily suspend the import income of aquaculturists, he erly formulated, while it is trend, Raden says Cambodia of some species that are most posited that the perks of add- unknown if some of the stuff is also keen on international commonly produced in Cam- ed aquaculture investment that’s imported has undergone investment in the production bodia, hoping to curtail overall would extend to rice millers on-site inspections or has of fishmeal and other feed. imports and instil more confi- and other factory owners, been given decent feed.” He said: “I truly would like to dence in farmers to raise fish. whose products are raw mate- In addition to the move, see more people invest in The Ministry of Agriculture, rials for feed manufacturers. Raden called on border Cambodian animal feed pro- Forestry and Fisheries on Jan- Cambodian Aquaculturist authorities to increase inspec- duction, because spending uary 8 issued a press release Association (CCC) president Sok tions, citing a perceived recent money on feed from abroad Agriculture minister Veng Sakhon (centre) says authorities are encouraging investment in feed production for the aquaculture sector. SUPPLIED announcing the suspension. Raden told The Post on January increase in illegal imports. doesn’t provide revenue for the Minister Veng Sakhon said 10 that the suspension would be He added that increasing Cambodian economy.” would boost farmers’ confidence enjoy acceleration in growth.” that in their mission to shore up a boon for local marine farmers. government intervention Song Seyha, owner of a fish and increase investment. Aquaculture output surged aquaculture, the authorities are He said: “On behalf of the through low-interest loans farm in Tbong Khmum province’s “Suspending imports can 27.79 per cent to some 400,000 also encouraging investment in CCC, I am very pleased and from the Agricultural and Rural southernmost Ponhea Kraek give local farmers a degree of tonnes last year from the feed production for the sector. supportive of the decision as Development Bank of Cambo- district, said curbing imports of confidence in the market,” he 307,408 tonnes posted in 2019, He said: “The decision to sus- it is a part of ensuring food dia (ARDB) was also making Cambodia’s most farmed fish said. “Raising also stands to data from the ministry show. THE PHNOM PENH POST january 11, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 7 Business China set to Ministry mulls ASEAN+3 travel bubble expand free May Kunmakara

HE Ministry of Tourism plans trade network to launch a travel bubble al- CHINA will step up efforts to expand lowing transit between Cam- its free trade area network with trading bodia and 12 other regional partners across the world to enlarge countriesT in a bid to resuscitate the its “circle of friends”, while eliminating tourism sector amid crushing impact more tariffs on goods and broadening of the ongoing spread of Covid-19, market access for services trade and Ministry of Tourism spokesman Top investment, according to commerce Sopheak told The Post on January 10. minister Wang Wentao. He defined a “travel bubble” as a Wang told Xinhua News Agency in special travel package that aims to a recent interview that these efforts bridge movement between those will push forward higher-level open- countries that have “clear control of ing-up.The country will facilitate the coronavirus” and have had “no China-Japan-Republic of Korea free major outbreaks”. trade agreement (FTA) negotiations, “This is a strategic plan and a as well as those with the China-Gulf policy of the Ministry of Tourism Cooperation Council, China-Norway – we are studying the possibility of and China-Israel FTAs, while giving forming a travel bubble with ASEAN active consideration to joining the countries, and those in ASEAN Plus Comprehensive and Progressive Three, which also includes Japan, Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partner- South Korea and China. ship. “And through the study, we’ve ob- China will also strengthen efforts to served that we can do this. But at the ensure the landmark Regional Com- moment, we can’t do anything yet. We prehensive Economic Partnership are now working more closely with the (RCEP) takes effect and is implement- Ministry of Health to streamline and ed as soon as possible. clarify [the terms of the] travel bubble. Official data show that China has “We must prepare the procedures signed FTAs with 26 countries and with the Ministry of Health, and we’ll regions, with FTAs accounting for 35 have to do that carefully because per cent of the country’s total foreign once it’s all set in stone, we’ll have trade value. to sign memorandums of under- The Kingdom welcomed 1.26 million international tourists in January-October last year, down 76.1 per cent from 5.29 million in the Building a high-standard free trade first 10 months of 2019. hENG CHIVOAN standing with companies and travel area network with global reach is in agencies that delineate what kinds He said: “The launch of the travel risk to tourists is minimised. and tourism sectors aimed at stabi- line with China’s goal of forging a new of aircraft tourists can arrive on, the bubble initiative is very important He said: “Right now, besides work- lising businesses and easing their fi- round of high-level opening-up, and names of [authorised] airlines, the as it’ll be able to reorient tourism ing with the Ministry of Health, we are nancial burdens during Covid-19. was highlighted in the Party leader- hotels at which they can stay and and adapt it to a world with a ‘new also working with the private sector From January-October last year, ship’s proposals for formulating the [suggestions for] restaurants and normal’. because we have to be very meticulous Cambodia welcomed 1.26 million 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) for tourism sites to visit,” Sopheak said. “Introducing one with our neigh- and bear in mind that some countries international tourists, represent- National Economic and Social Devel- The ASEAN Plus Three countries bours and China, Korea and Japan around the world have [introduced ing a 76.1 per cent nosedive from opment and the Long-Range Objec- are Brunei, Cambodia, China, Indo- will help the tourism sector, al- travel bubbles] a step ahead of us. the 5.29 million logged in the cor- tives Through the Year 2035, Wang nesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Myan- though not much, but at least we’ll “But they’ve been closed and re- responding period of 2019, the tour- said. mar, the Philippines, Singapore, have some tourism flow.” opened following a resurgence of ism ministry reported. He said China will make more efforts South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam. While Sopheak admitted that the the pandemic, so we’re still moni- Of that, 734,309 visitors touched to increase the proportion of the goods Pacific Asia Travel Association exact timeframe of the travel bubble’s toring the development of Covid-19 down at the Kingdom’s three inter- trade that enjoys zero tariffs, ease mar- Cambodia chapter chairman Thourn launch had not been determined, he before we start.” national airports, down 80.2 per ket access for the services trade and Sinan welcomed the travel bubble, stressed that the tourism and health To date, the Cambodian govern- cent year-on-year, while 533,581 ar- investment, and proactively partici- saying it would bring a touch of posi- ministries were hard at work thrash- ment has introduced seven rounds rived by land and waterways, down pate in rule-setting negotiations in tive energy into the roiling sector. ing out the details and ensuring that of stimulus measures for the aviation 66.3 per cent year-on-year. fields such as the digital economy and environmental protection, to shore up the establishment of an open econo- my at a higher level. Huo Jianguo, vice-chairman of Bei- Brexit deal’s ‘rules of origin’ spark trade confusion jing-based China Society for World Trade Organisation Studies, said: MANY British businesses are swiftly store Debenhams has already shut its “Opening-up is an indispensable part discovering that they must now pay online website in Ireland due to uncer- of the dual-circulation development duties on exports bound for the EU, tainty over post-Brexit trade rules. pattern, because the interplay between despite the breakthrough Brexit free “At least 50 of our members face domestic and foreign markets will trade deal clinched over Christmas. potential tariffs for re-exporting goods boost each other while the country The development, which has to the EU,” said William Bain, trade seeks to build a strong domestic mar- already helped spark sliding freight policy adviser at the British Retail ket.” traffic to Ireland, is part of trade dis- Consortium industry organisation. Signing more FTAs will help China ruption that has become increasingly “We are working with members on expand and stabilise external markets evident this year after Britain’s Brexit short-term options and are seeking and achieve higher-level opening-up, divorce was finalised on December 31. dialogue with the [UK] government especially as the country proactively Trade has also been badly hampered and the EU on longer-term solutions makes adjustments to meet related by new Covid-19 border restrictions, to mitigate the effects of new tariffs,” requirements, such as adopting strict- with the roll-out of testing for lorry he added. er rules for environmental protection drivers as Britain races to curb a ram- High-street retail giant Marks & and levelling the playing field for mar- pant variant of the deadly virus. Spencer warned on January 8 that the ket entities, he said. At the heart of the Brexit deal, which trade deal would “significantly A new round of higher-level open- came into force on January 1, is the so- impact” business in the Czech ing-up will also facilitate China’s deep- called “rules of origin” condition applied Republic, Ireland and France. ening reforms and help build a more to all goods crossing the border. The deal however removes tariffs for transparent and law-abiding domestic The rules of origin, a key aspect of British high-street retail giant Marks & Spencer has warned that the Brexit trade deal Britain’s largely foreign-owned car- market with a better business environ- will ‘significantly impact’ its businesses in the Czech Republic, Ireland and France. AFP all major trade deals, can rapidly turn making industry, which avoids cus- ment, which will inject new impetus into a costly headache for businesses. chester office of chartered account- is made in the UK. toms duties for cars manufactured into China’s rapid economic growth Under the Brexit provision, any ants UHY Hacker Young. That applies to the majority of UK with components made abroad. and further contribute to the world good will be subject to a customs levy “Businesses have also been com- exports – but certainly not all of them. Nissan has welcomed the agree- economy, according to Huo. if it arrives in Britain from abroad and pletely blindsided by the ‘rule of ori- And the provision is all the more ment but has not yet indicated what However, the establishment of more is then exported back into the EU. gin’ part of the deal, which leaves important because the EU accounts will happen to the Japanese carmak- FTAs requires not only efforts from For example, if a British clothing them at a major competitive disad- for more than half of Britain’s trade. er’s largest plant in Europe which is China but also its trading partners, he retailer imports Chinese-made textiles, vantage when selling in the EU. The London-based Institute of Gov- based in Sunderland, northeast Eng- added. then it would then have to pay a cus- “Unfortunately, not enough was ernment think tank argues however land. It had previously warned that a China had notable achievements in toms charge if it ex-exports the items done to prepare them for this. It takes that the complexity of supply chains no-deal departure would threaten promoting multilateral trading in into a member nation of the EU’s sin- years to build an effective supply means that proof of origin can be dif- the factory’s future. 2020, with the signing of the RCEP in gle market and customs union. chain – and using non-EU suppliers ficult for businesses to ascertain – and Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Con- mid-November and the conclusion of Put simply, the rules therefore is often the best option both in terms hard for authorities to assess. servative government has yet to com- negotiations for the China-EU invest- determine whether an export is con- of cost and quality.” A raft of British retailers are report- ment on the precise impact of the rules ment treaty at the end of the year. sidered British or not. The Brexit agreement, which was edly rushing to assess the impact of of origin on the business community. With the RCEP to take effect soon, “It is clear that many UK busi- sealed four and a half years after critical deliveries to EU nations, A government spokesman said: “We China will strengthen promotion and nesses exporting to the EU are going Britons voted to leave the EU, grants including London’s top-end depart- continue to work closely with busi- training on FTAs to ensure enterprises to be hit by tariffs,” said Michelle zero customs duties if at least rough- ment store Fortnum and Mason. nesses to help them to adapt to any benefit more from them, according to Dale, senior manager at the Man- ly 50 per cent of an exported product Collapsed UK high-street department new trading requirements.” AFP Wang. CHINA DAILY/ASIA NEWS NETWORK 8 THE PHNOM PENH POST january 11, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com World Trump threatened with second impeachment

