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Tuesday, may 5, 2020 Intelligent . In-depth . Independent www.phnompenhpost.com 4000 RIEL In Syria, Farm crayfish easy to ‘bodies dumped’ minister: No feed, worth ‘billions’ in gorge HUMAN Rights Watch plan to reopen Hin Pisei Sakhon’s comment came tus – is easy to feed and has in great demand,” he said. (HRW) on Monday called during a visit to an Austra- a high potential for invest- Crayfish is easy-to-raise for an investigation into a entertainment INISTER of Agri- lian red-claw crayfish farm ment and export. in rice fields and ponds and spectacular gorge in north- culture Veng operated by CAAT in Thnal “There will be a large num- does not die easily and can ern Syria that has been used venues soon Sakhon has Keng village, Trapaing Prasat ber of markets. China exports be moved like crabs. Crayfish as a dumping site for dead national – page 3 urged the Cam- commune, Trapaing Prasat billions of dollars worth of can be raised with just soya- bodies over several years. Mbodia Amazing Aquaculture district, Oddar Meanchey crayfish to the US and Eu- bean, potato, corn, and paddy The 50m-deep hole in a Technological Co Ltd (CAAT) province on Sunday. rope each year. ground together, Sakhon said. desert area of Raqa prov- to expand crayfish farming The minister told The Post “This is the main reason why However, he said raising cray- ince was once controlled from 25ha to 100ha as there is on Monday that crayfish – I want to inspire Cambodians fish also has some challenges, by the Islamic State group, much potential for export to also known by its scientific to raise this kind of crayfish when it still ruled its “ca- international markets. name Cherax quadricarina- because it is easy to feed and Continued – page 7 liphate” straddling swathes of Syria and Iraq. HRW investigated the site since the area was wrested from the jihadists by Kurd- ish-led forces in late 2017 and found that bodies were dumped in the gorge dur- Ministry to give ing, but also after, IS rule. “Al-Hota gorge, once a mining rights beautiful natural site, has be- come a place of horror and for four coal reckoning,” said Sara Kayyali, Syria researcher at HRW. sites in north The sinkhole, whose full business – page 7 depth is not visible from the edge, has always held near- mythical status in the area but was once a popular es- cape where residents would go for family picnics. “Exposing what happened there, and at the other mass graves . . . is crucial to deter- mining what happened to the thousands of people Isis executed and holding their killers to account,” she said. The area around al-Hota is Vn now short of currently controlled by Turk- ish-backed Syrian rebels. workers after It is not known how many bodies were dumped in al- easing social Hota, one of more than 20 mass graves found in areas distancing formerly controlled by IS. WORLD – Page 10 HRW said the existence of the open mass grave came to Virus protection light when an IS fighter took Traditional Thai dancers wearing protective face shields perform at the Erawan shrine, which was reopened after the Thai government relaxed his laptop to a repair shop in measures to combat the spread of the Covid-19 novel coronavirus, in the Thai capital Bangkok on Monday. AFP the town of Tal Abyad. A worker there wanted to expose IS crimes and cop- ied the contents of the lap- top, which included a video showing jihadists throwing PM’s mother-in-law dies at 96 bodies into the pit. HRW flew a drone into Voun Dara children and grandchildren, mother and great-grandmoth- in Village 2, Roka Khnor com- the gorge and spotted sev- Kri Touch and Try Ngov Nam er,” the announcement said. mune, Kroch Chhmar District, eral bodies floating in the Yugoslavia’s PRIME Minister Hun Sen’s and their children and grand- It said Seangly’s remains are Tbong Khmum province. water filling the deepest mother-in-law, Bun Seangly, children, Bun Rany Hun Sen being kept at Prime Minister The seven-day ceremony will section of the sinkhole. Tito remains a passed away at 2:12am on and her husband, Hun Sen and Hun Sen’s residence in Chak- be held on May 9 starting from “Based on the state of de- Monday at the Prime Minis- their children and grandchil- tomuk commune, Daun Penh 2:00pm at the residence located composition, the bodies deep mystery ter’s residence in Phnom Penh, dren, Bun Sotha and her hus- district, Phnom Penh on May in Village 2, Rokar Khnor Com- were dumped there long af- according to a Facebook band Tan Panhavuth and their 4-5 for a Buddhist ceremony. mune, Kroch Chhmar District, ter Isis had left the area. The after 40 years announcement. She was 96. children and grandchildren, On May 6 at 7:18am, a funer- Tbong Khmum province. identities of those victims “Bun Samlen and her hus- are mourning Bun Seangly as a al procession will depart from and their causes of death re- lifestyle – page 13 band, Kim Touch, and their mother, mother-in-law, grand- Hun Sen’s villa to the burial site Continued – page 5 main unknown,” it said. AFP

THE PHNOM PENH POST Halo clears 30,000 mines, Business News recruits 120 new deminers Inside page 4 2 THE PHNOM PENH POST may 5, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com National India aids Kingdom’s fight against Covid-19

Phuon Chansereivuth The authorities have said around 30,000 factory work- N A bid to assist the Cam- ers throughout the country bodian government in went on leave during the holi- the fight against Covid- days, despite a government- 19, the Indian embassy in imposed travel ban during the IPhnom Penh on Monday do- period to prevent a coronavi- nated protective supplies to rus spread in communities. the Chey Chumneas Referral Of the number, around Hospital in Kandal province. 15,000 are in Phnom Penh, The supplies were handed though the Ministry of Labour over by Indian ambassador to and Vocational Training said Cambodia Manika Jain. only around 5,000 of them had She said India has contin- returned to work after being ued to provide aid to Cambo- cleared of Covid-19 following dia since the 1980s and was tests and quarantine. among the first diplomatic It said the remaining work- missions to have re-estab- ers did not return either be- lished contact with the King- cause their factories have dom in the immediate after- suspended operations or they math of the Khmer Rouge. turn to agricultural jobs as the “In the health sector, India rainy season approaches. donated a shipload of medi- The Ministry of Interior said cal supplies worth $200,000 in there were around 90,000 mi- 1985-86, most of which are still grant workers returning to the in use at the Chey Chumneas Kingdom after migrant-receiv- Referral Hospital until now. ing countries shut their borders “Through the embassy, amid the Covid-19 pandemic. the hospital has developed a Indian ambassador Monika Jain (centre) poses with embassy and hospital officials, and the donated supplies.Ind ian embassy The hospital said the dona- unique relationship and en- tion of protective supplies and during partnership with the The Indian government, she ated by the Indian embassy in Centre for Child and Adoles- Today, armed with medical other materials from the In- Indian government,” she said. said, also provided capacity Phnom Penh, India also built cent Mental Health (Caritas- staff that have been trained at dian government would be of Jain said during the United building training to Cambo- a multi-specialty unit to pro- CCAMH) in October 1996, has numerous prestigious Indian great significance as they fulfill Nations Transitional Author- dian healthcare profession- vide comprehensive services helped develop infrastructure universities, the hospital has the needs of its health care pro- ity in Cambodia (UNTAC) pe- als through the International for children with neurodevel- and capacity building for been tasked with testing, iso- fessionals amid the pandemic. riod, India sent three doctors Technical Exchange Co-oper- opmental and mental health Caritas-CCAMH staff, making lating, quarantining and pro- As of Monday, only two out to assist the hospital’s medi- ation (ITEC) programme. problems,” she said. it a premier institution that viding other essential services of a total of 122 Covid-19 pa- cal staff in treating patients in “In 2013, with the support Dr J Bhoomikumar, a pedia- provides quality medical care to returning migrant workers tients remained hospitalised, general medicine, maternity of the India Brazil South Af- trician and child psychiatrist for neurodevelopmental and and those who took time off with no new case reported in and mental health. rica (IBSA) Trust Fund initi- from India who joined the psychological problems. during Khmer New Year. the last three weeks. Police detain son for assault on parents, elderly neighbour Kim Sarom plaint on the parents’ behalf. return the suspect, he would District police chief Men not regret his actions and he KANDAL Stung district police Chanrith identified Dara’s par- won’t stop committing vio- officers in Kandal province are ents as Soem Chenda, 51, and lence. We haven’t checked for questioning 21-year-old Run her husband Brok Sarin, 52. drug substances in his urine Dara after he allegedly attacked District police will question yet,” Chanrith said. his parents with a brick, caus- Dara before deciding to send Commune police chief ing serious injuries, and kicked him to the provincial police Pring Ratha told The Post on open a door which injured his office for further action. “If Monday that according to neighbour on Sunday in Boe- we properly enforce the law, it witnesses and neighbours, ung Khyang commune. could deter Dara from commit- Dara is a school dropout and Police were alerted to the inci- ting further acts of violence. doesn’t have a specific job. dent after relatives filed a com- “But if the parents ask us to Ratha further quoted them as saying that the suspect Rangers around Prey Lang Sanctuary had a busy weeekend protecting the area. environment ministry regularly drinks alcohol and when inebriated, he often in- cites family arguments. Environment rangers According to their accounts, Dara sometimes destroyed property but his parents nev- er reprimanded him because grab two for felling trees they were afraid that he would destroy more property. Ry Sochan area. “They are still being It said rangers spotted a sus- Ratha said Dara had drunk questioned,” he said. pect attempting to take cement alcohol on the day of the in- KAMPONG Thom provincial The rangers also found a pile poles to plant on a site in To cident and returned home rangers arrested two suspects of wood where the perpetra- Toeung Thgnai village, Boeung to ask his siblings for money, on Saturday as they were fell- tors were hiding, according to Touk commune, Teuk Chhou which they refused. ing trees and about to clear the Facebook post. The evi- district in Preah Monivong The suspect then allegedly some 5ha at the Prey Lang dence was taken to the ranger Bokor National Park. hit Sarin with a brick while Wildlife Sanctuary, said the headquarters. The perpetrator confessed he was sleeping, causing an Ministry of Environment. The ministry Facebook post that he was a hired worker and open wound. A ministry Facebook post on also said on Monday that rangers the rangers let him sign an After the initial attack on his fa- Sunday said: “The rangers were had confiscated a chainsaw in agreement promising to stop ther, Dara allegedly hit Chenda, patrolling an area of O’Antrork the Trapaing Khna Taplong area his activities. causing injuries to her face and and found two suspects felling in Srayung village, Srayung com- Four rangers on Friday in the head before she escaped to the trees with chain saws, intend- mune, Kulen district, Preah Kulen Prum Tep Wildlife Sanc- neighbour’s house, Ratha said. ing to clear about 5ha. Vihear province during a patrol. tuary found people from Tmat “According to his sibling, “The rangers immediately At the same time, the rangers Pery village, Pring Thom com- Dara is always like that when arrested the suspects and sent spotted villagers bringing mune, Choam Ksan district, he is drunk,” Ratha said. them to the provincial envi- chainsaws into a protected Preah Vihear province, digging He said when Chenda es- ronment department for ques- area in O’Phor village, Romny to plant a fence to take owner- caped to the neighbour’s tioning with a view to send commune, Rovieng district, in ship of the land. house, Dara followed her with them to the provincial court.” the same province, and confis- The ministry said the rangers an axe and kicked open the Kampong Thom provincial cated them. instructed them to stop build- kitchen door, which fell on 60- environment department The ministry Facebook post ing it. Currently, the ministry year-old Kim Vanny causing director Tob Kakada told The said on Saturday, rangers manages and conserves 60 pro- injuries to her face and head. Post on Monday that the two stopped five suspects and had tected areas on more than 7.2 Police confiscated the axe and suspects had illegally them sign agreements to stop million hectares of territory. It are holding it as evidence. encroached on the protected their attempts to fell trees. employs 1,260 rangers. THE PHNOM PENH POST may 5, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 3 National Council member booted by Hun Sen Khorn Savi were being confined. But provincial officials denied KHMER Rise Party president Vathana Sabung’s accusation Sok Sovann Vathana Sabung on the confinement. The Min- has been removed from the istry of Environment also is- Supreme Council for Consul- sued a press statement regard- tation and Recommendations ing Vathana Sabung’s actions. with effect from Monday. The ministry said he did not His membership was end- understand the process and ed by acting head of state had shown arrogance and in- Say Chhum at the request of sulted the authorities without Prime Minister Hun Sen. any proof. Vathana Sabung told The Cambodian Youth Party Post that he is unaware as to (CYP) president Pich Sros why Hun Sen requested his who is also a Supreme Coun- removal from the Council. cil for Consultation and Rec- However, the move comes ommendations member, said after Vathana Sabung recent- he had no opinion on Vathana ly went to investigate a land Sabung’s removal as his ap- conflict in Prey Nob district, pointment was at the discre- Preah Sihanouk province, tion of the Prime Minister. where he confronted provin- However, Sros said the sack- Two Cambodian import companies were caught trading their rights to import pigs to a trader named Loem Sophal . supplied cial authorities. ing was not a warning to other “This is the right of the Prime members of the body because Minister. He thinks that I am each fulfilled his respective not qualified to be a member tasks responsibly. of the Council. He was the one “It is not a warning because Pig traders caught skirting who appointed me. each delegate takes responsi- “When he has any negative bility for his actions,” he said. thoughts about me, he can end Former Cambodia National my position. I will still continue Rescue Party lawmaker Ou the system, trading rights my work according to my tasks Chanroth said members of and duties,” he said. the Council had worked hard Khouth Sophak Chakrya their contract. Chan Thet further said the Sophal denied wanting to Government spokesperson to fulfil their tasks, but it is President of the Cambodia association had supported the have exclusive rights to im- Phay Siphan could not be inefficient in serving the peo- HE Ministry of Ag- Pig Supply Association Sann ministry’s move against the porting pigs from neighbour- reached for comment. ple’s interests as its power was riculture, Forestry Chan Thet told The Post on two offending companies. ing countries. On Sunday, Vathana Sabung not given by voters. and Fisheries has Monday that after receiving “Our association found evi- “The ministry will continue claimed an area in Siha- “I don’t believe the local au- suspended two pig- complaints about the two dence that 3-TH Agri Devel- checking it and take legal ac- noukville’s Prey Nob district thorities respect the compe- importingT companies which companies, the association opment transferred its right to tion,” Vuthy said, adding that was a secessionist area. This tence of the Council because I violated their contracts by investigated and discovered import 250 live pigs from Thai- seven companies are permit- came after some private se- believe power is in the hands of transferring their trading that they had illegally trans- land to a trader named Loem ted to import live pigs from curity guards had blocked the government and the com- rights to other companies. ferred their rights to a trader. Sophal. So, the ministry should neighbouring countries to him from going to where he petent officials are also under The two suspended com- “According to ministry take legal action against this supply the domestic market. had been informed people the government,” he said. panies are Chanthou Mean guidelines, companies which company,” he said. The ministry recently de- Chey Import Export and 3-TH have attained rights to import Sophal wrote a letter on cided to reduce pig imports Agri Development. live pigs from neighbouring Sunday acknowledging that by 70 per cent from all legal “They repeatedly violated countries are not allowed to he had imported 550 live pigs companies and advised them their contracts and were not transfer those rights to others. from Thailand. to not sell their rights to other deterred by the fines imposed “This case makes some He said 250 of the pigs were companies to avoid conta- on them,” ministry spokes- members of our association imported through rights ob- gious diseases. person Srey Vuthy said. worried because they think tained by 3-TH Agri Devel- If the two companies con- Vuthy said they transferred that the trader is harbouring opment while the remaining tinue selling their rights, the their importing rights to the ambition to import live 300 pigs through the rights ministry will take further other entities and imported pigs from Thailand exclusive- of Chanthou Meanchey Im- legal action against them, more pigs than allowed by ly,” he said. port Export. Vuthy said. No plan to reopen entertainment venues now, health minister says

