monday, februaRy 22, 2021 Intelligent . In-depth . Independent Issue Number 3611 / 4000 RIEL Cambodia seeks UK envoy commits UN condemns 5m doses of covid to stronger trade Myanmar junta vaccine from india ties with Kingdom after two killed national – page 3 business – page 6 World – Page 9 NBC asks banks, MFIs to delay dividend payouts May Kunmakara tutions and seen by The Post on Febru- “The banking sector remains strong bank’s earnings into [financial work- “We at ABA Bank are well-prepared ary 19, the NBC suggested that they and continues to turn a profit even in ing] capital, supporting the growth of for the development of the situation THE National Bank of Cambodia “suspend dividend payouts from prof- this current economic climate,” it said. its deposit and loan portfolios, which, in the market and will follow the exit (NBC) called for all banks and micro- it after audit and prepare an appropri- Advanced Bank of Asia Ltd (ABA in turn, positively impacts our cus- scenarios introduced by the regula- finance institutions (MFI) to postpone ate ‘exit strategy’ for when the various Bank) chief marketing officer Igor tomers and local economy. tor,” Zimarev said. dividend payouts to shareholders for [relief] measures come to an end”. Zimarev told The Post on February 19 “Based on our strategy, we cur- In Channy, president and group man- 2020 in a move to safeguard the The central bank reassured the that the more detailed specifics of the rently don’t have plans to pay out aging director of ACLEDA Bank Plc, growth, stability and certainty of the Kingdom’s financial leaders by reit- newest measure had not been made dividends to shareholders,” he said. declined to comment on the NBC’s sector against economic disruptions erating that it had “issued many officially available. The Uzbek financial veteran point- notice, but claimed ACLEDA had cooked caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. measures to improve compliance of “We [ABA Bank] don’t pay out divi- ed out that ABA Bank had covered all up a canny strategy to maintain growth. In an announcement addressed to rules and regulations in a manner dends to shareholders. Strategically, bases in its “exit strategy” as recom- the heads of Cambodia’s financial insti- consistent with government policy”. this decision was made to divert the mended by the NBC. Continued – page 6 Community transmission cases rise to 43: ministry Mom Kunthear tilation and physical contact includ- ing shaking hands,” she said. HE Ministry of Health said Vandine urged those involved in 43 people had tested posi- the February 20 Community Event tive for Covid-19 as of Feb- to take a Covid-19 test at the Chak ruary 21, in a third, massive Angre Krom Health Centre in Chak localT transmission which Prime Angre Krom commune of Phnom Minister Hun Sen has dubbed the Penh’s Meanchey district and sub- “February 20 Community Event”. mit to 14-day quarantine. Hun Sen first announced the dis- Meanwhile, health minister Mam covery of the new infections the Bun Heng released on February 20 previous day, referring to it as the a QR code with the slogan “Stop third such outbreak and the largest Covid-19” as part of efforts pur- number ever recorded in a single ported to improve contract tracing Save Willy incident in the country. in light of the outbreak. People try to save short-finned pilot whales beached in Bangkalan, Madura island on Friday, as some 49 pilot whales have died after a mass stranding on the coast of Indonesia’s main island of Java that sparked a major rescue operation. AFP “This is a critical moment for us, at He said the Ministry of Posts and a time when we are striving to fight Telecommunications had developed against Covid-19 imported from Viet- the system which will require mem- nam and Thailand. We have done well bers of the public to scan the QR at the borders, having arrested 31 Code when they travel about, includ- First case of H5N8 avian flu in humans migrant-brokers,” he said during the ing entering and exiting hotels, February 20 televised address. guesthouses, restaurants, pubs, RUSSIA on February 20 said its sci- ed among the birds in December. strain is lethal for birds, it had never In a press release, the ministry noted entertainment venues, apartments entists had detected the world’s first The workers did not suffer any seri- before been reported to have spread that the 43 new cases comprised 41 and condominiums, companies and case of transmission of the H5N8 ous health consequences, she added. to humans. Chinese and two Vietnamese nation- factories, and other situations in strain of avian flu from birds to They are believed to have caught the Popova praised “the important sci- als. Spokeswoman Or Vandine said which crowds will congregate. humans and had alerted the World virus from poultry on the farm. entific discovery”, saying “time will public cooperation will be needed to “This system will record the loca- Health Organisation (WHO). “Information about the world’s first tell” if the virus can further mutate. curb further spread of the virus. tion of the person who logged in In televised remarks, the head of Rus- case of transmission of the [H5N8] “The discovery of these mutations “Our compatriots must abide by and make it easier to conduct con- sia’s health watchdog Rospotrebnad- avian flu to humans has already been when the virus has not still acquired the three preventive measures tract tracing and track down peo- zor, Anna Popova, said scientists at the sent to the World Health Organisa- an ability to transmit from human to including wearing a mask, washing ple if Covid-19 is found at those Vektor laboratory had isolated the tion,” Popova said. human gives us all, the entire world, hands, and keeping 1.5m of physical places,” Bun Heng said. strain’s genetic material from seven There are different subtypes of time to prepare for possible mutations distance. We must avoid crowded workers at a poultry farm in southern avian influenza viruses. places, enclosed areas without ven- Continued – page 2 Russia, where an outbreak was record- While the highly contagious H5N8 Continued – page 8

Don’t miss our New census analysis reveals Special Report drop in domestic migration Inside page 5 2 THE PHNOM PENH POST february 22, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com National Additional No major closures for ‘Feb 20 event’ provisions Voun Dara ESPITE the detection of an for border outbreak of community transmission of Covid-19 in central Phnom Penh provinces onD February 20, the government has yet to announce school closures or a Continued from page 1 ban on traditional gatherings, though mandatory preventive health mea- Separately on February 21, sures remain in place. Hun Sen announced addition- Prime Minister Hun Sen addressed al provisions for five border the nation that day, stating that the provinces to support their Ministry of Health had detected 32 quarantine facilities. confirmed cases of Covid-19 within a Battambang, Banteay 10-hour period after some visa appli- Meanchey, Oddar Meanchey, cants had tested positive. Pailin and Koh Kong provinces “I haven’t issued an order to close will receive thousands of kits down gatherings such as weddings or containing mats, mosquito group meetings. This week I myself nets, blankets and pillows, have to attend programmes at the Min- among other items, as well as istry of Interior and another one for the thousands of cases of drinking grand opening of a hotel. I won’t can- water and instant noodles. cel them. But everyone in attendance Speaking at a press conference has to follow the recommended health about revisions to Sub-decree measures for social distancing and No 129 regarding preventative maintain a distance of at least 1.3m. and responsive health measures “Residents of Phnom Penh must be at international points of entry Students at Bakheng primary school in Phnom Penh’s Chroy Changvar district last month. HONG MENEA very careful. If it isn’t necessary, don’t on February 19, Bun Heng leave the house for now because we’re On February 20, the Ministry of Ed- that following the February 20 com- The ministry told directors, staff declared that the government still doing contact tracing. Club N8 ucation, Youth and Sport; the Minis- munity event, the ministry has not yet members and civil servants at these had so far provided 9.485 billion and some residential areas have been try of Labour and Vocational Training; closed any schools. institutions to follow the health mea- riel ($2.3 million) to supply and closed, but we still have to do con- and the Ministry of Culture and Fine Pech Bolen, president of the Fed- sures and wear masks, wash hands equip the seven provinces along tact tracing. If you stay home you can Arts issued separate notices instruct- eration of Education Services in and socially distance. the Thai border. avoid any possible risks,” he said. ing their officials to follow the preven- Cambodia, said that his organisa- The labour ministry also said to He said that as of February 18, He also urged people to wear masks in tive health measures and the guide- tion had already conveyed the notice avoid closed spaces without ventila- approximately 38,944 Cambo- public places and to continue with so- lines of the health ministry. and instructions from the education tion as well as air-conditioned places dian workers had returned from cial distancing measures and he repeat- In their notice, the education min- ministry on February 20 to follow the or crowded spaces and to refrain from Thailand, and 11,792 remained ed that people should stay at home un- istry told their officials that in order to Covid-19 preventive measures man- touching others or shaking hands. in quarantine. In the provinces less going out is absolutely necessary. prevent the spread of Covid-19 from the dated by the health ministry. The culture ministry also instructed along the Vietnamese border, “I hope that the February 20 com- February 20 community event they have On February 20, the labour ministry cinemas, theatres and museums in 242 people were in quarantine. munity transmission event will end to continue to be cautious and to strictly issued a four-point measure to tech- Cambodia to continue carrying out The latest infections bring this month if everyone cooperates adhere to the required health measures. nical and vocational education and the health measures for preventing the Kingdom’s Covid-19 tally and carries out the preventive mea- Education ministry spokesman Ros training institutions regarding the Covid-19 infection but they were not to 533, with 60 currently hos- sures attentively,” Hun Sen said. Soveacha confirmed on February 21 February 20 community event. ordered to close. pitalised for treatment. NCDM rolls out disaster-control plan

Khouth Sophak Chakrya

THE National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM) has formally launched the Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction 2019-2023 due to Cambodia’s status as a country that is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Addressing participants dur- ing a ceremony to introduce the plan and review the 2020 disaster management results on February 17, NCDM first vice-president Kun Kim said the plan’s goal is to build up Cam- bodia’s resilience to climate-re- lated disasters and to mitigate socio-economic impacts by improving the country’s disas- ter management system. Kun Kim said the NCDM hoped to achieve a reduction

in the negative consequences NCDM first vice-president Kun Kim (centre) in Kandal province on Wednesday.NCDM experienced due to the occur- rence of natural disasters such together in the common pur- Yin Khun Phoy, undersec- everyone and especially the as drought, water shortages, pose of building resilience to retary of state at the Council people who are already the insufficient rainfall, rain-in- climate change in Cambodia. of Ministers and NCDM sec- most vulnerable. Poverty can- duced floods, river bank col- He said this requires raising retary-general, said sustain- not be eliminated and sus- lapses and infectious diseases. awareness about the threats able development cannot be tainable development cannot “An effective disaster im- caused by climate change and separated from an effective move forward without mean- pact reduction plan will help Cambodia’s particular vulner- disaster risk reduction plan. ingful disaster risk reduction,” to achieve sustainable devel- abilities in this area in order to He said disaster risk reduc- Phoy explained. opment for all. cement good governance into tion and building resilience He said the 2019-2023 action “In order to successfully put place that will reduce the risks both require strong leadership plan was a four-point plan that into practice this complex Ac- involved with disasters. and effective policies that will included disaster risk aware- tion Plan for Disaster Risk Re- Kim concluded that rel- reduce the negative impacts ness; increased cooperation duction, it will require the full evant ministries and institu- of these disasters on society. between government agencies cooperation of all ministries, tions have to integrate their “When there are floods and when disasters take place; in- institutions, sub-national responses under the existing other disasters, the most vul- creased investment in disaster administrations, civil society legal framework by utilising nerable people are children, risk reduction and prepared- organisations and the private its cooperative mechanisms people with disabilities, el- ness; and advance planning sector,” he said. to plan effective policies derly people and women. of the government’s response He noted the action plan within the overall context of “Disasters hinder our socio- to disasters such as plans for takes into account stakehold- building a sustainable devel- economic development. They restoring services and the re- ers’ perspectives and join them opment programme. influence the livelihoods of building of infrastructure. THE PHNOM PENH POST february 22, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 3 National​ Ministry brushes off Kingdom eyes 5M Indian jabs concerns on ‘restrictive’ Mom Kunthear

