N U MB E R 3494 ssue I

Tuesday, september 1, 2020 Intelligent . In-depth . Independent www.phnompenhpost.com 4000 RIEL unions, gmac and S Korea firm sows Trump campaigns ministry set for pesticide/fertiliser on ‘law and order’ wage negotiation project plans as protests rage national – page 3 business – page 7 world – PAGE 10 Outcry after Quarantine centre planned, French teen murdered by new Covid case confirmed serial rapist A REPEAT offender has con- Khorn Savi the Ministry of Education, Youth and tors to stand by in case patients are Neither health minister Mam Bun fessed to raping and murder- Sport. not well. The four buildings are ex- Heng nor Sambath could be reached ing a 15-year-old girl in the HNOM PENH municipal gov- “Schools will reopen soon. We can pected to be completed soon. for further comment about the new eastern French city of Nantes, ernor Khuong Sreng said the no longer use them as quarantine Passengers from overseas were al- centre on Tuesday. sparking outrage and calls for city and the Ministry of Health centres,” he said. lowed to travel to the Kingdom from Director of Cambodia Communi- tougher release rules. are working together to build Phnom Penh Municipal Coun- May 20. Since then, more than 40,000 cable Disease Control Department Ly Firefighters found the teen- aP primary quarantine centre in north- cil chairman Pa Socheatvong said passengers have been quarantined Sovann declined to comment. ager’s body 10 days ago in a ern Prek Pnov district. The centre will some hotels are also not happy and 146 were confirmed Covid-19 Meanwhile, the health ministry burning, empty flat under ren- have four buildings and a capacity for with the authorities using their positive. on Monday released an announce- ovation. The 45-year-old sus- 800 to 900 people. properties. The passengers were either sent to ment advising citizens to increase pect strangled her with a cable, Sreng told The Post on Monday the Citing health ministry secretary the four schools in Phnom Penh, the cautiousness during the upcoming then started the fire to cover his decision was made because schools of state York Sambath, Fresh News quarantine centre at the Air Force tracks, prosecutors said. in the capital are being returned to reported that there will also be doc- base, or hotels, Sambath said. Continued – page 5 The attacker spent 18 years in prison for nine rapes, three attempted rapes and a sexual assault. He was released in 2016. “The justice system is cor- rupted by the far left and its culture of excuses,” deputy- Fire ravages B’bang historic market head of the far-right National Rally party, Jordan Bardella, told Khouth Sophak Chakrya LCI television on Monday. “When you represent a threat A MASSIVE fire tore through the Bat- for French society, as was the tambang Central Market (Phsar Nath) case, you should not be allowed on Sunday night, damaging at least 33 to leave prison,” Bardella said. stalls and severely affecting 44 more. Rachida Dati, justice minister An electrical failure was attributed from 2007 to 2009 under presi- to the fire, which quickly spread to dent Nicolas Sarkozy, told Europe grocery stores and stalls selling dishes 1 radio: “These kinds of criminals and clothes. No one was injured, pro- must not be left to go free.” vincial governor Pheng Sethy said. Dati put into place a preven- The authorities are working to clean tive detention system in 2008, up the market, which is a heritage site. according to which an indi- Sethy said the extent of the damage vidual remains detained – even has not yet been assessed. after they have finished serving “The immediate task now is to clean their prison sentence – if they up the market and restore the environ- are considered dangerous. ment. We have worked to dismantle Critics say the system poses and transport the burnt waste from legal and fundamental rights the market and establish security to problems as it amounts to prevent theft, which would lead to imprisoning people for crimes more losses for vendors,” he said. that have not been committed. Provincial deputy governor Soeum No recent element indicated Bunrith, who has been assigned to that the suspect might re-of- estimate the impact of the fire, told fend, Nantes deputy prosecutor The Post a joint commission has Yvon Ollivier said on Saturday. decided to remove all the stores locat- After leaving prison, the sus- ed around the entrance of the market pect moved, got a job and to restore the environment. found a partner. He saw a psy- “The damaged goods have caused a chotherapist once every two bad smell, affecting the environment months, Ollivier said. and public health, which needs to be The suspect was arrested on cleaned immediately,” he said. Saturday and currently being Built in 1937 and considered a historical building, the market has 551 stalls and 210 other small sales locations. Fire Police Department The commission urged the State-run held in detention. energy utility to reconnect the electric- study and reorganise the water supply study and assess the impact on the qual- Bunrith said the market has 551 An investigation by France’s ity network in accordance with techni- network and set up fire hydrants in and ity of construction of this market. This is stalls and 210 other small sales loca- General Inspection of Justice, cal standards because in the past, the around the market to prevent fires. in order to renovate in accordance with tions. Firefighters used more than 40 which monitors the work of management of the electricity network “Our group has cooperated with the technical standards and style of French trucks of water on the blaze, which the judiciary, is underway to in the market was privately owned. Department of Land Management, Urban heritage buildings,” Bunrith said. reignited twice. The fire, which started determine whether the indi- The commission also called on the Planning and Construction and the The market was built in 1937 and around 5:30pm was finally extin- vidual had been monitored Battambang Water Supply Authority to Department of Culture and Fine Arts to widely considered a historical building. guished at 3:30am. properly since prison. AFP MRC, Facebook launch THE PHNOM PENH POST National News flood warning system Inside page 2 2 THE PHNOM PENH POST september 1, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com National Ministry urged to test milk formula across Kingdom Long Kimmarita children,” he said. “[These products] can en- THE Council for Agricul- danger the health and devel- tural and Rural Development opment of babies and chil- (CARD) has requested the Min- dren. I support the action istry of Commerce analyse iron taken by the commerce min- and zinc levels in all powdered istry and relevant institutions milk products in Cambodia. and request they take strict The request came after measures against the compa- the ministry found Nutrilatt nies,” he said. powdered milk formula had The ministry’s General De- far lower iron and zinc levels partment of Consumer Pro- than written on the product tection, Competition and label and does not meet Co- Fraud Prevention (CamCon- dex standards. trol) held a meeting on Au- CARD chairman Yim Chhay- gust 26 attended by Nutrilatt ly sent a letter to commerce representatives, families of minister Pan Sorasak on Mon- victims and civil society or- day asking for support. ganisations to check the re- Chhayly said he hoped Nut- sults of lab findings. rilatt Master LM Co Ltd, which The findings showed Nutri- imports the baby formula, will latt iron levels were not at a lev- obey Cambodian law and fol- el claimed by the firm. Nutrilatt low international standards to said it contested the result. promote food safety. Ministry spokesman Seang The deficiencies can impact Thay said on Monday Chhay- The MRC estimated that the average annual cost of flood damage in the Lower Mekong Basin was approximately $60-70 million. hong menea the growth and development of ly’s request was in line with the babies and children, he said. ministry’s current measure. Chhayly requested the “Our activities are not only ministry analyse the levels of aimed at dairy products. We iron and zinc powdered milk check all products. But this MRC and Facebook launch sold by various companies dairy product is a new matter throughout the country. and we are finding problems. “I have attentively moni- “The ministry detected iron tored the scientific results. I deficiency, but the firm said it robust flood warning system am extremely worried about is not a deficiency. So, we will the impacts on the mental discuss to find a solution to Niem Chheng age annual cost of flood damage in the be shared on Facebook’s platform. and physical development of this matter,” he said. Lower Mekong Basin was approximate- Facebook will also train relevant officials HE Mekong River Commission ly $60-70 million, with Cambodia and from the four MRC member countries – Secretariat (MRC) announced Vietnam accounting for approximately Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand – on Monday that it has joined two-thirds of the total. on how to use different digital tools to com- Facebook in launching an ini- It said drought events in the Low Me- municate effectively and quickly during tiativeT aimed at providing timely flood kong Basin had increased in frequency and after a disaster, the press release said. warnings and drought information to and severity in the past decades and this Dr Anoulak Kittikhoun, the MRC chief riverside communities and governments trend is expected to continue. The basin strategy and partnership officer, said: “We in the Lower Mekong region. was also vulnerable to additional climate see the utmost importance of providing An MRC press release said the initiative change impacts. timely and reliable information on water is the first of its kind and will help officials According to the press release, the levels to Mekong countries and commu- adapt to using online digital systems. MRC has installed 22 hydrological sta- nities exposed to flood and drought and Shanti Alexander, the Asia-Pacific com- tions along the Lower Mekong Basin an ever-changing climate so that they can munity affairs manager at Facebook, to monitor and collect river water level take action in time to avoid or reduce their said the social media giant was pleased and rainfall data. The system provides risk and prepare an effective response.” to partner with the MRC to keep millions the public and local governments with MRC communication officer Meas So- of people in the region informed about data on daily river water levels, flood pheak said on Monday that currently, the possible floods and droughts so that alerts and drought forecasting for the public needs to visit the MRC website to Yim Chhayly requested the ministry analyse the levels of iron and zinc they are better prepared for a crisis. whole year. The system will be explained receive alerts, but the MRC is working to powdered milk sold throughout the country. hong menea The MRC estimated that the aver- through a 3D animated video, which will develop an app. Justice ministry clears 63% of legal case backlog Voun Dara and 70 per cent of the cases within six months. The Ministry of Justice said Malin, who heads the it had cleared 63 per cent of fourth working group tasked legal case backlog at all of the with clearing case backlog in Kingdom’s courts and expect- southwestern provinces, said ed to complete the mission by officials had followed mecha- year’s end. nism laid out by the ministry’s Ministry spokesman Chin Campaign Implementation Malin told The Post on Sun- Committee. He attributed the day that in less than four achievement to good coopera- months since the ministry tion among all relevant parties. launched the campaign, it “We have to complete this had cleared 8,113 of the more task. All relevant parties will than 12,000 unresolved cas- continue to work following re- es it has targeted. leased measures. We hope that “During 100 days of imple- it will be completely done by the mentation, our legal experts end of this year,” Malin said. did not face any problems in Soeng Sen Karuna, spokes- tacking the backlog because man for local rights group Ad- all relevant parties are well hoc, commended the commit- aware of it,” he said. tee’s efforts. He called on the Minister Koeut Rith ministry to do more to reform launched the campaign on the judiciary. May 18, with four working “The reform of human re- groups created to deal with sources and judicial system backlog at courts across the is what we want to see. It can country. He said the ministry restore citizens’ faith in the hoped to clear between 50 judiciary,” he said. THE PHNOM PENH POST september 1, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 3 National S Reap residents Trade unions, GMAC and ministry given 15 days to make way for set for minimum wage negotiation road upgrades HE Siem Reap town hall has given Mom Kunthear people 15 days starting August 28 Tto remove any constructions they RADE unions repre- have built along National Road 6 – from senting workers have the Sokha Angkor traffic light to the King agreed that textile, Jayavarman VII roundabout – to make garment and foot- way for a road-widening project. wearT factory workers should Authorities will remove any materials receive a 6.1 per cent monthly without liability for damage or loss of wage raise of $11.59 for 2021. property if the order is not followed. The Union leaders gathered to announcement stated that everything discuss the raise on August must be removed and no business can be 28. Their proposed figure conducted along the stretch of road. will be negotiated at a meet- On August 25, a provincial working ing of the National Council group removed ground brickwork and on Minimum Wage at the trees along the road. Ministry of Labour and Voca- Siem Reap town governor Nuon Put- tional Training on Thursday. heara could not be reached for comment The meeting will be attended on Monday. by representatives of trade However, according to the town hall’s unions, garment factory and Facebook page, construction of the road the labour ministry. will begin in October with the assistance Collective Union of Move- of the Asian Development Bank (ADB). ment of Workers president Its Facebook post said the road will Pav Sina said: “We decided to stretch for 5,800m with a width of 29m take an $11.59 figure that we and will be divided into six lanes of traffic. have agreed on. We put this Lanes for cars, motorbikes and bicycles figure up for discussion with will be provided and sidewalks 3m wide associations and garment will be installed. A 2m-wide median strip factories in Cambodia.” will separate the lanes of traffic. Sina said he met with more Chhim Heang, a resident on National than 100 local members of Road 6, told The Post on Monday that he trade unions last week and applauded the project, which would make Garment workers are fighting for a wage increase, but could face a wage decrease. collective union of movement of workers they all expressed a strong travelling easier. desire to see their wages cent for factory productivity raised concerns about a it is the right of employees to still analysing data. Sok Ly, another resident living in the raised in the coming year. and 1.3 per cent for margins wage raise considering the request a raise, but he gave no He said each wage raise area, said some trees had been removed Cambodian Labour Confed- of profit of employers. disastrous effects Covid-19 indication of the government’s demand is generally based to facilitate the development project. eration president Ath Thorn “I think that negotiations has had on factories. view on the matter. on the current situation. “Expansion of this road is better because said the figure was based on will not falter because trade Ministry spokesperson Heng Garment Manufacturers As- Given the pandemic, he said there won’t be traffic congestion and ac- three main factors – a two unions have already pre- Sour told The Post on Monday sociation in Cambodia (GMAC) it is highly likely that work- cidents. Moreover, the wider the road, the per cent increase to account pared documents,” he said. that he expects the negotia- deputy secretary-general Kaing ers will face a wage decrease easier for travelling,” he said. Long Kimmarita for annual inflation, two per He added employers have tions to go smoothly. Sour said Monika said the association is rather than a raise. National Police commit to combat human trafficking Voun Dara