Long Kimmarita ment ordered KTVs closed in March. The same went for cin- THE Ministry of Health is still emas, schools, clubs and some not clear about a plan to re- other public places without a open some business, particu- timeline for reopening. larly KTVs, which were closed World Health Organisation because of Covid-19. Even (WHO) director in Cambodia though the situation appears Dr Li Alian recently said at a to be under control, the min- press conference that under istry is asking citizens to be the circumstances, it is a bad patient a little longer. time for Cambodia to allow the At a weekly press conference reopening of some businesses on Monday, Minister of Health and other public places. Mam Bun Heng did not provide She used the example of a clear timeframe for the open- KTVs, which she considers ing of business such as KTVs, the most dangerous places museums, other public enter- for Covid-19. tainment venues and schools. “Opening businesses is a “KTV means Karaoke, right? Minister of Health Mam Bun Heng says Karaoke clubs are not worth decision for the government, I also want to go but frankly dying over. hong menea business owners and staff. speaking, I’m afraid of dy- What I want to clarify is that ing. It is not the right time [to families. “It is better than go- careful and patient,” he said. this virus can infect places with open businesses] and I don’t ing to a KTV which can be in- Bun Heng also advised insufficient air circulation, es- know how other countries do fected with Covid-19. against drinking at this time. pecially crowded places like it,” Bun Heng said. “If we don’t have [Karaoke] “If we don’t drink alcohol, we KTVs that are high risk”. He noted that many of the we won’t die. Please forgive still can survive. We have to The ministry said as of other countries in the region had me, I’m speaking honestly. As work together,” he said. Monday, Cambodia does not more patients and more dead. I said, we have to be careful at Cambodia, he said, still have any new cases of Covid- The minister also encour- this point. I understand that if faced the possibility of a new 19. Of the 122 patients who aged citizens who like to sing we are negligent, it can bring explosion of cases if a vaccina- had tested positive, 120 have to do so at home with their new cases. So, we have to be tion isn’t found. The govern- recovered, it said. 4 THE PHNOM PENH POST may 5, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com National ANA to plant 110,000 Halo recruits 120 deminers new trees in Angkor Voun Dara Voun Dara the dry season, our team will RITISH demining water the trees to make sure group Halo Trust THE Apsara National Author- that they grow well. Cambodia recently ity (ANA) will plant 110,000 “Trees are considered an in- achieved a milestone trees in the Angkor area this tegral part of maintaining and ofB having destroyed a total of year to improve the natural increasing the value of the 300,000 landmines. It also an- beauty of the region and pro- Angkor World Heritage Site. nounced it has recruited 120 vide environmental benefits. “They play an important new deminers in the north- Last year, 70,000 trees were role in collecting water, con- western provinces of the grown for the project, accord- servation, and supporting country. ing to ANA spokesman Long peoples’ livelihoods. They also Its country director Lasha Kosal. decrease wind speed and cut Lomidze said: “Despite the The trees will be taken from down the damage done to the many challenges presented four different plantations – temple’s stones,” Kosal said. by the Covid-19 pandemic, VIII Hectares, Takeo Temple, ANA’s Department of Forestry, Halo Cambodia expanded last Mondol III and Balloon. Cultural Landscapes and Envi- week with the recruitment of The type of trees will vary, ronment will plant the trees this 120 new deminers to clear from first, second and third- rainy season, he added. mines and explosive ordnanc- grade trees to ornamental The department’s techni- es in north-west provinces of and fruit trees. cal director Ley Kimsy is in Cambodia. “During the rainy season, charge of the project. “If the “This brings Halo’s total when tourists come to visit Covid-19 situation gets better, number of staff in Cambo- Angkor, they will see the green- we will host a major event,” dia to 1,150. The recruitment ness of the trees, and during he said. drive comes following the Halo Trust Cambodia recently hit a milestone of having destroyed a total of 300,000 landmines and is seeking to recruit 120 new deminers in the northwestern provinces of the country. halo trust cambodia achievement of a major mile- stone for Halo – the destruc- leadership of the Cambodian calls from communities who secretary-general Ly Thuch tion of 300,000 landmines.” Mine Action and Victim Assis- have found explosives. said mine and explosive ord- The new recruits began a tance Authority (CMAA), will To date, Halo has responded nance clearance in Cambodia three-week training course on tackle the regions most affected to 26,443 community calls and faces financial and human re- Monday which will provide by landmines in the Kingdom. destroyed 63,000 landmines. source shortages despite the them with the knowledge and Lomidze said since 1991, It has also cleared 163,000 ex- US recently providing it with skills to safely and efficiently Halo has cleared 4,394 mine- plosive remnants of war such $2 million in funding. detect and clear landmines. fields and released 339sq km as mortars, rockets and gre- Most of the 2,500 CMAA of- After completing the train- of land back to communities. nades, Lomidze said. ficers working in mine clear- ing later this month, the de- Some 70 per cent of the “These types of explosives ance are elderly and some of miners will form new sections cleared land is used for agricul- continue to cause a high num- them have illnesses which and join Halo’s operations in tural purposes to grow crops ber of accidents every year in make it impossible for them northwestern Cambodia. such as cassava, mangoes and Cambodia. It is very important to work, he said. He said the new jobs were rice, which creates more op- that people report such explo- Landmines were laid exten- made possible by generous portunities for farmers. sives to the authorities and or- sively during Cambodia’s 20- funding from the UK, US, Ire- In addition to clearing the ganisations like Halo,” he said. year conflict making the country land, Germany and Switzer- landmines, Halo deploys high- Senior minister in charge of one of the most mine-affected The type of trees will vary, from first, second and third-grade trees to land, and that Halo, under the ly trained teams to respond to Special Missions and CMAA countries in the world. ornamental and fruit trees. apsara national authority THE PHNOM PENH POST may 5, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 5 National Ministry to warn Hanshin Stranded fisherman will stay in Malaysia, Engineering for faulty roads inmates shall return Voun Dara Long Kimmarita the embassy said Malaysia had allowed Cambodians and INISTER of Public MINISTER of Health Mam other stranded foreigners to Works and Trans- Bun Heng said the 149 Cam- prolong their stay without be- port Sun Chan- bodian fishermen who were ing fined or blacklisted. thol will send a stranded in Malaysia amid It said foreigners whose visa Mwarning letter to South Korea’s the Covid-19 pandemic will expires from January 1 could do Hanshin Engineering and Con- not return home as documen- so until Malaysia lifted the lock- struction Co Ltd, which is re- tation is being prepared for downs and would be allowed to sponsible for building National them to work there legally. depart within 14 days. Roads 2 and 22 from Phnom He said the Cambodian Foreigners whose extended Penh to Takeo province after he embassy in Malaysia is also visa expires from February 1 found it to be behind schedule working with its counterpart could have it renewed at the and having technical errors. to repatriate 73 Cambodian nearest immigration office “I didn’t tell anyone that I had prisoners from there. within a maximum of 30 days. gone down to check National Speaking during a press Ministry of Foreign Affairs Roads 2 and 22 last Sunday ex- cept two of my technicians. The fishermen no longer want “Having checked it, we saw [the mistakes]. The company to come to Cambodia for fear [Hanshin] which was entitled to build the roads from Phnom of losing their jobs. They are Penh to Takeo has only two now willing to stay pieces of machinery. No one has ever done the work on Na- conference on Monday, Bun spokesperson Koy Kuong tional Roads 2 and 22,” he said. Minister Sun Chanthol inspected Hanshin’s work with the help of a specialised machine. public works ministry Heng said the repatriation could not be reached for He said if he had not checked was postponed after Malaysia comment on Monday. the roads, no one would have tablish a timeline for it to fix the the ministry had ordered them nies to build roads according shut down its airports to con- In late April, Prime Min- known about their inadequa- errors. If they fail to solve them, to be rebuilt. to the technical standards. tain the pandemic. ister Hun Sen said the gov- cies, and that when the com- it will have a problem with the He emphasised that any “When roads are damaged, “The fishermen no longer ernment would welcome the pany was asked about its lack Ministry of Public Works and company which builds roads I repair them. I don’t want to want to come to Cambodia for return of the fishermen and of progress, it said the machin- Transport,” he warned. improperly will be required to make repairs on my roads. fear of losing their jobs. They inmates once Malaysia lifts ery operators were busy. Chanthol reminded officials rebuild them and referenced Try to build them well fol- are now willing to stay there to its travel ban. When Chanthol inspected that previously, the company past examples, including lowing proper technical stan- earn a living. For the inmates’ “Thank you for your under- some of Hanshin’s work with a had been charged with building the initially poor construc- dards,” he said. [repatriation], our embassy is standing. We all, both at home specialised machine, he found roads from Skun village in Ch- tion of National Road 21 from He also said the ministry had working on it,” he said. and abroad, must remain vigi- that they were not built to the eung Prey district in Kampong Takhmao town to Koh Thom removed eight Hanshin tech- He said a notice of their re- lant. It’s best to avoid importing correct specifications. Cham province, to Siem Reap. district in Kandal province. nical inspectors because they turn will be made public when the contagious disease from “I will write a formal warning He said these roads had also “But I don’t want to have it had not inspected the roads an exact date has been set. abroad and person-to-person letter to the company and es- not been built correctly and like that. I want those compa- properly. In its notice on Monday, transmission,” he said. Red Cross pens prison guide