HE Kingdom is set to purchase Nat’l Internet Gateway an additional five million doses Lay Samean the telecommunication sector, of Covid-19 vaccines from India private operators and other and is requesting a first phase THE Ministry of Posts and Tel- relevant institutions. shipmentT of one million doses. ecommunications has refuted “This sub-decree aims to The request was made when Minister criticisms of the sub-decree increase the efficiency of of Foreign Affairs and International Co- establishing the National national revenue collection operation Prak Sokhonn spoke on the Internet Gateway (NIG) after based on the principles of fair- phone with his Indian counterpart Sub- civil society and media organ- ness and honest competition rahmanyam Jaishankar on February 18. isations lambasted the new with transparency between the In a press release, Cambodia’s foreign law as restricting the funda- state and operators. It will also ministry said the ministers had dis- mental rights of citizens to use help prevent illegal cross-bor- cussed Covid-19 vaccinations and the the internet. der network links, including furtherance of international coopera- A joint statement issued on online gambling, cyber threats, tion in the fight against the pandemic. February 19 by 62 NGOs, com- pornography and online fraud,” “Cambodia needs to buy five million dos- munity trade unions and the press release said. es of Covid-19 vaccines and has requested domestic and international The joint statement of pro- that India make one million doses of their media associations con- test insisted the government vaccine available for purchase in this first Prime Minister Hun Sen meets Indian ambassador to Cambodia Devyani Uttamkhobragade at demned the edict, saying it repeal the statute, noting that the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh on January 18. SPM phase,” Sokhonn was quoted as saying. would restrict the essential among its 20 articles and 11 In response, Jaishankar told Sokhonn Code states that . . . incitement to disturb ral Hospital, Chaktomuk Referral Hos- public freedoms. chapters, restrictions laid out that at present, India is experiencing a social order shall be punishable by impris- pital, King Father’s Referral Hospital and In particular, rights to free- in articles 6 and 14 will require great demand for Covid-19 vaccines both onment from six months to two years and Pochentong Referral Hospital. dom of expression, access to the Telecommunications Regu- at home and abroad but that he would a fine of up to four million riel, if the incite- In Battambang province, they include information and privacy as lator of Cambodia and other relay the request to his prime minister. ment was ineffective,” he explained. Battambang Provincial Referral Hospital, well as the competitiveness of institutions to cooperate in tak- On February 5, the Indian government Santepheap called on social media users Moung Russey Referral Hospital, Sangke internet service providers in ing preventative and corrective approved the provision of 100,000 doses to be extremely cautious about any Covid- Referral Hospital, Sampov Loun Referral Cambodia could be seriously measures to disable all network of vaccines to Cambodia – just two days 19 information they share so that they do Hospital and Thma Koul Referral Hospital. impinged with significant connections which could det- before the first 600,000 doses of the Chi- not end up being penalised for disseminat- In Banteay Meanchey, there is the negative impacts on the rimentally affect national rev- nese Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccine had ing fake news and causing social chaos. Mongkol Borei Cambodia-Japan Friend- nation’s economic growth. enue, security, social order, arrived. Cambodia began its ongoing The government plans to buy 20 million ship Hospital, Thma Puok Referral Hos- On the same day, however, the morality, culture or traditions. vaccination campaign on February 10. doses of Covid-19 vaccines to inoculate 10 pital, Poipet Referral Hospital and Preah ministry issued a press release “The language of this article is Ministry of Health spokeswoman Or million people throughout the country. Of Netr Preah Referral Hospital. observing that there had been broad and unclear, enabling it Vandine said at a February 19 press con- the 20 million required doses, it is hoped In Oddar Meanchey, there is the Pro- strong reactions from the press to be interpreted and applied by ference that the authorities were plan- that 11 million will be provided through vincial Referral Hospital and Anlong and other associations warning government authorities against ning to take legal action against any donations with the government planning Veng Referral Hospital. of government overreach human rights activists or any individuals found to be spreading fake to purchase the other nine million doses. In Koh Kong, there is the Provincial Hos- intended to capture data, moni- other community groups or news related to vaccinations. The health ministry announced on Feb- pital and Sre Ambel Referral Hospital. tor users’ conversations and citizens who express criticism of “The health ministry has requested over ruary 21 that Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccina- In Svay Rieng: Svay Rieng Provincial restrict freedom of expression, the government on social media and over again for people to stop relying tions for all medical professionals, govern- Hospital; Romeas Hek Referral Hospital; following China’s example. or elsewhere on the internet,” on questionable news sources to avoid ment officials and National Police forces in Chipou Referral Hospital; Svay Tiep Referral The ministry rebutted such the statement said. being tricked into spreading these fabri- Phnom Penh and nine provinces will begin Hospital; and Romduol Referral Hospital. assertions, saying there were Sok Chenda, CEO of Mekong cations. Please don’t share any informa- on a voluntary basis from February 22. In Pursat: Pursat Provincial Hospital; no stipulations in the sub- Net, one of Cambodia’s lead- tion on this topic unless you are certain The ministry has designated a number Bakan Referral Hospital; Krakor Referral decree pertaining to capturing ing internet service providers that it is not fake news,” she said. of referral hospitals in Phnom Penh and Hospital; and Kravanh Referral Hospital. data, spying on users’ conver- (ISPs), told The Post that she Ministry of Justice spokesman Kim nine other provinces for vaccinations. Kep, Pailin and Preah Sihanouk provinces sations or restricting freedom was not aware of all the details Santepheap said that in legal terms it In the capital, they include Phnom each designated their only provincial refer- of expression. Such allegations of the sub-decree but believed could be considered a crime of incite- Penh Referral Hospital, Prek Pnov Re- ral hospital for vaccinations. were baseless and politically it would have an impact on ment when people share fabricated in- ferral Hospital, Chbar Ampov Referral Vandine said vaccinations at all of the motivated, it claimed. her business. formation regarding vaccinations. Hospital, Dangkor Referral Hospital, above-listed locations will take place ev- Instead, the ministry “It’s true that the govern- “Articles 494 and 495 of the Criminal Cambodian-Chinese Friendship Refer- ery business day from 8am to 5pm. announced plans to draft a ment wants to control the new law concerning the pro- internet gateway. But more tection of private data after a important is how the govern- draft law on information and ment will include all ISPs communication security is under one gateway as a single Firm urged to finish road construction finalized in the near future. system,” she said. According to the ministry, Nov Sivutha to all parties involved. preparation of the NIG sub- www.phnompenhpost.com However, he said, if the decree was made openly in check the post website MINISTER of Public Works company does not start doing consultation with experts from for breaking news and Transport Sun Chanthol all of its work to the expected urged the South Korean con- standard of quality, then the struction firm contracted to ministry would escalate the repair national roads 2 and issue by sending them an of- 22 to bring in additional ma- ficial letter of warning. chinery and workers in order Affiliated Network for So- to complete their work during cial Accountability executive the dry seasons as planned. director San Chey said the Chanthol told reporters dur- slow progress was possibly ing an inspection on February due to the complexity of the 19 that the construction peri- road itself and the time it took od, from planning to comple- to deal with the people living tion, was supposed to be 30 next to the road. He said the months starting from October Covid-19 situation could be 2019 and scheduled to be fin- causing slowdowns as well. The construction of National Road 2 ​on Friday. public works ministry ished on April 16, 2022. The “The company doesn’t likely construction broke ground on pected progress, Chanthol completed road that are not intend to delay the construc- February 11 last year. said the firm, Hanshin Engi- up to the standard of quality he tion because it would only He said 50 per cent of that neering and Construction Co expects, so he has further in- make them lose profits. The allotted time period had now Ltd, should invest more re- structed the engineers to make longer they delay the con- passed, but only 27 per cent of sources into the project dur- sure their work is completed struction while keeping pay- the planned road construction ing this dry season as it is the to the standards set out in the ing their workers, the more had been achieved so far. best time of the year to speed government’s regulations. they have to spend on build- The two projects involve up construction. “We can negotiate about ing the road,” he said. the construction of 72.17km “Travelling along the road the duration, like if there’s a Chey called on both the of roads, with 62.56km of that today, I’ve observed that there one or two month delay and contractor and the govern- covering a stretch of Nation- just isn’t enough heavy ma- they have clear reasons for it. ment to pay attention to pre- al Road 2 from the Takhmao chinery in place to take ad- But the road quality cannot paring drainage systems for town roundabout in Kan- vantage of the favourable con- be negotiated over. Quality the roads and to bridge more dal province to O’Chambak ditions for construction right must be the priority,” he said. sections of the road to help Takeo Detour Circle in Takeo now, since there’s no rain. Chanthol noted that his in- drain water faster during the province. The remaining “We are going to regret not spection was not meant to hold rainy season. He noted that 9.61km covers National Road using this time wisely,” he said. anyone accountable at this he could also see bridges 22 from O’Chambak to Ang During the inspection, point but to find the necessary without drainage systems in Ta Som village. Chanthol also observed that technical solutions to these is- some finished parts of the Due to the slower than ex- there are some stretches of sues that would be acceptable two-lane roads. 4 THE PHNOM PENH POST february 22, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com National Officials seek removal Over 2,000 receive free legal aid of department heads Voun Dara Orm Bunthoeurn out-of-office assignments. Sovath was accused of be- HE Bar Association NINE officials from the Pailin ing unqualified for his posi- of the Kingdom of provincial land management tion, misusing assistants for Cambodia (BAKC) department have thumb- his personal interests and announced that over printed a petition for the re- failing to perform official duties aT period of 100 days they had moval of their director and resulting in delays and unre- provided free legal represen- his deputy, accusing them of solved cases left for others to tation in 2,167 cases on be- incompetence due to a lack of address. He is also accused of half of poor people. leadership and pertinent skills running a separate, unofficial The BAKC further noted as well as engaging in discrim- registration scheme which that between those cases and ination and corruption. defrauded the public. free consultations or legal ad- In a letter dated February 5 Sokhon, however, denied vice for the poor, they had as- addressed to Minister of Land the charges, telling The Post sisted a total of 3,658 clients Management, Urban Plan- on February 21 he had heard at municipal and provincial ning and Construction Chea that minister Sophara had courts across the country. Sophara and seen by The Post already written a letter to the At a press conference on on February 21, the group re- petitioners stating that no ac- February 19 detailing their quested that their superiors tion would be taken. achievements, BAKC presi- be replaced with officials who He disputed the allegations dent Ly Chantola said: “As could foster departmental unity that he was partisan and dis- volunteer lawyers, we defend and cooperative productivity. criminatory, claiming that he BAKC president Ly Chantola speaks during a press conference on Friday. HENG CHIVOAN cases for these clients not just “We are dissatisfied with the had never had any problems out of a sense of duty but be- lawyers across the country this programme. senting poor people,” he said. leadership of land manage- with subordinates in the past cause it is a part of our pro- since November last year and He noted that the BAKC is Am Sam Ath, deputy director ment department director So and that work went on as usual. fession’s ethical code, estab- that the group’s mission is to presently studying how to pro- of rights group Licadho, wel- Sokhon and the deputy direc- “Working proceeds as nor- lished by law.” represent people in court who vide more incentives to volun- comed the BAKC president’s tor in charge of the cadastre mal. It’s their problem for those However, Chantola also ac- are too poor to hire lawyers. teer lawyers to help society advice for lawyers to follow Keo Sovath, who are incompe- who complained. Among the knowledged that there were Of the 3,658 clients, 312 were through this programme and their professional code of eth- tent and unskilled in cadastral complainants are two officials some irregularities with a women and 787 were minors. other proposed initiatives. ics when working on cases for work, uncommunicative and who have been transferred handful of individual lawyers He said that this year, the Soeung Sen Karuna, the se- the poor. discriminatory in opinions and to other positions and are no who volunteered to help the government would increase nior investigative official for “I would ask that the vol- decisions in an inappropriate longer under the control of the poor who may not have done the budget for providing le- rights group Adhoc, said in unteer lawyers defend these manner. They are unsuitable department,” Sokhon said. so to the best of their profes- gal assistance to the poor by the past Adhoc used to hear cases with transparency and as leaders,” the petition said. Recently appointed Pailin sional abilities. two billion riel ($500,000). complaints from some peo- without discrimination. We The accusation against Sok- provincial governor Ban Srey- He said the bar association These funds are administered ple about the poor quality of know that there are a limited hon said his mismanagement mom told The Post: “It is not has mechanisms to review by the bar, which reimburses legal defence provided by vol- number of lawyers available had led to a deep rift in the yet possible to say which side lawyers’ conduct and deter- the lawyers for their work in unteer lawyers. and that there are a lot of peo- department. He was accused is right and which is wrong mine if they need additional order to ensure equal justice “The BAKC president’s re- ple who need help. Despite of ignoring recommendations because I am still new here. training or instruction on how for the poor. forms are good and some law- that, it should always be done and procedures while preclud- I’ve already become ac- to conduct themselves after Chantola also said that in or- yers do follow good profession- effectively, because equal ac- ing officials from performing quainted with all of those in- taking on a case or if punish- der to expand access to these al ethics, but there are some cess to competent legal rep- their tasks – instead delegating volved, and most important- ment was warranted. free legal services, the BAKC who think mostly about their resentation is required by the to preferred interns – and of ly, I am reviewing all the work Chantola said the bar has re- is requesting that more of the own interests and that’s why Cambodian legal system,” he withholding from officials half that was done in the past,” cruited 300 hundred volunteer bar’s members participate in they are careless when repre- said. of the stipends allotted for their she said. THE PHNOM PENH POST february 22, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 5 National Towns top domestic migration Illegal snares wreaking havoc on populations Niem Chheng with demand,” he said, add- ing that the census report did NALYSIS of results not thoroughly analyse the in wildlife sanctuaries from the recently impacts of migration. published General Social analyst Meas Nee not- Khouth Sophak Chakrya ronmental headquarters. He Population Census ed that less than 70 per cent of also said that in just the first 2019A indicates that domestic farmers now have as much as THE Ministry of Environ- two months of this year the migration within Cambodia 1ha of land. Such small plots ment warns that the hunt- rangers had already found is gradually declining as fami- of farmland have required ing of wild animals using and removed 400 such traps lies settle in the post-conflict family members to migrate, snares continues to be a seri- in that area. era, with trends towards ur- and these movements have ous problem after a Banteng Environment ministry banisation and consolidation become normal for families in was found dead with a snare spokesman Neth Pheaktra of rural agriculture. order to survive. wrapped around one of its wrote a Facebook post concern- The largest portion of inter- He said people used to move legs in Preah Vihear province ing the death of the banteng, nal migration now is notably from one rural area to an- on February 19, according to expressing regret for the loss of from rural areas to towns, in other because farmers could the ministry’s forest rangers. the animal whose species is one contrast to movements ob- rely on agricultural work, and Director of Prey Preah Roka of the rarest left in the world. served in 1993 and 2008. they moved to areas to culti- Wildlife Sanctuary Bun Soe- “I become very emotional Census statistics revealed vate land where labour was in ung said that a group of rang- when I see that Cambodia’s that 34 per cent of domes- demand. But now, ownership ers spotted the Banteng’s car- endangered species are still tic relocation was from rural An NGO official says heavy traffic in Phnom Penh and provincial towns of arable lands had been con- cass – which weighed nearly being senselessly hunted and indicates a rise in population. Hean Rangsey to urban areas, followed by solidated by wealthy compa- one tonne – in Sen Rong trapped,” he said. moves from one town to an- ter-provincial, while the 2008 This is important because it nies and individuals, reduc- Roeung III village of Morakot Pheaktra called on all Cam- other which accounted for 30 census found that migration seems to indicate that there ing options and mobility for commune in Preah Vihear’s bodians to immediately stop per cent. Migration from one was mostly within provinces. are no special activities which prospective migrants. Choam Ksan district. consuming all wild animals rural area to another dropped This trend was true for both attract migrants in Cambodia. “In Phnom Penh and some He said that the banteng in order to preserve Cam- from nearly 51 per cent in men and women. Instead, it appears that the en- provincial towns, the streets was found dead by rangers bodia’s natural heritage and 2008 to 29 per cent in 2019, It concluded that move- tire economy has labour force are congested every morn- assigned to the Preah Roka to stop breaking the laws of according to the census re- ments from one province to demands, particularly in ur- ing. It indicates that people Wildlife Sanctuary on Febru- Cambodia by committing the port released in January. another have come as the re- ban areas,” the report said. have moved from rural areas ary 19 while they were patrol- offences of hunting and trap- Among the 15.55 million sult of a rapid and significant Sok Kosal, deputy director into the towns because that ling the forest and trying to ping them. documented residents in the process of urbanisation. The of National Institute of Sta- is where the development is – deter poachers from hunting He noted that people who Kingdom in 2019, more than most common reasons for mi- tistics, told The Post that the rather than in rural areas. and trapping wild animals. commit natural resource 20 per cent were internal gration found in all three cen- decline of internal migration “The government does not “The rangers have con- crimes such as deforestation migrants, meaning they had sus reports was accompanying was due to the end of repatri- seem to sufficiently prioritise cluded that the banteng had of wildlife sanctuaries and relocated within the country, family, followed by changing ations and displacement fol- agriculture, and this causes been dead for perhaps only a the hunting, trapping and while the remainder regis- workplaces, searching for em- lowing the civil war. The ma- imbalances between develop- day before they spotted it be- poisoning of wild animals – or tered as living permanently in ployment and marriage. jority of migrants now have ments in towns as opposed to cause there wasn’t any stench even just the unlawful sale or one location. The number of More than half of internal been born after 1979. rural areas. This is a good lesson or visible decay yet. Its right consumption of wild animal such migrants dropped from migrants were from 20 to 39 “In terms of policy discus- for the government to consider. leg was trapped with a snare meats – could face a prison 3.55 million in 2008 to 3.31 years old, and nearly 90 per sion, migration to urban ar- “The high rise buildings, made from a bicycle brake term of one to five years in million in the recent census. cent were between 15 and 64. eas impacts daily life in ways finished and unfinished, are wire,” he said. length and a fine of 15 million According to the census re- “Migrants worked at ap- such as worsening traffic con- signals which attract tens of Soeung added the banteng’s riel to 150 million riel, under port, current migration move- proximately the same activi- gestion and increasing real thousands of labourers from carcass was buried by the Articles 56 and 61 of the Law ments are predominantly in- ties as the general population. estate prices in accordance rural areas,” Nee said. rangers near the O’kak envi- on Natural Protected Areas. 6 THE PHNOM PENH POST february 22, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com Business