S Democrats on Janu- in connection with the violence, ac- ary 9 were readying for an cording to the US attorney’s office unprecedented second for the District of Columbia. impeachment of Donald TrumpU as the defiant president showed ‘Gravely endangered of US’ no signs of stepping down after the The impeachment text – signed deadly violence at the Capitol. by at least 180 members of Con- Democrats said impeachment pro- gress so far, according to Democratic ceedings could begin as early as Janu- congressman Ted Lieu – laid blame ary 11 – an extraordinary acceleration squarely at the president’s feet. of a process that historically has taken It says: “In all of this, President weeks, but one that might not be com- Trump gravely endangered the se- pleted before President-elect Joe Biden curity of the United States and its in- is sworn into office on January 20. stitutions of government. He threat- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ened the integrity of the democratic warned that Democrats will launch system, interfered with the peaceful the process unless Trump resigns or transition of power, and imperilled a Vice-President Mike Pence invokes coordinate branch of government.” the 25th Amendment, where the cabi- Trump, who had urged his sup- net removes the president. porters to come to Washington on “He’s deranged, unhinged and dan- January 6 for a rally opposing his No- gerous. He must go,” Pelosi, referring vember election loss, has remained to Trump, tweeted on January 8. defiant, even after finally posting a The move to impeach came amid video on January 7 in which he belat- continued fury over the storming of edly promised an “orderly transition” the Capitol on January 6 by angry to the Biden administration. Trump supporters, which left five But the president also said that people dead, including a Capitol “it’s only the beginning of our fight”. policeman. That sort of language prompted Authorities announced new arrests Twitter to suspend Trump perma- and charges on January 9 over the in- nently on January 8 and fuelled Dem- cursion, including a tattoo-chested ocrats’ moves against him. man in a horned headdress whose im- The Twitter ban drew an angry re- age was beamed around the world. sponse from Trump, who in a state- That man, Jacob Anthony Chans- ment late on January 8 accused the ley, also known as Jake Angeli, and popular platform – where he had US President Donald Trump (right) and then-Democratic Presidential candidate Joe Biden during the final presidential debate at two others – one of them a newly more than 88 million followers – of Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, on October 22. Trump on Friday said he would not attend his successor Joe Biden’s elected state official from West Vir- having “coordinated with the Dem- inauguration after repeatedly rejecting the election result as a fraud and his supporters violently storming the US Capitol in ginia – were charged in federal court ocrats and the radical left”. AFP Washington. Afp Doha: Qatar, Saudi Arabia UK helps raise $1 billion in reopen borders after thaw global vaccine donations