Khorn Savi tor-general Chan Kimseng. aid to the General Department Girier Ambeckov said the of Prisons and the booklets THE International Committee purpose is to support the Gen- serve an important tool to edu- of the Red Cross (ICRC) on eral Department of Prisons to cate foreign detainees about Sunday handed out 1,200 facilitate the foreign prisoners, Cambodia’s prisons. booklets outlining internal which make up about five per Kimseng said: “One of the regulations of the General cent of the total prison popu- purposes which we have tried Department of Prisons. lation in Cambodia. to achieve in the last two years The booklets are in four lan- It is also to help prisoners is to translate important docu- guages – Vietnamese, Thai, Chi- understand the law and regu- ments for foreign prisoners. nese and English – and intended lations while imprisoned in I’m pleased that everybody as a guide for detainees on the Cambodia. can understand the law and rules of prison life in the King- “Foreign prisoners are classi- prison regulations.” dom and their rights, said an fied as vulnerable due to many In this last few weeks, ICRC ICRC press release. The booklets factors, particularly language also supported the General will be distributed to all 28 pris- barriers. Because of this, the Department of Prisons in terms ons across Cambodia. group shall be considered as of preventing the spread of The handover ceremony took special, just like women, minors, Covid-19 by providing hygiene place at the General Depart- the elderly and the disabled,” facilities, hygienic healthcare ment of Prisons and was Girier Ambeckov said. and training that included attended by ICRC deputy pris- The General Department of cleaning with chlorine, check- on project coordinator Jing Prisons posted Kimseng’s ing for Covid-19 symptoms and Girier Ambeckov and General speech on Facebook. In it, he reporting potential patients to Department of Prisons direc- said the ICRC always gives direct prison staff. Officials mourn Bun Seangly Continued from page 1 Seangly married Lin Kry in dened about the loss of Bun 1943 in Rokar Khnor com- Seangly, your mother-in-law A video biography of Sean- mune, Kroch Chhmar district, and mother of Bun Rany Hun gly, published by Fresh News Kampong Cham province. Sen, president of the Cambo- on Monday, said she was born They had five children – three dian Red Cross. to Ok Bun and Nai Huy on daughters and two sons. Sokha said Seangly’s death May 4, 1925. Her family were Upon hearing the news, represented the loss of a moth- farmers in Koh Beipey village, many government officials er and grandmother and a Koh Pi commune, Kroch Chh- from all levels across the great person who nurtured, mar district, Kampong Cham country sent condolence nourished and disciplined her province. messages to the family, children in a great manner. Seangly was the second including former CNRP pres- “In this sad time, my wife daughter among four siblings ident Kem Sokha who sent a and I wish to extend our – three daughters and a son. message of condolence to heartfelt condolences to Sam- The video said when she was Prime Minister Hun Sen and dech Hun Sen, Bun Rany and a child, she didn’t attend school his wife. your children and grandchil- but spent her childhood help- “Dear Samdech, my wife and dren with great sadness,” he ing her parents on the farm. I are deeply sorry and sad- said. 6 THE PHNOM PENH POST may 5, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com Business

USD / KHR USD / CAD USD / CNY USD / JPY USD / MYR USD / SGD USD / THB AUD / USD EUR / USD GBP / USD 4,100 1.4108 7.0622 106.76 4.3145 1.4162 32.42 0.6415 1.0940 1.2439 Philippines spending less on virus control FOREIGN banks and think sia to “face tighter fiscal con- tanks have deemed the Phil- straints in the aftermath”. ippines’ fiscal response to the It said the Philippines might Covid-19 pandemic as low have to defer its “Build, Build, compared to other countries Build” programme and increase in Southeast Asia and emerg- taxes “in the next year or two”. ing market peers. Deficit was seen to widen to They see a likely need to in- 990 billion pesos or 5.3 per cent crease taxes and defer infra- of GDP, “leaving little room for structure building to raise more infrastructure investment”, funds to fight the disease. said the Maybank report. In an April 30 report, Oxford It said while the Philippine Economics’s Gabriel Sterne in- government was planning to cluded the Philippines among spend more than one trillion “under-spenders” in the fight pesos this year on construction against Covid-19. projects, President Rodrigo Du- Economies “with low vul- terte had expressed willingness nerabilities and low direct to drop infrastructure projects measures” also included Co- this year to free up more funds lombia, United Arab Emirates for Covid-19 response. and Mexico, said Oxford Eco- The Maybank report also nomics, based in the UK. cited an April 8 interview with Oxford Economics’ estimates Secretary of Finance Carlos G showed that the Philippines’ Dominguez III by US business fiscal measures against the so- news channel CNBC during cioeconomic fallout caused by which he said raising taxes will the pandemic were equivalent be done “not immediately”. to about two per cent of gross “But certainly down the Cambodia exported 300,252 tonnes of rice to the international market in the first four months of this year – equivalent to $210 million – the domestic product (GDP). road. I think maybe, in a highest export volume in the past decade. hong menea In a separate May 1 report, year or two, that might be re- Maybank Kim Eng placed Phil- quired,” Dominguez said in ippine direct fiscal support for that interview. the fight against Covid-19 at Meanwhile, data compiled CRF asks ministry for $30M just 1.4 per cent of GDP. by Asian Development Bank “Fiscal responses from ASE- (ADB) economists as of April AN governments have been un- 20 showed that the Philip- precedented, both in terms of pines spent $154.39 (P7,797) magnitude and speed,” said the per person in its response to increase to purchase paddy Maybank report. “However, not the Covid-19 pandemic, the all fiscal stimuli look the same.” fourth smallest budget among Thou Vireak He said the additional budget pack- tonnes in 2015, 542,144 tonnes in 2016, It added that “differences in Southeast Asian nations. age from government would be ready 635,679 tonnes in 2017, 626,225 tonnes in fiscal balance sheet and self- The Philippine per capita bud- HE Cambodia Rice Federation for the harvest season, and that it would 2018 and 620,106 tonnes last year. imposed fiscal limits” caused get surpassed only that of Cam- (CRF) has asked the Ministry of improve the efficiency of stockpiles and Cambodia exported 300,252 tonnes of “wide variation in the size of bodia (at $127.39), Myanmar (at Economy and Finance to disburse prevent rice prices from falling. rice to the international market in the budget response”. $1.33) and Laos (at $0.16). an additional $30 million through “By our estimates, paddy output in the first four months of this year – equiva- Fiscal responses have been The ADB data also showed theT state-owned Agricultural and Rural coming season will be between 800,000 lent to $210 million – the highest export large in Singapore (12.8 per that Singapore has the big- Development Bank (ARDB), its president and one million tonnes, so we need the volume in the past decade, the CRF said cent of GDP) and Thailand (14 gest per capita allocation of Song Saran told The Post on Monday. additional $30 million through the ARDB in a report. per cent), but are strikingly low $7,515.16, followed by Thailand This comes as it prepares to purchase to provide rice millers the chance to pur- The export volume is 40.46 per cent in the Philippines (3.5 per cent) ($1,009.33), Malaysia ($990.06), about one million tonnes of paddy dur- chase farmers’ entire stocks.” over the 213,763 tonnes reported in the and Indonesia (2.8 per cent), Brunei ($411.87), Vietnam ing the upcoming harvest season. ARDB director-general Kao Thach said same period last year, it said. said the report, written by ($242.75), Indonesia ($213.33) In a meeting with Minister Aun Porn- he had not yet received an official re- China accounted for 41 per cent of ex- Maybank analysts Chua Hak and Timor Leste ($197.17). moniroth last week, the CRF asked to quest from the CRF. ports or 122,094 tonnes, the EU and the Bin, Lee Ju Ye and Linda Liu. Although the Philippines increase the budget dedicated to helping In August 2010, the government pledged UK 32 per cent or 97,337 tonnes, ASEAN “Headline numbers for fiscal has a war chest of 834.9 billion the sector by $30 million from the current to export one million tonnes of rice by countries 13 per cent or 37,428 tonnes programmes look exceptional- pesos across five measures to $50 million, which would bring its avail- 2015. However, the Kingdom exported and other countries 14 per cent or 43,339 ly large for some countries like contain the pandemic – the able funds to $200 million, said Saran. 387,000 tonnes of rice in 2014, 538,396 tonnes. Malaysia [17 per cent of GDP] sixth biggest in the region – di- and Thailand [14 per cent]. viding the amount among an “But figures are flattened by estimated 106.7 million Filipi- loan moratoriums, govern- nos, which was its population ment loan schemes and relax- as of 2018, has shrunk the per ation of pension withdrawal capita budget considerably. Siam Cement Group reports slow Q1 rules,” it said. Thailand has the biggest Not including non-budget Covid-19 budget at $70.1 bil- May Kunmakara turing businesses. global economies are being the impact made by the pan- items, it said direct fiscal sup- lion, followed by Indonesia’s “To ensure the company’s affected by the ongoing pan- demic, data from the Ministry port was highest in Singapore $57.1 billion, Singapore’s $42.4 THAI-LISTED construction operation and production demic, which has created a of Commerce shows. (8.1 per cent of GDP), Thailand billion, Malaysia’s $31.2 billion materials producer Siam Ce- during the Covid-19 pandem- hostile work environment. Broken down by category, (5.8 per cent), Vietnam (3.6 and Vietnam’s $23.2 billion. ment Group Pcl (SCG) on Mon- ic, SCG has put full-blown “The company has a strong the Kingdom imported 100,440 per cent) followed by Malaysia At the bottom of the list are day reported slow growth in business continuity manage- dedication to proactively and tonnes of steel worth $66.83 (1.9 per cent), the Philippines Cambodia ($2.1 billion), East the Cambodian construction ment measures into practice. promptly keeping the busi- million, cement (384,609 (1.4 per cent) and Indonesia Timor ($250 million), Brunei market during the first quarter “Moreover, protecting the ness up and running with tonnes / $24.57 million) and (one per cent). Darussalam ($176.7 million), (Q1) of this year as the Covid-19 health and wellbeing of all a solid business continuity construction equipment In the Philippines, bulk of di- Myanmar ($71.5 million) and outbreak hammers the sector. stakeholders is our utmost management plan, along (394,346 tonnes / $226.34 mil- rect assistance goes to house- Laos ($1.1 million). SCG’s Q1 financial report priority during the pandemic. with an intensive prepared lion), data from the Depart- holds with 200 billion pesos The ADB’s Covid-19 policy shows that it owned 1,518 bil- “SCG has implemented so- disruption response plan and ment of Planning Statistics and ($4.0 billion) or 1.1 per cent of database showed that the Phil- lion riel ($380 million) worth of cial distancing and leveraged strict adherence to the gov- Trade Information under the GDP earmarked for cash aid of ippines spent its war chest on assets in Cambodia, a year-on- digital infrastructure includ- ernment’s health and safety ministry’s General Department 5,000 to 8,000 pesos for 18 mil- measures intended to provide year increase of five per cent. ing cloud-based tools to as- measures,” he said. of Domestic Trade shows. lion low-income households. liquidity, encourage credit cre- Q1 sales increased seven sist employees while working Cambodia imported The Kingdom imported Support for businesses, the ation by the financial sector, and per cent year-on-year to 272 from home,” the company 879,394 tonnes of building 4,667,077 tonnes of building report noted, “is relatively directly fund households, busi- billion riel, which includes said in the report. materials worth $317.74 mil- materials worth $1.70 billion last small at 0.2 per cent of GDP”. nesses, and local governments sales from its cement and President and CEO Roon- lion in Q1 to help stabilise the year, up from 3,181,142 tonnes Maybank said it expected amid the pandemic. PHILIPPINE building materials manufac- grote Rangsiyopash said industry in anticipation of worth $1.07 billion in 2018. the Philippines and Indone- DAILY INQUIRER/ASIA NEWS NETWORK THE PHNOM PENH POST may 5, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 7 Business Vietnam’s exports surge in four months despite virus VIETNAM’S export value saw a year-on-year increase of nearly five per cent to an estimated $82.94 billion in the first four months of this year despite the Covid-19 pandemic, the General Sta- tistics Office (GSO) said in a monthly report. Domestic companies generated $26.45 bil- lion from exports during the period, rising 12 per cent year-on-year and making up 32 per cent of the country’s total export earnings, said the report. Meanwhile, exports of foreign-in- vested firms hit $56.49 billion, up 1.5 per cent and making up 68 per cent of the total. Fifteen groups of products recorded an export value of over $1 billion or equivalent to 80 per cent of the nation’s four-month total earnings. Vietnam’s export value increased nearly five per cent Of these, phones and parts earned the largest year-on-year to an estimated $82.94 billion in the export turnover with $16.2 billion, up 1.1 per first four months. VIETNAM NEWS AGENCY/VIET NAM NEWS cent year-on-year and accounting for 19.5 per billion on imports, up one per cent year-on-year cent of the total exports. while foreign-invested companies saw a yearly Electronics, computers and components turnover rise of three per cent to $46.31 billion. came next with $12.4 billion, up 29 per cent Electronics, computers and components year-on-year, followed by textile and garments accounted for 22 per cent of the nation’s four- ($8.9 billion, down six per cent); equipment month imports at $17.8 billion, up 13 per cent and parts ($6.9 billion, up 30 per cent); and over the same period last year. The four coal mining concession areas total 794sq km and are located in the Kingdom’s north. AFP footwear ($5.5 billion, up 1.3 per cent). Among others were machinery, equipment Other staples with high export value includ- and parts at $11.5 billion, down 0.1 per cent; ed wood and wooden products ($3.4 billion, up telephones and parts ($4.3 billion, up 12 per 10 per cent); transportation vehicles ($2.7 bil- cent); cloth ($3.6 billion, down 11 per cent); lion, down four per cent); seafood ($2.2 billion, steel and iron ($2.9 billion, down 6.5 per cent); Ministry to give mining down 8.5 per cent); plastic-made goods ($1.1 automotive ($1.9 billion, down 23 per cent) and billion, up 1.3 per cent) and products made of crude oil ($1.8 billion, up 35 per cent). steel and iron ($1.03 billion, up two per cent). China was Vietnam’s largest supplier, selling From January to April, the US remained Viet- $22.7 billion worth of goods to Vietnam, down rights for four coal sites nam’s biggest export market, spending $20.3 0.1 per cent year-on-year. South Korea ranked billion on Vietnamese goods, a yearly hike of second by shipping $15.5 billion worth of goods Thou Vireak He said the ministry previ- Choam Ksan district. 13.4 per cent. It was followed by China with to Vietnam, up three per cent year-on-year, ously granted a licence to a The remaining areas are $13.1 billion, up 27 per cent; the EU with $10.7 followed by ASEAN countries with $9.9 billion, HE Ministry of Mines private company for one of 200sq km each and are locat- billion, down 8.1 per cent and ASEAN nations down eight per cent. and Energy is set to the areas – a 200sq km site in ed in Mondulkiri province’s with $8.2 billion, down 3.4 per cent. Vietnam’s trade surplus narrowed to $3 bil- review applications the Trapaing Tiem area in Od- Pech Chreada district. Per the report, the country’s imports expanded lion in January-April from the $3.74 billion soon for rights to dar Meanchey province’s Tra- Monirath said: “So far, the 2.1 per cent year-on-year to an estimated $79.89 recorded at the end of the first quarter. VIET NAM fourT coal mining concession paing Prasat districts. ministry has received four of billion in the period. Domestic firms spent $33.6 NEWS/ASIA NEWS NETWORK areas – totalling 794sq km – it The company did not dis- five applications for mining opened late in March in the cover mineral resources and licences in the four conces- Kingdom’s north. the ministry decided not to sion areas. The ministry will “Interested national and renew its licence, he said. hold a review meeting the ap- international companies can However, he said, by re- plications next week.” apply for a mining licence at opening the mining conces- He said the ministry has is- the General Department of sion area, the ministry aims sued 40 metal exploration li- Mineral Resources,” it said in a to give another business the cences throughout Cambodia. press release, adding that it will opportunity to be profitable. Australian-listed mining firm make a public announcement “We reopened the coal min- Emerald Resources NL is cur- naming the winning company ing concession area for private rently developing the Okvau once the process is completed. companies to invest in research gold project in Mondulkiri General Department of Min- because the area is zoned for province and expects to begin eral Resources director-gener- mining extraction to supply extracting gold this year. al Yos Monirath told The Post coal-fired power plants that “We estimate that the proj- on Monday that the ministry the government has decided to ect will be able to refine one saw the areas’ potential for ex- construct nearby,” he said. million ounces of gold,” Mon- ploitable minerals resources. Another area is the 194sq irath said late last month. “We noted the presence of km site in the Tumnop Dach “The ministry will continue coal deposits in the area, and area which straddles across to promote additional gold ex- we call on interested compa- Oddar Meanchey province’s ploration licences in the area nies to apply for a mining li- Trapaing Prasat district and around the Okvau project and cence,” said Monirath. Preah Vihear province’s increase its business.” ‘Crayfish farming will grow fast’: Looking to expand production