USD / KHR USD / CAD USD / CNY USD / JPY USD / MYR USD / SGD USD / THB AUD / USD EUR / USD GBP / USD 4,077 1.2652 6.453 105.40 4.0405 1.3241 29.99 0.7831 1.2134 1.3991

Trading Information on Cambodia Securities Exchange Date: February 19, 2021 Auction Trading Method (ATM) No Stock Closing Price Opening Price High Low 1 ABC 16,900 16,880 16,900 16,860 2 GTI 3,300 3,300 3,300 3,300 3 PAS 13,480 13,480 13,500 13,400 4 PEPC 2,940 2,860 2,980 2,860 5 PPAP 11,960 12,000 12,000 11,960 6 PPSP 1,540 1,530 1,550 1,530 7 PWSA 6,060 6,080 6,080 6,060 UK envoy vows stronger trade Investment meet zeroes May Kunmakara in on key Russia projects

HE British Prime Min- Thou Vireak investment projects, and these ister’s trade envoy to will help promote economic Cambodia, Laos and CAMBODIA is eyeing an development and improve Vietnam on Febru- expansion in trade with Russia livelihood standards of the two aryT 18 pledged to give her all as the two sides explore the countries’ peoples through the to mobilise British investors possibility of negotiating a free transfer of technology and and businessmen to analyse trade agreement (FTA) and management techniques, as and maximise investment and step up trade and investment well as the creation of myriad trade potential and advantages cooperation. job opportunities,” he said. in Cambodia and reap the full This was the main topic dis- In a meeting with Economy benefits of the ASEAN coun- cussed at a February 17 inter- and Finance Minister Aun try’s preferential trade tariffs. institutional meeting held at Pornmoniroth in November Heather Wheeler, who is also the Ministry of Commerce last year, Russian ambassador Conservative member of Par- ahead of the as-yet unsched- Anatoly Borovik reiterated liament (MP) for South Derby- uled second meeting of the Moscow’s commitment to shire district, made the remark high-level working group assist the Cambodian govern- at a discussion meeting with tasked with promoting Cam- ment in shoring up bilateral Minister of Commerce Pan bodia-Russia priority invest- trade volume and alluring Sorasak held via video link. ment projects. more investment to the King- Cambodia was among 46 Chairing the meeting, minis- dom, highlighting the other least developed coun- try undersecretary of state untapped potential of many Cambodia-UK trade in the first 11 months of last year was worth $813.22 million. HONG MENEA tries to be granted preferential Samheng Bora said there are sectors in Cambodia. trade status under the UK’s “I will continue to strive to – and the provision of trade Cambodia and the UK in the five such priority projects – “Seeing the potential of Cam- Generalised System of Prefer- attract British investors to preferences that came into ef- first 11 months of last year roof-tile and sewer-pipe manu- bodia, many Russian compa- ences (GSP), according to the study more about the poten- fect last month as the Brexit was worth $813.22 million, facturing; Kamaz-branded nies, both large and medium, UK Department for Interna- tial that Cambodia is current- transition period ended. down by 17.61 per cent from truck assembly and supply are interested in and looking tional Trade on December 17. ly achieving,” she said. He said the government “has the $987.09 million logged in chain services; solid-waste for opportunities to invest in The UK was historically one Wheeler noted the shock made great efforts to reform the same period in 2019, the incinerator supply; the produc- and do business in Cambodia. of Cambodia’s largest import- Covid-19 had on the garment institutions and regulations for Ministry of Economy and Fi- tion of thermal insulation Going forward, the volume of ers in the EU, accounting for and textile sector, which she economic integration and has nance reported. materials based on agricultural bilateral trade between the two about 25 to 30 per cent of total emphasised is an impor- shown a strong will to expand Cambodia exported $766.77 residual rice-hull and -straw countries will see continued exports to the bloc, Garment tant pillar of the Cambodian trade partnerships through million worth of merchan- biomass; and the supply of growth,” he said. Manufacturers Association in economy and informed the the establishment of free trade dise during the period, down Gigabit Passive Optical Net- Commerce ministry spokes- Cambodia (GMAC) secretary- minister about the Accelerat- agreements with major trading 16.02 per cent year-on-year work (GPON) equipment for man Seang Thay previously general Ken Loo told The Post ed COVID Economic Support partners in the region”. from $913.01 million, and im- high-speed internet access. said entering FTAs with trading on December 25. (ACES) project supported by He also expressed support for ported $46.45 million, down “The Cambodia-Russia joint partners is a government prior- At the meeting, Wheeler the British government for the progress of the UK-ASEAN 37.30 per cent year-on-year priority investment projects ity, adding that Cambodia and lauded the Kingdom’s recent ASEAN countries. Dialogue Partnership, a region from $74.08 million. will provide new business Russia are important trading progress, annual economic Sorasak acclaimed the UK’s of great potential, and informed The ministry said most of opportunities for the private partners with a long history. growth and export potential, considerable contributions to the British side that Cambodia Cambodia’s exports to the sector from both sides . . . fur- “With a bilateral trade agree- while praising the government the Cambodian economy and would host the 13th Asia-Eu- UK were garment, footwear, ther strengthening and ment in place, our trade vol- for its efforts in smoothening human resource development rope Meeting (ASEM) this year bicycles, milled rice and agri- expanding bilateral trade ume will be better equipped to the process for the operations via financing for the expansion and chair the upcoming 40th cultural products, while auto- cooperation in more compre- grow down the road,” he said. of British businesspeople and of priority sectors – especially ASEAN Summit next year. mobiles and machinery com- hensive terms,” he said. The value of Cambodia-Rus- investors. education, economy and trade Bilateral trade between prised the bulk of imports. Bora expressed hope that the sia trade clocked in at $63.81 upcoming high-level working million last year, rising by 15 group meeting would provide per cent compared to 2019’s the direction necessary to $55.36 million, the commerce begin FTA talks. ministry reported. Trade rela- A raft of NBC measures safeguard finance sector “We are supportive of and tions between the two coun- committed to actively taking tries remained strong overall, Continued from page 1 The interest rate of LPCOs was cut to (RRR) until June 30 to ensure liquidity in part in the . . . joint priority even as Covid-19 raged on. 2.5 per cent a year (from three per cent); the sector to fund more loans and to crank Cambodia Microfinance Association 2.3 per cent for six months (from 2.8 per up economic activity. head Kaing Tongngy was also tight-lipped cent), and 2.1 per cent for three months RRRs are central bank regulations that about the NBC statement at the weekend, (from 2.6 per cent). set a minimum amount of cash that finan- but said he was keen on posting an update The interest rate on negotiated certifi- cial institutions must hold in reserve. The when more information on the call cate deposits (NCD) – tools that allow the Cambodian RRRs in foreign and domestic becomes available. financial sector to deposit with the central currency were 12.5 per cent and eight per In March last year, the NBC issued a raft bank to earn interest – was also cent, respectively, until the NBC reduced of measures to ensure liquidity and pro- reduced. both to seven per cent – effective from mote lending amid Covid-19. NBC also said it would “reduce the April last year. The central bank delayed the conserva- liquidity coverage ratio [LCR] to an appro- Total assets in the Kingdom’s banks tion capital buffer (CCB) requirement to priate level as is necessary”. LCR is the and MFIs grew to $59.4 billion at the end 2021, a move it expected would lower the ratio of highly-liquid assets held by finan- of last year, increasing 15.7 per cent from solvency ratio. cial institutions and serves as a gauge for the end of 2019, according to the NBC’s NBC also reduced the interest rate on their ability to meet short-term obliga- 2020 annual report. the liquidity-providing collateralised tions. Outstanding loans in banks and MFIs operation (LPCO), a financial tool that The central bank announced earlier this grew by 14.8 per cent to $37.3 billion by the allows the central bank to lend to financial month that it would keep the current end of last year, while deposits increased Commerce ministry undersecretary of state Samheng Bora at the institutions in the local currency. seven per cent reserve requirement ratio by 15.4 per cent to $33.8 billion. meeting on Wednesday. COMMERCE MINISTRY THE PHNOM PENH POST february 22, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 7 Business Minister to attend Dubai expo Thai business sector will see 2.1% revenue Thou Vireak INISTER of Com- growth this year: TMB merce Pan Sora- sak on February TOTAL revenue of business tion, said FTD director-gener- 18 announced enterprises in Thailand this al Keerati Rushchano. Mthat he will attend the long- year will increase 2.1 per cent The target was appropriate delayed Expo 2020 hosted by compared to 2020, but would but challenging as the Thai Dubai at the invitation of the still be 14.6 per cent lower rice price was higher than UAE government. than in 2019, according to competitors such as India and The minister was speak- TMB Analytics. Vietnam, he said. ing at a meeting of the inter- The businesses that have Other challenging factors are ministerial committee tasked recovered will grow 2.8 per the goods-container shortage with organising and prepar- cent this year, businesses that and waning purchasing power ing for Cambodian participa- are recovering will grow 2.5 of Covid-hit importing coun- tion in international exhibi- per cent, while those that tries. Keerati added that the tions and trade fairs. have not recovered will con- baht exchange rate was the key Kicking off on October 1 tract 1.2 per cent. to meeting the export target. and lasting until March 31, The recovered businesses The competitiveness of Thai 2022, Sorasak said the event span sectors such as food, rice rests on its high quality will showcase products from livestock, rubber, electronics, and on-time export delivery. across the world to about 25 health, IT and telecommuni- Last year Thai rice exports million participants from 200 cation, online shopping and fell 24.54 per cent to 5.72 mil- countries and international delivery. lion tonnes, representing the organisations. The businesses TMB Analyt- lowest level in 20 years. The According to Expo 2020, An artist’s impression of Indonesia’s pavilion, which will be located in the ‘Opportunity district’ at the Expo ics considers as still recovering export value dipped 11.23 per 2020 in Dubai. EXPO 2020 the event will be under the were in packaging, beverages, cent to $3.727 billion. theme “Connecting Minds, with Khmer architecture from for the Kingdom’s products, es- Cambodia Rice Federation construction materials, chem- The decline in exports last Creating the Future” and will across four periods – pre-Ang- pecially those in agriculture. secretary-general Lun Yeng icals, automobiles and auto year was blamed mainly on the also have three subthemes korian, Angkorian, Longvek- He affirmed that the min- said