Britain on January 10 said it meet Raab and Prime Minister the United Nations”. has helped raise $1 billion from Boris Johnson, as well as Alok Also on January 11, Guterres global donors towards the drive Sharma, who was last week and global leaders will try to to help “vulnerable countries” designated full-time president reignite international environ- access coronavirus vaccines, by of the UN’s next major climate mental diplomacy with a bio- match-funding contributions. summit, COP26, in November. diversity summit to launch a The UK said, in addition, it Sharma had previously done critical year for efforts to stem has committed £548 million the role part-time alongside the devastating effects of global ($743 million) to the COVAX his UK government job of sec- warming and species loss. Advance Market Commit- retary of state for business, The One Planet Summit, a ment (AMC), after matching energy and industrial strategy, largely virtual event hosted with £1 every $4 pledged by which he left on January 8. by France in partnership with other donors. Ahead of the virtual visit, Gu- the UN and the World Bank, Canada, Japan and Germa- terres said he was honoured to will include French President ny are among the countries “renew our cause of overcom- Emmanuel Macron, German to make contributions that ing global challenges together, Chancellor Angela Merkel it matched, helping the AMC and celebrate a country that and EU chief Ursula Von der raise more than $1.7 billion in was instrumental in creating Leyen. AFP Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) secretary-general Nayef bin Falah al-Hajraf holds a press conferece at the total so far. end of the GCC’s 41st summit, in the city of al-Ula in northwestern Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. afp The fund will allow for the Qatar and Saudi Arabia re- sumed at around 0700 GMT. Qatar has announced strict distribution of one billion opened their land border on Saudi Arabia, along with the coronavirus control mea- Covid-19 vaccine doses to January 9, Qatari sources said, UAE, Bahrain and Egypt which sures for those arriving from 92 developing countries this as they restore ties following a also imposed an embargo on the Saudi side that will re- year, according to Britain’s landmark deal to end a three- travel and trade, agreed to lift quire travellers to present a Foreign Office. and-a-half year rift. the restrictions at a Gulf Coop- negative test result, undergo Foreign secretary Dominic Saudi shut its side of Qatar’s eration Council summit in the a fresh test at the frontier, and Raab said in a statement: “We’ll only land border in June 2017 kingdom on January 5. quarantine in a government- only be safe from this virus, as part of a package of sanc- On January 4, Kuwaiti for- approved hotel for one week. when we’re all safe – which is tions it said was a response eign minister Ahmad Nasser Zaid Muhammad al-Marri, why we’re focused on a global to Doha’s backing for radical al-Sabah announced on state 23, a Qatari whose mother is solution to a global problem.” Islamist groups and closeness television that a deal had been Saudi, said ahead of the bor- The announcement came to Iran. agreed to “open the airspace der reopening: “It is a great joy, as Britain marks the 75th an- Qatar always denied the and land and sea borders be- I bought this new car, a Land niversary of the first meeting charges. tween the Kingdom of Saudi Cruiser, in order to go and cele- of the UN General Assembly “Yes, the border is open,” Arabia and the State of Qatar”. brate with my relatives in Saudi in London, hosting UN secre- said one Qatari source, while A witness at the border on Arabia, and I took the coronavi- tary-general Antonio Guterres another confirmed that traf- January 9 said: “They are let- rus test and waited here hoping for a so-called virtual visit British Prime Minister Boris Johnson attends a virtual press conference fic at the Abu Samrah cross- ting them go from the Qatar they would allow us to cross at starting on January 10. on the Covid-19 pandemic inside 10 Downing Street in central London on ing, 120km south of Doha, re- side.” any moment.” AFP Guterres will on January 11 Thursday. afp THE PHNOM PENH POST january 11, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 9 ASEAN Vietnam unveils plans to Thailand arrests 19 Rohingya, ramp up post-war UXO, Thai woman for illegal entry toxic chemical clean-up Vietnam plans to step up ef- localities to seek international INETEEN Rohingya forts to clear post-war unexplod- donors to implement projects. and a Thai woman ed ordnance (UXO) and toxic Speaking at the conference, accused of housing chemicals, aiming to remove Deputy Minister of Defence them have been ar- about 800,000ha of bomb and Senior Lieutenant General Nrested for illegal entry to Thai- mine-polluted land by 2025. Nguyen Chi Vinh requested the land, police said on January 9, The information was an- committee continue its work, as concerns grow about traf- nounced at a conference held noting that in the immediate ficking routes for the Muslim on January 8 by the National future, it is necessary to finalise minority fleeing Myanmar. Steering Committee on the documents to ensure benefits The embattled Rohingya Settlement of Post-war Unex- and support for people who have long faced persecution in ploded Ordnance and Toxic fought in the war and were af- Myanmar, where they are de- Chemical Consequences, or fected by toxic chemicals. nied freedom of movement and Committee 701, under the Authorities need to contin- citizenship, and lack access to Ministry of National Defence. ue to focus on contaminated work, healthcare and schools. The ministry worked with spots that have been detected, A 2017 military crackdown in authorities and agencies to investigate and evaluate the western Rakhine state sent al- handle post-war UXO and level of toxic chemicals in ar- most 750,000 fleeing across the toxic chemicals in 2016-2020, eas sprayed with chemicals border to Bangladesh, while successfully decontaminat- in the wartime and other sus- many choose to embark on ing two airports and handling pected areas while monitoring treacherous journeys with hu- some 260 tonnes of Chlo- the environment after settle- man smugglers to reach Ma- robenzylidenmalo (CS). ment, the official said, adding laysia and Indonesia, some- In the five-year period, agencies that about 800,000ha of bomb times going through Thailand. and authorities removed toxic and mine-polluted land is ex- Thai police said the lat- chemicals in Danang Airport pected to be cleared by 2025. est trafficking operation was Immigration officers watching over a group of Rohingya, who illegally entered Thailand after being smuggled in central Danang city and Phu He also called on authori- discovered this week when overland from Myanmar’s Rakhine state and were bound for Malaysia, in Bangkok. THAILAND IMMIGRATION BUREAU/Afp Cat airport in Quy Nhon city, ties to study the legal grounds 19 Rohingya were found in to be named. during the so-called “boat along with the threat of the in the central province of Binh and scientific basis to fight a house in Bangkok’s Don “They didn’t know what crisis”, which saw desperate coronavirus spreading – has Dinh, and also started work in for justice for Agent Orange/ Mueang district. kind of work they would find Rohingya and Bangladeshi authorities worried. Bien Hoa and Aso airports. Dioxin victims based on legal Deputy police spokesman in Malaysia, they just wanted migrants stranded at sea and He said: “The chief of Thai They have also implemented grounds and in accordance Police Colonel Krissana Pat- to get out of Rakhine,” he said, abandoned by their traffickers. police has expressed his con- projects to support victims with Vietnam and the US’ laws tanacharoen said: “Police adding that the Thai woman’s Police officers, a high-rank- cern over the issue of police in provinces hit hard by toxic and international practice. VIET also managed to arrest one husband – still at large – had ing general and several poli- being potentially involved chemicals while working with NAM NEWS/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Thai woman in Pathum Thani promised them jobs. ticians were among scores with the smuggling scandal, so province [north of Bangkok] Out of the 19 Rohingya, sev- convicted for their role in the he has ordered subordinates on the charge of providing en tested positive for corona- trafficking network, which to strictly follow the law.” shelter to the Rohingya.” virus and are being treated, spilled into full view after offi- Earlier this week nearly 100 The group was smuggled said the officer, while the rest cials found dozens of shallow Rohingya bound for Malaysia ‘How could my heart into Thailand overland from are being kept in quarantine graves in hidden camps near were arrested in a raid in Yan- Rakhine state and was bound as a precaution. the Malaysian border. gon. Authorities are still inves- for Malaysia, said an immi- Thailand was thrust into the Krissana said the latest dis- tigating if the smugglers are not be torn into pieces?’ gration officer who declined international spotlight in 2015 covery of the 19 Rohingya – part of a wider network. AFP Continued from page 1 we can start putting the puz- zle together.” authorities and AFP reporters Sriwijaya Air, which operates at the scene. flights to destinations in Indo- Among the passengers was nesia and Southeast Asia, has Throngs of devotees flock to Philippine Beben Sofian, 59, and her hus- said only that it was investigat- band Dan Razanah, 58. ing the loss of contact. “They took a selfie and sent It did not immediately com- church for miracle from Catholic icon it to their kids before taking ment when contacted by AFP off,” the couple’s nephew again on January 10. Thousands of devotees thronged a Hendra said. In October 2018, 189 people church in the Philippine capital on January All 62 people on board, pas- were killed when a Lion Air 9 for a glimpse of a centuries-old statue of sengers and crew, were Indo- Boeing 737 MAX jet crashed Jesus Christ believed to have miraculous nesians, including 10 children, near Jakarta. healing powers, after an annual Catholic authorities said. That crash – and another in parade was cancelled due to Covid-19. Flight SJ182 was bound for Ethiopia – saw Boeing hit with Ignoring official pleas to stay home be- Pontianak city on Indonesia’s $2.5 billion in fines over claims cause of the virus threat, Catholics wearing section of Borneo island, it defrauded regulators oversee- masks and face shields gathered along an about 90 minutes flying time ing the 737 MAX model, which avenue outside the Quiapo Church in Ma- over the Java Sea. was grounded worldwide fol- nila where the first of 15 masses for the feast On January 9 night, distraught lowing the two deadly crashes. of the Black Nazarene began before dawn. relatives waited nervously for The 26-year-old 737 that People patiently waited to enter the news at Pontianak airport. went down on January 9 was church or watched the back-to-back mass- “I have four family mem- not a MAX variant. es broadcast live on large screens outside. bers on the flight – my wife “Our thoughts are with the The orderly scenes were in contrast to and three children,” Yaman crew, passengers, and their the normal frenzied procession involv- Zai said as he sobbed. families,” Boeing said in a ing hundreds of thousands of pilgrims “[My wife] sent me a picture of statement, adding that it was risking life and limb to touch the icon in the baby today . . . How could my in contact with the airline. the belief it can heal the sick. heart not be torn into pieces?” Indonesia’s aviation sector The life-sized statue – brought to the The plane crashed near popular has long had a reputation for Philippines in the early 1600s when the A centuries-old statue of Jesus believed to have miraculous healing powers is traditionally pulled day-trip islands just off the coast. poor safety, and its airlines were country was a Spanish colony – is tradi- through the packed streets of Manila but authorities cancelled the parade fearing it could turn into Data from FlightRadar24 once banned from entering US tionally pulled through the packed streets a super-spreader event. Afp indicated that the airliner and European airspace. of the capital on a float in one of the world’s Arevalo said he touched the statue for sands had participated by mid-afternoon. reached an altitude of nearly In 2014, an Indonesia AirAsia biggest displays of Catholic devotion. the first time during the 2017 procession, About 80 per cent of Filipinos consider 3,350m before dropping sud- plane headed from Surabaya But fearing it could turn into a virus su- an act he believes ensured his epileptic themselves to be Catholic. denly to 75m. It then lost con- to Singapore crashed with the per-spreader event this year, authorities wife, who was pregnant at the time, was The statue is called the Black Nazarene tact with air traffic control. loss of 162 lives. cancelled the parade for the first time in able to deliver a healthy baby. because of its charred colour, believed The transport minister on Domestic investigators’ final decades and instead urged people to watch The risk of catching the coronavirus, to have occurred when it survived a fire January 9 the jet appeared to report on that crash said major the masses livestreamed on Facebook. which has infected nearly half a million aboard a ship en route from Mexico. deviate from its intended factors included a chronically Worshippers attending the church people in the country, did not bother In the weeks leading up to January 9, course just before it disap- faulty component in a rudder were forced to look but not touch the Marlene Ordiales, 58, who believed the it was taken to several churches around peared from radar. control system, poor mainte- icon, which was placed out of reach on Black Nazarene would protect her. the city to give devotees the opportunity Poor weather, pilot error or nance and the pilots’ inade- the balcony above the entrance. “I don’t mind the pandemic. I leave it to see it in the hope of avoiding a huge a technical problem with the quate response. For many, that was enough. up to him,” Ordiales said as she waited crowd on feast day. plane were potential factors, A year later, in 2015, more than “I’m so happy with what I’m seeing to enter the church. But many, like Jasper De Guzman, were said Jakarta-based aviation 140 people, including scores on here now,” said George Arevalo, 32, after Several thousand police were deployed determined to take part. analyst Gerry Soejatman. the ground, were killed when a attending mass, where social distancing to ensure social distancing in the devout “We shouldn’t be afraid because Jesus “But it’s way too early to con- military plane crashed shortly rules have limited the congregation to crowd. Manila police chief Brigadier General is with us,” the 47-year-old said. clude anything,” he added. after take-off in Medan on about 400 people for each service. Leo Francisco estimated hundreds of thou- “The pandemic can’t stop us.” AFP “After the black box is found Sumatra island. AFP 10 THE PHNOM PENH POST january 11, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com Opinion