Continued from page 1 The Post could not reach costs $25 per kg. CAAT for comment. But ac- Oddar Meanchey provincial especially a lack of irrigation. cording to a technician at the governor Pen Kosal on Sun- “If there is adequate irrigation, company, the farm started in day asked the company to in- this kind of crayfish farming 2016 and has gradually devel- crease offspring hatching to will grow fast,” Sakhon said. oped ponds, hatcheries and sell and provide techniques to Crayfish is currently raised other infrastructure. farmers that wish to expand on family farms in Cambodia, Currently, it is experiment- the market in the future. while large-scale breeding op- ing with hatching and off- At the same time, he also erations are not yet available. spring breeding in line with urged companies to look for He said CAAT is now raising the agro-climatic environ- production expansion possi- 25ha of crayfish, with plans ment in the area to achieve its bilities in other areas. to expand to 100ha soon. Of plan to produce one tonne of The ministry’s first quar- this, 70ha is for crayfish meat crayfish meat per day while terly report showed fish and production and another 30ha gradually increasing this. shrimp production reached for crayfish offspring produc- The technician said the 51,866 tonnes, an increase tion. farm currently has about of 20 per cent compared to He said the increased focus 600,000 offspring and can the same period last year of on aquaculture is also in line produce about 50 tonnes in 43,222 tonnes. with the government’s policy six months. It plans to pro- Last year, it was 307,408 to increase exports of agricul- duce five to 10 million off- tonnes – up 21 per cent from tural products. spring next year. Crayfish 254,048 tonnes in 2018. 8 THE PHNOM PENH POST MAY 5 , 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com

www.phnompenhpost.com/post-focus corporate responsibility

Hotshot striker Privat Mbarga hands over a financial donation. The club’s coaches and players pose for a photo with Flame Cambodia staff. Svay Rieng and Cambodia star Prak Mony Udom helps deliver food parcels. CSR champions Svay Rieng FC and Flame tackle suffering in outbreak

ambodian football club Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng FC con- tinues to demonstrate itsC commitment to its corpo- rate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives despite sport being postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic Work didn’t stop for the players of the reigning league aff

champions, with stars such s t as Prak Mony Udom, Privat Mbarga and captain Soeuy Visal p os t s O s hauling 50kg sacks of rice as the T club donated food parcels to P HO 58 underprivileged families Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng midfielder Suon Sovann sees a family off after they receive a food parcel; (inset) head coach Conor Nestor picks up a 50kg sack of rice. suffering further hardship due to the outbreak. “In the current situa- the assembled family members. work of Flame Cambodia,” the “I received a message ex- In conjunction with tion, this is of so much “Club chairman His Excellency Irishman said before players plaining the situation of Flame local NGO Flame Cambo- help. I expect this kind Dy Vichea agreed straight away and staff took the food parcels Cambodia at the moment having dia, the record four-time gift to feed my family to help after hearing your story. – which amounted to more than 15 families being evicted and Hun Sen Cup winners for at least a month. I “On behalf of the Preah Khan three tonnes of rice – out to dozens more at risk of it. It soon also handed out boxes really want to thank Reach Svay Rieng FC family, we waiting tuk-tuks and motorbikes. became clear to me that what of noodles, canned food, Preah Khan Reach wish you all the best in these Flame Cambodia is an edu- was needed were emergency cooking oil and bottles Svay Rieng FC and difficult times. We hope today is cational NGO that aims to lift funds. of fish sauce, as well as a Flame Cambodia for better than yesterday, and that underprivileged children out of “When I realised this, I picked financial donation. their help. tomorrow is better than today. poverty. With research showing up the phone to my boss Dy The club also “I cannot find the “We as an organisation will that sport helps children focus Vichea, and his attitude was: donated money to sup- words to express my continue to support the good on their studies and develop so- ‘What do we need to do?’ For port Flame and their gratitude. I have eight cial skills and teamwork, Flame me that was a great moment. ongoing work in the family members at has been working with Svay “I am a football coach and I communities in the home, and I am alone Rieng for almost a year. am always thinking about win- capital’s Boeung Tom- in supporting them. Nou Vandeth of Flame ning matches, but I am really pong, Boeung Trabek, For the first time in Cambodia said the players were happy that our owner looks at a Sen Sok and Stung a while, I do not have ” eager to help as many had football club as more than that, Meanchey districts. to worry,” she said We wish you all the also endured underprivileged as a family. One middle-aged through tears. upbringings. “And today we were a part of woman from Sen Svay Rieng head best in these difficult “Some of the Preah Khan doing something more – which Sok district forced coach Conor Nestor Reach Svay Rieng FC play- is taking care of each other, be- to scavenge through spoke of how the club times. We hope ers had difficult childhoods ing responsible for the commu- trash for items of had wasted no time today is better than themselves, and they haven’t nity around us. any worth to sup- in deciding to act forgotten and want to give back “Always when the team plays, port her when hearing of the yesterday, and to help others now that they are I talk about the players and say family spoke families’ plight. that tomorrow is champions,” Vandeth said. we are the team with the big of her relief at “When we heard Head coach Nestor recalled heart, and today I hope we have receiving the your story, we better than today the process said that led to proven it. And as head coach, donation late last knew we had to the club handing out the food this makes me very proud,” month. help,” he told Conor Nestor / head coach parcels. Nestor said, beaming. THE PHNOM PENH POST may 5, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 9 World Southwest Virus: Europe emerges from lockdown CEO says ILLIONS of Euro- ganisation’s Health Emergen- peans emerged cies Programme told a press from lockdown briefing last month: “The health ‘it is safe to on Monday, with authorities in Taiwan deserve Mhardest-hit Italy leading the praise. They’ve mounted a very fly again’ way out of its two-month new good public health response in coronavirus confinement. Taiwan and you can see that in THE CEO of Southwest Airlines At least 3.5 million people the numbers. Co, one of the largest US air are now known to have been “The professionals and companies, insisted on Sunday infected by the disease, but health workers in Taiwan that travellers could again fly in US President Donald Trump have stood on the front line, safety and added that air traffic, offered hope for an end to the they’ve served and they have nearly paralysed by the new nightmare, saying there would done service to their popu- coronavirus pandemic, was be a vaccine by year’s end. lations, as many others have gradually reviving. Around 248,000 people around the world,” he said. Asked on CBS whether it was have died since the corona- Islamic State group rem- again safe to fly, Gary Kelly virus emerged late last year nants in Iraq are exploiting a replied: “It is. We’re doing eve- and swept across the globe, coronavirus lockdown, coali- rything possible to encourage given wings by the vast net- tion troop withdrawals and people to come back and fly.” work of air routes that in simmering political disputes He said his airline was taking normal times keep the mod- to ramp up deadly attacks, a number of safety precautions ern world ticking. analysts and intelligence of- – passengers and crew members Lockdowns imposed on half ficials have said. will be required to wear masks; of the planet in a bid to stem The bloodiest so far was an planes will receive deep cleaning the spread have derailed econ- ambush early on Saturday between flights, and some seats omies and left tens of millions that killed 10 Iraqi fighters will be left empty to allow a of people out of work. north of Baghdad that ob- degree of social distancing. Politicians are now grappling servers say demonstrated a “I don’t think the risk on an with how to get the wheels new escalation in the jihadist aeroplane is any greater risk turning again without sparking group’s tactics but one that than anywhere else. a second wave of infections. could still be contained. “You look at the layered Italy – second only to the US There were signs of life creeping back to normal in Italy as it started to lift the world’s longest lockdown. AFP Russia is rapidly becom- approach that we use, it’s as in its Covid-19 death toll – was ing Europe’s blackspot, with safe as any environment you’re gingerly emerging into the shouldn’t say that’. I’ll say distancing measures at the end tions and around 100 deaths. officials in Moscow urging going to find,” Kelly said, add- spring sunshine on Monday, what I think.” of last month – with experts Australia and New Zealand residents to stay home in an ing that he believes the worst with construction sites and Germany’s health minister pointing to a decisive response discussed creating a “trans- effort to tamp down the grow- has passed for the industry. factories getting back to work. on Monday poured cold water involving mass quarantines Tasman bubble” that would ing daily tally of new cases. “I think we’ve seen the bot- The previously booming on that optimism, saying vac- and expansive contact tracing allow travel between the two Most European governments tom here. Each week after the economy in the US was sup- cines can “take years”, describ- for its apparent success in con- countries. are advocating continued so- first week of April has gotten posed to be the centrepiece ing their development as “one taining the disease. Japan’s government pre- cial distancing and masks in successively better. I don’t of Donald Trump’s November of the most challenging and Malaysians started slowing pared to extend its nation- public, as well as more testing think June will be a good re-election bid. difficult tasks in medicine”. returning to their offices, cars wide state of emergency to to try to track infections. month, but we’re looking for- But weeks of lockdown have Virologists say that until were on the roads in greater the end of May as it braced Portugal allowed small ward to July and August.” left 30 million US citizens out there is an effective vaccine numbers and joggers enjoyed for a lengthy battle against shops, hair salons and car He acknowledged, however, of work – and the president’s against the coronavirus, life runs outside for the first time the coronavirus pandemic. dealers to resume business that things remain in flux. poll numbers sagging. will continue to look differ- in weeks, as a strict lockdown Taiwan’s Central Epidemic from Monday but ordered “There are bookings in place, The US has the most coro- ent, with social restrictions to fight the virus was eased. Command Centre on Monday facemasks to be worn in stores but those could easily be can- navirus deaths in the world at becoming the norm. Most businesses have been confirmed a new case, bring- and on public transport. celled. It is one day at a time.” more than 67,600. However, many parts of allowed to reopen as long as ing the tally to 437. With just Nose and mouth coverings Southwest has received $3.2 Trump forecast great leaps Asia have begun to inch to- employees practise social-dis- six deaths, Taiwan has been are also mandatory on pub- billion in emergency assist- in prevention over the coming wards a post-pandemic life, tancing, although those where lauded as one of the areas lic transport in neighbouring ance from the government and months. “We are very confi- with schools in the Vietnam- people could come into close with the quickest response Spain. has applied for an additional dent that we’re going to have a ese capital Hanoi reopening contact – such as cinemas – to the outbreak – taking swift Slovenia, Poland and Hun- loan, but Kelly said he was not vaccine at the end of the year, on Monday. must stay closed for now. control of the situation in- gary joined Germany in al- sure it would be needed. by the end of the year.” The decision to reopen Malaysia has had a rela- stead of fuelling chaos. lowing public spaces and He said the government’s relief But, he acknowledged: “The schools came after the South- tively small outbreak, so far Michael Ryan, executive di- businesses to partially re- plan had given the markets suf- doctors would say ‘well, you east Asian nation eased social reporting about 6,300 infec- rector of the World Health Or- open. AFP ficient confidence that his com- pany was able to raise an addi- tional $6 billion last week. “I think we have what we need to see our way through,” Kelly said. Colombia accused of failed ‘terrorist’ invasion “We have until September to make that decision” on addi- THE Venezuelan government on Sun- the people of Venezuela.” DEA agent, he said. Under Maduro, the once oil-rich South tional government aid. day said it foiled an attempted sea Reverol said the group attempted to “We are going to confront this with all American country has spiralled into the The federal assistance is incursion by “terrorist mercenaries” land on a beach at Macuto, about an the instruments the Constitution guaran- deepest economic crisis in its history, conditioned on companies from Colombia aimed at overthrowing hour north of the capital Caracas. tees us . . . with the use of force when neces- one accentuated by US sanctions and preserving jobs until the end President Nicolas Maduro. A massive air, sea and land search sary to preserve internal order,” said Cabel- now the coronavirus pandemic. of September. Minister of Interior, Justice and Peace was underway for remnants of the lo, who is also the speaker of the country’s Millions of its citizens have migrated But the Southwest chief said Nestor Reverol said the group tried to attackers, he said. all-powerful Constituent Assembly. abroad – many of them to neighbour- that unless the recovery starts land aboard fast boats before dawn in Diosdado Cabello, deputy leader of Speaking beside him on the steps of ing Colombia – to escape deepening to kick in by July, the company the northern coastal state of La Guaira the ruling Socialist Party, said later that the Legislative Palace in Caracas, Reverol poverty and repression. might have to order the first but were intercepted by the military clashes had so far resulted in “eight said a speedboat used in the raid, as well But so far, Maduro has weathered round of layoffs. and special police units. people dead and two detained”. as 10 rifles and two machines guns, had challenges to his rule, notably from The Trump administration is “Thanks to the opportune, effective Cabello said the operation was been stolen from a Venezuelan army opposition leader Juan Guaido, who distributing $25 billion in emer- action of our Bolivarian Armed Forces “orchestrated” by the US and its Drug depot in April last year. declared himself acting president in gency assistance to airline com- and special police action forces of the Enforcement Agency (DEA), with sup- Venezuela frequently accuses Colom- January last year with the backing of the panies, which employ some National Bolivarian Police, some were port from its staunch South American bia of fomenting plots to overthrow the US and more than 50 other countries. 750,000 workers in the US. shot down and some were detained,” said ally, Colombia. Maduro government, and of allowing Guaido claimed the affair was The celebrated investor, Warren Reverol, speaking on state television. He said one of those killed was Roberto “mercenaries” to train in its territory. “staged” by the government, to be used Buffett, ranked as the world’s In a statement, the Colombian Minis- Colina, a former Venezuelan army officer Bogota’s foreign ministry dismissed as an excuse to “continue the persecu- fourth-richest man, said on Sat- try of Foreign Affairs said: “On behalf of linked to retired general Cliver Alcala. the accusation as an “unfounded tion” of opposition figures. urday that he had made a mistake the national government, the Ministry Alcala, a Maduro critic, hit the head- attempt to involve the government of Reverol said the group planned to by investing in the four biggest US of Foreign Affairs rejects the claims that lines in March when he surrendered to Colombia in a speculative plot”. carry out “terrorist attacks”, including airlines, including Southwest. have been made by the dictatorial regime DEA agents in Colombia and was flown The Colombian government of Pres- the assassination of regime leaders. He said his Berkshire Hatha- of Nicolas Maduro, which seek to blame to New York after he was indicted along ident Ivan Duque has denounced The plan aimed “to increase the spiral way Inc conglomerate had sold our country for alleged actions aimed at with a dozen others, including the pres- Maduro as a “dictator”. The two broke of violence, generate chaos and confu- all its airline shares, including destabilisation, and which divert atten- ident, on drug-trafficking charges. off diplomatic relations between their sion . . . and with that lead to a new the 10 per cent of Southwest tion from the true issues experienced by One of the two people detained is a countries last year. attempt at a coup d’etat”, he said. AFP shares it had held. AFP 10 THE PHNOM PENH POST may 5, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com ASEAN Virus leads companies to turn sights on SEA