participation in the event parts, machine, agricultural strengthening baht. – “opportunity”, “mobility” Oudong and Chaktomuk, or istry will bring those agro-in- offers an opportunity for the products and energy. The country also faced com- and “sustainability” – each today’s era which has Phnom dustrial and agro-commercial Kingdom to introduce its na- Businesses yet to recover petition from Chinese rice with its own “district”. Penh” as the Kingdom’s capi- crops that are flagged for their tional wares to the greater in- were in fields such as paper exports to South Africa. India Sorasak said Cambodia will tal, he said. market potential, pointing out ternational community. and printed media, assets, was the world’s largest rice build a two-storey pavilion Hun Lak, director of Long- that Cambodia has directly ex- Cambodian netted $62 mil- furniture, personal service, exporter last year, shipping – to be designed by Malay- mate Agriculture Co Ltd, which ported fresh bananas to China lion in exports to the UAE in aerial transportation, fashion 13.61 million tonnes – 5.96 sia’s Pico International (M) has invested $32 million in yel- for more than two years and 2017 – mainly garments and and tourism. million tonnes to Vietnam, Sdn Bhd – on 384.5sqm in low banana plantations on will soon begin shipping fresh footwear, while imports were Thailand’s rice export target 5.72 million tonnes to Thai- the “Sustainability district”, more than 1,000ha in Kampot mangoes to the Asian giant. valued at $19.8 million, ac- has been set at six million land and 3.55 million tonnes adding that the ministry will province’s Chhouk district, “The more open the mar- cording to the latest figures tonnes this year, the com- to Pakistan. THE NATION (THAILAND)/ bring agricultural products to told The Post on February 21 ket, the better. This will boost from the ministry. merce ministry announced. ASIA NEWS NETWORK the event. that with the private sector’s exports and provide better According to Expo 2020, the The target was set after talks “To attract the attention of support, the government and opportunities for investors event was originally scheduled between the Foreign Trade www.phnompenhpost.com visitors, the committee will the ministry always bend over in the agro-industrial sector,” to be held between October Department (FTD) and the check the post website finely decorate the [pavilion] backwards to secure markets Lak said. 20, 2020 and April 10, 2021. Thai Rice Exporters Associa- for breaking news 8 THE PHNOM PENH POST february 22, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com World Other human UN security body to meet on climate cases of H5N8 change ramifications on world peace ‘a possibility’ Continued from page 1 he UN Security Council will hold a summit of world lead- and react in an adequate and timely ers on February 23 to debate fashion,” Popova said. climate change’s implications The WHO confirmed on February forT world peace, an issue on which its 20 that it had been notified by Russia 15 members have divergent opinions. about the development. The session, called by British Prime A spokesperson said: “We are in dis- Minister Boris Johnson and conduct- cussion with national authorities to ed by video-conference, comes just gather more information and assess the days after the US under President Joe public health impact of this event. Biden formally rejoined the Paris cli- “If confirmed, this would be the mate change accord. first time H5N8 infects people.” Johnson, whose country now holds WHO stressed that the Russian the Security Council’s rotating presi- workers were “asymptomatic” and no dency, will address the forum, as will onward human-to-human transmis- US climate czar John Kerry, French sion had been reported. President Emmanuel Macron, Chinese People can get infected with avian foreign minister Wang Yi and the prime and swine influenza viruses, such as ministers of Ireland, Vietnam, Norway bird flu subtypes A(H5N1) and and other countries, diplomats say. A(H7N9) and swine flu subtypes such The meeting will serve as a test for as A(H1N1). Sino-US relations, one UN ambas- According to the WHO, people usu- sador said on condition of anonym- ally get infected through direct con- ity, alluding to one of the few issues tact with animals or contaminated where the two big powers might environments, and there is no sus- agree. But this is not a given. tained transmission among humans. “We should watch how the Chi- H5N1 in people can cause severe nese position themselves with the illness and has a 60 per cent mortal- Americans,” this ambassador said. ity rate. The ambassador said: “Tradition- ally . . . you know that the Russians ‘Tip of the iceberg’ and the Chinese will immediately British Prime Minister Boris Johnson arrives for a virtual meeting of G7 leaders in the Cabinet Room at Downing Street in London on Gwenael Vourc’h, head of research Friday. POOL/AFP say [climate change has] ‘nothing to at France’s National Institute for Agri- do’ with the council’s issues. Some non-permanent members change and its implications,” said a movements and competition for ac- culture, Food, and Environment, said “[Today, however,] the Chinese are of the council including Kenya and third ambassador, who ruled out the cess to resources” are linked to glob- that influenza viruses are known to more liable to be slightly open to that Niger have clearly expressed their possibility of the council adopting a al warming, said another diplomat. evolve “quite quickly” and that there discussion [which] leaves the Rus- concerns about climate change’s joint statement at this point. This is important for Tunisia, Nor- might have been other cases besides sians pretty much on their own.” impact on national security. “China and Russia think that it way and Ireland. The latter two have those reported in Russia. Russia does not see climate change Others do not want to “turn the can become intrusive, that it is not been on the council since January. “This is probably the tip of the ice- as a broad issue for the Security Security Council into another organ about peace and security,” this am- In the Lake Chad region of cen- berg,” she said. Council to address. Moscow prefers which is looking just at the issues bassador said. tral Africa, issues of access to water Francois Renaud, a researcher at dealing with climate questions on a more broadly around finance, adap- “They don’t want the Security and production of animal feed can the French National Centre for Sci- case-by-case basis, diplomats said. tation, mitigation and negotiations”, Council to do decision-making trigger violence between different entific Research (CNRS), said how- February 23’s meeting “will be fo- the second ambassador said. about economic choices. Even they communities and lead to idle, disaf- ever that he was “not particularly cused on the security aspects of cli- “Both China and Russia, but not understand that climate change has fected youths being recruited by ji- worried” at this stage. mate change”, a second ambassador only them, are reluctant to have the implications for conflict drivers.” hadist groups, an ambassador from He added that the coronavirus pan- said, also on condition of anonymity. Security Council discuss climate “Desertification, population Africa said. afp demic had taught countries to react quickly to potential health threats. “Draconian measures will be taken to immediately stop the outbreak,” he said. Avian flu has raged in several Euro- EU may okay sanctions over Russia crackdown pean countries including France, where hundreds of thousands of birds have EU foreign ministers are expected Two of Navalny’s closest allies were been culled to stop the infection. to give the go-ahead on February 22 set to meet with a dozen EU foreign Russia’s Vektor State Virology and Bio- to sanctions on Russia over the jail- ministers in Brussels on February technology Center, which detected the ing of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny 21 to push for sanctions targeting transmission to the poultry farm work- and a crackdown on protests. high-profile oligarchs they accuse of ers, also developed one of the country’s The top diplomats from the 27-na- funding Putin’s regime. several coronavirus vaccines. tion bloc meet in Brussels for talks But diplomats say any measures have In the Soviet era, the lab – located that will also include a wide-ranging to be tied directly to abuses and need in Koltsovo outside the Siberian city videoconference with new US Sec- to stand up to challenges in court. of Novosibirsk – conducted secret retary of State Antony Blinken. biological weapons research. The move to target the Kremlin Blinken calling It still stockpiles viruses ranging comes two weeks after EU foreign While European countries ap- from Ebola to smallpox. policy chief Josep Borrell was caught pear to be readying a common In televised remarks, Vektor chief in a diplomatic ambush in Moscow front against the Kremlin they are Rinat Maksyutov said the lab was that enraged member states. also keen to allow for cooperation ready to begin developing test kits Capitals are eyeing using the EU’s on efforts to revive the Iran nuclear that would help detect potential new human rights sanctions regime deal after former US leader Donald cases of H5N8 in humans and to for the first time to hit individuals Trump withdrew in 2018. begin work on a vaccine. responsible for the clampdown with The EU is currently looking to bro- The Soviet Union was a scientific asset freezes and visa bans, diplo- ker a meeting between Washington, powerhouse and Russia has sought mats said. Tehran and other signatories – in- to reclaim a leadership role in vaccine US Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks to staff at the US State Department during A senior European diplomat said: the first visit of US President Joe Biden (left) in Washington, DC. afp cluding Moscow – to try to work out research under President Vladimir “I expect a political agreement to be how to salvage the 2015 accord. Putin. reached. A senior EU official said: “They re- Navalny with Novichok, a nerve agent. The repression in Russia is not the Russia registered coronavirus vac- “Then experts from the member jected out of hand any dialogue that President Vladimir Putin’s most only rights issue set to be addressed cine Sputnik V in August, months states should work on the names.” was proposed.” prominent domestic critic was this at the meeting. before Western competitors and even The mood towards Moscow has The EU has already hit Russia with month jailed for almost three years A response to a military coup and before large-scale clinical trials. hardened in the wake of Borrell’s di- waves of sanctions over the 2014 an- after returning to Russia following increasingly lethal crackdown on After initial scepticism in the West, sastrous trip to Russia, during which nexation of Crimea and Moscow’s treatment in Germany. protesters in Myanmar is to feature the Lancet journal this month pub- Moscow announced it was expelling fuelling of the war in Ukraine. His sentencing sparked nationwide on the agenda, as are measures over lished results showing the Russian vac- three European diplomats and re- The bloc in October slapped six offi- protests that saw baton-wielding se- disputed elections last year in Ven- cine – named after the Soviet-era satel- buffed talk of cooperation. cials on a blacklist over the poisoning of curity forces detain thousands. ezuela. aFP lite – to be safe and effective. AFP THE PHNOM PENH POST february 22, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 9 ASEAN Myanmar junta condemned after two killed