Developing Muslim-friendly tourist www.phnompenhpost.com

EDITORIAL PERSONNEL Publisher & Chief Executive Offi cer Ly Tayseng industry to ensure sustainability Managing Editor Post Khmer Opinion Sam Rith Deputy Chief of Staff Irwandi Jaswir Phak Seangly CCORDING to Global Islam- Business Editor ic Economy Indicator May Kunmakara Report 2020, the spending Deputy Business Editor of Muslims on travel Sangeetha Amarthalingam increasedA by 2.7 per cent in 2019 Deputy Head of Lifestyle Desk from $189 billion to $194 billion. Sau- Pan Simala di Arabia, the United Arab Emirates Senior Reporters and Qatar ranked as the top three Meas Sokchea, Niem Chheng countries by spending. However, due Reporters to the devastating impact of the Cov- Khouth Sophak Chakrya, Kim Sarom, id-19 crisis, Muslim consumer Long Kimmarita, Hin Pisei, Mom Kunthear, spending on travel is expected to fall Hong Raksmey, Pann Rethea, Voun Dara, by 70 per cent to $58 billion in 2020. Roth Sochieata, Orm Bunthoeurn, The UN World Tourism Organisa- Soth Koemsoeun, Thou Vireak, Nov Sivutha tion (UNWTO) estimated that the Photographers industry lost a total of $320 billion in Heng Chivoan, Hong Menea, Hean Rangsey just five months – between January Web Editor and May 2020. The UN Conference Leang Phannara on Trade and Development Digital Teams (UNCTAD) has forecast $2.2 trillion Sous Chanthy, Pang Vichea, Suy Sovandy in losses for the industry in 2020. SIEM REAP BUREAU While the entire world is expecting Offi ce Manager Covid-19 vaccines as the powerful Sophearith Blondeel solution, many countries have start- PRODUCTION & PRINTING ed strategic preparations for their Head of Desktop Publishing tourist industry to recover, Muslim- Nhim Sokphyrak friendly tourism included. Desktop Publishing In general, Muslim-friendly tour- Suon Savatdy, Chum Sokunthy, Danh Borath ism is not different from halal tour- Tep Thoeun Thyda, Tim Borith, Than Veasna ism, Islamic tourism or sharia tour- ism. However, in some countries, tourism players prefer the term Employees package butter at a halal dairy and biscuit factory in the Thai capital Bangkok. Muslim-friendly hospitality services such as “Muslim-friendly” instead of the rest. airlines, hotels and food services are the new fast developing tourism products in the Muslim-friendly tourist industry. afp Muslim-friendly tourism is defined HEAD OFFICE as a type of tourism that adheres to In 2012, my team and I studied the as the 10th most-visited nation in the es in Indonesia. In the long run it has Post Media Co, Ltd. the values of Islam. In Muslim- Muslim-friendly tourism framework UNWTO’s Tourism Highlights 2019 to be a highly regulated industry that The Elements Condominium Level 7, friendly hospitality, it is suggested in Malaysia. It was found that in order Edition with 15.5 million international is able to set a global standard. Hun Sen Boulevard, Phum Prek Talong, that all product development and to ensure sustainability of Muslim- tourist arrivals in 2019. Muslim travel- Although it is almost impossible to Sangkat Chak Angre Krom,12353, Phnom marketing efforts are designed for friendly tourism, several issues need- lers made up around 20 per cent of have a fool-proof system, a set of Penh, Cambodia and directed at Muslims. ed to be addressed – the need for the total inbound tourists to Indone- laws, regulations and administrative Tel: 023 888 161, 023 888 162 Muslim-friendly hospitality servic- legal and administrative framework sia every year. In 2018, the country mechanisms need to be developed to Cellcard: 078 555 166, 078 555 133 es such as airlines, hotels and food related to Muslim-friendly hospitality drew around three million Muslim ensure its growth and sustainability. Smart: 086 822 999, 086 277 999 services are the new fast developing services generally; the efficacy of travellers, contributing $3.9 billion to For example, a proper definition and SIEM REAP tourism products in the Muslim- management and administration of the economy. terminology that surrounds the No 629, Street 6 Dangkum Commune friendly tourist industry. laws related to hospitality services; Muslim-friendly hospitality and industry is very much needed to Tel: 063 966 290, Fax: 063 966 590 If Indonesia is also interested in avoid misconceptions and misunder- COMMERCIAL DEPARTMENT Chief Operating Offi cer developing Muslim-friendly tourism, standings among consumers. James Ong Soon Teck among the compulsory requirements In the long run, Muslim-friendly To further support the industry and Advertising Department to fulfil is developing the national to avoid consumer fraud, it is highly Chap Narith, 017 996 241 framework. This is because that in tourism has to be a highly perceived that facilities and services Hun Channet, 017 578 768 reality, there have been many con- commonly associated with the indus- Prach Monnyreak, 015 239 293 sumer complaints related to hospitali- regulated industry that is able try, such as dedicated zones for Keo Puthy, 012 966 605 ty services. These includes misleading entertainment and wellness, must be Phon Sok Chea, 012 717 404 advertisements, fraud holiday packag- to set a global standard properly registered and regulated. Jessa Piastro, 092 445 983 es, unfair contract terms, non-disclo- It should be a requirement that a CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION sure of information, low quality and and legal protections with regard to tourism services is a high-yield seg- special training programme be Acting Distribution Manager inefficient services etc. the involvement of tourist industries ment that has the potential to devel- designed for e-Muslim tourist guides. Thenh Rithy, 087 888 854 It is thus very important to examine in Muslim-friendly tourism and hos- op and contribute toward Indonesia’s Similarly, every health and wellness Circulation Supervisor these issues from consumer perspec- pitality to ensure their sustainability growth. spa claiming to be Muslim-friendly Nou Chanthy, 096 999 2828 tives to ensure that Muslim-friendly and the ability to compete with multi- The availability of halal food, exist- should be legally registered and certi- Yim Veasna, 015 814 499 THE hospitality services are consumer- national companies. ence of mosques and musholla fied by the relevant authority. ADMINISTRATION JAKARTA POST/ASIA NEWS NETWORK friendly services and free from such We believe that tourism continues (prayer room) in public places, tax- Admin & HR Manager problems. In doing so it is necessary to assume a key role in the Indonesian free shopping zones and a Muslim- Pich Socheat to ensure consumers are adequately economy to propel the country into a friendly atmosphere is not enough to The writer is a professor at the International Assistants to Admin & HR Manager protected by legal and administrative high-income nation by the year 2045. sustain the growth and development Institute for Halal Research and Training, Inter- Nhel Soaphea regulations. In Asia Pacific, Indonesia was ranked of Muslim-friendly hospitality servic- national Islamic University Malaysia. Financial Director Heang Tangmeng Chief Accountant Sren Vicheka Treasurers Sok Sophorn, Yon Sovannara, Cheam Sopheak, Huy Hamsovannary IT Manager Seng Nak, Vong Oun

