The Phnom Penh Post - ENGLISH: “Cannot use tanks” plus 9 more

Considering the mood of the opposition supporters around the country, the opposition could mobilise a lot of people. You cannot use tanks to crush people's ideas.

Struck by revenue declines, Malaysia-based IT company Dataprep Holdings Bhd (DHB) is looking at overseas markets that could include Cambodia, according to the company's annual report to Malaysia's stock exchange.

"The Group … has several overseas projects in the pipeline, in countries such as Indonesia, China, Cambodia and Vietnam," the chairman's statement said, without giving more detail.

Malaysian paper the Sun yesterday quoted CEO Ahmad Rizan Ibrahim, who said that he is in talks in Cambodia and Vietnam. According to the annual report, the Group's results "were affected by intense competition in the market and lower margin, which saw the group's revenue base being eroded."

Ken Chanthan, chairman of the ICT Association of Cambodia, said he welcomes a new player in Cambodia as "there is room for the industry to grow".

According to Chanthan, 60 per cent of the IT companies in Cambodia are locally owned. The remaining 40 per cent foreign-owned companies are mostly Malaysian, Singaporean and Vietnamese.

DHB did not reply to an email yesterday. The company provides IT services to clients in government, education, telecommunication and the financial sector in Malaysia.

A police officer was arrested yesterday for allegedly firing his gun into the air to awaken his family after he drove home from a boozy, late-night birthday party and found himself locked out of the house, police said.

Sok Lundi, 32, who works at the Ministry of Interior, was detained yesterday over the alleged incident in the capital's Daun Penh district, deputy district police chief Nhem Sao Nol said.

"He was detained for illegally shooting a bullet into the air in front of his house on Monday after midnight," he said. "He's still being questioned."

A Chaktomuk commune police officer, who asked not be named, said Lundi drove his luxury car home "very drunk" after the party at about 1:30am.

"[He] got angry with his family for not opening the door for him," the officer said. "So he fired a bullet into the air to wake them up."

Police said the house doubled as a popular sports shop operated by his father.

About 1,000 workers at one of Asia's largest garment-processing factories have joined more than 4,000 who began a strike last week, as union workers demanded the company meet nine conditions, including severing ties with a shareholder.

Employees at the SL2 factory of SL Garment Processing (Cambodia) Ltd walked off the job yesterday, said Suth Seam, a representative of the Coalition of Cambodian Apparel Workers' Democratic Union (C.CAWDU), which represents thousands of workers at the SL and SL2 factories. SL workers started striking a week before.

"We demanded a $150 minimum wage, $3 for meals, and for the company to … fire the shareholder Meas Sotha," Seam said.

C.CAWDU members who work at SL have alleged that Sotha's decision to bring military police to stand guard inside the factory three weeks ago was an effort to intimidate union workers.

Sotha and Chhin Sao, administrative manager for SL2, both said union workers were forcing workers to strike and that the continuing walkout was illegal.

"They protested without sending a letter to inform to us in advance," Sao said. "It is an illegal strike."

Toyota Cambodia unveiled plans yesterday to add second-hand vehicles to its showroom in response to consumer preference for less expensive cars and a competitive grey market full of unauthorised dealers.

Kong Nuon, chairman of Toyota Cambodia, the country's largest car dealer, said that while demand for cars is growing annually, the purchase of second-hand vehicles represents about 93 per cent of the market.

Nuon, however, warned of importers selling second-hand cars without having complete and appropriate maintenance.

"We know the history of all second-hand cars sold at our company, and they come with proper checks on quality."

At the Toyota showroom yesterday, a second-hand 2005 Lexus RX330 was on sale for $39,500 and a used 2004 Lexus RX330 was valued at $36,000.

The absence of public transport, improved roads and rising middle class incomes has contributed to a steady increase of car ownership in Cambodia, importers say.