THE National Police on Mon- day said it has released pre- vention measures to enhance security and combat human trafficking in Cambodia by organising professional teams and orchestrating cooperation between ministries and inter- national outfits. The measures were announced at a meeting presided over by National Police chief Neth Savoeun on Monday. New system allows citizens to register for type 3 voter ID cards. NEC Speaking to reporters after the meeting, National Police spokesman Chhay Kim Khoe- New online registration system un said the measures on safe- ty, security and public order will improve the work of com- to streamline voting documents bating human trafficking. “This meeting focused on col- Voun Dara to a prakas issued by the Min- voter list better, more accurate lecting information and divid- istry of Interior,” he said. and up-to-date,” he said. ing specific responsibilities to National Police chief Neth Savoeun on Monday said new measures will THE National Election Com- Puthea said the change in The NEC announced the teams to independently man- enhance security and fight human trafficking . heng chivoan mittee (NEC) has launched its voter registration documents launch on August 27. It said the age situations related to secu- Remote Voter Registration was based on a law that exchange system will be acces- rity and safety as well as the fight lected all data about Cambo- law enforcement forces have a Exchange System to make it required voters to use a Cam- sible on voterlist.nec.gov.kh against human trafficking.” dia or it did not evaluate the clear commitment to fight easier for citizens listed in the bodian identity card when vot- starting August 28 to October Kim Khoeun said Savoeun situation accurately, he said. against human trafficking, 2019 voter list using outdated ing. The decision applies to the 19 and voters who are using the prioritised collecting forces He added the US did not said Kim Khoeun. Khmer identity card types 1 entire country. same name they used in 2019 according to specific situations reveal how it evaluated Cam- LICADHO’s monitoring man- and 2 to update to type 3 which Through the system, he said can apply to change their type to be able to take measures bodia and the Kingdom’s ager Am Sam Ath said the issue features a chip. people in Cambodia and of Khmer identity card during effectively to help victims. image was affected. of human trafficking in Cam- NEC spokesman Hang Puthea abroad do not need to go that timeframe. Regarding the US’s evalua- In June, the US Department bodia remains a concern. said on Monday the previous directly to an office to change Puthea said those who have tion of Cambodia’s human of State released its 2020 report “If the government puts more two identity cards are no longer their documents. different names or data than trafficking situation, Kim on the global human traffick- effort this year, we will lower to valid to register to vote. Citizens must have their cor- those they used last year must Khoeun said: “The US evalu- ing situation and marked level three. This issue is a reflec- “In the past, the NEC accept- rect names on their ID cards meet the voter registration ates without asking us. The Cambodia as a Tier 2 country tion for the government, espe- ed voter registration docu- and they must match the names team in their home commune. important thing for us is rescu- which does not meet the min- cially relevant parties to ments, such as Khmer identity they used in 2019. Only then can These visits can be made dur- ing victims who are trapped by imum standards for eliminat- improve the protection of vic- card type 1 and 2, which are they make changes online. ing voter registration from human traffickers,” he said. ing human trafficking. tims from human trafficking in expired documents, according “The NEC aims to make the October 1-19. The US might not have col- The National Police and the Cambodia,” he said. 4 THE PHNOM PENH POST september 1, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com National Ex-CNRP lawmaker mulls launch of new political party Niem Chheng EBA was also 20 per cent rath is not capable of winning withdrawn,” he said, refer- public support. He said Chan- PROMINENT former Cam- ring to the recent partial rath is also not strong enough bodia National Rescue Party withdrawal of the EU’s Ev- to compete with the ruling (CNRP) lawmaker Ou Chanrath erything But Arms preferen- party and his party’s fate may (pictured) said he is considering tial trade scheme. be no different from the other forming a new political party for “There are only two ways 19 parties that took part in the the next national election. forward, whether to take 2018 national election without Chanrath said he is weigh- part in a genuine election winning a single seat. ing the idea because he be- or boycotting it like we have Since the CNRP was dis- lieves former CNRP leaders been doing. We have to study solved, two political parties would not be able to return to [the situation] and find an have been formed by its for- the party, which was dissolved answer, but I believe that mer lawmakers, including the A sunken 1970s warship rests 19m below the surface in the Mekong. kampong cham information department by the Supreme Court in 2017. taking part in the election Khmer Conservation Party and He said a new party would is necessary for democracy. Cambodia National Love Party. help strengthen democracy. If Cambodians understand Chhim Kan, head of the He told The Post on Monday the election is important and NGO and political party reg- he is working to gauge wheth- take part in it, I believe that it istration department at the Gov’t studies raising er citizens are open to the idea is a great thing,” he said. Ministry of Interior, said on and whether they will vote in He said if former Monday that 47 po- the upcoming elections. CNRP leaders Sam litical parties “If a large number of people Rainsy and Kem have been explosives-laden ship want to vote, we will consider Sokha can re- registered creating a political party to turn to politics with the Mom Kunthear “I have not set a timeline for Ministry of National Defence; compete in the election. It’s without any ministry, how long this work will take. the National Police; the National been three years that we have pressure, he including GOVERNMENT The working group will have a Centre for Peacekeeping Forces, been waiting for a solution, would join two new working group is meeting soon which may lim- Mines and Explosive Remnants but there isn’t one,” he said. them. But he parties studying what to do it the operation of this work of War Clearance (NPMEC); the Chanrath said he has met said such a that are in with a shipwreck in to some extent. So far, we Cambodian Mine Action Cen- with international diplomats possibility is process of KampongA Cham province’s Srei have reached only the techni- tre (CMAC); and the provincial and has been told they will minimal. completing Santhor district suspected of cal level,” Chanda said. Board of Governors. put in all efforts to facilitate Political the require- carrying unexploded ordnance. He said the working group According to a prelimi- negotiations between the rul- analyst Em ments. Provincial governor Un Chan- is waiting to see the govern- nary research by CMAC, in ing party and the opposition. Savannara da said the group is researching ment feasibility study and the 1970s during the war of He said the only through said Chan- the wreck and the types of ex- may also look for partners the Khmer Republic regime taking part in elections and plosives it might contain. It is who can cooperate. between 1973 and 1975, the having a seat in the National also coordinating with the navy Composed of 17 members warship, which was carry- Assembly can and maritime police to prevent from various institutions, the ing explosives, sank in the a party protect citizens’ in- people from entering the area. working group was created by Mekong River at a depth of terests and defend territorial Balloons have been placed Prime Minister Hun Sen in a 19m. It is located in Veal Vil- integrity. to warn the public the area is directive dated August 28. lage, in Srei Santhor district’s “Until now, it has been dangerous. The institutions include the Meanchey commune. three years and the THE PHNOM PENH POST september 1, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 5 National Calls for sanitary measures at pagodas

Continued from page 1

Pchum Ben festival. In a statement, the ministry also instructed the authori- ties and pagoda committees to ensure people and monks implement safety measures to protect themselves. All pagodas must have hand-washing stations, and body temperature measure- ments should be taken at the entrance and exit of pagodas, the announcement said. People who prepare food for monks must keep a dis- tance of 1m. Each monk and nun has to wear a mask. Authorities must immedi- ately report cases of group fe- ver and influenza and deploy forces to monitor the strict implementation of protective measures. The announcement came as Cambodia recorded a new case of Covid-19 on Sunday, the first since August 15. The health ministry said the 30-year-old Frenchman ar- rived from France on a flight through Taiwan. The latest case brings the Bridge development Kingdom’s Covid-19 tally to A bridge is under construction and will soon connect Tbong Khmum province’s Trea commune in Kroch Chhmar district to Kampong Cham province’s Prek Kak commune in Stung Trang 274. Of the number, 266 pa- district to the west across the Mekong River. On the Kampong Cham side, the bridge is about 2km northeast from Stung Trang’s most densely-populated Boeung Veng village along tients have been discharged Provincial Road 222. YOUSOS APDOULRASHIM from hospitals. B Meanchey officer Supreme Court upholds ban accused of shooting of 13 former CNRP teachers man from behind Kim Sarom Khouth Sophak Chakrya had done anything wrong and asked to return home. HE Supreme Court A NIMITH commune police of- Piseth then yelled at Ma- on Monday upheld ficer inB anteay Meanchey prov- kara, saying: “If you have the an appellate court ince was sent to court on Monday guts, get off the motorbike.” verdict banning 11 after a shooting left a 21-year-old Voah said his son did not re- teachersT with ties to the for- man seriously injured. ply and attempted to ride his mer Cambodia National Res- Provincial deputy police motorbike home. But just as cue Party (CNRP) from work- chief Sith Los said Rithy Piseth, he had ridden some 2m from ing at public schools. who holds the rank of com- the scene, Piseth opened fire. The court first heard their mune deputy police chief, was “My son is suffering from a complaint requesting to be arrested on Friday night. back injury and a bullet is lodged reinstated as State teachers The victim, Neang Makara, in his belly. Doctors removed on August 24. None of them filed a complaint accusing the the bullet, but the wound hasn’t was present to hear the ver- officer of attempted murder. healed. He is still being treated at dict on Monday. In the complaint, Makara a hospital in Banteay Meanchey Reading the verdict in the said he was riding a motor- province,” he said. presence of defence lawyer bike home when the officer He said a relative of the of- Choung Chou Ngy, Judge Nil opened fire from behind. ficer called him to offer com- Nunn said the Ministry of Edu- During questioning, Piseth pensation in exchange for not cation, Youth and Sport took denied the shooting, claiming filing a court complaint but appropriate action in firing the that the gun had discharged his family rejected the offer. teachers according to the law. while he was carrying out an Provincial coordinator “The Supreme Court sees operation to identify drug for rights group Adhoc Sum that the decision of the Ap- Rong Chhun was among one of the 11 protesting teachers with ties to the CNRP that was banned from working suspects in the village. Chankea told The Post on at public schools. HONG MENEA peal Court is proper accord- While on duty, he said two men Monday that while both sides ing to the law. We, therefore, rath, Kham Sitha, Muth Phalla, they were banned from teach- gation. Had the court done stopped on a motorbike. He and can discuss compensation to uphold the Appeal Court’s Ly Dy, Peak Mab, Rong Chhun ing for the State. so, Dy said, it would not have Makara exchanged words and a terminate civil actions outside ruling,” Judge Nunn said. and Chan Sopheap. Chou Ngy said the judge’s rejected their complaints. He scuffle ensued causing his gun the court, the case cannot be Chou Ngy regretted the de- All of them come from reasoning for the verdict was said each of the teachers has to go off accidently. dropped as it is a criminal case. cision. Phnom Penh and various prov- that some teachers were ab- at least 30 years of teaching “The suspect is referred to “For now, we are monitoring “They actually don’t want to inces including Siem Reap, sent from their job and there- experience. court for further legal proce- the police implementation of give up their jobs as officials at Preah Sihanouk, Kampot, Prey fore forfeited it. Chunrath was a teacher dure,” Los said. procedure on this case be- the education ministry. They Veng, Kampong Cham and Chou Ngy added the teach- at Trapaing Mnoas primary The victim’s father, Nuon Voah, cause we’ve received a com- still want to perform their work Battambang, he added. ers were expecting to receive school in Kampot province’s 49, told The Post on Monday that plaint from the victim’s family for the ministry,” he said. The teachers were members a warning from the ministry, Dang Tong district and a for- on the night of the incident his requesting legal aid. They de- He said 13 teachers were of the Supreme Court-dis- but instead the ministry nev- mer provincial council mem- son had scuffled with the police. mand justice,” he said. fired, but only 11 protested.T he solved CNRP. Some became er called them to work. ber of the CNRP. He told The He said Makara had seen Provincial court spokesman protesting teachers are Vong district council members and Dy, one of the teachers, told Post on Monday that he was the suspect stop a motorbike Teng Samai said the case is in Runny, Kong Sivong, Chhum one became a district chief in The Post on Monday that there not surprised by the court’s ridden by two fellow villagers. hands of a prosecutor and the Chan, Hong Sochea, Yin Chun- Siem Reap. However, in 2017, was never a thorough investi- decision. His son asked Piseth if they suspect was being questioned. 6 THE PHNOM PENH POST september 1, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com Business

USD / KHR USD / CAD USD / CNY USD / JPY USD / MYR USD / SGD USD / THB AUD / USD EUR / USD GBP / USD 4,100 1.3070 6.8472 105.82 4.1655 1.3603 31.12 0.7357 1.1908 1.3313