TO CONTACT US [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.phnompenhpost.com © Post Media Co, Ltd The Phnom Penh Post is wholly owned and printed by Post Media Co Ltd. The title The Phnom Penh Post in either English or Khmer languages, its associ- ated logos or devices and the contents of this publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the written consent of Post Media Co Ltd. www.phnompenhpost.com THE PHNOM PENH POST january 11, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 11 Lifestyle Black: Early life memoir of inherited trauma Hong Raksmey “Without a proper education and a stable living environment, I think we HE 42nd Cambodian Vic- start to learn from what we see in front tory Day was recently com- of us – war and poverty [and the result- memorated on January 7. ing trauma] are surely contributing to Some may have believed severe mental disorders.” thatT once Cambodia’s civil war was Kyle says he started writing because over, the Kingdom would then enjoy self-expression was the only way he nothing but prosperity, growth and could stay alive and breathing. happiness. He would transcribe the memories The bloody conflict’s impact, how- that still tortured him into words ever, went well beyond the physical that he locked away in a notebook side and continued to cause both that, for a long time, he says he felt mental and emotional suffering. certain he would never open again. Kao Kyle decided to reveal the For 10 years he says he filled these post-civil war hereditary trauma notebooks and each time he saw a boy from his own life story through his who was going through something book – Black – the writing of which that reminded him of his own child- he says saved his life. hood he would remain speechless as “I do not think anyone can com- the words stuck in his throat and were pletely heal from trauma, we just learn still trying to find a way out. to live with it as part of our identity,” It wasn’t until he finished his book says Kyle, now a senior trade officer at that he says he understood that his the British embassy in Cambodia. coming-of-age story was one that “At 21, trauma may be one of the had been experienced by many reasons I had depression, anxiety Kyle’s book, Black, tells a story of Cambodians growing up in anxiety, depression, pain, trauma and social stigma. SUPPLIED people, in Cambodia and through- and alexithymia [an inability to out the world. identify and describe emotions]. the worst words imaginable. his parents in his childhood. tural Psychosocial Organization Kyle says he has realised that these And those disorders made me the “Every mistake was met with the Corporal punishment, he says, is (TPO) Cambodia report that esti- experiences that he used to find person I am today,” he says. [verbal] equivalent of a rattan stick very common in Cambodia and can mates that about 40 per cent of Cam- shameful, frightening and traumatic He picked up a pen and began to whipping my naked body in public range from a kick to a slap or even bodians suffer from mental health to even think about were quite com- revisit his life – from the childhood and every time I [spoke up for my- flogging. and psychological problems. mon in Cambodian society. that he felt he never fully had to the self it was met with] a slap in the “I think the strict rules and punish- “This hereditary trauma affects He says he decided to publish Black trauma that felt so good to leave face,” says Kyle. ments used to raise children, my own children in so many ways, and the hoping that he could raise awareness behind with the completion of his Kyle, now 27, says that when he parents’ practices in this case, were a most visible are the deterioration of about mental illness in Cambodia, es- memoir as an adult. came to Phnom Penh to attend uni- result of both cultural norms and so- mental health and [the occurrence] pecially the passing of hereditary trau- Kyle says writing helped him to versity he was facing a number of cietal pressure from the civil war. of physical abuse. mas from parents to their children. process the convoluted mixture financial and mental challenges, but “Most of our [behaviours] and “Growing up in a society that uses Kyle observes that writing the book of humiliation and love that influ- began working and relied on scholar- perhaps the way we live our lives is a strict [punishments] on children was the only form of therapy avail- enced him when he was just a boy ships to pay for school. reflection of what we saw in our par- can make them too aggressive or too able to him though now it is becom- and stuck in the middle of it all. “I faced a lot of failure before I ents,” Kyle says. withdrawn,” Kyle says. ing increasingly common to see news “Writing was like travelling back was granted scholarships to study He says his parents were no excep- He says the repercussions of these stories about society having fallen to my childhood, something I never abroad, but most of the setbacks tion to this dynamic having grown up practices can include social anxiety under the shadow of mental illness. thought, for a second, I would ever were [due to] me dealing with my during the civil-war period. wherein one becomes afraid of be- Kyle says: “I think there are many do. It felt like I stopped running and depression with medication and al- His grandmother forbade his ing involved with anyone or any- ways to deal with trauma, scien- started looking into my past more cohol,” he says. mother to go to school and forced thing, as well as depression that can tifically or therapeutically. However, peacefully. Even though it took me Kyle still her to earn a living for the family cause a person to abandon their the first step that anyone needs to 23 years to reach the point of having cannot re- from a young age as they prioritised dreams or even their life altogether. take is to face up to it and accept it. enough courage to do it,” he says. call every- education for their sons over their “I started to withdraw from my “When I started writing, I acknowl- According to Kyle, his 243-page thing that daughters, Kyle recounts. school, my friends and even my edged my truth and started looking memoir Black was titled after his happened “She was also forced into mar- own family. I was barely speaking at my past with much kinder eyes. I birth name. This appellation was to him riage at an early age and was told because I was afraid I would say the started to see the patterns of trauma given to him by his mother as his when he to raise a family by herself without wrong thing. I began to isolate [from that also happened to my parents very first penalty for being born. was pun- any help. A great deal of physical others] and to pity myself,” he says. and I started to understand the situ- Kyle says he was born into a strict ished by and mental pressure was put on her It didn’t take long for him to lose his ation and be more conscious [of Chinese-Cambodian family in Ra- generation at a very young age. emotions and abandon his dreams. my whole identity] rather than just tanakkiri province in the northeast “Without even realising it, the “I remember vividly when I was looking at myself as a victim or a pa- of Cambodia in 1994. trauma from their childhoods young, maybe five or six years old. tient,” Kyle says. He told The Post that he was born then became a hereditary I was [care-free], fun and eager to Kyle believes that people need to to a couple that married early and trauma and so they raised learn. I wanted to be an artist. I liked advocate for and help one another struggled with poverty. His their children following all sorts of art – drawing, sketching because one shouldn’t have to be on parents often left him with the same patterns, lead- and most of all writing. the brink of death to seek help. his grandparents while they ing to the same effects “That was up till my parents came He also feels that Cambodians will were off trying to make ends as the traumas deriving to take us from our grandparents, and have to move beyond the traditional meet on the other side of from the civil war, but then it was forbidden [for me] to draw, societal norms set hundreds of years the country. without being aware write or even read books, because ago for there to be widespread valida- “My parents were al- of the root causes,” my parents didn’t think it’d help me tion and acceptance of these stories. ways doing everything Kyle explains. achieve anything in life,” Kyle says. “Not everyone has to go to such to make sure that I was The violence of Kyle blames the civil war for cast- great lengths as to write a book in at the top of the class corporal punish- ing a dark shadow over his parents. order to relieve their trauma, but I during my second- ment, he says, was Many people who lived through that think we all just need to be able to ary school and high the main cause period have post-traumatic stress talk about it and be listened to with- school,” Kyle says. of his depression disorder (PTSD) in addition to hav- out judgment or prejudices. He says his fami- from a very young ing had their educations disrupted. “That is why I think psychologists ly believed that the age that had even- And all of that was followed by un- and therapists can be of great help only way for a child tually pushed him certainty and poverty during the to anyone who is dealing with these to grow up strong to the brink of sui- post-conflict rebuilding period. issues,” Kyle says. was for him to be able cide. “I think that without the civil war Kyle is currently a senior trade of- to handle harsh physi- While mental I might have been raised differently ficer at the Department of Interna- cal punishment and illness is still one and my parents might have learned tional Trade at the British embassy verbal abuse. of the many top- different approaches to their par- in Cambodia. “They moulded me to fol- ics that are con- enting style. Most of it has to do with His memoir Black is available at low the rules and abandon my sidered taboo in poverty and education. Monument Books & Toys Cambodia, childhood as well as my emotions,” Cambodian society, “I remember my mom said she Swarng Cafe & Bookstore, Kinokuni- Kyle told the The Post in an email. a large portion of the watched two of her brothers die dur- ya Books in Aeon Mall Sen Sok City Kyle says he was raised in a verbally population is suffering ing the civil war and to this day she still (Aeon 2) and Le Story Books & Cafe. abusive family where he endured an Kyle says writing helped him to be more from various forms of refuses to go to the town where they For more details visit the offi- endless barrage of harsh words, curs- conscious of his whole identity rather than mental health issues ac- were killed. No child should have to cial Facebook page: https://www. just looking at himself as a victim. SUPPLIED es and threats to disown him. He was cording to Kyle. witness that, and no one would be the facebook.com/Black-a-Memoir- called disgraceful and all manner of Kyle cites the Transcul- same had they witnessed that. 106208054719095. 12 Socialite Email: [email protected] THE PHNOM PENH POST january 11, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com

Manulife Cambodia chairman honoured Chairman of Manulife Cambodia Robert Elliott was awarded the prestigious Royal Order of Monisaraphon by King Norodom Sihamoni on December 22. The Grand Officer class award was bestowed in recognition of his work in developing the Kingdom’s insurance industry.