Car imports reached 23,662 units last year, a 21 per cent jump from 19,510 units in 2011, according to data from the Ministry of Economy and Finance.

Seng Voeung, the motor vehicle division manager of RMA Cambodia, an authorised Ford dealer, said that Toyota's second-hand import strategy would not impact his new car business.

"It is not new pressure and we have targeted different market segments," Voeung said yesterday.

Voeung estimates that Cambodia's demand for new cars stands at up to more than 3,000 units this year.

Pily Wong, chief executive for the Cambodian distributor of Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen, said yesterday that Cambodia's lax import rules make it an attractive market for second-hand importers, but that risks were also apparent.

"The control is not very strict with pollution and safety standards. It can put customers and other people in danger because the driver doesn't know his or her car is unsafe to be driven," Wong said.

Wong welcomed Toyota's move as consumers are given greater surety of safety standards when dealing with authorised dealers, he said.

Dear Editor,

The 2013 Cambodian national election put the Khmer Rouge (KR) history in a troubled spot through the resurgent politicisation of the history, genocide denial and racist incitement.

Dragging master narratives of Cambodian modern history into politics could lead to social division, political classification and violence.

The ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) and the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) employed the KR rhetoric as one of their strategies to win people's votes.

Highlighting the KR crimes and promoting the CPP's leadership as the saviours of the nation has always been the fundamental strategy for the CPP to gain people's votes. The CPP has been successful in this endeavour as every single Cambodian family has at least one member who died or disappeared during the KR.

The people's suffering during the KR is relevant and the CPP's January 7 Liberation Day resonates with the party's fundamentally political pulse since 1979. With this rhetoric, the CPP has dramatically increased its seats from 51 in 1993 to 90 in 2008.

By then, the CPP was able to consolidate almost exclusive power. The Royalist FUNCINPEC party, which won the first 1993 United Nations sponsored election, has gradually lost power and is fading away from the political stage, becoming subordinated to the CPP.

The opposition Sam Rainsy Party (SRP) became the only major challenger of the CPP in 2008, but could not bring in any substantive change. However, the CPP's sharp decline to 68 seats suggests the KR rhetoric appears not to be working in the present context where many young voters who have no personal experiences with the KR era appear to be passionate for leadership change and have thrown their support behind the opposition.

At the same time, a sense of genocide denial unprecedentedly emerged during this 2013 election. Kem Sokha, an outspoken opposition leader, commented in a public gathering that the very existence of Tuol Sleng prison was a stage and that evidence of torture and execution inside this notorious centre was fabricated by Vietnam to justify its invasion of Cambodia.

Although he later denied making this remark, his political comments angered KR victims, especially Tuol Sleng survivors like Chum Mey, who accused Kem Sokha of insulting the souls of the dead, re-traumatising the suffering of the survivors and distorting historical facts.

Likewise, opposition leader Sam Rainsy attacked the CPP by linking the latter to several unpopular issues relating to Vietnam and the KR. Sam Rainsy's strategy was to enlighten people on the issues of the uncontrolled flow of Vietnamese settlers in which he claims remains active today.

This allegation creates long-time speculation among the Cambodian population of the continued Vietnamese grip on Cambodia's political and internal affairs, the disputed border markers and the recent electoral irregularities with the claim of illegal Vietnamese voters and counter arguments that January 7 Liberation Day was in fact the day of the Vietnamese invasion.

Sam Rainsy's speeches could have injected the sentiment of hatred towards the Vietnamese on social media which influences a large number of young voters.

His rhetoric could be galvanised into incitement that could lead to violence, although he may not have any intention of provoking such violence.

Cambodia has gone through a number of political regimes and major political transitions from French colonialism to today's constitutional monarchy. The structures of these political regimes are largely hierarchical, centralised and dependent on individuals' charisma.

There has never been a strong democratic system that we should embrace and enforce. Going through these transitions and difficulties, Cambodian people have developed a high resilience and the potential for building our well-being and nation.