Trading Information on Cambodia Securities Exchange Date: August 31, 2020 Auction Trading Method (ATM) No Stock Closing Price Opening Price High Low 1 ABC 17,320 17,360 17,500 17,300 2 GTI 3,400 3,500 3,500 3,150 3 PAS 14,500 14,720 14,720 13,500 4 PEPC 3,400 3,400 3,410 3,380 5 PPAP 11,680 11,600 11,680 11,600 6 PPSP 2,300 2,290 2,300 2,290 7 PWSA 6,000 6,080 6,080 6,000 ASEAN-India NagaCorp looking to S Reap, S’ville economic Thou Vireak “On the other hand, if the company wants to develop ONG KONG-listed a [non-casino] IR business, ministers’ NagaCorp Ltd, the it will have to apply for a li- parent company cence from the Ministry of of local casino op- Tourism,” he said. meet held eratorH NagaWorld Ltd, has ex- Tourism ministry spokes- pressed an interest in devel- man Top Sopheak was also MINISTER of Commerce and In- oping integrated resorts (IRs) unaware of the plan, but dustry & Railways Piyush Goyal and in areas of Siem Reap and said the ministry was keen Minister of Industry and Trade of Preah Sihanouk provinces. on IR investments in Siem Vietnam Tran Tuan Anh co-chaired Asia-focused casino in- Reap province. the 17th ASEAN-India Economic dustry news outlet GGRAsia “I hadn’t been briefed on Ministers Consultations held virtu- reported this on Friday, cit- this particular matter, but ally on Saturday. ing the company’s interim anyone who wishes to open a The meeting was attended by the first-half results filed to the resort with press conference trade ministers of all the 10 ASEAN Stock Exchange of Hong hall must register with the countries – Brunei, Cambodia, In- Kong (HKEX). Ministry of Commerce before donesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, The industry term IR is applying for a licence at the the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand used to describe a large- Ministry of Tourism,” he said. and Vietnam. scale resort complex that NagaCorp owns Phnom The ministers reaffirmed their comprise tourism and con- Penh’s only licensed casino, commitment to take collective ac- ference amenities and often NagaWorld, and is currently tions in mitigating the economic im- feature casinos and other developing its $4 billion pact of the pandemic and resolved gaming facilities. Naga 3 project on the site of to ensure macroeconomic and fi- GGRAsia quoted NagaCorp the former “White Building” nancial stability and resilient supply as saying: “It is the intention in Chamkarmon district’s chain connectivity, particularly the of the group to be perceived NagaCorp is currently developing its $4 billion Naga 3 project on the site of the former ‘White Building’ Tonle Bassac commune. unimpeded flow of essential goods in Chamkarmon district’s Tonle Bassac commune. HENG CHIVOAN as a more comprehensive It posted just over $20.6 and medicines in the region in com- and quality integrated re- “At that point of time, we international visitors to the general of the Ministry of million in net profit for the pliance with World Trade Organisa- sort developer with empha- believe that the group will Kingdom prior to Covid-19. Economy and Finance’s Gen- first half of this year, plung- tion (WTO) rules. sis also on non-gaming as a gain a foothold as a strategic, Meanwhile, Preah Siha- eral Department of Financial ing 91.6 per cent year-on- The ministers’ discussion centred source of revenue. sizable and comprehensive nouk’s coastal provincial cap- Industry, told The Post on year. Revenue tumbled 57.7 on the review of the ASEAN India “We anticipate that the world-class IR developer to ital of Sihanoukville has seen Monday that he was unaware per cent year-on-year to Trade in Goods Agreement (AITI- non-gaming and gaming IRs help promote tourism in the a massive expansion in the of NagaCorp’s ambitions, but $377.5 million. GA). The ministers appreciated the will co-exist with each other Kingdom of Cambodia.” last few years, largely driven called on it to go through the On the HKEX, NagaCorp’s growing trade ties and deepening in a mutually beneficial Siem Reap town is home to by Chinese investment in the proper legal channels. (3918:HK) share price inched economic engagement between manner. UNESCO World Heritage site real estate sector. “I know nothing about it, up HK$0.07 (0.9 US cents) two parties. “It is the intention of the Angkor Wat in Nokor Thom Till the government’s ban nor do I know what point of or 0.75 per cent to close at The ASEAN India Business Coun- group to explore viable and commune, just 6km north on all online gambling last reference they are coming HK$9.37 (US$1.21) on Mon- cil (AIBC) Report has recommended profitable IR development of the provincial capital’s year, many of the projects from, but our laws bar casi- day for a market capitalisa- that the AITIGA be reviewed for mu- in [the] Siem Reap and Siha- downtown area. It was the had been linked to gaming. nos from Siem Reap’s Ang- tion of HK$40.979 billion, with tual benefit. noukville areas. quintessential destination for Mey Vann, the director- kor area. 8.884 million shares traded. The ministers instructed the se- nior officials to start the discussions to determine the scope of the review at the earliest to, inter alia, make the free trade agreement (FTA) more user-friendly, simple, and trade fa- Goldwell, Sun Hill strike MoU on derivatives cilitative for businesses. The review will make the AITIGA May Kunmakara viser George Black told The Post that ment of the market and woo more with the SECC, we will continue to modern with contemporary trade the partnership will introduce Cambo- foreign investors to the Kingdom. provide Cambodians with high-qual- facilitative practices, and stream- PHNOM PENH-based international dia to expert international investment He said: “We have been working a ity online classes on the market.” lined customs and regulatory pro- derivatives brokerage firm Goldwell services and investment products. lot on the development of the deriv- On May 11, the SECC approved an cedures. Capital Co Ltd and Malaysia-based He said: “This is what Cambodia atives market and have seen it grow amendment which will make it eas- Goyal highlighted that the FTA Sun Hill Assets Ltd have joined hands needs as the derivatives market here from year to year. ier for derivative brokers to receive has to be mutually beneficial and a in promoting Cambodia’s derivatives shifts into an era of professionalism “That has encouraged Goldwell – a licences. win-win for all sides and expressed sector to the region and the world. and respectability. derivatives brokerage firm licensed by The relaxation of requirements for the need to strengthen the Rules of The two companies on Friday en- “The deal will show Cambodians the SECC – to engage in the partner- the derivatives market aims to boost Origin provisions, work towards re- tered into a Memorandum of Un- how to use derivatives as profes- ship and seek to expand the market. investor interest in it after it gained moval of non-tariff barriers and pro- derstanding (MoU) as the Kingdom’s sional investment vehicles and will “The partnership will build a knowl- traction in recent years. vide better market access. derivatives market continues its help develop the market. edge transfer strategy to transport The amendment will make the pro- He reiterated India’s consistent years-long upward march towards its “Up till now the derivatives market the know-how of derivatives markets cess of applying for an SECC licence position that the review of the AIT- aspiration of become an economic here was merely trader and trading. abroad to us. It will additionally pro- more efficient for derivative brokers. IGA has been inordinately delayed driving force in Southeast Asia. This will give people access to pro- mote our market to foreign investors.” The trading volume of derivatives and requested for closer engage- Derivatives are financial securities fessional instruments that are used Black added that Goldwell had in Cambodia increased from $84 ment towards finalisation of the tied to underlying assets. Common as- in other developing countries.” been working with the SECC since million in 2018 to $200 million last scoping exercise, before the ASE- sets include commodities, currencies, Having witnessed the signing, Se- last year to provide professional year, SECC data show. AN-India Leaders’ Summit sched- stocks and bonds. An investor can pur- curities and Exchange Commission training free of charge to the public The derivatives market currently uled in November and to start the chase contracts and their return is based of Cambodia (SECC) director-gen- in the capital and all 24 provinces. boasts five central counterparties, 27 full review before the end of this on the market fluctuations of the asset. eral Sou Socheat told The Post that But Covid-19 forced its classes on- derivative brokers, five fund manage- year. THE STATESMAN (INDIA)/ASIA NEWS Goldwell Capital chief financial ad- the MoU will further boost develop- line, he said. “Through collaboration ment companies and five trustees. NETWORK THE PHNOM PENH POST september 1, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 7 Business Realty expert: New S’ville business Axiata sees low single centre reflects provincial recovery digit drops Hin Pisei in revenue ARA-SINA Broker Co Ltd’s $1.53 million open-air MALAYSIA-based Axiata Group Bhd, commercial centre was which operates telecommunications officially inaugurated in businesses in several Asian countries, PDreah Sihanouk province on Fri- said most of its operating companies day, in what a real estate insider de- (OpCos) have seen revenue recover- scribed as a sign of the coastal prov- ing to pre-pandemic levels in June ince’s economic return to form. after a weak start in the second quar- The Dara Samnang Business ter of this year. Center is built on 12,886sqm along But despite the rebound, the group National Road 4 in Sihanoukville’s in a statement said it expects to Commune I and boasts 408 stalls record “a low” single-digit percent- and booths that are grouped by cat- age decline in revenue, as well as egories such as daily necessities, sale earnings before interest, taxes, outlets, cosmetics and restaurants. depreciation and amortisation Provincial governor Kuoch Cham- (Ebitda) this year. roeun, who presided over the inaugu- The company said net profit in the ration ceremony, said the centre will three months ended June 30 declined boost the image of the provincial cap- to 80 million ringgit ($19.2 million) ital and will provide jobs for locals. compared with 220 million ringgit a Additionally, he said, it reflects in- year ago. vestor confidence in the Kingdom’s Revenue fell to 5.8 billion ringgit political climate and strong eco- from 6.15 billion previously. nomic growth. However, Ebitda rose 3.2 per cent “This is a testament to the inves- to 2.6 billion ringgit in the second tor confidence in the Royal Govern- quarter due to lower advertisement ment of Cambodia. The establish- and promotion expenses and one-off ment of the new business centre staff restructuring costs in the first will contribute to the development quarter, among others. of the nation,” Chamroeun said. The 12,886sqm open-air Dara Samnang Business Center was officially inaugurated on Friday. pREAH SIHANOUK PROVINCIAL ADMINISTRATION The group has declared an interim He called on Dara-Sina Broker’s dividend of two sen (0.48 US cents) a management to keep close tabs on and design, Dara Samnang Business vironments, tourist attractions and As businesses grow, so too do real share, compared with a payout of five operations, order, security, safety Center’s stalls and booths have been investment opportunities. estate transactions, he noted. sen a share made a year ago. and hygiene in the centre and in the 100 per cent leased,” Dara said. Oem Senghou, a branch manager at He said the rental market for com- President and group CEO Jamalu- surrounding areas. The government has identified Sihanoukville-based Century 21 Zil- mercial and residential buildings in din Ibrahim said: “The full impact of Dara-Sina Broker representative Preah Sihanouk province as one of lion Holding, a sub-franchise of real Sihanoukville has enjoyed a 40 per Covid-19 was felt heavily in the sec- Mom Dara told The Post that the proj- Cambodia’s main economic poles, estate agency Century 21 Cambodia, cent surge compared to the begin- ond quarter, especially in April when ect aims to fulfil the local demand for as it is home to the Kingdom’s sole told The Post that trade and invest- ning of this year. movement restrictions were in full safe, hygienic shopping areas. deep-sea port. ment activities in the province have But third-quarter real estate pric- throttle across our markets.” He stressed how rapidly Siha- It has earmarked substantial sums made a gradual recovery following a es haven’t changed much from the However, the gradual easing of noukville has improved, especially fol- of funds for infrastructure construc- prolonged decline in business activity. first quarter, with average per-sqm movement controls in most markets lowing the recent stream of State-fund- tion and renovation in a bid to trans- “The opening of the new business prices at between $3,500 and $5,000 contributed to the recovery. ed infrastructure projects intended to form Sihanoukville into a modern centre bodes well for the beginning in the central business district and Jamaludin said: “By June, most reel in more tourists and investors. metropolis brimming with beautiful of a pick-up in investment inflow to between $400 and $800 in more re- OpCos had largely recovered to pre- “Given the potential of its location natural scenery, pleasant living en- Preah Sihanouk,” he said. mote suburbs, Senghou said. lockdown revenue levels.” The group said that the pandemic had resulted in an estimated 400 mil- lion ringgit revenue loss during the first half of this year. This was mainly from distribution SK firm sows pesticide/fertiliser project plans shutdowns and outlet closures dur- ing the stringent movement control Thou Vireak week who inquired about the institu- government is very supportive of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry order period that prevented subscrib- tion’s credit policy for such an invest- such investment projects. and Fisheries reported. ers from accessing prepaid reloads, THE State-owned Agricultural and ment. They were led by a man whom “We want to welcome more local Of that, more than 1.14 million tonnes as well as the provision of free data Rural Development Bank of Cambo- he identified only as “Park”. factories and thus drive down the were fertilisers and 81,097 tonnes were and bonus recharge. dia (ARDB) announced that a South “Were the company to set up the prices of fertilisers and pesticides and chemical pesticides, it said. Axiata said: “Efforts were focused Korean company was interested in factories, they wouldn’t only supply uplift their quality. We’ll financially The Kingdom imports more than on ensuring connectivity for front- setting up animal feed mills, chemi- the local market, but also export to back any local who wants to set up 90,000 tonnes per month of about liners as well as other protection cal pesticide factories and agricul- South Korea and China,” he said, these factories,” Thach said. 2,600 types of fertilisers and pesticides and prevention initiatives, includ- tural fertiliser plants in the Kingdom without naming the company. Cambodia imported more than 1.2 to serve the agricultural sector. ing contributions to national disas- to prop up the embryonic sector. “They wanted to know if the gov- million tonnes of agricultural fertilis- Tan Pannara, the director-general ter recovery efforts in Malaysia, ARDB director-general Kao Thach ernment backs the private sector in ers and chemical pesticides last year, of the ministry’s Department of Ani- Indonesia, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, told The Post on Sunday that he had setting up fertiliser and pesticide up more than nine per cent com- mal Health and Production, told The Bangladesh and Nepal.” met company representatives last plants or not. I told them that the pared to 1.1 million tonnes in 2018, Post on June 8 that there are 18 live- Concessions were also made by stock feed production factories oper- OpCos to provide flexibilities in pay- ating in Cambodia and another one ment to cater to subscribers impact- is being built. ed by the pandemic. The factories are capable of produc- Jamaludin said: “Against this ing more than 1.2 million tonnes of backdrop, we are encouraged that livestock feed per year, equal to 56 per our cash position remains strong, cent of the country’s current supply. and we continue to be ahead of our Cambodia Chamber of Commerce five billion ringgit cost-optimisa- vice-president Lim Heng said the gov- tion target by one year, as ev idenced ernment is working to encourage and from the Ebitda margin improve- charm more foreign investors to set ment.” up feed, fertiliser and pesticide facto- As of June, Axiata’s cash in hand ries in the Kingdom, citing the acute stood at 5.9 billion ringgit. lack of investment in the segment. Free cash flow grew 4.3 per cent “To bring in more investment, we year-to-date to 2.5 billion ringgit need to reinforce infrastructure and mainly due to a 3.8 per cent cut in keep production costs low,” he said. capital expenditure, while operating As of December 31, the ministry free cash flow jumped 17.2 per cent has granted pesticide/fertiliser reg- to 1.2 billion ringgit arising from istration certificates to 235 compa- lower capital expenditure and tax. nies and pesticide/fertiliser import The group’s liquidity position was and export certificates to 226 com- reinforced last month with the issu- panies nationwide. ance of a dual-tranche offering com- There were 107 agricultural ferti- prising a 10-year $500 million sukuk, liser importers and 61 pesticide or Islamic bond, and 30-year $1 bil- importers in the Kingdom, as well as lion euro medium-term notes. THE ARDB director-general Kao Thach (left) discusses credit policy with ‘Park’ (second right) and other company representatives. ARDB 58 companies that import both. STAR (MALAYSIA)/ASIA NEWS NETWORK 8 THE PHNOM PENH POST september 1, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com Business S’pore building firms lauded Chinese fintech firm coasts on BRI, wants to for fruitful overseas ventures power more int’l lenders ROM India to Cambo- NEW YORK-listed OneCon- Wang Penghu, general man- dia to the far-flung nect Financial Technology Co ager of the company finance archipelago of Micro- Ltd, the fintech arm of Ping An department of China Citic nesia, Singaporean Insurance (Group) Company Bank Corp Ltd, said the banks’ Ffirms in the built environment of China Ltd, is coasting on the digital transformation makes sector are strengthening the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) inclusive finance possible. republic’s brand around the to expand its overseas layout. Digitalisation also contributes world through a range of con- In doing so, it is meeting the to precise marketing, and low- struction projects. financing needs of local com- ers the banks’ customer acqui- Amid the gloom the local panies in the markets it oper- sition service costs, he said. construction industry is fac- ates in, it said. A report from accounting firm ing with the pandemic, 36 OneConnect’s overseas EY (previously Ernst & Young) companies were awarded the business currently spans 15 showed that 85 per cent of the Building and Construction countries and regions, includ- banks around the world have Authority’s (BCA) inaugural ing Singapore, Thailand, Indo- made digital transformation SGBuilds Award on Friday for nesia, the Philippines, South the focus of their future work. 18 international projects. Korea, Japan, and Germany. It OneConnect has helped The awards recognised is constantly expanding into financial institutions make companies for successfully BRI-related economies. the required digital transfor- internationalising and bring- Ping An Group co-CEO Jes- mation, it said. In China, the ing local partners overseas, sica Tan said: “The reason why company has served all of the with the top awards going to our fintech was able to cover country’s major banks in less real estate giant CapitaLand more than a dozen countries than four years. And 99 per Ltd, consultancy firm TW- and regions in 18 months is cent of the country’s city com- Asia Consultants Pte Ltd and that we don’t compete for cus- mercial banks, and 52 per cent post-tensioning contractor The International Tech Park in the IT hub of Kharadi, Maharashtra, won one of the top SGBuilds Awards for tomers with local enterprises. of insurance companies, have Utracon Overseas Pte Ltd. CapitaLand. The development is CapitaLand’s 11th collaboration with joint venture L&W Construction. “Instead, we export fintech. been empowered with digi- The SGBuilds Award has CAPITALAND/THE STRAITS TIMES We have over 10 years of ex- tal transformation. Outside three categories – for devel- L&W is a fully owned joint including CapitaLand’s win- con (Cambodia) Co Ltd. perience in fintech. We would China, OneConnect is making opers, consultants and build- venture between construction ning project in the IT hub of This was the firm’s second like to help local enterprises similar inroads into the global ers – with the top firm in each firms Lee Kim Tah Holdings Kharadi, Maharashtra. project for the bank and has increase their efficiency and financial services industry. category recognised with the Ltd and Woh Hup Holdings Meanwhile, TW-Asia Consul- won it a third. lower costs.” Bin Ru Tan said: “OneCon- SGBuilds Star Award. Pte Ltd, two of Singapore’s old- tants took home the SGBuilds Utracon Overseas director As an active enabler of the nect is able to make contribu- BCA CEO Hugh Lim said est construction companies. Star Award in the consultant Khoo Jyh Hao said: “Being BRI, OneConnect serves local tions to the advancement of the SGBuilds Award serves to Having established itself in category for an eight-storey able to venture out interna- companies across East Asia, the financial services industry hold up industry efforts to in- India’s IT parks sector since resort it worked on in Palau, in tionally is already challeng- Southeast Asia, the Middle East in Asia, and even the world. ternationalise in a collabora- 1994, CapitaLand shared with Micronesia, slated for comple- ing. On top of that, construct- and Europe, Tan said. It endea- We are confident that we can tive manner. L&W its strong knowledge tion next year. ing a sensitive and secured vours to support key areas relat- make even more significant He said: “We hope that of India’s business environ- BCA lauded TW-Asia as a pio- project for a well-established ed to the initiative, including fa- contributions, going forward.” these awards will inspire ment and provided the joint neer for venturing into the Pa- client is something that many cility connectivity, unimpeded OneConnect’s overseas other Singapore firms across venture with opportunities to cific island state, which many would not take on.” trade, and financial integration. expansion began in South- the entire built environment expand in markets that Capi- in the built environment sector He credited partners, such In July, OneConnect signed an east Asia, it said. The region value chain to consider how taLand has a presence in, said considered a new frontier. as project management firm agreement with the Abu Dhabi is home to a rapidly rising to pool their capabilities and a CapitaLand spokesman. Construction services Atelier International Man- Global Market in the UAE to middle-income class as well resources to venture into new Since the first collaboration, firm Utracon Overseas was agement Pte Ltd, for their develop technologies such as as an ever-growing number markets overseas.” the partnership has gone from awarded the top prize in the “vast market familiarity in artificial intelligence, block- of internet users. But, mod- CapitaLand’s win is its 11th strength to strength, with sev- builder category for a six- Cambodia [to meet] the goal chain, and distributed ledger. ern financial infrastructure is collaboration with joint venture eral CapitaLand Internation- storey building it built for the of achieving the best project In June, it tied up with UBX, a conspicuous by its absence. L&W Construction Pvt Ltd, a al Tech Park developments National Bank of Cambodia outcome”. THE STRAITS TIMES (SIN- subsidiary of Union Bank in the For instance, it added, bank partnership that began in 2009. in major cities across India, through its subsidiary Utra- GAPORE)/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Philippines, to build the coun- card and bank account pen- try’s first blockchain-enabled etration rates in the region are technology platform. low. Only a few people of the The technology platform overall population use credit offers services, including AI cards. The credit reporting sys- analysis, remote review, and tem is weak. Many people still PetroVietnam subsidiary set to drill anti-fraud scrutiny, to meet rely on cash. local enterprises’ digital-age OneConnect said it hopes needs like multi-channel loan to introduce Chinese experi- in Cambodia starting next month application processing, credit ence and fintech expertise to evaluation, loan appropria- the region, to quickly bridge PETROVIETNAM Drilling & tion and customer identity the financial services gap and Well Service Corp’s (PV Drill- verification. increase the penetration rate ing’s) rig PV Drilling III will In addition, it can effectively of inclusive finance. implement its contract to drill reduce credit approval time, Currently, in Thailand, three five new wells for Singapore- and provide more accurate of the top 10 banks are served based KrisEnergy Ltd in Cam- risk assessment, OneConnect by OneConnect, while in Cam- bodia for three months, start- executives said. bodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, ing in October, vietnamplus. OneConnect Southeast Asia Vietnam and the Philippines, vn reported. CEO Bin Ru Tan said: “Banks OneConnect has made inroads Meanwhile, the rig PV Drill- and insurance companies into the local markets by estab- ing II will start a 100-day drill- recognise that digital adop- lishing subsidiaries or working ing campaign in Vietnam from tion is here to stay and now is with local enterprises. this month, PV Drilling said. an opportune time to acceler- Bin Ru Tan said: “Using our From August, it said, the ate digitalisation. smart finance platform, we in- number of tenders for oil drill- “We are seeing strong de- cluded over 70 per cent of the ing this year in Vietnam as well mand for our smart interview, small and micro enterprises as the Southeast Asian region digital banking, and smart in the supply chain credit sys- have become scarce with 26 lending solutions as they sup- tem, greatly increasing their out of 61 jack-up rigs in the port a truly seamless remote financing possibilities. region unemployed. banking experience. “The fintech solution, which PV Drilling also suffered the “Having grown our footprint has already proved effective in same difficulty when both rigs across Southeast Asia, today China, unlocks the vitality of of PV Drilling II and PV Drill- we have amassed extensive small and micro enterprises in ing III had to cease operations domain knowledge when it Southeast Asia and boosts the in Malaysia from July and June, comes to understanding the economic development of the respectively, significantly ear- PV Drilling II will start a 100-day drilling campaign in Vietnam from this month. pV DRILLING local financial landscape and countries in the region. lier than their contractual regulations. On the New York Stock Ex- plan. eral meeting of shareholders. contract signed with Brunei lion dong ($137.5 million). “We have successfully col- change, OneConnect’s (OCFT) Therefore, PV Drilling will PV Drilling believes that all Shell Petroleum (BSP). Meanwhile, its post-tax prof- laborated with top financial share price gained $0.56 or monitor the supply-demand of its jack-up rigs would have The corporation reported it reached 85 billion dong, institutions and leading third- 2.55 per cent to close at $22.56 situation in the market to seek work next year. Of which, from that it gained year-on-year higher than that of 22 billion party service providers to build on Friday for a market capital- new drilling contracts to meet the second quarter of next growth of 64 per cent in total dong in the first six months of end-to-end digital solutions isation of $8.798 billion, with business targets for this year year, its rig PV Drilling V would revenue during the first six last year. VIET NAM NEWS/ASIA NEWS and ecosystems that are highly 335,917 shares traded. CHINA approved at PV Drilling’s gen- start to carry out a long-term months of this year to 3.18 tril- NETWORK relevant to the local markets.” DAILY/ASIA NEWS NETWORK THE PHNOM PENH POST september 1 , 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 9