True Visions school opens eighth campus on Oknha Mong Reththy St True Visions International School of Cambodia – which offers kindergarten to high school education – opened its eighth branch on Oknha Mong Reththy Street on January 4. The founder of

S U PP LIED the school, Seng Bona, said: “The increasing demand for educating students motivated me to build S U PP LIED this new campus. With support from parents who value quality trilingual teaching in English, Khmer and Chinese, this expansion is an investment in their children’s education.” photos photos photos Hatta Bank joins up with CS Agricultural to assist farmers Hattha Bank Plc signed a memorandum of understanding with CS Agricultural Development Co Ltd on Tuesday to provide financial assistance to farmers. Under the agreement, Hatta Bank will offer credit to farmers to procure farm machinery that will help in increasing productivity and raising income levels.

Ho Kee Bak Kut Teh opens outlet in One Mall Ho Kee Bak Kut Teh opened its second outlet in One Mall near the National Assembly on December

S U PP LIED 30. The new outlet not only boasts an upgraded menu, but has also had a major restyling. It features an S U PP LIED extensive traditional yet modern decor to help preserve the long culture of the Malaysian bak kut teh (pork rib soup) dish. photos photos photos THE PHNOM PENH POST january 11, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com Email: [email protected] Socialite 13

Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh opens doors

Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh opened its doors to guests on Wednesday as the international 5-star hotel chain at last brings its exceptional levels of luxury to the capital. With the beautiful French colonial villa on Street 178 as its centrepiece, the modern 247-room hotel artfully blends the old and the new, combining exquisite traditional features and the latest cutting-edge technology. In collaboration with Chip Mong Group, the new hotel located conveniently in the centre of the capital’s cultural and business district is set to attract visitors with its four delightfully designed main outlets redefining the eating and drinking experience and nine state-of-the-art event spaces. Herman Kemp, general manager of Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh, Neak Oknha Leang Khun, co-founder and chairman of Chip Mong, Neak Oknha Leang Meng, group president of Chip Mong, and Simon Dell, senior vice president of strategy and development at Chip Mong Group, held a press conference the previous day to herald the auspicious occasion. “We are delighted to be starting 2021 in such a positive way with the opening of this hotel. Both myself and my team are excited to welcome guests into our restaurants, bars and guest rooms. We will be offering new culinary experiences in town with locally sourced and sustainable products, as well as exciting venues for weddings, social gatherings and corporate events. We are excited to welcome business and leisure guests to a refreshing space where they can relax, recharge and connect with the things that matter most,” said Kemp. m e n a hong photos

Cambodian team wins Axiata Game Hero 2020 eSports title

A Cambodian team won the Axiata Game Hero 2020 eSports title after beating eight other regional competitors in a tournament held on December 29. The HMB eSport team defeated rivals from Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Indonesia to win the top prize of $15,000 in the Grand Final of Axiata Game Hero 2020. It is the first time ever that a Cambodian team has won an international eSports tournament. S U PP LIED photos photos 14 THE PHNOM PENH POST january 11, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com Lifestyle Thinking caps

Bodybuilder Gui Yuna (left) lines up on stage with other contestants during the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) Beijing 2020 competition in the Chinese capital. Afp One-legged beauty wins hearts, bodybuilding contests across China

ears fill Gui Yuna’s the stage and show myself to city of Nanning, was raised by eyes as she describes everyone.” her mother because her father “WATER’S EDGE” losing her right leg in She spoke following an in- died before she was born. a road accident aged tense workout at a Shanghai The odds were stacked ACROSS 52 Cad 19 Stop talking sevenT and school bullies kick- gym, sessions that she regularly against her but Gui’s athleti- 1 Dust specks 56 Cake maker Lee 24 Catch a whiff ing away her crutch to make posts to her 200,000 followers cism matched her determina- 6 Opposite of “Yay!” 58 Pretense 26 Insects’ feelers her fall. on TikTok. tion and in 2001 she became 10 Lad’s date 59 Julia of “The Addams Family” 27 Paths of baseball bombs But they would not dare do involved in paralympic sports, 61 “Big ___ House” (Martin Law- 28 Command to Tonalist ‘Three-legged cat’ 14 San Antonio mission that now – the 35-year-old is a going on to represent China at 15 Tarantino’s “___ Fiction” rence film) 29 Take charge prize-winning bodybuilder and Gui has almost no memory the 2004 Games, finishing sev- 16 Small notions case 65 Part of old San Francisco 31 Pesto herb former Paralympian whose in- of the fateful day when she was enth in her long jump category. 17 Where to find Pismo Beach 68 Zeus’ wife 34 Pale-looking 36 Closet staples spirational story has gone viral hit by a truck as she was com- She also did high jump and 20 Tennis great Chris and 69 1814 exile site 38 “Cleopatra” backdrop namesakes 70 Well-built, in slang in China. ing home from school. later archery, and took part in 39 Unknown author 21 English noble 71 Oscar role for Julia Gui, who competed in long But she cannot forget how, as the torch relay for the 2008 Bei- 40 Grocery list items 22 Trumped-up tale 72 Lie down on the job? jump at the 2004 Athens Para- a young child with only a stump jing Summer Games and Para- 42 Treeless region 23 Jiffies 73 Demagnetize, as a tape lympics, is new to bodybuild- where her right leg used to be, lympics. 43 Negative notoriety 25 Paper clip alternatives DOWN ing but won the first time she children at school tormented 48 Closer, as to one’s heart 27 Leather- punching tool 1 Pepper spray alternative ‘Thankful for hardships’ 50 Cough drop competed in October. her by kicking away her crutch 30 Devoid of feeling 2 Norwegian royal name 52 Cleanse the entire body Images of her strutting on or yanking away her chair as After retiring from competi- 32 Org. for a dr. 3 Fish story 53 Autumn color stage in a high-heel shoe and she sat down. tion in 2017 Gui endured yet 33 Big ratite bird 4 Some Islamic rulers 54 Gestation stations bikini – all while leaning on “They called me a cripple or more discrimination in the 5 Use an emollient on 35 Meadowlands 55 Coin of Moscow her crutch – featured heavily in ‘three-legged cat’,” said Gui, working world, rejected by 6 Truth-in-lending abbr. 37 Half of the forearm bones 57 Love in Lyon 7 “Clair de ___” (Debussy) Chinese media and won her a tears welling in her eyes, even employers who said she didn’t 41 Method of long-distance delivery 60 Test sites 8 Fake name sizeable online following. though this was nearly three match their “image”. 44 Hindu holy man 62 “Give that ___ cigar!” 9 Peloponnesian War city-state With her steely determina- decades ago. She said: “[They were] imply- 45 Big cat 63 Reveals one’s ignorance 10 Night sky feline tion and positive attitude she “Most of the time it was abu- ing that I’d damage their im- 46 Trudge through mud 64 Eyelid swelling 11 Words before “costs” 47 Stopping point 66 Place on a blacklist has been feted as an inspira- sive language like that and age. 12 The Everly Brothers’ girl tion in a country where dis- sometimes physical abuse. “I applied to nearly 20 com- 49 Drillmaster’s word 67 It has a long tail 51 They’re around noon? 13 Locations abled people are all too often “The first time they made me panies and all of them said the 18 Apertures in a sponge marginalised. fall I cried, but then I got used same thing.” Gui said: “It’s possible that I to it and I thought – you can And while many online com- Friday’s solution won first place not because of bully me however you want, mended her after her body- my professionalism or mus- but I’ll be fine because I have a building debut, where she cles, but because of my confi- brave heart.” dazzled in a traditional high- dence and bravery to stand on Gui, who is from the southern necked qipao dress and beat able-bodied rivals, there were a few dissenting voices telling her to stay at home. Occasionally people on the street ask Gui what happened to her right leg and she is taken aback – missing a limb is so normal to her now that she no longer thinks about it. Gui’s crutch is always close at hand but she appears to have Friday’s solution few troubles negotiating every- day life. “Many people think that fate was unkind to me, but I don’t think so,” said Gui, who after the initial rejections is now a partner at a company special- ising in home decoration. “I am thankful for having these hardships. “Why do I say that? Because Bodybuilder Gui Yuna (right) is assisted by her coach Zhu Liping as she of this I grew up, it made my lifts weights at a gym in Shanghai. Gui is new to bodybuilding but won heart stronger and made me the first time she competed in October.STR/AFP what I am today.” AFP THE PHNOM PENH POST january 11, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 15 Sport Abitbol ‘relieved’ after Pochettino earns first win with ex-skate coach charged