To equip Cambodia with stronger democratic principles, the rule of law and a respect for human rights, politicians should put a hold on politicising history.

Instead, we should equip the 3.5 million young Cambodians who are born after the KR through education. Without scientific study and research, our young people will lose the chance of knowing their own history.

The young people should have the opportunity to study, analyse and evaluate their history in a way that will institutionalise a culture that values human rights, democracy and the rule of law.

Historical empathy, tolerance and forgiveness are key ethos that is crucial to a thriving post-conflict democracy.

The youth should be encouraged to question and challenge the authorities that guide the country in the wrong direction so they can become competent leaders and active agents in the quest for peace and national reconciliation.

Liberating KR history from the troubled spot through education characterises the first important step in this endeavour. KR history is undeniably our history.

It belongs to all Cambodians and so does the genocide.

Khamboly Dy,
Author of A History of Democratic Kampuchea (1975-1979), Documentation Center of Cambodia.

Ngul Lech pushed further ahead in the standings of the 2013 Smart Cambodia Mountain Bike Series on Sunday with a composed victory in the A1 Elite Class in Kampong Speu.

The 22-year-old Flying Bikes team rider completed six laps of the 2.5km course in a time of 57 minutes 56 seconds, nearly 1.2 minutes faster than his team-mate Seang Makara.

Yoeun Phyuth, 18, who started off the day a point off series leader Ngul Lech, came home in third to remain in second place overall.

The Kampong Speu teenager will need to make up a difference of six points in the final race at Phnom Baset on November 3 to win the title.

Frenchman Pierre-Yves Catry, who is also the organiser of the event and owner of Flying Bikes, finished fourth on Sunday and now lies third in the table, 15 points off Ngul Lech.

In the A2 Elite class for over 30-year-olds, Flying Bikes member Srey Ya took top honours over five laps in 56.01 minutes. He stands comfortably clear of the chasing pack going in the final round, with Sunday's runner-up Meas Samnang having missed the series opener on Silk Island.

Arnaud Demarti came third to strengthen his second spot overall.

Meanwhile, 23-year-old Mol Sim Lim of Mekong Cycling Team maintained his stranglehold of the B Intermediate Class with victory in its three-lap race. Simon Gadient snatched second and Lim's team-mate Reoun Vireak was third.
The C1 Novices division for riders of 14-18 years old saw Mekong Cycling Team's Aem Pok secure his third stage win out of four.

Prum Bandiddh stormed to first place in the C2 Novices event for riders aged 19-39, while Ervin Rellin of the Campinoy team gave a masterclass in the C3 Novices race for over-40s.

Jolanda Zwetsloot also tripled up on race wins in the women's section, as 12-year-old Doeung Vichet triumphed in the kids class.

Cheng Phearom scored a rare badminton victory for Cambodia on Sunday at the second Asian Youth Games in Nanjing, eastern China.

According to delegation leader Noon Sokvisal, the young shuttler stormed his preliminary match 21-14, 21-15 against an opponent from the Maldives. However, Phearom came unstuck in the quarter-finals, going down 21-11, 21-9 to a Filipino player.

Cambodia's Kev Pich Chhorvy also lost against Philippines opposition, beaten 21-4, 9-21, 21-8 in her women's singles opener.

In the mixed doubles competition, Phearom and Chhorvy were outclassed by a Chinese pair by a 21-9, 21-6 scoreline.

National Olympic Committee of Cambodia secretary-general Vath Chamroeun, who was visiting the Games, told the Post: "I appreciate the result as an improvement on previous tournaments. We've never won [a single game in badminton], even at the SEA Games."

Leam Veasna completed a remarkable sixth men's shot put win in successive years at the Phnom Penh Regional Athletics Championships held at Olympic Stadium on Sunday, beating seven other competitors in the 7.25kg-shot event with a throw of 10.61 metres.