www.phnompenhpost.com/post-focus Banking Award-winning Prince Bank’s success story gathers pace

While a relative newcomer on the Cambodian banking scene, Prince Bank already has numerous firsts under its belt and has received several awards. Headquartered in Phnom Penh, the dynamic bank started off as a private microfinance institution in 2015, before receiving a commercial banking licence from the National Bank of Cambodia just three years later. Here Honn Sorachna, Prince Bank’s chief executive officer, discusses future plans and recent achievements.

are today. Furthermore, our business partners and customers have been supportive in our growth journey. In short, it is all about the hard work and support extended to the bank by our different stakeholders.

One notable stand-out Q feature of the bank is the considerable amount you have Perhaps most astonishing invested in staff training and Prince Bank considers staff its most important asset; (inset) the bank has won International Banker’s ‘Best Commercial Bank Cambodia 2020’ award. Q of all Prince Bank’s development programmes. Why qualities is the sheer speed at do you consider this area of online training, project assign- words, it is the foundation for that Prince Bank has earned, from International Banker. which the bank is developing, human resources so important? ments as well as on-the-job development and growth for including “Asia’s Top 100 Best Looking to the next 12 to including being the first bank to training and coaching. the future. Investing for the fu- Employer Brands for 2019”, 18 months, I feel the great- launch Visa and Mastercard debit As I mentioned earlier, While the bank needs more ture is investing in education, “Cambodia’s Best est challenge will be how to and credit cards less than two people are our most important and more productive human and we are therefore keen on Employer Brands resume our growth momentum years after becoming a asset and underpin our ability resources, we also understand getting involved in this area. for 2020” post-Covid-19. commercial bank, and the first to develop and grow our busi- clearly that our people need a and “Global Every business and bank to open 19 branches and ness operations. favourable environment and What is the most satisfying Best Employer country has been se- Q roll out 32 self-service terminals For us to be able to continue continuous support for their aspect of being a banking Brands for verely affected by the in 12 months across the country. our momentum and differenti- professional development. leader at Prince Bank? And what 2020” by the pandemic. Preparing How have you been able to ate ourselves further from the In this sense, our investment do you consider to be your Employer ourselves for recov- successfully develop in such a rest in this increasingly com- in training and development biggest challenge over the next Branding ery and subsequently short space of time? petitive industry, we need to programmes are aimed at ful- 12 to 18 months? Institute, World growth at the pace attract more talent and develop filling both the organisation’s Seeing Prince Bank as a HRD Congress we have had is key to These remarkable achieve- our people further. and the employees’ need for local institution growing well and Stars of the leapfrogging ahead of ments have been possible Therefore, the bank has growth. and fast with our people devel- Industry Group. other players. thanks to the bank’s clear consciously and proactively oping is very satisfying for me And now I However, this is a strategic vision, our sharehold- invested in the training and Many of the bank’s projects as chief executive officer. am even more big hurdle, which we Q ers’ commitments, the board’s development of our staff, rang- with regards to corporate I am proud of Prince Bank excited by the will have to strategi- consistent support, the guid- ing from in-class activities to social responsibility (CSR) are becoming the fastest growing bank win- cally overcome. ance and support of the regula- connected to improving digital bank in the country ning the “Best tor and the hard work of our education in Cambodia. Why over a short period of time. Commercial This is an extract from management team and staff. do you value educational In particular, I am thrilled by Bank Cambodia a www.international- The shareholders and board projects so highly? the international recognition 2020” award banker.com article. have made the necessary re- sources available and believed At Prince Bank, we consider in the long-term investments corporate social responsibility so that the bank can differenti- part of our business activi- ate itself from the rest in the ties, believing in “corporate industry. Obviously, the sheer citizenship” in which giving a l Advertori speed and growth mag- back to the community helps nitude compete for the us to sustain our business. resources available and Supporting education is, require the careful allo- indeed, a key component cation of resources and in our CSR work that prioritisation of work. also covers health, In this context, my culture, environment colleagues have worked and sports. tirelessly day and night As regards our to implement numerous support for edu- projects while delivering cational projects, business results at the same we strongly believe time to ensure that we have that in order to build an adequate foundation for a good and developed further growth. society, it all starts from the Without committed and ground level and the num- competent staff, we would ber of well-educated people not have gotten where we Prince Bank chief executive officer Honn Sorachna. in that society. In other The financial institution’s achievements have been possible due to its clear strategic vision. 10 THE PHNOM PENH POST september 1, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com World TikTok owner Trump campaigns on ‘law and order’ says will abide by new Chinese message as US protest turns deadly export rules HE owner of popular video app MAN was shot dead in the TikTok said on Sunday it will US city of Portland, police T“strictly abide” by China’s new said on Sunday, the latest vi- export rules, which could potentially olence to upend anti-racism complicate a sale of the business as de- protestsA as President Donald Trump manded by US President Donald Trump. presses an election message charac- TikTok has been at the centre of a dip- terising his Democratic opponent Joe lomatic storm between Washington and Biden as weak on violent crime. Beijing, and Trump signed an executive But hours after the gunfire on Sat- order on August 6 giving Americans 45 urday during a pro-Trump rally in the days to stop doing business with TikTok’s Oregon city, Biden accused the presi- Chinese parent company ByteDance Ltd dent of fanning the flames of violence – effectively setting a deadline for a sale in a polarised and tense nation. of the app to a US company. The shooting followed a week of But China’s commerce ministry pub- country-wide protests – including lished new rules on Friday that added the cancellation of numerous sport- “civilian use” to a list of technologies ing events – over the police shooting that are restricted for export. in Kenosha, Wisconsin of African The new regulations could make it American Jacob Blake. more difficult for Beijing-based Byte- The violence in Portland erupted dance to sell the wildly popular video during a rally involving hundreds of app, which features clips of everything vehicles “caravanning throughout from dance routines and hair-dye tutori- downtown Portland”, police said. als to jokes about daily life and politics. OregonLive reported “clashes” and Walmart, which confirmed on Thursday “tense moments” between demon- that it has joined forces with Microsoft in strators and counter-protesters. negotiations to buy TikTok, has not yet com- Photographs from the scene showed mented on the new rules, while Microsoft the victim wearing a hat with a logo declined to comment when asked by AFP. Police hold back a man who was with the victim of a fatal shooting in Portland. GETTY IMAGES/AFP for “Patriot Prayer”, described by local Bytedance said in a statement it media as a far-right group at the cen- choice and arguing that a Biden presi- ened to send federal government “It’s you who have created the hate would “strictly abide” by China’s tech- tre of multiple Portland demonstra- dency would allow left-wing mob rule. forces into the west coast city if Mayor and the division.” nology law and its list of restrictions “to tions that have ended in violence. Biden condemned the violence Ted Wheeler does not crack down. He said the car caravan that rode handle business relating to the import The Portland clashes followed and argued that Trump had played a Trump attacked Wheeler, a Demo- through Portland on Saturday night and export of technology”. unrest in Kenosha, where prosecu- role in spurring the clashes. crat, for refusing help from the Nation- was inspired by Trump. “They were The move marked the first time China tors accused 17-year-old Kyle Rit- The Democratic nominee said in a al Guard, which he said “could solve supported and energised by the has adjusted its list of technologies sub- tenhouse of shooting dead two men statement: “He is recklessly encour- these problems in less than 1 hour”. president himself.” ject to export bans or restrictions since and wounding another who were aging violence. “Wheeler is incompetent, much like Wheeler had shared an open letter to 2008, adding 23 new items. protesting against Blake’s shooting. “He may believe tweeting about Sleepy Joe Biden,” Trump tweeted. Trump on Friday in which he said “we The official Xinhua News Agency’s Trump is due to travel on Tues- law and order makes him strong – “This is not what our great Country know you’ve reached the conclusion interview with a professor on Saturday day to the Midwestern city to meet but his failure to call on his support- wants. They want Safety & Security, and that images of violence or vandalism suggested that the change could mean law enforcement officials and view ers to stop seeking conflict shows do NOT want to Defund our Police!” are your only ticket to re-election”. Bytedance has to get approval from the damage from unrest triggered by just how weak he is.” Wheeler blasted Trump in a press Senate Homeland Security Com- Chinese government to sell its technol- Blake’s shooting last weekend. Biden’s campaign said he will give conference on Sunday, saying that mittee chairman Ron Johnson, a ogy to a US company. Wisconsin’s governor Tony Evers a speech on Monday to address for nearly four years US citizens have Republican from Wisconsin, said Last week, TikTok CEO Kevin Mayer sent the president a letter asking what it called a key question facing had to tolerate what the mayor called the violence and loss of life would quit the company, days after TikTok filed him to reconsider the visit as it “will voters in November “Are you safe in Trump’s racist attacks on blacks, sex- not stop until law enforcement reas- a lawsuit challenging the crackdown by only hinder our healing”, US media Donald Trump’s America?” ist talk about women, insults toward serted control. the US government. reports said. Trump spent Sunday morning immigrants and journalists, and now, “But . . . when you encourage the TikTok argued in the suit that Trump’s Violence connected to anti-racism tweeting and retweeting dozens of toward mayors of major US cities. disdain for the police you encourage order was a misuse of the Interna- protests has become a major issue in posts purporting to show violence “Do you seriously wonder, Mr. criminals,” he told CNN. tional Emergency Economic Powers Act the campaign for November’s presi- in Democratic-run cities, and espe- President, why this is the first time “When you do little or nothing to because the platform is not “an unusual dential election, with Trump present- cially Portland. in decades that America has seen stop rioting, you encourage anarchy. and extraordinary threat”. AFP ing himself as the “law and order” The president has repeatedly threat- this level of violence?” Wheeler said. People’s lives are lost.” AFP Tens of thousands march through Belarus capital Minsk

TENS of thousands of opposition 66th birthday and protesters carried proof vest holding a gun, and said it One demonstrator, 33-year-old athletes signed an open letter calling supporters marched through Minsk quirky handmade “gifts” including a was taken at the palace as protesters Nikolai, said he had already been for new elections and condemning on Sunday, calling for an end to cardboard toilet with a sign urging were outside. detained after one demonstration police violence. strongman Alexander Lukashenko’s the strongman to flush himself away, The protests began breaking up and was still recovering from the The latest rally came amid a crack- rule amid a heavy security presence a coffin marked “Political corpse” and towards evening as heavy rain fell beating he had received. down on media coverage. and despite dozens of arrests. a picture of a cockroach, the opposi- and people began leaving. Riot police “Everything hurts,” he said. “But I came On Saturday the foreign ministry Belarus protests have entered a tion’s nickname for the president. also began to push protesters away out again for our Belarus to be free.” withdrew accreditation for journal- third week since the disputed presi- Some laid flowers and symbolic from the palace. “We need to gather strength and ists from international media, includ- dential election on August 9 in which gifts on the ground in front of a tall Thousands of people attended come out like this every week until ing AFP, the BBC and Radio Liberty / Lukashenko claimed victory. barrier manned by riot police similar rallies in other Belarusian cit- Lukashenko leaves,” said another Radio Free Europe. Meanwhile, opposition rival Svet- equipped with helmets and shields. ies, local media reported. demonstrator, 70-year-old Maria. A government official cited “coun- lana Tikhanovskaya says she was the Opposition newspaper Nasha Niva The Minsk Peace March started at The Belarusian interior ministry ter-terrorism” grounds for the move, true winner. reported that this was the “boldest 2:00pm local time (1100 GMT) and said police detained 125 people with- which was condemned by Germany An AFP journalist and local media show of civil disobedience in three police began to detain protesters in the first two hours, State news and the US. estimated that more than 100,000 weeks of protests”. almost immediately as people agency Belta reported, most accused A German government spokesman people attended Sunday’s protest, Activist Maria Kolesnikova, attempted to reach the central Inde- of taking part in illegal mass protests. on Sunday said they would summon equalling the scale of rallies on previ- Tikhanovskaya’s campaign partner, pendence Square. Three were detained for damaging a the Belarus ambassador to the foreign ous weekends, the largest in the asked in vain to enter the residence Columns of protesters walked police car, the ministry said. ministry to protest the move. country since independence from for talks. through the centre, carrying placards Protesters faced off against armed Reporters covering the protests have the former USSR. Presidential aide Nikolai Latyshe- and the country’s historic red-and- interior troops and riot police using their been detained and police have con- A crowd gathered outside Lukash- nok came out to speak to protesters, white flag as drivers honked car horns shields to block them. Other protesters fiscated memory cards from photog- enko’s official residence, the Palace of but insisted Lukashenko would not in support. tried to bypass the police blockades. raphers’ cameras. Independence, which was guarded by negotiate with the opposition. Some linked arms to march down Despite the heavy security, the atmos- The authorities have repeatedly shut riot police and special-forces person- A Telegram messenger channel a main street, while women took phere remained relaxed and festive. off internet access, making it harder for nel backed up by rooftop snipers. linked to Lukashenko’s press service black-clad riot police to task or lay on Meanwhile, more than 360 Belaru- independent media to report from the Sunday’s rally came on Lukashenko’s posted a picture of him in a bullet- the street in front of them. sian sports figures including Olympic demonstrations. AFP THE PHNOM PENH POST september 1, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 11 ASEAN Thailand delays $724M deal Mekong district opts out of rice crop, set to for China subs after public ire release floodwaters JUST south of Cambodia’s which occurs between August Thailand has delayed its order for two more submarines from China Prey Veng province, Vietnam- and November annually, is amid anger over the purchase ese farmers in Dong Thap expected to be late and poor while the economy is badly hit by province’s Hong Ngu district this year, experts have said. the coronavirus pandemic. AFP will not grow the autumn- Nguyen Hoang Nhung, winter rice crop, the year’s head of the district’s Bureau third, on more than 9,000ha of Agriculture and Rural De- and will instead release flood- velopment, said this year waters into their fields to the district decided to plant fertilise the soil and destroy 2,600ha of autumn-winter pathogens and pests. crop in Thuong Phuoc 2 The upstream district – commune (to the south) and across the frontier from Prey Thuong Thoi Tien town (fur- Veng’s southwestern Peam ther to the east), and release Chor district in the Kingdom floodwaters into more than – is the first locality in the 9,000ha of unplanted rice Mekong Delta province to be fields in other areas. flooded by the Mekong River In the latter areas, the dis- during the rainy season. trict has opened all sluices to The delta is set to enter the be ready to receive the flood- flooding season which brings waters, he said. sediments to rice fields and Farmers there have finished aquatic species to upstream harvesting the summer-au- localities. tumn rice, he said. Pham Van But, who owns a The bureau has carried out 2ha rice field in Hamlet 3 in regular inspections to ensure Hong Ngu’s Thuong Phuoc farmers do not plant their HAILAND delayed on Monday that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha es and the government’s handling of the 1 commune (south of Peam fields. its $724 million purchase of two – also defence minister – had “requested economy, the burgeoning pro-democra- Chor’s Koh Roka commune To increase rice production, submarines from China, follow- the navy to consider a delay” in the pur- cy movement is also calling for reforms in Cambodia), said he and the province has built dykes ing public outrage over the con- chase of the two additional submarines. to the unassailable monarchy – a once- other farmers would not grow in flood-prone areas to enable troversialT deal as the kingdom’s economy Anucha told reporters: “The navy will taboo topic in the kingdom. the autumn-winter rice and farmers to grow autumn-winter flatlines due to the coronavirus pandemic. negotiate with China to delay for anoth- The increasingly bold requests from have opened the sluices to let rice during the flood season. Under a 2015 deal, Thailand was one of er year.” the youth-led protesters have drawn ire floodwaters enter their fields. But authorities have decided the first countries to buy Chinese naval Prayut’s military-aligned administra- from arch-royalist camps, who have held He now regularly visits the to stop this practice in many hardware and finalised its purchase of tion is under fire from near-daily protests counter-demonstrations to demand that fields to watch the water level upstream localities during the three submarines in 2017, with the first demanding his resignation and a com- protesters “do not touch the monarchy”. and hopes the floodwaters flooding season to fertilise rice one expected to be delivered in 2023. plete overhaul of the government – which More than a thousand mostly older would rise rapidly and enter fields in recent years. An order for two more for 22.5 billion the demonstrators consider illegitimate. demonstrators dressed in yellow shirts – the fields, he said. The flood season offers baht ($723 million) was approved ear- Thailand’s economy is also undergo- considered a royal colour – massed at a According to farmers, if many different livelihoods lier this month by a parliamentary sub- ing one of its worst periods in more than stadium on Sunday, holding portraits of three crops are grown the soil like catching fish and other committee – a move which drew public 20 years, contracting 12.2 per cent in the King Maha Vajiralongkorn. becomes unfertile, resulting aquatic species brought by the outcry as Thailand struggles with a free- second quarter of this year as its tour- On Monday, they submitted a letter to in high production costs and floodwaters, breeding them in falling economy. ism- and exports-led sectors have been the Japanese embassy in Bangkok to de- poor crops. flooded rice fields and making Angry Thais took to social media to criti- hard-hit by the pandemic. mand the extradition of prominent gov- Many farmers in the dis- tools for catching them. cise the deal, and the hashtag “People don’t Anucha said: “The prime minister has ernment critic Pavin Chachavalpong- trict have ploughed their rice Craft villages making the want submarines” trended on Twitter. given priority to the concern of the public pun, who started a private Facebook fields to absorb the flood sed- tools are enjoying an upturn Government spokesman Anucha who are worried about the economy.” group to hold frank discussions of the iments. in business activity. VIET NAM Burapachaisri announced on Monday Besides questioning military purchas- monarch. AFP The delta’s flood season, NEWS/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Top Philippines broadcaster shutters regional stations