Former French skater Sarah I suffered rape,” she said. PSG but Lyon stay top of Ligue 1 Abitbol spoke of her relief on “But it’s unfortunate, these January 9 after her ex-coach facts are time barred. I know that auricio Pochet- Gilles Beyer was charged with another skater testified to the tino celebrated sexual assault. police, to have been raped by the his first victory Beyer was charged on Janu- same aggressor. But for her too, as Paris Saint- ary 8 following accusations the facts are prescribed.” MGermain coach on his home from at least six women skaters She added: “I find it unfair debut on January 9 as Moise or former skaters, although a that we cannot be on the bench Kean set the reigning champi- source close to the case said of victims, for justice. I hope ons on their way to a 3-0 win that older cases, including that other victims will emerge over Brest, but Lyon remain Abitbol’s, could not be prose- from their silence.” top of Ligue 1 after drawing at cuted under France’s statute of Contacted on January 8, Bey- Rennes. limitations. er’s lawyer, Thibault de Mont- Substitutes Mauro Icardi Abitbol told French magazine brial, refused to comment on and Pablo Sarabia added late l’Obs she was “relieved that the the charges. goals for PSG who would have courts have summoned Gilles A source close to the case said gone top on goal difference Beyer. Finally!” that only more recent cases, had Lyon not recovered from Beyer, a former elite figure involving six women who were 2-0 down to earn a point in skating coach, is at the centre adults at the time of the alleged Rennes and extend their un- of a scandal that convulsed the events, can be pursued. beaten run to 16 games. sport in France last year after Three of them have accused PSG are second at the sea- former world championships Beyer of sexual assault. son’s halfway stage, a point medallist Abitbol made accu- In the small world of French behind the leaders and ahead sations against him in a figure skating, Abitbol’s book on goal difference of third- book. Un Si Long Silence had led to a placed Lille, who triumphed Abitbol wrote Beyer repeat- flood of revelations. 1-0 at Nimes. edly sexually assaulted her Other skaters have levelled With Neymar still missing, when she was aged between 15 accusations of sexual assault, it was not a vintage perfor- and 17 in the early 1990s. Her sexual harassment or black- mance from PSG on a freez- book led to several other skaters mail against other coaches or ing Parisian night in an empty coming forward. skating coaches. stadium – supporters are still Brest’s French midfielder Romain Philippoteaux (left) fights for the ball with PSG’s Argentine midfielder Beyer was taken into police Didier Gailhaguet, the presi- barred from games in France Angel Di Maria during the French L1 football match between PSG and Stade Brestois 29 at the Parc des custody on January 6 morning dent of the French Federation Princes stadium in Paris on Saturday. AFP with a nighttime curfew in but was released on January 8 of Ice Sports (FFSG) for more place nationwide as part of welcome at this club and in from barely a metre out. It was utes and Jason Denayer equa- when he was charged by the than 20 years over two spells, the fight against coronavirus. this magnificent city since his 11th goal, and his ninth in lised shortly after. Paris public prosecutor’s office was forced to resign, after a That meant it was never go- arriving.” Ligue 1, since signing on loan “Our first half of the season with “sexual assault by a person long arm wrestle with Sports ing to be the return to the Parc Pochettino could now get from Everton in October. has been of a really high stan- in authority and sexual harass- Minister Roxana Maracineanu, des Princes that Pochettino – his first piece of silverware dard,” said Lyon coach Rudi ment by a person in authority”. in early February 2020. who was a popular player for when PSG play Marseille on Lyon preserve unbeaten run Garcia. Abitbol, however, said she was An investigation launched by PSG two decades ago – would January 13 in the Champions Brest, who sit in mid-table “We need to keep it going. disappointed that the charges the Sport Ministry then have liked. Trophy, the French equivalent and are one of the best sides Our objective is to at least pull were not more severe due to the revealed suspicions over 21 Nevertheless the Argentine of a Super Cup that in normal to watch in France, could away from fourth place and statute of limitations under FFSG coaches, 12 of whom will be relieved to have his first times is the curtain-raiser to have scored before that but then we will see where we are French law. “I see that the charg- were accused of “acts of sexual win in charge after his first the season. Keylor Navas clawed away come the run-in.” es are ‘assault’ and ‘harassment’. harassment or assault”. AFP game ended in a 1-1 draw at It remains to be seen if Ney- Romain Faivre’s early effort Lille bounced back from a Saint-Etienne in midweek. mar, after four weeks on the for the visitors. shock midweek home defeat by “We have still only had a few sidelines, will be fit for that It was only in the final 10 Angers to win at Nimes thanks days working together and game, while defender Thilo minutes that PSG ran away to a first-half goal by veteran we have had two very diffi- Kehrer will be sidelined after with the game, as Kylian Turkish striker Burak Yilmaz. cult, very competitive games,” news of his positive coronavi- Mbappe set up Icardi – on in The draw for Rennes, and Pochettino said. rus test fell shortly before kick- place of Kean – to get the sec- a goalless draw for Marseille “I am really satisfied with the off against Brest. ond before Sarabia fired in to at Dijon, allowed Monaco to effort put in by the players. It Pochettino again started make it 3-0. move up to fourth spot as they was an improved performance playmaker Marco Verratti in Lyon’s long unbeaten streak beat Angers 3-0 with German and an important victory.” an advanced role behind cen- looked set to end as they found international Kevin Volland Of his first game back at the tral striker Kean, with the lat- themselves two goals down in grabbing his ninth Ligue 1 Parc des Princes, he added: ter opening the scoring in the Rennes, with Clement Grenier goal in between efforts from “It was very emotional. This 16th minute. and Benjamin Bourigeaud Guillermo Maripan and Ste- stadium has one of the best Captain Marquinhos head- scoring for the home side. van Jovetic. atmospheres in football and ed Angel Di Maria’s corner However, Memphis Depay There were also wins for Sarah Abitbol (top) and Stephane Bernadis perform the pair’s free we missed having the fans against the post and Kean was pulled one back with his 11th Bordeaux, Reims and Stras- programme of the European Figure Skating Championships on January here, but I have had a superb on hand to nod in the rebound goal of the season on 79 min- bourg. AFP 16, 2002, in Lausanne. AFP Explorer Horn in Saudi sands seeks rally without petrol

Mike Horn made his name by walk- trying to navigate the Saudi Arabian South African, is famed for exploits and has won the motorbike category CEA will not be able to make a fuel cell ing to some of the world’s remotest desert with the aim of “conserving the that include circling the Equator five times. “That’s new for me.” with the power needed to win. spots but as the Dakar Rally resumes planet”. without using any motorised trans- Horn first raced last year, when he “We have to push as hard as we can on January 10, he is in a diesel car, Horn, a 54-year-old Swiss based port and walking to the North Pole and Despres lasted three stages. to make this data real,” he said. in winter without dogs or motor “I can play an important part in For the moment, their biggest prob- vehicles. changing the way we participate in lem is navigation. He is competing in his second Dakar motor sports,” said Horn. “To con- Horn said that navigating in a rally Rally, as navigator for veteran French serve the planet to be able to leave a field was different from crossing driver Cyril Despres, in a traditional future to the younger generation is remote regions alone on foot. diesel-powered car with the objective one of my life missions.” “When you walk where no one has of making such cars obsolete. After a rest day on January 9, the ever walked before it’s different from In addition to competing, the car is rally resumes on January 10 with the when you have 40 cars in front of you,” designed to collect data as part of a 737km seventh stage and Frenchman he said. “I have to be able to look up project named Gen-Z which aims to Stephane Peterhansel leading in the from the roadbook to look outside, enter a competitive hydrogen-pow- car class. find the sun or a line of dunes to find ered car in the 2023 rally. my way around.” The car has been fitted with sensors ‘Easier in Afrikaans’ They are accompanied in Saudi Ara- by the French Alternative Energies With 55 cars still running and six of bia by Matthieu Parent of Vaison Sport, and Atomic Energy Commission the 12 stages remaining, Horn and a French company that specialises in (CEA) which plans to manufacture the Despres are 17th in their 340 horse- building prototype race cars. prototype that will run on an electric power Peugeot, three hours 42 minutes “We need to create a new vehicle motor powered by a hydrogen fuel and 59 seconds behind Peterhansel. around the fuel cell,” Parent said. cell. Despres said it was important to “To manufacture a vehicle that Peugeot’s driver French Cyril Desprez and co-driver South African-Swiss explorer and “There’s a real goal behind all this, compete. emits only water vapour and capable adventurer Mike Horn ride during a driving session on the eve of technical checkup in and it’s essential,” said the 46-year-old “If we drive at 50 per cent of the of winning the Dakar in 2023 is tough, Jeddah on December 31. AFP Despres, who is in his 21st Dakar rally speed required to be with the best, the but it is possible.” AFP 16 THE PHNOM PENH POST january 11, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com Sport FA Cup holders Arsenal defeat Newcastle