he deaths of two anti-coup A funeral was to be held in the capital protesters in Myanmar Naypyidaw for a young protester who sparked fresh UN condem- died on February 19 after being shot in nation of the country’s new the head during a rally last week. militaryT regime on February 21, as Mya Thwate Thwate Khaing, who mourners prepared for the funeral of a turned 20 on February 18 as she lay young woman who became a national unconscious in a hospital bed, has symbol of resistance to the junta. since become a potent symbol of Authorities have gradually ratch- the campaign against military rule. eted up their tactics against a mas- Demonstrators have hoisted her sive and largely peaceful civil dis- photos high on street marches and obedience campaign demanding unfurled a huge banner of artwork the return of ousted civilian leader from a bridge in Yangon depicting Aung San Suu Kyi. the moment she was shot. February 20 marked the deadliest Vigils for the grocery store worker day yet in more than two weeks of were held across the commercial nationwide street demonstrations hub on February 20, with protesters when security forces fired upon a lighting candles and laying roses by rally in Mandalay, sending the crowd a banner with her picture. fleeing in fear. UN secretary-general Antonio Gu- Hundreds arrested terres condemned the use of “dead- Much of Myanmar has been in up- ly violence” in the melee, which roar since troops detained Suu Kyi emergency workers said had killed on February 1, with massive street one teenager and wounded dozens demonstrations seen in major cit- more. ies and isolated villages across the “The use of lethal force, intimida- country. tion & harassment against peaceful The new junta has so far remained demonstrators is unacceptable,” impassive in the face of relentless in- Guterres wrote on February 21. ternational condemnation, with the The confrontation began when se- US, Britain and Canada all unveiling curity forces in Mandalay, the coun- sanctions targeting the country’s try’s second-largest city and cultural top generals. capital, attempted to raid a shipyard EU foreign ministers will meet on Protesters hold out bullet cartridges and ammunition for slingshots after security forces fired on demonstrators at a rally against and detain port staff on strike to the military coup in Mandalay on Saturday. STR/Afp February 22 to discuss their own protest the army takeover. measures against the regime. Medical rescue workers said the Another emergency worker on the a heartbeat. “He was standing on the side and The bloc’s foreign policy chief Jo- troops used live rounds, rubber bul- scene, who asked not to be named Hlaing Min Oo said another 30 watching the protest but the soldiers sep Borrell urged security forces to lets and tear gas against a crowd for fear of reprisals, confirmed the were wounded, with half of the inju- took him away.” “immediately stop violence against of people who had started flinging death toll. ries from live rounds. Myanmar emerged from its sev- civilians” on February 20 after the rocks in an effort to stop the arrests. Graphic video circulated on Fa- Local media reported more than enth consecutive overnight internet violence in Mandalay. “Two people were killed,” said cebook showing a teenaged victim, a dozen people were arrested after blackout on February 21, a measure Nearly 570 people have been de- Hlaing Min Oo, the chief of a Man- splayed on the ground and bleed- the clash. imposed by the junta after neigh- tained since the coup, according to dalay-based volunteer emergency ing from his head as a bystander One resident said: “They beat and bourhoods mobilised watch groups the Assistance Association for Political rescue team. placed a hand on his chest to feel for shot my husband and others. to guard against evening arrests. Prisoners monitoring group. afp S’pore residents aged 60-69 to get vaccine from March, rest of population from April Covid-19 vaccinations for Sin- Hospital’s initial assessment – gaporeans aged 60 to 69 will that there is no evidence the start around the end of next vaccine had led to the episode. month, with the rest of the The man was admitted to the population to follow suit in hospital’s intensive care unit. April, health minister Gan Kim “I want to assure Singapore- Yong said on February 19. ans that we do take these very The health ministry said Cov- seriously,” he stressed. id-19 vaccination for seniors “Whether they are related to aged 70 years and above will vaccinations or not, we want start on February 22, following to know if there are any such a pilot for those living in Ang Mo incidents so that we can inves- Kio and Tanjong Pagar. tigate in-depth and better More than 5,000 seniors understand the situation.” from both towns have received Gan also said the govern- their vaccinations. ment will continue to refine its Over the next three weeks, oth- processes to ensure that vac- ers in that age group can expect cination remains safe. to receive letters inviting them Before getting vaccinated, to sign up for vaccination. people will have to answer Gan noted that Singapore cur- questions such as whether rently has 11 vaccination cen- they have medical conditions tres in operation, with three that have compromised their more slated to open next week. immune systems, or if they More than 30 centres will be up have had severe allergies. and running by the middle of Volunteers like 70-year-old next month, with the full com- Agnes Teo have been going plement of around 40 centres to from door to door to explain be in full swing by end April. vaccinations to seniors and He said: “We will watch the help arrange their vaccination progress and if need be, we will appointments. open up additional vaccina- “I explain vaccinations to tion centres to cater to the them and let them know things needs of the population.” like whether or not they should Asked about the recent inci- wear long sleeves,” said Ms dent of a 72-year-old who suf- Teo, who speaks English, Man- fered a cardiac arrest after getting darin, Malay and a few Chi- his first dose of the Pfizer vaccine, nese languages. THE STRAITS TIMES Gan reiterated Tan Tock Seng (SINGAPORE)/ASIA NEWS NETWORK 10 THE PHNOM PENH POST february 22, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com ASEAN Leadership in the board and management www.phnompenhpost.com