OW countries respond to It is a question of “which govern- and manage the Covid-19 ment really seemed to have their pandemic is a new factor act together in terms of crafting in risk assessments, ana- responses and which do they [the lystsH say, as companies increasingly companies] perceive to be all over look to Southeast Asia as an alter- the show and making things more native to China as a manufacturing difficult”, Mealy said. and supply engine. “And in a post-Covid-19 world “Companies definitely evaluate when companies do these compar- how countries are managing Covid- ative analyses, this new metric is go- 19 risk as they make investment de- ing to be one of those variables that cisions in the current environment,” are going to matter.” said Kellie Meiman Hock, manag- Thus far, locating manufacturing or ing partner at global consultancy sourcing suppliers has mostly been a McLarty Associates LLC. question of low costs and efficiency. “In particular, transparency in Mealy said: “Now it’s going to be ‘we government response is critical,” care about costs’, and ‘we want to be she said. For instance, decisions re- efficient’, but ‘we also want to know garding essential versus non-essen- what place offers the best resilience’. tial industries must be consistent “If something does happen, which to allow companies to reasonably governments are smart, and which assess the impact of movement re- governments are not so smart.” strictions on their business, she told Dr Pananond added: “Labour . . . is The Straits Times (ST). becoming less and less significant. Relying on China as the sole source Other factors are costs of operations, had proved to be an expensive lesson, ease of doing business, which are be- Bangkok-based Dr Pavida Pananond, coming more significant as firms look a professor in the Department of In- for more than just cheap labour.” ternational Business, Logistics and Bower said in companies across Transport at Thammasat University’s several sectors – from Europe, the Business School, told ST. US and even in Asia – the assess- “Multinationals can’t afford an- ment has been that in the region, other disruption like that,” she said. Singapore and Vietnam have han- “Doubts on China’s earlier attempt dled the pandemic well. to hide the pandemic does not help Malaysia, Thailand and the Phil- increase trust in their system and Vietnam has been assessed to have handled the pandemic well. AFP ippines were seen in the next tier, therefore, countries that can show their response “bumpy and incon- evidence of good governance in where they have choke points; in new ammunition to some who be- The Covid-19 pandemic has in- sistent but in the end, governments tough times like this will be consid- other words, they cannot make lieve “everything should be made in troduced a new variable, or a new have been able to respond – so far, ered more favourably.” iconic products or critical inputs America”, Marc Mealy, senior vice- catalyst, to an evolutionary process because we are still in the middle of Companies have surprised them- to those products if one country is president for policy at the US-ASEAN already underway. this”, he said. selves when digging into the dynam- taken out,” Bower told ST. Business Council in Washington. Before the pandemic, Vietnam, in “The country that caused the most ics of their supply chains, said Ernie Pulling supply chains out of China And some believed not everything particular, had been the beneficiary concern and may get hurt in the Bower, president and CEO of gov- is more difficult than it sounds. The should necessarily be made in the US, of some companies relocating oper- post-Covid-19 world is Indonesia,” ernment affairs and public policy real question, he said, was “what’s but the pandemic does provide an- ations from China there, partly due he cautioned. consulting firm BowerGroupAsia. the better business strategy in terms other reason for making things outside to the Sino-US trade war. “They did not respond early and “Some of the world’s top compa- of creating redundant or supporting China, he said in an interview with ST. And US companies have begun then responded drastically and in- nies honestly hadn’t made the as- supply chains, if you have an emer- “That fits intoA sean’s interests be- assessing and evaluating how gov- consistently after they recognised the sessment before they had to, that gency with China”. cause ASEAN is a viable commercial ernments are responding to the enormity of the situation.” THE STRAITS around Asia there are countries In the US, the pandemic had given supply chain location,” he said. shock, said Mealy. TIMES (SINGAPORE)/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Vietnamese firms face shortage of Survey says e-learning workers after easing social distancing not efficient without ENTERPRISES in the southern provinces teacher engagement of Vietnam that have resumed operation after the end of the social distancing STUDENTS throughout Indo- Retno Listyarti said in a state- period are facing a shortage of workers. nesia have complained about ment on Saturday. Pham Oanh, whose hometown is in a lack of engagement from their She said many teachers failed Thua Thien-Hue province, has been a teachers after classes were to accommodate students who construction worker in the southern prov- forced to migrate online as a were unable to afford the elec- inces for about 10 years. Normally, he result of the Covid-19 pandem- tronics or reliable internet con- returns to work in the southern provinces ic, a recent survey by the Indo- nections that were essential for after the Tet (Lunar New Year) holidays. nesian Child Protection Com- remote learning. However, after the Covid-19 outbreak, mission (KPAI) has found. “About 42 per cent of stu- he decided to look for a job in his home- The survey was conducted dents said they [could not town and is now working at a cement from April 13-21 and involved afford] internet packages, mak- company in the province. 1,700 students and 602 teach- ing it difficult for them to make Pham Kim Yen, who lives in the same ers in 54 cities and regencies. video calls,” Retno said, adding province and works for a foreign-owned It said 79 per cent of student that the current learning meth- garment export company in Binh Duong respondents reported little to ods effectively discriminated province, said her company had to tem- no interaction with their teach- against students from low-in- porarily close for a few months. ers in virtual classrooms, say- come households. “I had to look for another job and now ing their instructors used dig- The KPAI called on the Min- I work for a local garment company. The ital communication platforms istry of Education and Culture Enterprises in the southern provinces of Vietnam that have resumed operation after the end of income is lower than when I worked in the social distancing period are facing a shortage of workers. VIET NAM NEWS only to assign homework. and the Ministry of Religious Binh Duong. However, I don’t have to About 77 per cent of the stu- Affairs to formulate an “emer- pay rent for a house and the living cost recruit about 10,000 workers this year. Le Thanh Nhan, the owner of a large dents polled said their teach- gency curriculum” to improve in Binh Duong is higher than in Thua However, since the beginning of the restaurant in the city’s District 1, said that ers had assigned them more education during the ongoing Thien-Hue,” she said. year, only 1,000 new employees have been of his 100 workers, “more than half are homework than usual with public health crisis. Truong Thi Thuy Lien, director of a leather recruited, and the recruitment plan has from central provinces and they have not unreasonably tight deadlines, The organisation said the and footwear export company in Binh been suspended, he said. returned because the Covid-19 pandem- resulting in learning fatigue. emergency curriculum should Duong, said many workers who had returned In addition to adding more workers ic is not fully under control”. About 76 per cent of the stu- consist only of core lessons and home for the Lunar New Year holiday did not when there is a need to expand produc- Lien’s footwear company has decided dent respondents said they should do away with complex return to work because of the Covid-19 pan- tion, Pou Sung annually recruits new to outsource some stages of production were not enthusiastic about subjects that required direct demic. “My company is constantly recruiting employees to supplement workers and when there are too many orders. online learning. assistance from teachers. but it is not enough. The estimated shortage ‘job skippers’, said Tuong. Pou Sung will invest in technology to “In remote learning, teach- “An emergency curriculum is about 15 per cent.” The food service sector also faces a reduce manual labour, continue its annu- ers have only focused on pro- is needed so that students Le Nhat Tuong, chairman of footwear shortage of workers. Many restaurants, al recruitment and training plans for viding cognitive education won’t fall victim to ambitious manufacturer Pou Sung Vietnam Co Ltd cafes, and commercial services in Ho Chi employees, and provide incentive policies and have overlooked affective education policies that neglect in Dong Nai province, said the company Minh City have had to scale down or close for new employees, said Tuong. VIET NAM aspects related to character- their rights,” said Retno. THE had built more factories and planned to because of the shortage of workers. NEWS/ASIA NEWS NETWORK building,” KPAI commissioner JAKARTA POST/ASIA NEWS NETWORK THE PHNOM PENH POST may 5, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 11 Opinion