ANCHOR Dhobie de Guzman has been For many, it is their only source of the face of a popular news show in the news. northern Philippines for more than a Fishermen in some regions have decade. Now the closure of his region- long relied on their local broadcaster al station – and dozens of others coun- to know if it was safe to go out to sea, trywide – has left him out of work. said Reyes. He is among hundreds of journal- Micaella Ilao, a TV reporter in the City ists to lose their jobs at ABS-CBN of Baguio, said: “Not everyone has access Corp as the broadcasting giant – a to the internet, to radio or newspapers. critic of President Rodrigo Duterte – “Removing [TV broadcasters] slashes its operations after advertis- deprives the people of the privilege ing revenues were ravaged by the loss to receive proper information.” of its free-to-air licence in May. The Foreign Correspondents Asso- The closure of 53 regional televi- ciation of the Philippines has sion and radio stations that broad- described the closure of ABS-CBN’s cast in six languages will deprive mil- regional stations as a “black day for lions of Filipinos of their main source independent media” in the country. of local news and entertainment. “It’s an avoidable national tragedy, “It’s painful,” de Guzman, 43, told inflicted by the very people who AFP on Friday after presenting the should protect Filipinos from all final TV Patrol North Luzon in a studio adversity,” it said. 240km from the capital Manila. ABS-CBN is allowed to file a fresh “You do your job responsibly, you do petition, but its success would require your share to change the life of ordi- members of Congress, dominated by nary people, then at the end of the day Duterte allies and whose terms expire you lose your platform to do that.” in 2022, to change their minds. Hundreds of ABS-CBN journalists have lost their jobs as the network shuts dozens of regional stations to cut costs. AFP Congress last month rejected ABS- For now, they are mourning the loss CBN’s application for a new 25-year including his controversial drug war nue it used to rake in has been wiped stars are expected to move on. of their network. franchise and a Supreme Court peti- that has killed thousands of people. out, forcing the broadcaster to dra- Thousands of jobs – including staff Stanley Palisada, who was head of tion over the issue was dismissed. While he has denied any involvement matically cut costs. and contractors – could be lost, ABS- the regional news group, said: “It’s not ABS-CBN, which is owned by the in Congress’s decision to reject ABS- “Unfortunately, [digital advertising CBN warned previously. just a channel . . . it’s a relationship, a wealthy Lopez family, has broadcast CBN’s application, he had previously revenue] is not at the same level as For decades, ABS-CBN’s regional connection that has been lost. continuously since 1953 except pledged to block its licence renewal. broadcast, so that’s where the challenge network has played a vital role in “You become the medium of prefer- between 1972 and 1986 when it was In the months since losing its free-to- is nowadays,” said ABS-CBN news and broadcasting information on natural ence for people, for the local commu- seized by dictator Ferdinand Marcos air permit, ABS-CBN has kept showing current affairs boss Regina Reyes. disasters, such as typhoons, and health nity, to complain, to ask for help in – who Duterte admires. many of its popular news and drama After the closure of the regional stations crises – including the coronavirus pan- reaching out to the government offi- Duterte has a history of clashing with programmes on cable TV and online. on Friday, more parts of the network will demic – to isolated communities that cials and [entities] who may have the media outlets critical of his policies, But much of the advertising reve- be shuttered on Monday and many of its have little or no internet access. solutions to their problems.” AFP 12 THE PHNOM PENH POST september 1, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com Opinion

www.phnompenhpost.com Abe’s departure: Seoul, Tokyo need to

EDITORIAL PERSONNEL Publisher & Chief Executive Offi cer Ly Tayseng Executive Editor-in-Chief be more flexible to mend bilateral ties Joshua Purushotman Managing Editor Post Khmer Opinion Sam Rith Editorial Deputy Chief of Staff Phak Seangly Business Editor APANESE Prime Minister May Kunmakara Shinzo Abe’s planned Deputy Business Editor departure from office is raising hopes that the Sangeetha Amarthalingam J Deputy Head of Lifestyle Desk strained relations between Pan Simala Seoul and Tokyo might at last Senior Reporters begin to see some improve- Meas Sokchea, Niem Chheng ment. Reporters Days after becoming Japan’s Khouth Sophak Chakrya, Kim Sarom, longest-serving premier last Long Kimmarita, Khorn Savi, Hin Pisei, week, Abe announced his Soth Koemsoeun, Voun Dara, Sous Yamy, intent to step down due to a Thou Vireak chronic illness, saying he will stay in the post until his suc- Photographers cessor is chosen, probably Heng Chivoan, Hong Menea, Hean Rangsey within this month. Web Editor During his current tenure, Leang Phannara which began in 2012, Seoul-To- Webmasters kyo ties have reached a low ebb Sous Chanthy, Pang Vichea SIEM REAP BUREAU over issues stemming from Offi ce Manager Japan’s 1910-1945 colonial rule Sophearith Blondeel of the Korean Peninsula. PRODUCTION & PRINTING Discord over long-simmer- Head of Desktop Publishing ing issues such as wartime Nhim Sokphyrak sexual slavery and forced Desktop Publishing labour has continued to deep- Suon Savatdy, Chum Sokunthy, Danh Borath en, with Abe’s conservative Tep Thoeun Thyda, Tim Borith, Than Veasna government refusing to accede to the calls of South Korean HEAD OFFICE victims for a meaningful apol- ogy and formal reparations. Throughout his stint as prime minister, Abe has tak- Post Media Co, Ltd. en a harder stance on Seoul The Elements Condominium Level 7, than any of his predecessors. Seoul-Tokyo ties have reached a low ebb over issues stemming from Japan’s 1910-1945 colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula. JIJI PRESS/AFP Hun Sen Boulevard, Phum Prek Talong, Some observers accuse him Sangkat Chak Angre Krom,12353, Phnom of seeking to amplify anti- It also vowed not to renew whoever succeeds him will Korea’s Presidential Blue judgments should be Penh, Cambodia Korean sentiment in Japan its military intelligence-shar- likely follow his policy line. House (Cheong Wa Dae) said respected. Tel: 023 888 161, 023 888 162 for his own political gain. ing accord with Tokyo, Still, there is the possibility the country will continue to With the next presidential Cellcard: 078 555 166, 078 555 133 In 2016, Abe said he would though it shelved the pledge that the new Japanese admin- cooperate with Abe’s successor election less than two years Smart: 086 822 999, 086 277 999 not consider sending a letter at the last minute due to istration may relax measures to promote friendly bilateral away, it may be tempting to SIEM REAP of apology to the Korean opposition from the US, driven mainly by Abe’s per- ties, while wishing Abe a quick adhere to that position and No 629, Street 6 Dangkum Commune women forced into sexual which sees the pact as a cru- sonal will – such as the export recovery from his illness. continue to use anti-Japa- Tel: 063 966 290, Fax: 063 966 590 slavery for Japanese soldiers cial tool to enhance trilateral curbs, which have been criti- Seoul needs to make the nese rhetoric in a bid to rally COMMERCIAL DEPARTMENT during World War II. security cooperation with its cised for damaging the econ- best use of this chance to voter support. Chief Operating Offi cer Last year, he pressed two key Asian allies. omies of both countries. forge better ties with Tokyo The Moon administration James Ong Soon Teck Tokyo’s trade officials to But the administration of If Seoul responds to any upon Abe’s departure. and the incoming Japanese Advertising Department impose curbs on the export Korean President Moon Jae-in Cabinet should not let ties Chap Narith, 017 996 241 of high-tech materials to has left open the possibility of The wider public in both nations between South Korea and Hun Channet, 017 578 768 South Korea in what scrapping the military accord. Japan be strained further at a Prach Monnyreak, 012 123 7777 appeared to be a politically Also last year, Abe refused should strengthen efforts at time when the two countries Keo Puthy, 012 966 605 motivated reprisal for two to hold a bilateral meeting need to pursue closer coop- Phon Sok Chea, 012 717 404 various levels to help put rulings by the Supreme Court with Moon when he hosted eration to cope with the Jessa Piastro, 092 445 983 here in 2018, ordering Japa- the Group of 20 (G20) sum- bilateral relations back on track coronavirus pandemic and CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION nese firms to compensate mit in Osaka. ensure regional stability. Acting Distribution Manager Koreans forced to work in Yet he made time for one- such positive move from The Moon government is The wider public in both Thenh Rithy, 087 888 854 their plants and mines dur- on-one talks with the leaders Tokyo by taking a more for- not above criticism either, nations should not be Circulation Supervisor ing the colonial era. of all other major member ward-looking approach to having itself attempted to swayed by political attempts Nou Chanthy, 096 999 2828 Later, Japan dropped South states on the sidelines of the historical issues, bilateral ties amplify anti-Japanese senti- to stir up negative sentiment Yim Veasna, 015 814 499 Korea from its list of prefer- multilateral summit. could finally move beyond ment here to bolster its against the other side, but ADMINISTRATION ential trading partners. Abe’s departure can hardly their worst level since they domestic position. instead should strengthen Admin & HR Manager Seoul responded by filing a be expected to have an imme- were normalised in 1965. Pich Socheat It has done little to ease the efforts at various levels to Assistants to Admin & HR Manager complaint with the World diate and significant impact In a statement issued after conflict with Tokyo since the help put bilateral relations THE KOREA HERALD/ Nhel Soaphea Trade Organisation (WTO) on the frayed ties between Abe’s announcement that he rulings on forced labour, back on track. ASIA NEWS NETWORK Financial Director over the export restrictions. Seoul and Tokyo, given that planned to resign, South repeatedly saying the court 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 september 1, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 13 Around the NGOs Blindsided by virus, eye doctors saved by gifts

