A political endgame
Lately, there has been too much sound-bites and public discourse about the supposed impending return to the country of one fugitive politician.
Category: Editorial
Cambodia stands with China on Hong Kong Protests
On 17 August 2019, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation issued a statement on the evolving situation in Hong Kong stressing that the Kingdom respects the long standing “One China Policy”.
Cambodia’s microfinance a growth engine, not a debt trap
The recent controversial report entitled “Collateral Damage” published by LICADHO and Sahmakum Tean Tnaut has stirred public debate and created misunderstanding on the whole situation of the microfinance in Cambodia.
A new chapter for Cambodia-US relations?
The appointment of a veteran diplomat Patrick Murphy, who has broad and deep knowledge of Southeast Asia and well experienced in dealing with regional stakeholders, presents an opportunity to open a new chapter for the troubled bilateral relationship between the US and Cambodia.
Mike Pompeo debunks China naval base in Cambodia theory
Such baseless assumptions are counterproductive to the bilateral relationship and the US’s engagement in the region
New momentum to fight against corruption
Prime Minister Hun Sen this week has asserted his determination to use the so-called 5th principle of institutional reform, referring to “institutional surgery”.
The smearing of Cambodia. Washington’s “psy-ops” in full flight
The stream of stories swirling around allegations of a deal that would allow for a Chinese military presence on Cambodian territory, is an example of what Washington has become: a Möbius maelstrom that lives by and decries that which it invented: “fake news.”
Boris Johnson’s clowning glory
The fissures that have emerged over the last three years — not only within the Conservative Party, but throughout the political system and society in general — have left the UK deeply damaged.
Terrible weaknesses in Cambodia’s border control
Border control is an urgent issue for Cambodia as it potentially causes political instability and public protests. Money laundering and the inflow of toxic waste are cases in point.
Prime Minister’s health not a subject of speculation
The rumors being spread each time the Prime Minister has an ailment, minor or major, hospitalization or outpatient treatment, have become a subject of hot political issue and national security concern.
Say “NO” to toxic waste!
The Prime Minister Hun Sen sent a clear message last Friday that Cambodia would not become a dumping ground for any form of waste, generally referring to toxic waste such as medical waste, bio waste and electronic waste.
Cambodia’s new trade strategy
The current bottlenecks of Cambodia’s trade strategy are the narrow export market, complex regulations and informal fees, and high trade logistics cost.
Politics matters to deliver reforms
Last week, Prime Minister Hun Sen said that the withdrawal of the Kingdom’s access to EU’s EBA preferential trade scheme is not a big concern. He said the key concern was the inability of his officials in carrying out their assigned tasks.
Scrutinising building approvals better late than never
To close the stable door after the horse has bolted, aptly describes the Government authorities’ efforts to scrutinize all building permits in the aftermath of the collapse of a under construction seven story building in Sihanoukville nine days ago.
Asean claims ownership over the Indo-Pacific
Asean leaders have adopted the Indo Pacific Outlook at the 34th Asean Summit in Bangkok this month to show their unity and centrality to claim Asean leadership and ownership in shaping regional architecture.
Strengthening parliamentary partnership
The role of the Asean members of Parliament in community building is increasingly vital, particularly in connecting Asean with the people and empowering them in transforming this regional organisation into a truly people-centered regional community.
Towards the 34th Asean Summit
The Asean leaders are to gather in Bangkok this weekend for the 34th Asean Summit. Under the theme “Advancing Partnership for Sustainable Development”.
How to address fake news?
The three days Asia Media Summit which ends today, was a forum for some 600 delegates from 42 countries deliberated mostly on combatting disinformation, including fake news, how to adapt to digital revolution, envisioning the media in the 4th Industrial Revolution and media credibility.
G20 addresses emerging global issues
Globalisation is under siege. Multilateralism is under threat due to rising protectionism and unilateralism, mainly in the US. It is a world in flux- full of uncertainty, unpredictability and turbulence.
GMAC’s confidence on EBA may be premature
Last week, the Garment Manufacturer’s Association of Cambodia (GMAC), said that a full withdrawal of the Kingdom’s everything-but arms trade status is unlikely.
Cambodia Embraces East and West
Cambodia has suffered from the widespread public perception both at home and abroad of being a vassal or client state of China. Such wrong perception was driven by some Western media and exacerbated by the opposition leaders.
Reforms Await Results
At the beginning of the previous mandate from 2013 to 2018, Prime Minister Hun Sen delivered a five-hour speech to his new cabinet lineup, in which he made it crystal clear that reform was the main agenda.
Government should focus on reforms and not fall prey to opposition rhetoric
The World Bank’s latest report shows that the estimated growth rate for Cambodia in 2018 was 7.5 percent- it was the highest growth in the past four years.
Chinese base allegation is a war-mongering prophecy
The reheating allegations on possible Chinese naval base in Koh Kong province, Cambodia, is nothing but a warmongering prophecy.
Security sector reform is critical
The recalcitrant opposition’s repeated call on the military to partake in the regime change aims to divide and destabilize the country. It is necessary for the government to take strict measures to prevent the potential emergence of “watermelon” soldiers.
Can Cambodia Balance China with the West?
The recent statement by China’s Wang Huning, a member of the Political Bureau of the Chinese Communist Party, that China would find ways to help Cambodia to mitigate the risks deriving from the removal of Everything-but-Arms (EBA), was certainly a welcome piece of news.
Not wise to rally Asean peers on bilateral issue with the EU
Recent media statements by the Ministry of Commerce (MoC) stated that is contemplating bringing the EBA Rice Safeguard complaint to WTO or any higher institutions in Europe.
Cambodians hoping to study in US: You are welcome here
I want to congratulate all students in Cambodia who have received offers of admission from one of the over 4,700 accredited institutions
Despite challenges, economy on right track with reforms
Cambodia’s economy has shown a certain degree of resilience and tenacity in maintaining growth despite facing various political challenges from within and outside. Economic performance and output are the main sources of regime legitimacy.
Asian political parties address ageing population
More than 25 political parties from Asia gathered in Colombo last weekend to exchange views on international and regional issues, with a focus on the implications of and a policy to address the issue of an increasing ageing population in Asia.