Opportunity for nuclear disarmamentwww.phnompenhpost.com www.phnompenhpost.com

EDITORIAL PERSONNEL EDITORIAL PERSONNELwith the development of mil- Opinion Publisher & Chief Executive Offi cer itary technologies utilising Publisher & Chief Executive Offi cer Ly Tayseng Editorial artificial intelligence, among Ly Tayseng Executive Editor-in-Chief other innovations. Executive Editor-in-Chief Joshua purushotman RIORITY should be Whether US President Joshua purushotman Managing Editor Post Khmer given to curbing the Donald Trump, who has been Managing Editor Post Khmer Sam Rith military face-off reluctant to work on nuclear Deputy Chief of Staff between the US and Sam Rith disarmament, is re-elected in phak Seangly Russia,P and the US and Chi- Deputy Chief of Staff November is an important Business Editor phak Seangly na, to create an environment variable, but the significance May Kunmakara Business Editor for constructive discussions of arms control by the US, Deputy Business Editor May Kunmakara on nuclear disarmament. Russia and China will remain Sangeetha Amarthalingam Deputy Business Editor The 2020 Review Confer- unchanged, irrespective of Deputy Head of Lifestyle Desk Sorn Sarath ence of the Parties to the who the US leader may be. pan Simala Treaty on the Nonprolifera- Deputy Head of Lifestyle DeskThe three countries are Senior Reporters tion of Nuclear Weapons, pan Simala expected to move forward Meas Sokchea, Niem Chheng originally scheduled to be Senior Reporters with easing tensions and Reporters held in New York from late Meas Sokchea, Niem Chhengestablish a situation in which Khouth Sophak Chakrya, Kim Sarom, Long April, was postponed due to Reporters they can feel assured of Kimmarita, Khorn Savi, Hin pisei, Soth the spread of the new coro- Khouth Sophak Chakrya, Kimsecuring Sarom, Long their safety without Koemsoeun, Voun Dara, Sous Yamy,Soung navirus. The conference is Kimmarita, Khorn Savi, Hinrelying pisei, Soth on nuclear weapons. Sovanny, Thou Vireak, Ry Sochan slated to be convened within This year marks 75 years Koemsoeun, Voun Dara, Sous Yamy,Soung Photographers a year. since atomic bombs were Sovanny, Heng Chivoan, Hong Menea The NPT aims to limit the detonated over Hiroshima Web Editor Ry Sochan possession of nuclear weap- and Nagasaki. As the only Leang phannara Photographers ons to five states – the US, nation to have suffered Webmasters Russia, Britain, France and An anti-nuclear protester holds best-selling children’s author and Hiroshima bombing survivorHeng Junko Chivoan, Hong Meneaatomic bombings, Japan has Sous Chanthy, pang Vichea China – and prevent the Morimoto’s book, My Hiroshima, in Sydney, Australia, in 2018. As the only nation to have sufferedWeb Editor atomic a responsibility to persistent- SIEM REAP BUREAU spread of such weapons to bombings, Japan has a responsibility to persistently assert the inhumane nature of nuclear weapons.Leang phannara afp ly assert the inhumane Offi ce Manager other nations. While the five Webmasters nature of nuclear weapons. Sophearith Blondeel countries are obliged to bilities. A bilateral treaty have increasingly felt disap- Even if the NPTSous review Chanthy, con pang- VicheaOn the other hand, as the PRODUCTION & PRINTING reduce their nuclear arsenals, designed to eliminate all pointed with the stalemate ference, which is SIEM held REAP every BUREAU country is now facing threats, Head of Desktop Publishing other nations are guaranteed intermediate-range nuclear over nuclear disarmament. five years, had beenOffi ce Manager con- it must be said that extended Nhim Sokphyrak the right to use nuclear ener- forces expired last year. Chi- Some non-nuclear states vened as scheduled,Sophearith it would Blondeel US nuclear deterrence has a Desktop Publishing gy for peaceful purposes. na is stepping up its develop- seek an early entry into force have ultimately been unable certain role to play. Suon Savatdy, Chum Sokunthy, Danh Borath PRODUCTION & PRINTING More than 190 countries ment and deployment of of the Treaty on the Prohibi- to adopt an agreed-upon Because it is caught in this Tep Thoeun Thyda, Tim Borith, Than Veasna Head of Desktop Publishing and regions have joined the intermediate-range ballistic tion of Nuclear Weapons, document. It would have dilemma, however, Japan has Nhim Sokphyrak treaty since it came into force missiles by taking advantage adopted at the UN in 2017. only revealed the deep divi- a solid understanding of both HEAD OFFICE in 1970. The NPT has played of its position, unfettered by Other nations, including the sion between theDesktop two Publishingsides. nuclear and non-nuclear a certain role in restraining US-Russia nuclear disarma- US and France, oppose the The importantSuon thing Savatdy, is Chumto Sokunthy,powers’ Danh Borath viewpoints. Japan the nuclear arms race. ment treaties. move, arguing that the treaty promote discussionsTep Thoeun on Thyda, Tim Borith,should Than Veasna proactively work to However, the harsh reality Another issue is the fact is unsuited to the current nuclear disarmament in line break the deadlock, acting as Post Media Co, Ltd. remains. The US and Russia that disputes between nucle- reality, as it rejects nuclear with the actual securityHEAD OFFICE envi- a go-between for the two The Elements Condominium Level 7, are competing to enhance ar and non-nuclear powers deterrence and thus weakens ronment. A new framework sides. THE YOMIURI SHIMBUN/ASIA Hun Sen Boulevard, Phum Prek Talong, their nuclear weapons capa- are intensifying, as the latter the NPT regime. needs to be explored to cope NEWS NETWORK Sangkat Chak Angre Krom,12353, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Post Media Co, Ltd. Tel: 023 888 161, 023 888 162 Cellcard: 078 555 166, 078 555 133 The Elements Condominium Level 7, Smart: 086 822 999, 086 277 999 Hun Sen Boulevard, Phum Prek Talong, SIEM REAP Sangkat Chak Angre Krom, Phnom Penh, No 629, Street 6 Dangkum Commune Antibiotic lifesavers at risk from abuseCambodia in China Tel: 063 966 290, Fax: 063 966 590 SIEM REAP OVERUSE of antibiotics causes bacte- of awareness and legal loopholes. surrounding waterways and soil. Antibiotic resistance has been found COMMERCIAL DEPARTMENT No 629, Street 6 Dangkum Commune ria to develop resistance, and thus This problem, if not resolved, could There has been little if any scrutiny in all parts of the world and has spread Chief Operating Offi cer Tel: 063 966 290, Fax: 063 966 590 poses a serious threat to public health. have devastating consequences. from the environmental watchdogs from hospitals and farms to the envi- James Ong Soon Teck COMMERCIAL DEPARTMENT It has been predicted that antibiotic According to media reports, antibiot- over the disposal and management of ronment. Yet research on the potential Advertising Department resistance will likely result in the ics have been detected in urine sam- antibiotics because they are notChief con Operating- harm Offi cer caused by increasing antibiotic Chap Narith, 017 996 241 Hun Channet, 017 578 768 deaths of 10 million people every year ples of residents in the Yangtze River sidered a source of pollution. TheJames Ong Soonexposure Teck as well as measures taken to prach Monnyreak, 012 123 7777 by 2050, surpassing cancer as the Delta. The overall detection rates were current standards on the qualityAdvertising of Departmentoffset the impacts, either on the legal Keo puthy, 012 966 605 leading cause of mortality globally. around 40 per cent for pregnant wom- surface water include more thanChap 100 Narith, and017 996 public 241 education fronts, have phon Sok Chea, 012 717 404 While the Chinese government en and nearly 80 per cent for children, items for monitoring, but antibioticsHun Channet, lagged 017 578 768 behind the increasing challeng- Jessa piastro, 092 445 983 has taken measures to limit the both considered vulnerable groups at are not among them. prach Monnyreak,es we 012 are 123 faced 7777 with. CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION overuse of antibiotics by hospitals risk. This happened after antibiotics Apart from manufacturers, live CIRCULATION- & DISTRIBUTION If there is anything we should learn Acting Distribution Manager Acting Distribution Manager in recent years – each Chinese per- were found in tap water samples in stock farms are another big contribu- from the novel coronavirus pandem- Thenh Rithy, 087 888 854 Thenh Rithy son used to consume 138 grammes Nanjing, Jiangsu province, many years tor to antibiotic contamination. To ic that is now raging worldwide, it is Circulation Supervisor of antibiotics per year on average, before, suggesting that the antibiotic make livestock such as pigs grow ADMINISTRATION that we are at risk from deadly patho- Nou Chanthy, 096 999 2828 10 times the per capita amount contamination of surface water and quickly and prevent the outbreakAdmin of & HR Managergens. We must better prepare our- Yim Veasna, 015 814 499 used in the US, according to the soil is becoming more serious. diseases in often cramped condipich- Socheatselves for the worst. Unless we wish ADMINISTRATION then Ministry of Heath in 2011 – Despite that, China, as the world’s tions, they are regularly given dosesAssistants toto Admin later & HR regret Manager our complacency, we Admin & HR Manager antibiotics leaked into the environ- largest maker and exporter of antibi- of antibiotics. China is now reportedNhel Soaphea- should act to further limit our abuse pich Socheat ment, which are no less dangerous otics, still does not have national ly the largest user of antibiotics in Financial Directorof antibiotics so that they do not lose Assistants to Admin & HR Manager to people’s health, have largely standards on the volume of antibiot- livestock, which poses a factual their ability to be lifesavers. CHINA DAILY/ Heang Tangmeng Nhel Soaphea been overlooked because of a lack ics released by manufacturers into threat to people’s health. ASIA NEWS NETWORK Financial Director Chief Accountant Heang Tangmeng Sren Vicheka Chief Accountant Treasurers Sren Vicheka Sok Sophorn, Yon Sovannara, Treasurers Cheam Sopheak Sok Sophorn, Yon Sovannara, IT Manager Cheam Sopheak, Huy Hamsovannary Seng Nak, Vong Oun IT Manager Seng Nak, Vong Oun TO CONTACT US [email protected] TO CONTACT US [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.phnompenhpost.com www.phnompenhpost.com © Post Media Co, Ltd © Post Media Co, Ltd The Phnom Penh Post is wholly owned The Phnom Penh Post is wholly owned and printed by Post Media Co Ltd. The and printed by Post Media Co Ltd. The title The Phnom Penh Post in either title The Phnom Penh Post in either English or Khmer languages, its associ- English or Khmer languages, its associ- ated logos or devices and the contents of ated logos or devices and the contents of this publication may not be reproduced this publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the written in whole or in part without the written consent of Post Media Co Ltd. consent of Post Media Co Ltd. www.phnompenhpost.com www.phnompenhpost.com 12 THE PHNOM PENH POST may 5, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com Lifestyle Sculptor provides home for discarded gods