Hong Raksmey ment, according to a report of the World Health Organisa- HEN Thol lost tion. her eyesight, her However, people suffering husband aban- from eye conditions are at risk doned her. She of going blind if they don’t get Wspent her days being guided treated immediately. around by her small children Dr You Piseth, an NPEH while her oldest son fished for Ophthalmology representa- food to keep the family alive. tive, said: “The donations With the assistance of the come at the right time so that Fred Hollows Foundation, health staff can go forward Thol was lucky enough to and continue their practice. receive a surgery which had Having protective equipment the potential to restore her and supplies will protect eyesight. When the bandages health staff and patients from were finally removed from her the risk of getting the virus.” eyes, she smiled and pointed The donations will pro- to her children one-by-one, vide benefit to about 250 eye according to a video produced health personnel in national by the foundation in 2016. and provincial referral hospi- In the video, Thol says of her tals. With all safety measures youngest son: “He’s fat! I’m in place, 6,120 patients are so happy with my successful expected to receive eye health surgery . . . this New Year, I am services as Cambodia enters dancing!” Australian ambassador to Cambodia Pablo Kang (centre, jacket) oversaw the donation of sanitation supplies to Cambodia’s eye health sector. supplied the new normal, according to Able to see again, she was able a report by the foundation. to get back to selling vegetables The foundation’s Cambo- and provide for her family. dia country manager Tokyo Cataracts have been identified Bak said: “We would like to as the leading cause of avoidable express our sincere thanks blindness in Cambodia and cat- to all our donors who have aract cases have been increasing shown great flexibility, and al- over the past 10 years. lowed us to pivot and allocate “Of all causes of blindness budget to support the fight in Cambodia, 92.2 per cent against Covid-19. are avoidable, 80.9 per cent “Your donation is greatly ap- are treatable, 5.9 per cent are preciated. It has given us the preventable with primary ability to respond to Covid-19 health care and/or primary in countries like Cambodia, eye care and 5.4 per cent are where the need is greater, and preventable through more ad- X-rays were used in place of proper prevention equipment. Meas Kim San Face shields were an urgent need for eye health doctors. Meas Kim San resources are fewer.” vanced ophthalmic services,” Before receiving protective said Aildrene Israel S Tan, the tional minimum package of units in Cambodia. Cambodia Pablo Kang said: Professor Ngy Meng, direc- equipment, some health staff global communications coor- primary health activities and However, Tan says, service “I am so glad about the emer- tor of the National Programme invented unusual solutions to dinator at the foundation. supported the establishment providers and hospitals faced gency donations to support for Eye Health (NPEH), said: lessen the risk of transmitting Tan cited a 2019 report by of numerous eye units in pro- challenges in preventing eye services during Covid-19. “Your support contributes Covid-19. They used X-ray Cambodia’s National Rapid vincial referral hospitals. Covid-19 cross-contamina- With the Fred Hollows Foun- greatly in our progress to films as a protective shield for Assessment on Avoidable When Covid-19 emerged, tion. They needed more pro- dation and Sight For All, we make sure eye health person- slit lamps and many patients Blindness (RAAB), saying that it damaged the health sector tective equipment to adapt to gifted 25,000 surgical masks nel and their work environ- were not comfortable looking if cataract surgical services and minimised people’s ac- the “new normal”, following and almost 1,000 litres of al- ments are safe.” at their doctor through an X- keep expanding at their cur- cess to many health services, recommendations from the cohol sanitiser. The foundation has worked ray of someone’s ribs. rent rate, the number of cata- including eye care. Ministry of Health. “It’s another example of with NPEH to adapt and pro- Dr Sea Mean Viseth, a Kan- ract patients would double or As eye care services were Amid the crisis, the Aus- how Australian aid is adapt- vide eye services throughout dal Eye Unit ophthalmologist triple between 2019 and 2030. considered essential, they tralian government donated ing in these uncertain times.” the four stages of the coun- in Kandal province, said: “The He said blindness can be weren’t fully closed during protective equipment includ- The donations also allowed try’s Covid-19 response – pre- donation is timely, and it en- prevented by receiving regu- the pandemic. ing surgical masks, alcohol the foundation to conduct risk vention, detection, contain- ables us to continue our work lar eye checks and having sur- To pursue the important sanitiser, eye shields for slit assessments in eye health clin- ment and treatment. at this stage. We are commit- gery in the case of cataracts. sight-saving work, the foun- lamps, face shields, safety ical settings, train eye health Four of five of the blind ted to providing eye services Australian ophthalmolo- dation provided technical glasses and N95 masks. professionals and distribute worldwide could recover their and we will do so in a safe and gist Fred Hollows founded his support to hospitals and eye Australian ambassador to information to the public. eyesight with adequate treat- disease-free manner.” eponymous foundation in 1992 Dr Kak Seiha, head of the to ensure his contributions in Battambang Provincial Refer- the eye health sector would ral Hospital, said: “The protec- continue into the future. tive equipment will help us Today the foundation works fulfil our responsibility as doc- in more than 25 countries in- tors and nurses, and build our cluding Cambodia and has re- image of providing safe and stored sight to over two and a healthy services to the people.” half million people worldwide. The foundation works with “Starting in Cambodia in the health ministry, NPEH 1998, the foundation was and provincial health depart- created to assist government ments to improve eye health partners to establish the services in the Kingdom. Cambodian Ophthalmologi- “Cambodian people can ac- cal Society, conduct Cambo- cess eye care services in pub- dia’s National Rapid Assess- lic health facilities including ment of Avoidable Blindness their respective provincial (RAAB) survey in 2007 and eye units,” said Tan. 2019 and establish an oph- According to the foundation’s thalmology residency train- 2019 report, 45,352 Cambo- ing programme,” said Tan. dian people were screened and They established a nation- 6,465 eye operations and treat- al refraction training pro- ments were performed includ- gramme and an ophthalmic ing 4,268 cataract operations. nurse training programme, For those who would like developed the National to send their donations, they Strategic Plan on Blindness could access the Fred Hollows Prevention and Control, in- Foundation’s website: https:// cluded eye health in the na- This ophthalmic nurse used a donated protective shield for this slit lamp instead of x-ray film. Meas Kim San www.hollows.org/us/donate. 14 THE PHNOM PENH POST september 1, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com Lifestyle Thinking caps

Hotel Excelsior shown from the beach in Lido, the island in Venice where stars, critics, photographers and industry executives typically mingle for the annual Venice Film Festival. afp Venice Film Festival seeking to sidestep Covid and controversy

HAT if you threw them the glitzy Cannes Film the #MeToo women’s march a film festival Festival on the Cote d’Azur in up the red carpet steps at “IT’S MAGIC!” and nobody France. Cannes two years ago that came? sought to bring attention to ACROSS 51 One of Tennessee’s twosomes 13 Like the surface of Mercury WThat, in essence, is the chal- Unprecedented territory the lack of parity and diver- 1 Spanish houses 52 Gets better, as a wound 21 Make indistinct lenge facing organisers of this But just days ahead of sity in cinema. 6 No Westminster contender 54 Yankee’s crosstown rival 22 Hawke of Hollywood year’s Venice Film Festival, the opening, organisers are The presence of Blanchett 10 Spheres 56 Socially conscious ad (abbr.) 26 No ___ barred 27 Will Rogers’ prop the glamorous annual com- scrambling to navigate un- helps raise such awareness 14 Irish actor Milo 58 Long-time Vegas showman 28 Flying-saucer pilot petition where stars, critics, precedented territory amid while the festival seeks to 15 Lot of rows to hoe? 64 Eleven yards make two 29 Outshine photographers and industry uncertain attendance and stanch criticism levelled in 16 Dry tobacco leaves, e.g. 66 Where white suits are the norm 31 Tizzy executives mingle on the bus- last-minute cancellations. recent years over the glaring 67 Supreme Ross 17 Sovereign time period 32 Word before “fast” and after tling Lido, overlooking sandy Whereas Brad Pitt, Meryl lack of women directors in 68 “Matinee” or “Billy” follower 18 ___ Bator, Mongolia “home” 69 They’re mined and refined beaches and the blue Adri- Streep and Scarlett Johansson festivals’ top lineups. 19 It’s uplifting to a skier 34 Rose protector atic. provided the star firepower at The Oscar-winning head- 20 Street magician of note 70 After, on the slopes 35 High-protein beans Provided, of course, it’s a last year’s festival, ongoing liner told Variety magazine on 23 One that serves the queen 71 Bryn ___ 37 Come to terms normal year. travel restrictions – especially Thursday that this year’s eight 24 Acting Mineo 72 A ___ formality 39 Monty Python performer But in 2020, the world’s old- a travel ban from the United women directors in the main 25 Showing effortless grace 73 Pet-store purchase 42 Deadly est film festival is forced to States into Europe – mean that competition lineup of Venice 27 “7 Faces of Dr. ___” DOWN 43 “... lion and goes out like ___” walk a tightrope between pre- most Hollywood elites will be is “a direct response to the 30 It can be more, proverbially 1 Firewood measure 48 Ski in a zigzag course serving its lustre as the pre- no-shows, along with actors positive advances that have 33 Part of a runner’s garb 2 Not on land 50 Like a system of serfs and lords mier launch pad for Academy and directors from China, In- been made this year”. 36 Edison’s middle name 3 Homemade knife 53 Type of drum 4 Zeus’ shield 55 Foolish talk Award-winning films, while dia and South America. Others say it is too early 38 Prefix for the opposed 5 Summer shoe 56 Strait-laced 40 In spite of the fact, to poets safely navigating the corona- Those arriving from outside to tell whether a page has 6 Badly claw 57 It’s in the can, maybe 41 Guys with white tigers, once virus crisis and averting the Europe’s Schengen zone will turned. 7 Bruins go there 59 Good buddy? 44 Famed missionary Junipero controversy over gender in- have to submit results of a “It’s all about being con- 8 Well-traveled path 60 In ___ (actually) equality that has dogged it in Covid-19 test just before their sistent and diligent and be- 45 Like any NBA center 9 Game that starts with love? 61 “Gone With the Wind” estate the past. departure, with a second test lieving that women make 46 Medical fluids 10 Start of the last qtr.? 62 Small bills Opening Wednesday and carried out in Venice, mean- movies as well as men, and 47 Commencements 11 Plant moved by an ant, in song 63 Subject of “A Beautiful Mind” continuing until September ing that some attendees may using that in the way you pro- 49 Fall on ___ ears 12 Hillside near Glasgow 65 Camera type, for short 12, the prestigious event now have to cancel. gramme,” said Melissa Silver- in its 77th year will be the Earlier this week, the festi- stein, founder and publisher Monday’s solution first international film festi- val announced that American of “Women and Hollywood”, val since the pandemic shut- actor Matt Dillon would be a which advocates for gender tered competitions around last-minute substitute on the diversity and inclusion in the world. jury for Romanian director film. It has put in place a host Crisit Puiu. Last year’s festival opened of safety measures – from No reason was given for under controversy after the limited seating to thermal Puiu’s absence, but industry inclusion in the lineup of scanners, to a fan-free red trade magazines noted he French-Polish director Ro- carpet – to protect attendees had given a speech earlier this man Polanski, who fled the as Covid-19 cases continue to month in which he said it was United States after his 1977 climb in Italy and around the “inhumane” to watch movies conviction of rape of a 13- world. with a mask on. year-old girl. In July, festival director Those confirmed as attend- There were also only two Alberto Barbera declared ing include, among others, female directors in the selec- the event “saved” as he an- British actress Tilda Swinton, tion. In both 2018 and 2017, Monday’s solution nounced the 18 films among Spanish director Pedro Alm- only one female director was the approximately 60 pre- odovar, US director Oliver represented. sented that would vie for the Stone and Danish actor Mads Blanchett said more was top award, the Golden Lion. Mikkelsen. riding on the jury’s decisions He promised that the festival this year, given the limited would preserve the “liveliness More women directors opportunities for filmmakers of contemporary cinema”. The uncertain lineup of to show their work publicly, Despite its scaled-down size stars and dearth of top names due to the coronavirus clo- with theatre capacity reduced leaves Australian actress Cate sures. by about half, La Biennale di Blanchett, president of the “So, whatever the delibera- Venezia takes on greater im- jury, to take up the mantle of tions the jury will make will portance this year due to the celebrity – and social activism be more impactful. I don’t cancellation of rival film festi- – at Venice. take that responsibility or vals across the globe, among Blanchett was the leader of privilege lightly.” afp THE PHNOM PENH POST september 1, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 15 Sport Clippers eliminate Mavericks, Raptors routed