EDITORIAL PERSONNEL Publisher & Chief Executive Offi cer Ly Tayseng among Cambodian companies Managing Editor Post Khmer to outside CEOs. While such sam Rith Opinion Deputy Chief of Staff practice brings short-term phak seangly Sythan Prou success and expansion, it puts Business Editor the business at risk in the long May Kunmakara HILE debate run. It creates barriers to get Deputy Business Editor about leadership outside investment and con- sangeetha amarthalingam in the board of straints for the board and Deputy Head of Lifestyle Desk directors and management to perform their Wmanagement is not new in functions independently. pan simala Senior Reporters other countries, it is almost Another problem is around Meas sokchea, niem Chheng unheard of in Cambodia. Our long-term survival. It was Reporters entire corporate governance reported that 95 per cent of Khouth sophak Chakrya, Kim sarom, system is at nascent stage, family businesses failed to car- long Kimmarita, hin pisei, Mom Kunthear, with little study on the subject. ry on during the third genera- hong Raksmey, pann Rethea, Voun Dara, Regulations related to cor- tion of ownership. One of the Roth sochieata, Orm Bunthoeurn, porate governance were issued principal reasons for such fail- between 1990s and 2000s. The ures is the lack of adaptation soth Koemsoeun, Thou Vireak, nov sivutha real focus on the theme has to changing environment. Photographers taken shape when more and As a concluding observa- heng Chivoan, hong Menea, hean Rangsey more companies get listed in tion, I contended that the Web Editor the stock market which puts separation rule and practice leang phannara governance structures of these will be on the rise alongside Digital Team companies into the spotlight. Cambodia’s growing economy sous Chanthy, pang Vichea, suy sovandy Such query and attention are and foreign direct investment SIEM REAP BUREAU interesting to watch, in a plus outward-looking regula- Offi ce Manager country where almost all busi- tory regime. It will continue sophearith Blondeel nesses were small, unregis- The roles played by chairperson of the board of directors and chief executive officer (CEO) are vital in driving its unitary board system with PRODUCTION & PRINTING tered and lack funding. the business to achieve both top line and bottom line objectives. unsplash binding laws and regulations. Head of Desktop Publishing The roles played by chairper- In whatever direction, the nhim sokphyrak son of the board of directors important for the success of tions (MFIs), securities firms, encourage the separation. real focus should remain Desktop Publishing and chief executive officer the organisations as they have state-owned enterprises (SOE), Shares of these companies are with the effectiveness of the suon savatdy, Chum sokunthy, Danh Borath (CEO) are vital in driving the solid, unconfused, directive subsidiaries of multinational more or less held by the pub- Tep Thoeun Thyda, Tim Borith, Than Veasna board chair. The board business to achieve both top and steady leadership. enterprises (MNE) and local lic or public funds; therefore, should not be a rubber- line and bottom line objectives. family-owned conglomerates – In Cambodia, there is only it is important that they dem- stamp structure but should How companies are governed the insurance regulations are implementing the separa- onstrate higher degree of aim at bringing a real and and run will affect sharehold- which require the chairperson tion and duality structures. accountability, transparency long-term value to the share-

HEAD OFFICE ers’ return on investment and to be a non-executive director, It was clear that insurance and checks and balances holders and key stakehold- Post Media Co., Ltd. the society. The chairpersons that is, separation structure companies, banks/MFIs and between the business execu- ers. This can be achieved via The Elements Condominium Level 7, and CEOs are primary influ- (prakas on Governance of MNE subsidiaries had sepa- tion and supervisory roles. fit and proper checks during Hun Sen Boulevard, Phum Prek Talong, encer and decision-makers to Insurance Companies 2007, rate structure. It is as expected For the three local conglom- regulatory approval process- Sangkat Chak Angre Krom,12353, Phnom the success or failures of any Article 7). This is the first clear for the insurance firms given erates I have studied, the es which should be enhanced Penh, Cambodia business and impact to key cut rule in the country in pro- regulatory requirements. For founders or their family mem- by relevant regulatory bodies. Tel: 023 888 161, 023 888 162 stakeholders (customers, ven- hibiting the duality role. Regu- the banking industry, such bers chaired most of the com- Significant roles of the Cellcard: 078 555 166, 078 555 133 dors, regulators etc). lations in other sectors do not separate structure practice panies within the groups. At founders or family members Smart: 086 822 999, 086 277 999 With such critical functions, provide straightforward provi- can be attributed to soft law least one founder held a dual in the board and manage- SIEM REAP one question often asked is sions. They are either silent or enforcement or expectation role in his holding company. ment will not go away in the No 629, Street 6, Dangkum Commune whether these positions are allowed duality. of international standard The owners normally hired foreseeable future. However, Tel: 063 966 290, Fax: 063 966 590 filled with the same person or Such inconsistent and compliance by the regulators professional executives to they will diminish over times COMMERCIAL DEPARTMENT not? This is a question not yet unclear regulations are not during fit and proper checks manage business operations. when corporate governance Chief Operating Offi cer settled both in Cambodia and strange. For the last few dec- of new board members and There were a few cases where- regulations and standard James Ong soon Teck in other countries, with two ades from Europe to the US, it CEO. For MNE subsidiaries, it by the owners’ relatives are the become more established Advertising Department sides of the camps advocating is still a heated governance is not unusual to see the CEOs CEOs of the subsidiaries. and they need external fund- Chap narith, 017 996 241 differently. debate among listed compa- run local operations while the Despite such separation, the ing to expand their business hun Channet, 017 578 768 On one camp, the separation nies, boards and shareholders chairpersons monitor opera- founders/family members empires. prach Monnyreak, 015 239 293 can achieve board independ- in pursuit of the best govern- tions from regional offices. might still maintain significant Cambodian entrepreneurs Keo puthy, 012 966 605 ence in overseeing the per- ance approach to achieve Such separation by these influence. This can be will remain open-minded and phon sok Chea, 012 717 404 formance of the management. aligned business goals by the companies provide clear explained by media reports adaptive to external and Jessa piastro, 092 445 983 The chair acts on behalf of the board and management. The responsibility and objective and public appearances which changing environment. The CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION shareholders in recruiting, pay- only consistent guideline is supervision by the board. portrayed them as playing country’s entire corporate gov- Acting Distribution Manager ing and dismissing the CEO. from the Group of 20 (G20) and For securities firms and central role to the business. ernance framework will con- Thenh Rithy, 087 888 854 Unifying the two roles can give the Organisation for Economic SOEs, most adopted separa- Such practice among Cam- tinue to evolve significantly in Circulation Supervisor rise to potential conflict of Cooperation and Development tion role approach while a few bodian conglomerates are the coming decades, in partic- nou Chanthy, 096 999 2828 interest and result in a weak (OECD) which always recom- had unified structure. Even similarly found in Thailand, ular among the securities and Yim Veasna, 015 814 499 monitoring role of the board. mend separate structures for all though local regulations Indonesia, the Philippines, financial sectors and locally ADMINISTRATION On the contrary, there are those kinds of businesses (listed com- allowed duality roles for these Malaysia and Singapore. In owned conglomerates. Admin & HR Manager who believe that combining panies, financial services, or sectors, I suggest that they fol- these countries, families and pich socheat the two roles can tell who is in family-owned companies . . .). low international standard businesses were reported as The author is chief legal and Assistants Admin & HR Manager charge and creates clear lines I have examined how large from G20/OECD for listed “culturally inseparable”. The compliance officer of Manulife Cambodia, a lawyer at GCL Law nhel soaphea of responsibility and accounta- companies operating in Cam- companies and SOEs and owners chaired the holding Group and university lecturer. The Financial Director bility for effective manage- bodia – insurance companies, ASEAN Corporate Govern- companies and subsidiaries views expressed in this article are heang Tangmeng ment. This is particularly banks/microfinance institu- ance Scorecards which and do not necessarily listen his own. 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 february 22, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 11 Lifestyle Solo explorer hikes into the wild and faces forest of fears Hong Raksmey Phsar is because I love the natural beauty there and DVENTURE travel the seasonal landscape. The was increasing in cloud valley is particularly popularity among scenic,” Veasna says. young Cambodians “Adventure travel is good for priorA to the pandemic but your health and it also promotes trekking through the forest eco-tourism and helps com- solo and going on long soli- munities to earn more income tary hikes is still a rare activity for their livelihoods aside from for anyone in the Kingdom. doing agriculture,” he says. Nov Veasna is one of a few At the dawn of the new day, people who have made the ad- after eating the breakfast he’d venturous 110km walk from Kh- packed, nature enthusiast nong Phsar in Kampong Speu Veasna had a long and ardu- Nov Veasna takes a water break on Khnong Phsar. SUPPLIED to Areng Valley in Koh Kong. ous day ahead of him hiking In the first video of the jour- through the hills. ney that he posted, torchlight “On the second day I started dimly illuminated the trees in out from Khnong Phsar at the dark of night. Veasna was 6:30am and reached my des- in the Khnong Phsar Moun- tination at 10:00pm, so I spent tains alone at night facing his 16 hours walking through Kh- fears with only a few Face- norng Krapoeu – past Chhum book comments on his video Neang Cave and through to keep him company. Tamao Forest, Veal Teap Yuon For western people, camping and Khnong Sangam – and it alone over night in the wilds or was all rough terrain with a lot going on a solo hike is viewed of obstacles. as a normal leisure pastime, “The distance stretched my but it’s a frightening prospect endurance, it felt like even for most Cambodians, espe- more than 57km. I took a 15 cially since forests for decades minute break after every 3 Fried dried-fish with steamed rice makes a lovely forest meal.SUPPLIED Khnong Phsar is the first night stop with Veasna arriving at 8:30pm.SUPPLIED had been viewed as Khmer hours of walking,” Veasna says. Rouge strongholds filled with Veasna hiked the entire I felt like I was sleepwalking. Waterfall where he would necessary items to keep his ened at times when out on his landmines and danger. 57km distance in one day as I couldn’t go on to Morech spend a night before reversing backpack light. own, and running out of drink- Because of that, the older a personal challenge and a Kangkeb Mountain because directions and hiking back to He carried two bottles of 1.5 ing water is a constant concern generations who lived through challenge to others who had that would take another two where he had started from. litres of drinking water, a rice given Cambodia’s heat and the the worst of the Khmer Rouge already experienced hiking hours even when I’m rested,” “Good morning from the Areng pot, a kettle, a portable mini distances he is hiking. period, and resultantly suf- the trail from Taing Bopung he explains. Valley on day three. It is now camping gas stove with four “It can be a bit scary hon- fered from post-traumatic village to the Areng Valley. Veasna, who is a small busi- 10am and I’m refreshed and I’ve gas bottles, 5kg rice, 0.5kg of estly and sometimes I worry stress disorder (PTSD) for “There are actually some ness owner, continued saying starting my journey to Chhay dried fish, 2kg of dried beef, about running into wildlife most of their lives, had sternly groups of people who do “I’m tired but I refuse to give Yaung Waterfall, which is about two cans of fish, two cans of like bears. Of course, it’s a hard advised their children not to the hike between those two up on completing this journey. 23km. I’ll spend one night there coca-cola, five packages of in- journey right from the start visit the forests because they places and they usually take I’m firmly determined to really before I return to Khnorng Kra- stant noodles and some ener- and you have to make sure were not safe places. two nights to reach the Areng challenge myself. I can do it. poeu and Taing Bopung vil- gy drinks to add to his water. you don’t run out of drinking In his video post at 7pm on Valley. So I walked the whole Or at least I can try to do it. You lage in Kampong Speu’s Roleak Veasna’s next post to Face- water since its dry season. February 15, Veasna said that day for 16 hours to reach the can’t overcome any challenges Kang Choeung area,” he says in book on his page “Kindness “Walking at night brings he was taking on the chal- finish line in just one day. In in life if you don’t even try.” another video post. Back” was just before he set a whole other set of prob- lenge to camp at Khnong Ph- fact, my original destination Veasna declared his second Since it was a long adven- out on the final leg of his jour- lems. You have to watch sar at night, starting at 5pm. was Morech Kangkeb Moun- day a success, but his solo trek ture that would test the limits ney which would take a path your step – it’d be a disaster One Facebook user com- tain but I was too exhausted. wasn’t finished yet because his of his strength, Veasna tells that circled back around to if you injured yourself while mented on his post “Really? “I arrived in the village and last stop was to be Chhay Yaung The Post that he packed only his starting point. alone out in the forest. But I Scary! Alone?” while another “I’ve started hiking the 8 decided to risk it and I made remarked “I won’t even dare hours back from Chhay Yaung it, though it wasn’t easy,” to watch the video,” while Waterfall to Taing Bopung Veasna says. others liked the fearful com- village in [Kampong Speu’s] Veasna is thankful to the ment that “if you meet [any Aoral district, which is about kind people who donated ghosts or spirits], don’t forget 35km,” Veasna says. money and supplies to spon- to say hello.” Veasna says it was easy to find sor his latest solo adventure. Veasna, who says he has the trail on the last part of his Though he’s just returned visited the place at least 25 journey since cars driving off- from his latest journey, he times, reached Khnong Sam- road have worn a path through hints that his next destina- pov at 8:30pm and spent the the forest from the Areng Valley tion will be the mountain night there. back to Khnong Phsar. ranges in Pursat province. “I arrived at my Khnong “Because camping tents are For any persons or busi- Sampov campsite by walking heavy, I prefer to carry a ham- nesses who’d like to help three hours and 15 minutes mock and a sleeping bag. I also sponsor his trip with dona- from Taing Bopung village. bring two torches and a couple tions of money or supplies, Tomorrow [February 16] I am of knives. Another important Veasna can be reached at 077 going to make my milestone item to bring is a power bank. 915 885 or donate via his ABA destination Chumnoab vil- I have three power banks account: 001 164 005 (Nov lage, in Koh Kong’s Thma Bang with cables for small camping Veasna). district, which is about 57km,” lamps. I try to limit the weight To follow his adventures said the 29-year-old adventur- to 15kg since I’m walking so online, check out his Face- er in another video post. far,” Veasna tells The Post. book page: “The reason why I like hik- Despite his love of exploring, https://www.facebook. ing and trekking Khnong Veasna takes a short break at Chhay Yaung Waterfall on the third day of his adventure. SUPPLIED Veasna admits to being fright- com/kindness.back 12 Socialite Email: [email protected] THE PHNOM PENH POST February 22, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com