VERY spare surface of Lin Hsin-lai’s four-storey shop is crammed with a pan- theon of Taiwan’s celestial beings,E testament to the decades he has spent sheltering and restoring unwanted statues of gods. To venture inside is a tour of the heavens. Thousands of statues fill the shelves, from popular deities such as the sea goddess Mazu and the fearsome Guan Yu – a red-faced warrior god worshipped by police and gangsters alike – to lesser known beings like a tiger shaped guardian spirit. “It’s a pity that statues of gods are discarded and some are even bat- tered by wind and rain,” Lin said, shortly before conducting a blessing ritual for some repaired statues. “They should be treated as cultur- al assets,” he said. Statues are ubiquitous across Tai- wan, found in temples and homes to parks and offices. Buddhism and Taoism, the island’s two dominant religions, venerate a host of gods and incarnations – bolstered by a slew of colourful folk deities. Yet many are thrown away. So over the last four decades, Lin, 61, has embarked on a one-man Sculptor Lin Hsin-lai (left) restores a Taoist god statue at his workplace in Taoyuan, northern Taiwan. Customers typically bless their statues over fire.afp mission to adopt any god statue that may need a new home. go bust are another common source, cent – of his collection. The trained sculptor estimates he he explained. “More people want to get rid the has saved some 20,000 statues over The largest case he handled involved statues than receive them. I get the years. some 700 statues from the family of a phone calls almost every day about collector who passed away. unwanted statues,” he lamented. Debtor remorse “I hope to find new homes for the As the calls keep coming, Lin is The worst spate of abandonment statues so the deities can be wor- struggling to find enough space to ac- came some 30 years ago when shipped and people can form con- commodate the growing collection. vandalised statues were routinely nections with them,” said Lin, who The statues currently fill up his dumped by gamblers seeking divine charges a fee to conduct blessing shop, studio and a warehouse in blessings as they tried to win under- rituals for rehoused statues. northern Taoyuan county. ground lotteries. He fondly remembered convinc- He opens his shop for school trips “Nine out of 10 gamblers were ing the finder of the first unwanted and has previously loaned statues to doomed to lose,” he recalled. “But statue he repaired – a figurine of the film companies wanting to recreate they blamed the gods and vented warrior deity San Tai Zi left by a river temple scenes. their anger by discarding or even – to take it home to worship. This year he plans to open a gal- mutilating the statues. I rescued Another favourite was fixing a lery displaying some 1,000 statues some with heads or arms cut off.” badly damaged statue of the friend- of the goddess of mercy Guan Yin These days fewer statues are ly-looking earth god Tu Di Gong for in her namesake town in Taoyuan A masked Chinese prophet Confucius statue is part of Lin Hsin-lai’s collection. afp dumped outdoors. But Lin still gets an elderly man who snared it while where he lives. a stream of calls from owners want- fishing at sea. There are few artisans left like Lin want statues often buy cheaper im- the unwanted statues. ing a god removed or rehoused. The man later took the restored with the knowledge to carve and re- ported ones. “I am doing this all by myself with Younger Taiwanese who are not statue home to the family altar. store statues of gods. “This is a sunset industry,” he my limited physical strength,” he religious or have adopted different He started out aged 17 with 20 other sighed. “None of my three sons are said, a reference to polio he con- faiths often don’t want the statues ‘Sunset industry’ apprentices but only he and one other interested in following my footsteps. tracted as a child. passed down by the parents, while But Lin has only managed to give from the class remain in the trade. I have to do it for as long as I can.” “But I just can’t bear to see the stat- business owners and temples who away some 3,000 figures – or 15 per Demand is waning and those who But he vows to carry on collecting ues of deities abandoned.” afp Celebs: Do the right thing, save Amazon’s indigenous BRAZILIAN photojournalist international awards for his The stars appear in a video Sebastiao Salgado has sent an portrayal of the poor across by Brazilian director Fernan- open letter to President Jair the world, most recently turn- do Meireles, which features Bolsonaro – signed by celebri- ing his focus on the peoples of Salgado calling on Bolsonaro ties like Brad Pitt and Madon- the Amazon rainforest basin. to put an end to economic na – calling for “urgent mea- “Five centuries ago, these intrusion into the lives of sures” to save the indigenous ethnic groups were decimated the Amazon peoples, and to peoples of the Amazon from by diseases brought by Europe- “guarantee their protection”. the coronavirus pandemic. an colonisers,” said the letter, “Brazil owes a debt to its first “The indigenous peoples signed by a list of celebrities in- inhabitants. It is time to do of Brazil face a serious threat cluding Paul McCartney, Rich- what should have been done a to their own survival with the ard Gere and Meryl Streep. long time ago,” says Salgado. emergence of the Covid-19 “Today with this new The Brazilian state of Amazo- pandemic,” said the letter, scourge spreading rapidly nas, home to most of the coun- backed by an online petition throughout Brazil,” the Ama- try’s indigenous people, is one which has so far gathered zon’s indigenous people “may of the regions worst affected by around 50,000 signatures. disappear completely since the pandemic, with more than Brazilian indigenous leaders and tribe members hold a protest in Brasilia demanding the demarcation of The 76-year-old photog- they have no means of com- 500 deaths to date according to indigenous lands. afp rapher has won numerous bating Covid-19”. the health ministry. AFP THE PHNOM PENH POST may 5, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 13 Lifestyle Yugoslavia’s Tito still a mystery 40 years on osip Broz Tito, who died 40 years ago at the age of 87, was both revered and Jfeared as the leader of former Yugoslavia, a country that later unravelled without his unifying presence. Admired for driving out Nazi German forces in World War II with his partisan fighters, he later brought prosperity to Yu- goslavia and successfully bal- anced it between the East and the West during the Cold War. However, the president also jailed political dissidents, enjoyed a lavish lifestyle and was criticised for encourag- ing a personality cult. Here are five things to know about Tito: Who was he really? Although he was the un- questioned leader of the Yu- goslav federation for almost four decades, rumours have long circulated that Tito’s true origins were not Yugoslav. According to his official biog- raphy, he was born in the Croa- tian town of Kumrovec to a Croat father and Slovenian mother. But conspiracy theories have spread suggesting that the “real” Tito never returned after he was captured by Rus- sians during World War I. Instead, the legend goes, it was a Russian agent who as- sumed his identity and went on to found Yugoslavia. In 2015, a Serbian tabloid claimed the CIA had “estab- lished through a phonetic analysis” that Tito spoke Ser- Yugoslavia’s communist strongman Josip Broz Tito enjoyed the company of Hollywood stars and even England’s Queen Elizabeth II. afp bo-Croatian with a foreign ac- cent and that he was “probably of Tito’s regime has never luxury unmatched by any- inheritance for his descen- The month-long relay leaders of India, Indonesia, of Russian or Polish origin”. been officially established. thing else I’ve seen and [I] dants, with his belongings wound through most major Ghana and Egypt. can well believe Princess becoming the property of the cities in the country and was The forum of developing Prison island Bon vivant Margaret who says the whole Museum of Yugoslavia. closely followed on national countries offered an alterna- Some remember Tito’s rule While Tito praised the business makes Buck House radio and television. tive to the East versus West as the golden era of socialism, equalising hand of socialism, [Buckingham Palace] look Youth relays Youngsters kept carrying the rivalry of the Cold War era. when jobs, free health care he himself enjoyed a taste for pretty middle-class,” Burton Tito’s official birthday, May batons, which had messages Today the movement has and quality education were the finer things, from extrava- wrote in his diaries. 25, was for decades celebrat- for Tito inside, until 1987. some 120 members, but of the available to all. gant parties to Cuban cigars Burton was one of a number ed with great fanfare as na- former Yugoslav republics, only But the dictator was also and a yacht. of celebrities, including So- tional Youth Day. Non-Aligned Movement Serbia and Montenegro have a ruthless leader who put The opulent lifestyle he phia Loren, Gina Lollobrigida Starting in 1947, young peo- After splitting with the So- stayed involved as observers. thousands of political oppo- shared with his wife Jovanka, and Elizabeth Taylor, but also ple across Yugoslavia joined a viet dictator Joseph Stalin in In Phnom Penh, the segment nents in special prisons and the last of three official mar- Queen Elizabeth II, who were nationwide relay race to deliv- 1948, Tito nurtured ties with of St 214 between St 163 and camps, including a jail on the riages, impressed Hollywood Tito’s guests in Belgrade or in er a baton to the communist the West. Monivong Boulevard in Pram- Croatian island of Goli Otok, star Richard Burton, who vis- his seaside summer residence. leader, who would receive the But in 1961, he became a pi Makara district’s Boeung where hundreds perished. ited the pair in 1971. Yet in the end, the leader final hand-off at a birthday ral- founding father of the Non- Prolit commune is named in The total number of victims “They live in remarkable did not leave much of an ly held in a football stadium. Aligned Movement with the his honour. AFP African penguins get the run of shuttered Singapore zoo ONE cute group is making the and the slide, and soon wad- One brave soul timidly ven- most of Singapore’s partial vi- dled off to the next section. tured onto the course, wad- rus lockdown – penguins at Further along, several life- dling slowly through the sand the city-state’s zoo, who are be- sized models of sea lions – between colourful plastic balls, ing given the run of the empty which occasionally eat pen- crossing a small bridge and complex and revelling in the guins in the wild – gave them navigating trenches, before the chance to do some exploring. pause for thought. rest of the colony followed. With the zoo closed to the But they soon regained The zoo says the workout public as the country battles their courage and were back strengthens the creatures’ leg a worsening virus outbreak, to hopping over rocks, with muscles and helps them navi- the African penguins had lit- a pair later splitting off from gate new environments. tle in the way of stimulation the main group to go and ex- Their natural habitat is off the without passers-by stopping plore behind a shed. southwestern coast of Africa. to admire them. As well as roaming the emp- “The new normal presented So their keepers began tak- ty walkways of the zoo, the opportunities for our African ing them on outings around penguins have also been tack- penguins to make discover- the complex, nudging the ling an obstacle course which ies at Singapore Zoo,” said the pint-sized explorers to check has been specially designed to animal park’s operator. out the area around their ex- keep them entertained. Singapore has reported more hibit and the children’s play- They got their first glance as than 16,000 virus infections ground. they jumped out of a pool in their and has imposed curbs to halt The colony of around a sandy enclosure – and initially the spread of the outbreak, It’s play time for these African penguins as they explore their Singapore surroundings like never before. dozen birds appeared unim- stopped dead in their tracks, ap- including closing schools and Wildlife Reserves Singapore/afp pressed by the climbing-frame pearing baffled at the sight. most workplace. AFP 14 THE PHNOM PENH POST may 5, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com Lifestyle Thinking caps