The 28–year-old, who represents Asia Europe University, was a clear 20 centimetres better than his nearest rival, Human Resource University's Khon Kheang.

Thoeung Su Veasna, also of Asia Europe University, was way back in third on 8.62 metres.

Leam Veasna told the Post: "I think what I did today is as not good as what I've done before. Before I could throw 12.20 metres, but now only 10.61 metres because I've been busy with my job and not properly training for nearly a year. However, I will do better next year."

The Cambodian national U16 boys football team landed in Myanmar on Sunday ahead of the 2013 AFF U16 Championship, which kicks off today at Zabuthiri Stadium in Naypyidaw.

The host nation faces a tricky tie with Vietnam before Cambodia open their Group A account with an intimidating clash against Australia from 4:30pm Cambodian time.

The 20-strong squad named last week is predominantly made up of Phnom Penh Crown Academy players, who have played international club matches over the past three months as part of the FAM-Frenz U15 ASEAN Champions Trophy competition.

Crown finished bottom of the six-team Group A with two draws from their 10 games, highlighting a gulf in class between Cambodia and their regional rivals. However, the boys can take heart in some gutsy performances and their experience in the event can be regarded as a positive leading into the AFF tournament against some familiar players.

Meanwhile, reigning Metfone C-League champions Svay Rieng contribute five individuals from their youth team and 2012 league winners Boeung Ket Rubber Field have their goalkeeper Sim Mesa making the side.

Crown's players in the squad include Suon Noeut, Long Phearath, Ouk Sovann, Sraing Titchhy, Orn Chanpolin, Pov Ponvuthy, Yeu Muslim, Ken Chansopheak, Seut Baraing, Sath Rozak, Chhuot Senteang, Men Piphop, In Sodavid and goalkeeper Svang Samnang.

The Svay Rieng boys are Ouk Dinarong, Chhoeung Sokheng, Kunthea Ravan, Chheam Ratana and goalkeeper Soam Sokundara.

Swiss coach Sam Schweingruber, who also takes care of Crown's senior team, will lead the boys in Myanmar. He will be assisted by Crown Academy coach Bouy Dary, Svay Rieng youth team coach Keo Kosal, National Police head coach Ung Kanyanith and Svay Rieng goalkeeper coach In Sokha. Crown physio Lidwina Niewold will provide medical assistance.

Also joining the Cambodian delegation is Liverpool-born coach John McGlynn, who has plied his trade in Australia for the past three decades and recently obtained his FIFA A-Licence coaching certificate.

According to Crown press officer Andy Brouwer, McGlynn served with the United Nations in Cambodia in 1993 and returned to the Kingdom to support Schweingruber at Crown at the back end of the league season this year.

The U16 team played their final preparation friendly last Wednesday against Kirivong U16s, which they drew 1-1.

Schweingruber is wary that their opponents in Naypyidaw will likely have the upper hand in terms of physicality.

"We have a lot of small players, good technique and understanding, but physically going to be overpowered," he told the Post.

"We have some good defending players – Narong and Titchy – build the centre with Barang and Noet on the sides . . . In midfield, Ravan is important to get us into scoring opportunities and our main striker is Santeang."

The Swiss coach noted that their opening fixture against Australia had the potential to be "very brutal".

"[They are] possibly one of the best teams in Asia or the world. We will need to be on top of our game to survive that game," added Schweingruber.

Cambodia will go on to face Brunei on Thursday, a tie the coach believes is winnable with a good performance. Remaining Group A match-ups include Vietnam on Saturday and Myanmar the following Wednesday in which the Kingdom "hope to manage some surprises".

"The dream is to qualify for the semi-finals, but for this to happen we need to work extremely hard to pull a lot of luck on our side," said Schweingruber.

"We will do our very best to come away with at least 2 positive results."

Group B will be contested by Singapore, Laos, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines. Semi-finals are slated for August 31 with the grand final on September 2.