Top TV firms sign digital platform MoU Three top Cambodian broadcasters on Thursday inked a deal to roll out the Kingdom’s largest digital TV platform – another key milestone as the Kingdom’s marches into the Industry 4.0 revolution. The Royal Group of Companies’ Cambodian Broadcasting System (CBS) and Digital Sky have teamed up with Bayon Media High System Group and Hang Meas and Reaksmey Hang Meas Radio and TV Group on the project. Present at the event were Royal Group chairman Neak Oknha Kith Meng, Bayon Media adviser Oknha Charles Vann and Hang Meas and Reaksmey Hang Meas chairman OknhaEng Chhay Ngoun. photos hong menea hong photos

Royal Group and PTT Cambodia in business tie-up Royal Group and PTT (Cambodia) Limited (PTTCL) entered into an agreement on Thursday aimed at creating a stronger business synergy by sharing both companies’ vast expertise across a range of sectors.

Under the memorandum of understanding, the companies will explore ways to jointly develop payment solutions and financial services, as well as sales and marketing, across all PTTCL’s operations nationwide. S U PP LI E D Royal Group is involved in the banking and finance, power and energy, hospitality, media, telecommunications and property sectors, while Thailand-based PTTCL is engaged in the supply, distribution and marketing of petroleum and related products. photos photos THE PHNOM PENH POST February 22, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com Email: [email protected] Socialite 13

Kids soar on Cambodia Airways flight Cambodia Airways on Thursday organised a charity flight for 55 disadvantaged children from two orphanages to offer them experience of air travel. The kids and their teachers from the Kolap 4 Center and Phnom Penh Thmey Orphanage Center enjoyed the one-hour Flight KR 2021, which took off from Phnom Penh International Airport and flew over the Kingdom and its coastline. The charity flight was made successful with the support of Cambodia Airports, CB General Insurance, WowNow delivery service, First Unite Travel and Tour, FUN Entertainment, Cambodian

Express and Gold Zone Media. S U PP LI E D photos photos

AmCham holds construction industry networking night

The first American Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia (AmCham) Construction Night of 2021 was held at Rukkha Sky Bar and Tapas last Wednesday. Figures from leading companies in the Kingdom’s construction industry were joined by business people from numerous sectors at the networking event. The soiree bookended the morning event releasing CBRE Cambodia’s “Fearless Forecast 2021: Recession or Resurgence” report, which can be found on the leading real estate agents’ website. The CBRE report gives an in-depth look into the Cambodian real estate sector, dissecting extensive data to project the possibility of recession or resurgence for the year ahead in each segment. i n C u rt Joe photos 14 Socialite Email: [email protected] THE PHNOM PENH POST February 22, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com

Cellcard rolls out ‘Pouk Mak’ Khmer chat app

Cellcard launched “Pouk Mak” – Cambodia’s own Khmer chat app – on February 14. Available on IOS and Android platforms, Pouk Mak, which means friend, offers special features such as group chats, multiple news feeds and fun stickers – all with full encryption security and data storage. photos hean rangsey hean photos

Lighthouse raises funds with 6th Annual Golf Day The Lighthouse Club Cambodia’s 6th Annual Charity Golf Day was held at Royal Cambodia Phnom Penh Golf Club on February 13. With some 60 players, this year proved to be their largest event. The Lighthouse Club is a worldwide construction industry charitable organisation started in the UK over 60 years ago, with the Phnom Penh branch established in 2010. The club aims to support less well-off young Cambodians through education, help injured construction workers and promote good fellowship and cooperation among its members, said Lighthouse co-chairman Kerr Thomson. “This year was our largest golf event, with more than 60 players and a record amount raised through sponsors and players. The money raised will be able to support 10 students through a year of construction-related education, covering tuition and living costs. The club would like to thank the players and the many sponsors of the event for making it such a success,” Thomson said. photos hong menea hong photos THE PHNOM PENH POST february 22, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 15 Lifestyle Thinking caps