Australian high school teacher Dante Gabriele plays Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at home in Melbourne during the country’s enforced Covid-19 coronavirus lockdown. afp Those in lockdown seek New Horizons ILLIONS of peo- between meetings or play all ever connected in the world of ple are skirting day,” he said. video games,” wrote Mat Pis- global coronavi- Chopping wood, harvest- catella of US market research rus lockdowns to ing turnips and fishing in firm The NPD Group Inc. Mstroll through public spaces, the ocean give players the “A game designed around fly overseas and watch idyllic resources they need to build developing communities and sunsets . . . in the virtual world their own fantasy paradise. forging connections was cer- “GET OFF THE FENCE” of smash-hit video game Ani- Real-life friends can drop in tainly the right game at the mal Crossing: New Horizons. to admire the day’s labours by right time.” ACROSS 53 Bad reception? 26 Glance over The leisurely land of Nin- booking an online plane tick- New sales records 1 Medieval fight club? 56 Stratosphere substance 27 Tutor in “The King and I” tendo’s latest release has et for their own characters, 5 Role in Bizet’s “The Pearl 60 Decision in a duel 28 Tax struck a chord with gamers a welcome chance for social New Horizons, the fourth Fishers” 64 Steering station 29 “Monkey ___, monkey do” around the world, many of interaction at a time when title in the 19-year-old Ani- 10 Complain about trifles 65 Beauty pageant headpiece 31 Temple with an upcurved roof them yearning for a virtual regular human contact is of- mal Crossing franchise and 14 State categorically 66 Solo at the Met 32 Words spoken in front of escape from the onerous re- ten prohibited. the first to be released on 15 Home storage area, often 67 Big Band and gaslight witnesses strictions on movement and Some users say they have Nintendo’s handheld Switch 16 Part of BTU 68 Kills, as a dragon 35 Cylindrical storage tower social activity imposed to even adopted the game’s vir- console, has smashed digi- 17 Specialized legislative body 69 Gentleman’s date 36 Literary composition contain the infection. tual island setting to stage tal sales records in the weeks 20 Jazz great Vaughan DOWN 37 Short six-footers? The game sees players guide dates organised through on- since its release. 21 Ballroom dance similar to the 1 Certain parents 39 Large cask for wine their digital personas around line dating platform Tinder, It even displaced the latest rumba 2 Fifth and Sixth, in NYC 40 Onetime Mets catcher Mike an uninhabited island, slowly with the possibility of real-life instalment of Call of Duty – 22 Lugosi of “Son of Frankenstein” 3 Drink mentioned in “Lola” 41 Detonation maker transforming the landscape romance stalled for now. the blood-spattered combat 25 Mountain nymph of Greek myth 4 Attractive pitcher 45 Gap fillers? 5 Tool used in shop class 46 Tina’s “30 Rock” boss with a house, garden and And with the virus prompting simulation series that has 26 Dance or dip 6 Abbr. that saves time and space 48 Specialized market segment eventually a thriving com- bans on public gatherings in topped Fortune magazine’s 30 Strive 7 Judge who tried O.J. 49 Pigment of iron oxide munity of adorable cartoon Hong Kong, local pro-democ- global sales lists for eight of 33 Get ready for a dubbing 34 Couple 8 Life partner? 50 Small, stringed instrument animal neighbours. racy activists sought to keep the last 11 years – becoming 35 Body shop? 9 Highest point 52 Larval crabs “Right now, watching news their movement’s momentum the best-selling game in the 38 Bond, for one 10 Tomorrow, e.g. 54 They’re designed in Hollywood on TV can really be scary, alive by staging a rally in the US market, NPD data shows. 42 It’s in the spring 11 Correct knotted laces 55 Where the worm turns? but in this game, it’s just as virtual world of the game. The title had been hotly an- 43 “Go back” computer command 12 Florence neighbor 57 Gem from Australia if nothing is happening, it’s Players directed their car- ticipated by gaming fans but 44 Arm of the sea 13 Transport for the fairytale prince 58 Asta’s lady all quiet and peaceful,” said toon avatars to kick dirt onto sales exceeded expectations at 45 Kin of “blasted” or “confounded” 18 Scheming factions 59 Wife of Geraint, in Arthurian lore 28-year-old Kanae Miya, a images of the city’s unpopular a time when industry revenue 47 Molecule makers 19 Grandpa Munster’s pet 61 Air traffic control agcy. Tokyo-based illustrator. political chief Carrie Lam, in has slowed, with consumers 48 Source for a movie, sometimes 23 Bill of ___ (shipping document) 62 Smacking of irony Australian high school a move that appears to have eagerly awaiting the next gen- 51 Give a Bronx cheer to 24 Into separate pieces 63 Put into words teacher Dante Gabriele said prompted digital stores in eration of rival Sony PlaySta- he bought the game the day mainland China to stop sell- tion and Microsoft Xbox con- Monday’s solution after its March release and ing copies of the game. soles on sale later this year. had played it for more than 30 Experts say the game has The success has echoes of hours each week since, with become something of a post- earlier triumphs by Nintendo, social distancing rules keep- er-child for a period when which has struggled to main- ing him housebound. people feel the need to con- tain market share against its “You can just play for an nect more than ever. competitors in recent years hour, or nine in a row, and “There is a synthesis between but still has a reputation for that’s why it fits so well with this game and this time in his- occasionally delivering tec- the lockdown – you can fit it tory that will leave the two for- tonic shake-ups of the digital landscape. Four years ago it was with Pokemon Go, a smartphone- based game that became a worldwide phenomenon when it lured millions of peo- Monday’s solution ple onto the streets for a vir- tual monster hunt. Laurent Michaud of French think-tank IDATE DigiWorld said New Horizons was tes- tament to the game giant’s commercial strategy, which is built around in-house devel- opment and appealing to the better natures of its audience. “They chose to think outside the box with innovation . . . but The game sees players guide their digital personas around an also by appealing to the child uninhabited island, slowly transforming the landscape. afp within us,” he said. AFP THE PHNOM PENH POST may 5, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 15 Sport In 1905, the All Blacks changed rugby forever N unheralded group of New Zea- land rugby players set sail for Europe 115 yearsA ago on a tour that would revolutionise the way the game was played and forge the All Blacks’ formidable legacy. Known in their homeland simply as ‘The Originals’, the team was the first to use the All Blacks name and set the stan- dards for those who followed in the famous black jersey. In a gruelling tour that kept them away from home for eight months, the team won 34 of their 35 matches in Britain, Ireland, France and the US. Along the way, they amassed 243 tries, scoring 976 points and conceding just 59, at- tracting huge crowds with the novelty of their pre-match haka and free-flowing play. The team’s success was a source of immense pride for Kiwis and has been credited with helping develop a dis- tinct national identity, at a time when New Zealand was still a far-flung British colony. “The 1905 tour stands as one of the nation’s defin- ing moments, as the country isolated in the South Pacific asserted itself on the world stage, proving they were about more than simply fro- The current iteration of the All Blacks still perform a haka before game and still best most opponents with a Test win rate of almost 80 per cent. afp zen lamb,” British sports his- torian Tom Weir wrote. handled as skilfully as backs, them defeat England 15-0 at After a Test win over France, There was little hype when they captured the imaginations Crystal Palace. the tour wrapped up with two the steamship Rimutaka de- of those who saw them play,” The referee’s whistle from that matches in the US before the parted Wellington in July 1905 the late New Zealand historian match, known as the Gil Evans team was given a hero’s wel- carrying a cargo of frozen mut- Adrienne Simpson wrote. whistle after the Welsh official, come in Auckland in March ton and about 100 passengers, has since been used in the 1906. including 27 rugby players. ‘Ordinary blokes’ opening game of all nine Rugby The All Blacks remain pac- The New Zealanders were Legend has it that the moni- World Cup tournaments. esetters in the modern era, tipped to struggle against ker All Blacks was coined when The Test against Wales played winning three World Cups their more fancied opponents an admiring journalist wrote in front of 47,000 spectators in and enjoying a Test win rate but vice-captain Billy Stead the ball-handling team played Cardiff is still considered one approaching 80 per cent. detailed in his diary how they like they were “all backs” and a of rugby’s great matches. Simpson said the appeal of spent the six-week voyage typographical error saw an ex- The 3-0 defeat was the All the 1905 “Originals” was that undergoing rigorous training tra “L” added into his copy. Blacks’ only loss on tour, al- they were “a group of ordi- and discussing tactics. But the New Zealand Rugby though New Zealanders still nary blokes – miners, farri- The preparation paid divi- Museum rejects the explana- argue Bob Deans scored a ers, farmers, bootmakers and dends immediately when they tion pointing to a contempo- legitimate try that was incor- bank clerks”. thrashed Devon 55-4 in their rary newspaper report that rectly disallowed. “They left this country without opening fixture, generating said All Blacks was a reference The match is so revered by fanfare, sailed halfway round the ever-increasing interest as the to “their sable and unrelieved rugby aficionados that the world to do battle on the playing lopsided scorelines continued. costume”. jersey worn by All Blacks cap- fields of Europe and America “With their new formations After the tourists accounted tain Dave Gallaher sold for a and found, on arrival, that they and a refreshingly open, run- for Scotland and Ireland, a then-world record £180,000 had invented a different type of ning style in which forwards The original 1905 All Blacks uniform. ROGERS JONES AND CO/afp crowd of up to 70,000 watched ($225,000) in 2015. rugby,” she wrote. AFP Gary Neville claims Premier League clubs ‘frightened’

GARY Neville has accused Premier accept the increase in Health Risk but did make the case for returning to League clubs of being “frightened to it’s one we are willing to take’. They won’t action in a Sunday Times column. death” to publicly back the plan to as they are frightened to death!” “I believe that just as Formula One restart the season. When Neville was asked by a Twitter is often the precursor to develop- Premier League stakeholders met on user what would happen if someone ments that become standard in gen- Friday to debate how to finish the cur- died as a result of the restart, he said: eral road vehicles, so Premier League rent campaign, with reports that some “That’s why we haven’t heard one single football with its physical science, clubs want to abandon the season due prominent CEO / Chairman / Owner medical infrastructures and resources to the pandemic and others are keen or Executive open his mouth to back for looking after its people, can begin to play all remaining 92 fixtures. the re-start ! Brief / Brief / Brief ! Scared to define how the ‘new normal’ might Former Manchester United defend- to death of the liability and blame.” look for a lot of working environ- er Neville believes clubs do not want Before making an exception for ments,” Parish wrote. to be held liable should a player Brighton as the “only club willing to “Not only that, in our country and become ill with the coronavirus if the take a stand”, Neville added: “It would beyond, people need to find ways to English season resumes. be good for them to speak at least move forward mentally, to experi- The French and Dutch seasons have once. Any of them! Clubs included. ence some small relief from the wor- been called off because of the health They are bottling this virus on comms. ries of this crisis. crisis and while the Premier League have Very Happy to tell us when they are “In my view a story here and a con- apparently ear-marked a June return, delivering food parcels though.” versation there about the game last that date is far from set in stone. Brighton have held virtual press night will not trivialise loss or suffering Claiming there needs to be more conferences during the shutdown and but offer a tiny respite from it for many public comment from clubs, Neville chief executive Paul Barber voiced people. It has the power to lighten wrote on Twitter: “The PL are having opposition to the idea of finishing the lives; why not see if we can use that a CV nightmare. They keep spouting season at neutral venues on his club’s power again?” Health First but then brief constantly official website on Saturday. Neville later praised Parish for ‘We have to Re-Start’. Despite Neville’s out-spoken claims, speaking out after being alerted to the Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville wants to see more Premier League “I’d respect them more if they said ‘We Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish article by the Palace chairman. AFP teams take a leadership role in deciding this season’s future. afp 16 THE PHNOM PENH POST may 5, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com Sport Sumo to put on SF’s Harding Park, the host of 2020 big show for PGA tournament, is set to reopen Tokyo Olympics

Japan’s biggest sumo stars, such as Kakuryu (left), will stage an exhibition in August to introduce the sport to a global audience. afp OME of sumo’s biggest stars will put on a special exhibition Sbetween the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, seeking to introduce their rarefied traditions to sports fans from around the globe. The two-day event on August 12-13 will come just days after the Olympic closing ceremony and is expected to feature grand champions or yokozuna, who are massive stars in Japan. Mongolian-born Kakuryu, one of these yokozuna, said on Tuesday he was looking forward to introducing sumo to a “global audience” and “receiving people from all over the world”. Sumo association chief Hakkaku No- buyoshi said he wanted a global audience to better understand the sport, which is steeped in Shinto ritual tradition. “We want visitors to understand that sumo is not just a sport but also a tradi- Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy escapes a sand trap at San Francisco’s famous Harding Park golf course, which is the stage for this year’s PGA Championship. getty images/afp tion and culture,” Hakkaku told report- ers at the Ryogoku Kokugikan arena in PC Harding Park, the San “We still have a need to make sure by the coronavirus outbreak while Walter Hagen won a record four Tokyo, where the event will take place. Francisco golf course sched- we are protecting public health,” the US Open was moved from June PGA Championship titles in a row There will be explanations of the mean- uled to host the PGA Cham- San Francisco mayor London Breed to September and the British Open from 1924-1927. ing behind some of the traditions, such pionship in August as the said on Sunday. was cancelled. Only players with reservations will as how wrestlers enter the ring and why Tyear’s first major, will reopen onM on- Harding Park was closed March 16 World No3 Brooks Koepka, the be allowed onto the course. they stamp their feet before a bout. day, the course announced on its web- when stay-at-home measures were top-ranked US golfer, has won the Face coverings and social distanc- A winner will be crowned on both days, site. But cups will be filled with tubing imposed in the San Francisco Bay past two PGA Championships, beat- ing will be required at all times, al- with the two champions facing off in a while rakes have been removed and Area. ing Tiger Woods by two strokes in though coverings can be removed grand final. There will be simultaneous flagsticks deemed off limits. This year’s PGA Championship 2018 at Bellerive and Dustin John- when players begin their rounds. commentary in English and Japanese, The San Francisco Department of was originally to be staged May 14- son by the same margin last year at Cups have been filled with tubing, said sumo association spokesman Public Health permitted the course 17 at the San Francisco layout, but Bethpage Black. with balls considered “holed out” Shibatayama Yasushi. to book tee times starting on Mon- was postponed until August 6-9 be- Koepka could become the first once the ball touches the tube. Visitors will also be able to mingle day and allow public rounds with cause of the deadly virus pandemic. golfer to win the same major title Flagsticks cannot be touched or with wrestlers, shake hands and take precautions to help prevent the The Masters, traditionally the first three years in a row since Australian removed while rakes, ball-washers pictures with them at the event, added spread of the coronavirus that shut major tournament each year, was Peter Thomson at the 1954-1956 and trash cans have been removed Hakkaku. AFP down sports. postponed from April to November British Opens. from the course. AFP Russian athletics board resigns as doping crisis deepens THE entire board of Russia’s athlet- athletics has gone on for five years tegrity Union last week accused ics federation has resigned as the and it has gone on too long,” Minis- Russia of serious violations and rec- government attempts to find a way ter of Sport Oleg Matytsin, who was ommended “severest possible con- out of the country’s deepening dop- appointed last month, was quoted sequence” but the federation once ing crisis before this year’s Olympic as saying. again protested total innocence. Games. Russia has been suspended since Under new minister Matytsin, The federation (RUSAF) and the 2015 over a doping scandal and was Russia has to provide World Athlet- Russian sports ministry announced fighting for readmission to the glob- ics with an answer on the Lysenko late on Monday that the board was al athletics body. probe by February 10, reported the handing over its powers to a work- But the readmission process was news agency TASS. ing group within the Russian Olym- suspended last year as Russia was On Tuesday, a commission of pic Committee as all of its members accused of obstructing a probe into athletes in RUSAF, including world resign. high jumper Danil Lysenko. champions high jumper Maria La- The decision has been made “as World Athletics also stopped re- sitskene and hurdler Sergei Shuben- RUSAF activities have not led to the viewing which Russians can com- kov, said disbanding the board was reinstatement of the federation in pete as neutrals with less than six “the only right decision and crucial World Athletics”, and to “ensure par- months to go before Tokyo 2020. to return Russian athletics into the ticipation of clean Russian athletes Both RUSAF and the former sports global sports community”. in international and Russian com- minister denied any wrongdoing. Time is running out for Russia’s ath- petition”, the joint statement said. Frustration with RUSAF reached letes, who risk missing their second Russia’s anti-doping agency director general Yuri Ganus attends a conference of “It’s clear that the crisis in Russian boiling point after the Athletics In- Olympic Games since 2016. AFP Russia’s Athletics Federation. The entire board resigned on Monday. afp