Cambodian Opposition Learns Non-Violent Protest

Heng Reaksmey and Say Mony, VOA Khmer

04 Sep 2013

Cambodian Opposition Learns Non-Violent Protest Tactics

About 1,000 members of the Cambodian opposition have taken part in non-violent protest training for their upcoming mass rally against the results of July's election.

Officials for the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) Wednesday had their supporters practice how to react non-violently to police provocations, spot infiltrators in their ranks and avoid the use of abusive language.

After the session, some were asked to come on stage to demonstrate what they had learned, with other members of the opposition portraying security forces.

The government has deployed troops in the Cambodian capital before the planned demonstration and has warned about the rally turning violent.

But Kem Sokha, CNRP vice president, says a peaceful protest is the goal. VOA Khmer's Heng Reaksmey and Say Mony report from Phnom Penh.

Polls Open in Cambodia, Prime Minister Hun Sen Casts Ballot

Say Mony, VOA Khmer

28 Aug 2013

Polls Open in Cambodia, Prime Minister Hun Sen Casts Ballot

Voting kicked off in Cambodia early on Sunday with the incumbent Prime Minister Hun Sen and his wife are amongst the first to cast their ballots.

Voters said they hoped the results would be accepted by everyone and that no major violence or issues will rise after the election results are revealed. VOA Khmer's Say Mony report from Kandal province.

Camping Against Corruption, Youth Reveals Acts of Briberies

Say Mony, VOA Khmer

08 Aug 2013

Camping Against Corruption, Youth Reveals Acts of Briberies

Youth groups from eight provinces and municipality were committing themselves to fight against corruption after participating in a five-day camping organized by Transparency International Cambodia. VOA's Say Mony reports from Kampong Cham, Cambodia.

Irregularities May Have Affected Election results: Transparency International

Say Mony, VOA Khmer

31 Jul 2013

Irregularities May Have Affected Election results: Transparency International ​

A non-governmental organization observing the Sunday's election said that many​ irregularities may have affected the election results.

At a polling station in Phnom Penh's Russey Keo district, a group of voters were complaining about duplicate names on voter lists and 'indelible ink' that could be washed off. Mak Kear is one of them. He said his wife's name appeared twice on a voter list and he could easily remove the ink from his index finger just some minutes after casting his ballot on Sunday. Say Mony reports from Phnom Penh.

Some Return After Eviction From Coastal Resort Development

Say Mony, VOA Khmer

27 July 2013

In this Oct. 6, 2012 photo, local workers adjust stones at a dam construction site by China National Heavy Machinery Corporation on the Tatay River in Koh Kong province, some 210 kilometers (130 miles) west of Phnom Penh.

KOH KONG Province - Thousands of people have been evicted from their homes to make way for a Chinese development in Koh Kong province. But some of the families have returned to their land, leaving a relocation site they say was insufficient for their needs. For families like those of Chum Siran, life has become more difficult since their removal from the development site,

to this relocation site in the mountains of Koh Kong. Before the relocation, her family raised cashews, while her husband fished.

Youth Representatives Debate Party Policies

Say Mony, VOA Khmer

24 July 2013

PHNOM PENH - Youth representatives from six political parties running in the upcoming elections joined an International Republican Institute-organized debate over the weekend to show their respective parties’ policies.

On Coast, Chinese Development Pushes Thousands From Land

Say Mony, VOA Khmer

24 July 2013

In this Oct. 6, 2012 photo, a Chinese engineer, left, walks by a fence with Chinese slogans reading: Safety first, highest quality and quantity near an entrance of a dam construction site by China National Heavy Machinery Corporation on the Tatay River in Koh Kong province, some 210 kilometers (130 miles) west of Phnom Penh.

KOH KONG - Thousands of villagers in a remote district of the coastal province of Koh Kong have been evicted or are facing eviction in the face of a Chinese resort development project. Some families have moved unwillingly to relocation sites. But others are refusing to leave, setting the stage for another land dispute.

The villagers are facing eviction from a 36,000-hectare resort project by the Chinese Union Development Group, which holds a 99-year lease on the land.

Fulbright Scholars Prepare for US Education

Say Mony, VOA Khmer

04 Junly 2013

Fulbright logo shown during a slideshow presentation in Phnom Penh, on July 3, 2013.

PHNOM PENH — Eight Cambodian students were awarded a prestigious Fulbright scholarship this year to pursue higher education in leading US universities. In interviews with VOA Khmer, the students said they hoped to help develop their country more on their return.

“They’re going to give the youth of Cambodia hope,” US Ambassador William Todd told VOA Khmer. “Whether they are going to the government or going to industries or law or education, they’re going to give the youth of this country a future. They’re going to grow the economy, and they’re going to help the country move forward.”

American Ensembles Take On Cambodian Songs

Say Mony, VOA Khmer

04 Jul 2013

American Ensembles Take On Cambodian Songs

Two US ensembles last week performed benefit concerts in Phnom Penh just ahead of the Fourth of July holiday. Band members and organizers say they hoped the music would bring the US and Cambodia culturally closer.

American children from the Boston Children's Chorus sang "Phnom Penh," a song composed by the late king Sihanouk in the Cambodian capital. (Say Mony, Phnom Penh)

Campaigning Parties Vow More Freedom of Information

Say Mony, VOA Khmer

02 July 2013

Under the CPP-dominated Assembly, the Freedom of Information Law was rejected twice, in 2010 and 2012, without debate.

PHNOM PENH - With the national elections just a month away, representatives from major political parties excluding the ruling Cambodian People’s Party promise to ensure the approval of the long-awaited Freedom of Information Law if elected. The law would allow for better public access to government records, including for journalists and policymakers.

Proponents say it would spur greater transparency in the government, particularly in the extractive industries, which remain part of a lucrative, though secretive, sector. A draft version of the law has been stalled since 2007.