Artisans who specialise in making stringed instruments face the twin challenges of cheaper competition from abroad and finding the next generation of craftsworkers to carry on their tradition.A fp Fears for the future of master violin makers urrounded by vio- ents – mainly in France and price on the basis they have lins hung from the Germany, but but also to Ja- “European wood”. ceiling and lined up pan and China. Chinese manufacturers are on shelves, Vasile Gli- Bandila, like Gliga, has turning out cheaper violins gaS looks proudly on the fruits concerns about the future. than those made in Roma- of his labours. His main worry is whether nia, selling them for as little From his factory in the cen- he can find apprentices to as $36 each. tral Romanian city of Reghin, pass on the secrets of the The violins for sale on Gliga has been one of the craft. Gliga’s website range from city’s world-famous instru- “We were all born in the beginner models priced at ment makers for more than 1970s and after us there’s around $200 to elite instru- 30 years. no-one left,” he says of the ments costing several thou- “A HAUNTING WE WILL GO” His business is one of the current generation of crafts- sand. city’s large-scale producers men. Factory production ACROSS 46 Drill sergeant’s title 13 Common pronoun in a city that also hosts mas- Four million Romanians Reghin’s pedigree in vio- 1 Bygone period 48 Big game fisherman’s catch 21 It may be covered by insurance ter craftsmen turning out have left the country in recent 5 “Head” or “heart” hurt 50 Antiquated 22 Oreo innards just a handful of instruments years, mostly for Western Eu- lin making stretches back 9 Some finger foods 51 Blue ___ (cops’ sick-out) 26 Tilting weapon a year. rope, in the hope of building to 1951, when the then 14 Better this than never 54 Dances, in old slang 27 Nursery denizens The secret to his success, a better life for themselves. communist regime set up a 15 Answered “not guilty” 58 Part of a power saw 28 Assume the role of interviewer he says, is simple: “Putting a “Young people are keener musical instrument factory 16 Notre Dame faithful? 60 “___ and Otis” (film) 29 Put up a building little of your soul into it.” on computing,” he laments – there to take advantage of 17 Archer on Olympus 61 Fish tank organism 30 Legitimate deduction Gliga turned out his first or finding less strenuous jobs the local tradition of wood- 18 Gave money for 62 Iraqi city 32 The “A” in James A. Garfield two violins in a box room in abroad. working. 19 Recess for a statue 63 Make ready 33 Money, in slang his flat in 1988 when was 29. Hora Instruments is still 34 Political source of influence Chinese competition 20 Space shuttle part 64 Metal refuse Last year however his busi- in business, producing ev- 35 Start of some juice blend names 23 Wind up or wind down 65 “Man of ___” (Superman) ness sold 50,000 instruments Gliga agrees that the craft is erything from panpipes and 38 Not mandatory 24 Sturdy furniture material 66 Theatrical trappings – from violins to double an exacting one. lyres to ukeleles, says Nico- 39 Self indulging escapade 25 End product 67 Sitcom role for Nabors basses – only two percent “A high-calibre violin takes lae Bazgan, an engineer by 40 Stirrup’s spot 28 Leather piercer DOWN of them going to Romanian 300 hours of work over the training who has been run- 46 Single-masted vessels 29 Pouring vessel 1 USMA rookie customers. course of a year – and that’s ning the factory for 54 years. 47 Prenuptial agreement? 31 Bit of sunlight 2 Hank, of baseball fame 49 The longest river in France Romania is the EU country after leaving the wood to dry The number of instru- 32 Current units 3 Honored the flag 50 Little wise bird that exports the most violins for five years,” he explains. ments produced by the fac- 35 Punishment’s partner 4 Trueheart of comics 51 Young mare outside the bloc, according That wood must be of the tory during every year of 36 Squid’s weapon 5 Take it to a higher court 52 Conforming to the rules to Eurostat’s 2018 figures. best quality, and Reghin’s operation is meticulously 37 Atlas, encyclopedia or dictionary 6 Second half of an exploring duo 53 Customary habit But like many in his trade, reputation is built in part on recorded in a small note- 41 Bleacher feature 7 Beneficiary 55 Mischief-makers Gliga worries he may be one the ancient maple trees in book: 37 in 1951, 99,000 in 42 Finish in the money 8 Taro corn 9 Mister fix-it, typically 56 Leprechauns’ home of a dying breed. the surrounding forests. 1980, 60,000 in 2019. 43 Who-knows-how-long 57 Exhibit shock For Romania’s renowned “The most prized trees are There were barely 37,000 44 Beverage in a yard 10 Springtime arrival 11 Forming mental images of 58 Breakers’ equipment luthiers – the craftsmen who the flame maples, they grow last year, when pandemic 45 Sunroof option 12 A tray may hold it 59 It may be passed specialise in making stringed wild, shaped by the wind,” restrictions meant the facto- instruments – face a twin says Gliga employee Cristian ry had to stay shut for three Friday’s solution challenge: cheaper competi- Pop. months. tion from abroad and find- But that same wood is also But it has also been a train- ing the next generation of much coveted by violin mak- ing ground for some of the craftsman to carry on ers in China, the world’s city’s best-known luthiers: their tradition. premier exporter of Gliga and Bandila are among musical instruments. those who graduated from ‘There’s no one They buy their Hora to set up their own left’ stocks via local mid- businesses. Virgil Bandila dlemen and then Others how- works at the other sell their finished ever, have end of the scale. articles at a simply emi- In a city where, he higher grated, adding says, “virtually ev- to the worries ery street” has about how long one or two Reghin’s violin- Friday’s solution luthiers making tradition at work, will last. his small Bandila, at workshop least, has some employs cause for opti- seven mism. crafts- “My hope is man. that my son, Last who is study- year, ing violin they pro- making in duced just the UK, will 25 violins, come back to and all of them Reghin and take went to foreign cli- over the business.” AFP 16 THE PHNOM PENH POST february 22, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com Sport Former Italy Osaka wins Open for 4th Grand Slam footballer aomi Osaka, who swept Mauro Bellugi to her fourth Grand Slam title in as many major fi- nals with a 6-4, 6-3 victory passes away Nover Jennifer Brady on February 20, Former Italy and Inter Milan has made a rapid and at times un- defender Mauro Bellugi died comfortable climb to the top. on February 20 aged 71, months The 23-year-old’s zen-like mental- after both his legs were ampu- ity and increased gravitas on and off tated following complications the court have elevated her alongside with coronavirus. Serena Williams to being the one of “Today he leaves us, a great the most recognisable female ath- man, a great footballer, a true letes on the planet. ‘Interista’. Rest in peace, Mauro But it is her unceasing politeness Bellugi,” Inter Milan wrote on away from the battlefield, coupled with Twitter after Bellugi passed the on-court steel that runs through all away in Milan. champions, that makes her stand apart. Doctors were forced to carry “Do you like to be called Jenny or out the double amputation in Jennifer?” she almost timidly asked November when a pre-existing Brady before embarking on her win- condition worsened after the ner’s speech. former defender was hospita- It was typical of Osaka, who also lised following Covid-19. gave a deferential bow to Williams “Exactly one year after the after knocking out her idol and 23- first case of Covid in Italy, time Grand Slam champion in the Mauro Bellugi leaves us,” the semi-final. president of the Lombardy region Attilio Fontana said in New queen a Facebook post on February Osaka will rise to number two in 20. the world when the new rankings are “Scarred by the virus, the Japan’s Naomi Osaka holds the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup trophy after beating Jennifer Brady of the US to win the women’s singles released next week after a polished final match on Day 13of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on Saturday.AFP national and Inter player tried campaign which will reinforce the be- to react to a complicated health lief that she has taken over as the new playing to have fun because I enjoy it.” Once painfully shy and uncomfort- debut at the 2016 Australian Open. situation with his usual strength queen of tennis. But things turned during the pan- able in the spotlight, Osaka used her It took a few years to find her feet and irony. A prayer and a It’s a far cry from a year ago when a demic, when Osaka gained new per- growing stature to weigh in on contro- before she stunned Williams with a thought for his loved ones.” rattled Osaka felt the strain of expecta- spective and became a vocal leader versial topics at Melbourne Park, even straight-sets victory in a controver- Bellugi won the Serie A title tions as her Australian Open title de- in the fight against racial injustice in condemning ex-Tokyo Olympics boss sial 2018 US Open final and backed with Inter in 1971, and also fence fell apart with a shock loss to a 15- the US. Yoshiro Mori for sexist comments. that up with a triumph at Melbourne played for Italy in the World year-old Coco Gauff in the third round. Her increased presence as a cam- Osaka has become the world’s rich- Park just a few months later. Cups of 1974 and 1978. “She looked very nervous to me, paigner for social justice has fuelled est female athlete, overtaking Wil- Osaka, at just 21, powered to world “They took off my leg with she was under pressure, and she only Osaka on court and she now possess- liams, but she’s maintained a humble number one but she felt unfulfilled. which I scored against Borus- looked like that because she was not es a 21-match unbeaten streak after and respectful attitude amid her rise “I think that also put a lot of pressure sia Moenchengladbach,” said expressing her feelings,” her coach winning this final, a run that includ- to stardom. on me because I just felt in a way it was Bellugi at the time of the Wim Fissette said. ed winning last year’s US Open title Born on October 16, 1997 in, Osaka, me against the world,” she said. amputation, speaking about a Weeks later, Osaka was embarrassed for the second time. Japan, a year later her family moved It led to a difficult period where she goal he scored for Inter in the as she won just three games against “I think the thing that I’m most to the US. felt burdened by expectations until second round of the European Spain’s Sara Sorribes Tormo in a Fed proud of is now mentally strong I’ve Her Haitian father Leonard met and heeding a more relaxed demeanour, Cup in November 1971. Cup tie. become,” she said. married her mother Tamaki when he but now she has the tennis world at “I will wear prostheses like “There’s just a lot of stuff that hap- “I used to be really up and down. For decamped to Japan from New York to her feet. those of [Oscar] Pistorius.” pened there, surrounding that time, me, I had a lot of doubts in myself. study. “I used to weigh my entire existence Bellugi, who also played for that it really made me think a lot “I think, the quarantine process and Now based in Florida, Osaka has on if I won or lost a tennis match,” Bologna and Napoli during about my life,” she said. seeing everything that’s going on in dual Japanese-American citizenship. she said. the 1960s and 1970s, went on “What is the reason, I am playing ten- the world, for me it put a lot into per- Osaka developed into a big-stage “That’s just not how I feel any more.” to become a football pundit. nis to prove stuff to other people or am I spective.” player after making her Grand Slam AFP AFP Everton win first at Liverpool since 1999, Chelsea draw

Everton earned their first since Jurgen Klopp’s first season behind the on-loan Schalke the season as the Blues’ domi- shape to help us. I was not hap- the-table Sheffield United 1-0. win at Liverpool since 1999 as in charge five years ago. centre-back and Richarlison nation of the ball created little, py with his body language.” West Brom’s chances of beat- the troubled Premier League The Reds are languishing in ran on to fire an angled drive while one slack moment defen- After losing six consecutive ing the drop are diminishing champions crashed to a 2-0 sixth place and would be five past Alisson Becker. sively cost them two points. league matches for the first after a 0-0 draw at Burnley left defeat in the Merseyside derby, points adrift of the top four if Liverpool then suffered the On-loan Liverpool midfielder time in their history, even a them still 11 points from safety. while Chelsea’s revival under West Ham beat Tottenham. latest in a series of injury blows Takumi Minamino did his par- scrappy point was a welcome Despite Semi Ajayi’s 30th- Thomas Tuchel stalled in a 1-1 “The first goal which we have when captain Jordan Hender- ent club a favour by opening boost for Southampton. minute red card for deliberate draw against Southampton on to defend better gave the direc- son limped off with a groin the scoring with a cool finish At the bottom, Fulham closed handball, the Baggies had the February 20. tion of the game. It was unnec- problem. after sitting down Edouard to within three points of sur- better chances at Turf Moor but Richarlison’s early opener and essary,” said Klopp. “We had to The hosts applied all the Mendy and Cesar Azpilicueta vival thanks to Ademola Look- have won just once in 13 games Gylfi Sigurdsson’s late penalty chase the game and were not pressure in the second half but on 33 minutes. man’s strike to beat bottom-of- under Sam Allardyce. AFP gave the Toffees a first win on calm enough.” they were hit with a sucker Tuchel sent on Callum Hud- any ground over Liverpool in 24 The sting from defeat in the punch seven minutes from son-Odoi for the second half attempts dating back to 2010. 238th Merseyside derby will lin- time when Dominic Calvert- but was less than impressed After a run of 68 league games ger even longer given it was a Lewin was brought down by with the England international unbeaten at Anfield, injury- bad tackle from Everton keeper Trent Alexander-Arnold. as he was replaced just 21 min- ravaged Liverpool have lost Jordan Pickford in their meeting Sigurdsson stroked home the utes later by Hakim Ziyech. their last four on home turf for earlier this season that left Virgil penalty to take Everton level on By that point the visitors were the first time since 1923. van Dijk sidelined ever since points with their local rivals and level as Mason Mount convert- “I’m very pleased for the club with a serious knee injury. with a game in hand to come. ed from the penalty spot after and the supporters. I hope for Without the influential Dutch he had been chopped down by sure that they are going to cel- centre-back, Liverpool have Tuchel targets Hudson-Odoi Danny Ings. ebrate tonight,” said Everton endured a wretched time and Chelsea remain in fourth for now “We brought in Callum Hud- boss Carlo Ancelotti. their defensive flaws were as Tuchel is unbeaten in seven son-Odoi but I was not happy Liverpool have won just two exposed by Everton after just games since replacing the sacked with his attitude, energy and of their last 11 league games to 145 seconds. Frank Lampard last month. counter-pressing. I took him leave them in grave danger of A weak headed Ozan Kabak But the German endured off and we demand 100 per- Liverpool’s midfielder Roberto Firmino (centre) vies for the ball with missing out on Champions clearance fell to James Rod- some of the same frustrations cent,” Tuchel said. Everton’s midfielders Tom Davies (left) and Abdoulaye Doucoure during League football for the first time riguez, who slipped in a pass that Lampard suffered earlier in “I feel he is not in the right the English Premier League football match on Saturday. AFP