AWHI Leonard finished with 33 points and 14 rebounds as the Los Angeles Clippers advanced to the second roundK of the NBA playoffs with a 111- 97 victory over the injury-hampered Dallas Mavericks on Sunday. Leonard, last year’s NBA Finals Most Valuable Player while with the Toronto Raptors, also had seven assists and five steals for the Clip- pers, who clinched the series four games to two. “Just got to my spots and put up the shot with confidence and it went in,” Leonard said after his fifth 30-point game in a row. “Just kept giving it to me and it went in with confidence.” The Clippers will face either Utah or the Jamal Murray-led Denver Nuggets, who forced a winner-take- all game seven on Tuesday night by beating the Jazz 119-107. Luka Doncic scored 38 points in a losing cause in the spectator-free quarantine bubble at Disney World resort in Orlando, Florida. The Clippers opened the second half with a 20-3 run for a 77-54 edge, and saw the lead trimmed to 88-82 early in the fourth in a Doncic-led fightback only to pull away again down the stretch. Dallas was sorely missing starting centre Kristaps Porzingis, who was out with a knee injury. “Momentum, it can switch real easily,” Leonard said. “You have to Kawhi Leonard (right) had 33 points and 14 rebounds as the Los Angeles Clippers advanced to the NBA’s second round with a 111-97 victory over Dallas. Getty Images/afp keep fighting when you’re up and when you’re down stay focused.” of their second-round series. the floor and 10-of-40 from 3-point to support voting, social justice and gets, “It is not just America, it hap- Clippers forward Marcus Morris Kemba Walker added 18 points range – the most 3-point misses ever racial equality programmes. pens everywhere.” was ejected late in the first quarter and 10 assists for the Celtics, who by Toronto in a playoff contest. “We needed a chance to catch our The Celtics were without Gordon after being whistled for a flagrant also had 17 points from Jaylen Brown “We just didn’t play well enough breath as players and black men and Hayward, who is out until late Sep- foul on the 21-year-old Doncic. plus 13 points and 15 rebounds from to win,” said guard Kyle Lowry, who get some things handled. It was a re- tember with a right ankle injury. Morris grabbed then hit Doncic Daniel Theis. led Toronto with 17 points despite a ally emotional week. It was up and In the late game, Murray posted his with a forearm slam on the head “Marcus today was unbelievable on sore left ankle. “We’ve got to do our down. It was hard,” Lowry said. second 50-point game of the series to as the Slovenian star drove to the both ends,” Celtics coach Brad Ste- coverages harder, execute better.” “Basketball always matters but in power the Nuggets to a win over Utah bucket with the ball. “It was a ter- vens said. “All our guys played with this situation, in this time, it’s taking which tied the series at 3-3. rible play,” said Doncic. great purpose, great enthusiasm. We ‘Not just America’ a back seat. We’re going to perform at Donovan Mitchell finished with a In the Eastern Conference, Jay- just have to clean some stuff up.” The games were the first for each the highest level we can perform at, team high 44 points for the Jazz. son Tatum and Marcus Smart each Game two of the best-of-seven se- club since August 23 after a walk- no excuses, but we have an obliga- Denver is trying to become the scored 21 points to lead the Boston ries comes on Tuesday. out shut down the NBA playoffs for tion because we have this platform 12th team to rally from a 3-1 deficit Celtics over defending champion Boston frustrated Toronto shooters, three days until team owners and and can reach out to the world.” to win a series and the first in four Raptors 112-94 in the opening game as the Raptors went 31-of-84 from players agreed on league measures Said Canadian Murray of the Nug- years. afp NHL: Stars hold off Avalanche, Islanders edge Flyers

RADEK Faksa finished with a goal in the third period. Michael Hutch- and two assists and Anton Khudobin inson had three saves in his NHL stopped 33 shots as the Dallas Stars playoff debut. beat the Colorado Avalanche 5-4 in Dallas dominated the first period game four of their second-round while building a 3-0 lead, holding NHL playoff series. the Avalanche without a shot for the Dallas dominated the opening period, first 18:26. scoring three goals. They then traded In the Eastern Conference, Brock goals with the Avalanche in a four-goal Nelson scored twice as the New York third period but managed to hold on to Islanders put the Philadelphia Flyers win their sixth game in their last seven. on the brink of elimination with a 3-2 It was almost reminiscent of game win in their second-round series. three when Colorado squandered a Jean-Gabriel Pageau scored in the 3-1 lead but rallied to win 6-4. third period to break the tie for the “It just seems like when one team Islanders, who seized a 3-1 lead. gets one goal it kind of gives them a New York will attempt to close it on boost,” Stars Jamie Benn said. “I’m not Tuesday and advance to the NHL sure why it’s going back and forth like semi-finals for first time since 1993. this, but it is. And you’ve just got to In the late game, Max Pacioretty handle the momentum as it comes.” had two goals and an assist and John Klingberg and Roope Hintz, of Marc-Andre Fleury made several Finland, each added a goal and an key saves in the final period as the assist and Denis Gurianov and Benn Vegas Golden Knights beat the Van- also scored for Dallas who seized a couver Canucks 5-3 to take a 3-1 commanding 3-1 lead in the best-of- series lead. seven Western Conference series. Nate Schmidt had a goal and an The Stars can clinch a spot in the assist and Shea Theodore tallied two NHL final four with a win in game five Czech forward Radek Faksa (centre) of the Dallas Stars scores during the first period. afp assists as the Knights used a five- on Monday at Rogers Place arena in man attack, getting six points from Edmonton, Alberta. uled for Wednesday night meaning Colorado’s Nathan MacKinnon also Marian Stastny (1982), has scored their defencemen. Fleury finished The two teams have had a three- they would play a stretch of three had an assist, extending his franchise seven goals to go with 14 assists in with 28 saves. day break thanks to the postpone- games in four nights. record to 12 straight playoff games the playoffs. Swede Elias Pettersson, Bo Horvat, ment of games on Thursday and Fri- Valeri Nichushkin scored two goals, with a point. and Tyler Toffoli scored for Vancou- day to protest the police shooting of Cale Makar had a goal and an assist Canadian forward MacKinnon, Canucks in a hole ver, who will try to climb out of a Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin. and Vladislav Namestnikov also who broke the previous mark of 10 Pavel Francouz had 21 saves before deep hole with a win in game five on If a game six is necessary, it’s sched- scored a goal for Colorado. games held by Joe Sakic (1996) and being pulled with 11:58 remaining Tuesday. afp 16 THE PHNOM PENH POST september 1, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com Sport Alaphilippe takes Tour de France yellow jersey

YEAR after thrilling ish in 2016 when he won the his home nation for best young rider white jersey. a fortnight on last “In the end I was never going year’s Tour de France, to win the sprint, but to come aA tearful Julian Alaphilippe pro- third on stage two, I’m pretty duced an almost carbon-copy happy with that,” said Yates. capture of a stage win on Sun- Defending champion Egan day to claim the overall leader’s Bernal of Colombia said he felt yellow jersey once again. like the Tour was in full swing. On the day’s final climb, “I’m happy to be racing like Alaphilippe launched a blis- this, that was a real Tour stage tering attack to clinch bonus and I really enjoyed it,” said seconds at the summit be- the 23-year-old Ineos leader fore a white-knuckle descent who had a slightly rusty build- to the finish line in Nice also up to the race. gave him bonus time. The man who started the day Alaphilippe, described by in yellow, Norway’s Alexander former winner Geraint Thom- Kristoff, who won Saturday’s as during last year’s rampage crash-marred opening stage, as the “darling of France”, finished way off the pace as leads Britain’s Adam Yates, one of the heaviest set men in who accompanied him in his the peloton had to go over two wild dash from distance, by category one mountains. just four seconds. He will, however, embark The main overall contend- on Monday’s stage three in ers are 17 seconds adrift. the green sprint jersey. “I just wanted to dedicate “I didn’t want to hurt my this victory to my dad. It was chances of winning a sprint important to me,” said a tear- later in the tour by pushing too ful Alaphilippe whose father hard in the hills,” he explained. Jo passed away in June. The climb was doubly diffi- Former soldier Alaphilippe cult for several of the peloton, began punching towards the nursing nasty knocks from sky as he turned to see just how stage one. close behind him the onrush- It looked like French con- ing peloton was to overtaking tender Thibaut Pinot would his escaping trio on the Prom- withdraw at one stage before enade des Anglais finish line. he rallied “hurting all over” to The set-up of the second A tearful Frenchman Julian Alaphilippe launched a blistering attack to clinch the yellow jersey in Nice. afp finish with the main pack. stage was eerily close to how Monday’s stage three heads Alaphilippe stole away from “I really wanted to try some- be giving it up tomorrow that’s the floor. who had the Swiss Marc to Sisteron, a town of 8,000 that the peloton last year on day thing and I had nothing to for sure,” he promised. The former Giro winner dust- Hirschi and Yates for company British sprinter Mark Caven- three to Epernay and eventu- lose,” said Deceuninck-Quick Jumbo-Visma may, however, ed himself off as Kwiatkowski on their tense 15-minute dash dish will have fond memories ally led the Tour for 14 days be- Step’s leader. be furious at the circumstanc- apologised profusely, but the to the line where they never of after a stage win in 2010. fore wilting on the penultimate “It really hurt me, I was dig- es accompanying the win. team was slow to react. led by more than 30 seconds. The 198km run into the stage to finish fifth overall. ging deep at the end there,” Shortly after Alaphilippe’s The Dutch outfit had been Mitchelton-Scott rider Yates Haute-Provence region via the said Alaphilippe. attack, Team Ineos’ Michal leading the head of the pelo- has recently signed for British Riviera backcountry and the ‘It hurt’ “It’s a great pride and re- Kwiatkowski backed into ton all day, but suddenly they team Ineos. wonderfully named ‘Valley de No Frenchman has won the sponsibility and I will defend Jumbo co-captain Tom Du- slowed down and abandoned He has a track record at the la Durance’ is tailor-made for a Tour de France since 1985. this honour day by day, I won’t moulin and knocked him to their pursuit of Alaphilippe, Tour after a fourth-place fin- successful escape. afp Birdie bomb lifts Spain’s Rahm to BMW playoff triumph JON RAHM drained a swinging lowest round of the week. chance,” said Rahm, who claimed 60-foot birdie putt at the first playoff “I still can’t believe what just hap- his fifth tour title and his second in hole on Sunday to win the US PGA pened, what happened the last hour of his last five starts. Tour BMW Championship over play,” Rahm said. “That stretch of wait- Rahm had two birdies on the front world No1 Dustin Johnson. ing for DJ, him making the putt, going side, but picked up the pace with a Spain’s Rahm, ranked No2 in the in the playoff, me making the putt, 16-foot birdie putt at the 10th. He fol- world behind Johnson, was in the then trying to stay mentally in it just in lowed that with a five-foot birdie at right rough off the tee at the first case he made the last putt – it’s been a the 12th and a nine-footer at 15 before playoff hole, the 18th at Olympia roller coaster but so much fun.” he rolled in a 30-foot birdie at 16. Fields near Chicago. Johnson, seeking a second straight He wasn’t surprised, however, to His second shot rolled to the back win and 23rd tour title, started the find himself in a playoff, and went of the green, leaving him what could day tied for the lead with Hideki Mat- straight to the range to keep warm have been a tough two-putt for par. suyama with Rahm three adrift. with Johnson still on the course and “Never did I think I’d be making He birdied three of his first four just one back. another 50-, 60-footer – couple of holes, but bogeys at eight and 10 saw The reserved Johnson pointed to breaks in there, too – to end up win- him fall out of the lead before he the sky then swung a fist as his play- ning it,” said Rahm, who gave a roar- picked up strokes at 15 and 18 to sign off-forcing putt crested a hill, accel- ing fist pump as the putt dropped. for a three-under 67. erated down and curled in. Johnson’s tee shot was also off Johnson’s solo second place means “Obviously I knew I needed to make course, but ricocheted off a tree to he’ll stay atop the rankings. birdie to get into the playoff,” he said. settle in the fairway. The US player Rahm was tied for sixth starting “I played an unbelievable putt, got in found the middle of the green, but the day after a third round marred the playoff and then Jon made an even after Rahm’s miraculous birdie by a bad mistake at the fifth hole, more ridiculous putt on top of me.” effort, Johnson’s birdie attempt set- where he absentmindedly picked up Rising Chilean star Joaquin Nie- tled inches from the cup. his ball on the green without mark- mann got off to a hot start with three Johnson had snaked in a 43-foot ing it and was assessed a penalty. birdies in his first five holes. A bird- birdie at the same hole to force the ie at the eighth gave him a share of playoff, joining Rahm on four-under ‘Striping it’ the lead, but he slowed with a bogey par 276 in the second event of the He said it wasn’t hard to put the at 14 and finished with a 67 that left US tour’s FedEx Cup playoffs. blunder behind him. him tied for third on 278 alongside Rahm had powered to the top of “Once I teed off today, in the good Matsuyama, who signed for a 69. the leaderboard with six birdies in weather and how I started striping American Tony Finau was alone in Spain’s Jon Rahm drained a swinging 60-foot birdie putt on the first playoff hole on Sunda an impressive six-under par 64 – the it the first few holes, I knew I had a fifth after a 65 for 279. afp to win the US PGA Tour BMW Championship. afp