A CUP holders Arse- with their opponents missing nal beat Newcastle their entire first-team squad 2-0 on January 9 as and boss Dean Smith due to a non-league Chorley Covid outbreak. knockedF out Covid-19-ravaged Southampton’s tie against Derby and West Brom suffered Shrewsbury on January 10 has an embarrassing third-round been postponed after several exit against Blackpool. positive tests at the League The rampaging coronavi- One club. rus is casting a lengthening A record 40 positive coro- shadow over football in Eng- navirus tests were detected land, with dozens of games among Premier League players called off and growing fears and staff in the week between over whether the season can December 28 and January 3. be completed. Newcastle boss Steve Bruce Just one match has so far and Leeds manager Marcelo been called off in the FA Cup Bielsa say there is a moral ar- third round – the stage at gument to suspend football, which the big guns enter the with health services strug- competition. gling to cope. But a number of clubs have For now, the FA Cup action been forced to make radical goes on and Premier League alterations to their line-ups strugglers West Brom were after suffering outbreaks. victims of an upset at Bloom- Arsenal, 14-time FA Cup fieldR oad, losing on penalties winners, continued their to third-tier Blackpool after a recent revival with a fourth 2-2 draw. straight win in all competi- Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno saves at the After 21 winless games, Shef- feet of Newcastle United defender DeAndre tions in their all Premier- Yedlin (right) in the English FA Cup third round field United finally earned a League tie at the Emirates. football match between their teams at the victory as Jayden Bogle’s strike Magpies captain Jamaal Emirates Stadium in London on Saturday. AFP clinched a 3-2 success against Lascelles made his first ap- third-tier Bristol Rovers. pearance in six weeks after “We want to keep going and the Norwegian told the BBC. ened line-up to reach the range in the 84th minute. Leicester rested Jamie being hit hard by the corona- win more games. We want to “He should have scored a few fourth round for the first time The cup upset was a wel- Vardy and James Maddison virus as both sides made mul- fight for this competition again, more on set-plays before now with a 2-0 win. come boost for Chorley man- at second-tier Stoke but still tiple changes. so today was a big game for us.” because he is a monster of a Chorley’s modest Victory ager Jamie Vermiglio, whose won 4-0 as James Justin, Marc Emile Smith Rowe – who ear- In a late match, Manchester human being.” Park ground is so homely job as a primary school head- Albrighton, Ayoze Perez and lier had a red card overturned United beat Championship that one fan was able to teacher has been thrown into Harvey Barnes all netted. after a VAR check – broke the side Watford 1-0, courtesy of Chorley shock watch over their back garden chaos by the coronavirus There were also wins for deadlock in a disappointing an early header from mid- Earlier, Derby fielded a clutch fence, while two others used lockdown in Britain. Premier League sides Ever- game, drilling the ball home in fielder Scott McTominay. of youngsters after their first- a cherry picker crane to get a “It’s a very proud moment ton, Fulham and Burnley. the second half of extra time, United boss Ole Gunnar Sol- team squad and interim man- glimpse of the action. for us,” he said. “Credit to our The highlight of fixtures is and Pierre-Emerick Aubam- skjaer hailed the Scotland in- ager Wayne Rooney were ruled In freezing conditions, with boys, they’ve been on a jour- eighth-tier Marine at home eyang made the game safe. ternational, who was captain- out following a virus outbreak snow cleared off the pitch be- ney and we said it before the to Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham Mikel Arteta turned his at- ing the side for the first time. at the Championship club. fore kick-off, the home side game, the journey can con- on January 10, while Man- tention to the Premier League “He is being more and more Chorley, from the sixth-tier took an early lead through tinue today and it has done.” chester City play Birmingham match against Crystal Palace dangerous, we know he can National League North, took Connor Hall and Mike Calve- Liverpool beat virus-plagued and Chelsea entertain More- on January 14. be a box-to-box midfielder,” advantage of Derby’s weak- ley poked home from close Aston Villa 4-1 on January 8, cambe. AFP Real Madrid draw on snow-hit pitch, Barca creeps closer Zinedine Zidane said Real Madrid’s closer after Lionel Messi scored twice Osasuna’s pitch in Pamplona was ever get back to his best following an given the yard he needed to shift onto goalless draw with Osasuna on Janu- in a 4-0 victory over Granada. certainly affected by the snowfall, underwhelming start to the season his left foot and curl home. ary 9 was “not a football match” and Atletico’s match at home to Ath- especially in the middle third, but but his latest contribution makes him Messi made it three from a similar should have been called off after letic Bilbao earlier on January 9 was large parts were green and the referee the league’s top scorer on 11 goals, position, just on the edge of the box, Spain was hit by a snowstorm. postponed due to the snow, meaning decided the game should go ahead. five months after he tried to leave. this time with a free-kick, which he Madrid missed the chance to over- Diego Simeone’s side are top with “We played the game because they harpooned into the corner. take Atletico Madrid at the top of La three games in hand over their told us to play the game but the condi- ‘Good Messi interaction’ Griezmann added a fourth by firing Liga and allowed Barcelona to creep rivals. tions were very difficult. For me this “From day one, my interactions with in a scooped pass from Dembele on was not a football match. In the end Leo have been good,” said Koeman. the turn. Messi went off with almost we played, and that’s it,” said Zidane. “We’re used to this, if there are a cou- half an hour left, his work already Real Madrid are due to play Athletic ple of games where he doesn’t score, done, while Granada’s Jesus Vallejo Bilbao in Malaga on January 14 in the there will be a couple of people who was sent off late on. Spanish Super Cup semi-finals. will be unhappy, but not me, never.” Granada was spared the awful “We don’t know what we’re going to Koeman deserves credit for the reju- conditions that swept across much do now, whether we stay here tomor- venation of players like Griezmann, of the country, with the snowfall in row or if we’re going to travel on Ousmane Dembele and Frenkie de Madrid on January 8 the heaviest January 11, we’ll see.” Jong, all of whom have improved sig- since 1971. Zidane added: “It is not an excuse. nificantly in recent matches. In Pamplona, Real Madrid strug- What everyone wants to see is a football Barcelona’s recovery has a long way gled to break down a determined match and today the conditions were to run, with unresolved issues on and Osasuna defence Karim Benzema not met to see a football match.” off the pitch likely to resurface before went closest after he scrambled the Messi scored twice against Granada the end of the season. ball in, only to be called offside. to make it four goals in three matches Yet Koeman will hope a corner has Atletico’s game at home to Ath- for him since the turn of the year and been turned and at a good time, with letic Bilbao was postponed after his resurgence has coincided with an the Champions League last 16 tie Bilbao’s players were unable to land upturn for the team too, this victory is against Paris Saint-Germain to come and returned to Bilbao early on Barca’s third on the bounce. next month and a large chunk of the January 8 evening. “We are calmer,” said Barca coach league calendar still remaining. Sevilla were able to play against Ronald Koeman. “We have to stay hum- Barca’s first goal was fortunate, after Real Sociedad and won a five-goal ble, to keep working and winning.” Roberto Soldado’s lashed clearance saw thriller 3-2, with Youssef En-Nesyri Messi’s double, the second a sweet- the ball sliced backwards to Griezmann, grabbing a hat-trick at the Ramon ly-struck free-kick, came between two who touched and shot past Rui Silva. Sanchez Pizjuan. strikes from Antoine Griezmann, who Griezmann was the instigator for the Defeat means Real Sociedad have is also enjoying a revival after a disap- second too, the Frenchman driving won only one of their last six match- Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos (right) challenges Osasuna Jonathan Calleri in pointing 18 months at Camp Nou. forward to the edge of the area before es. They drop to fifth, level on points their Spanish La Liga football on Saturday. AFP Some had wondered if Messi would transferring inside to Messi. Messi was with Sevilla. AFP