Political Parties Agree on Way Forward for Political Reform

Heng Reaksmey,Say Mony, VOA Khmer

19 February 2014

Hun Sen and Sam Rainsy meet for the first time after election on Sept 14, 2013. (Photo by Heng Reaksmey VOA Khmer)

PHNOM PENH — Cambodia’s ruling and opposition parties reopened negotiations on Tuesday, seeking to end a political deadlock that has been in place since July’s national elections. Negotiators from the Cambodian People’s Party and the Cambodia National Rescue Party spoke for more than two hours at the Senate building in Phnom Penh, agreeing to look for ways to reform Cambodia’s political process.

The two sides said in a joint statement they hoped to organize a national forum that would draw from the international community, local NGOs and other interested parties to work on reform.

Cambodians Becoming Less Likely Tolerate Corruption: Advocate

Say Mony, VOA Khmer

19 February 2014

Preap Kol, executive director of Transparency International Cambodia, on “Hello VOA” last week.

PHNOM PENH — An anti-corruption advocate says Cambodias no longer regard corruption as an everyday occurrent they must tolerate. “Cambodian people today have changed their attitude of ignorance to paying attention to corruption because they now understand its impacts more than before,” Preap Kol, executive director of Transparency International Cambodia, told “Hello VOA” last week.

Cambodia was listed as the most corrupt country in Southeast Asia last year, according to Transparency International’s annual index, which measures perceived corruption. And a recently released survey by the US-based International Republican Institute found that nearly 50 percent of Cambodians view corruption and nepotism as serious problems facing the country.

Families Want ‘Justice’ for Slain Workers

Say Mony, VOA Khmer

06 February 2014

PHNOM PENH — Families of garments workers shot dead in Phnom Penh early last month say they are appealing for justice for their loved ones.

At least four people were killed when police fired on demonstrators during the Jan. 3 crackdown. No one has been arrested or reprimanded in the wake of the shootings.

Filmmaker Sees Work Banned at Cambodia Film Festival

Say Mony, VOA Khmer

23 December 2013

Filmmaker Sees Work Banned at Cambodia Film Festival ​​

While the newly-appointed minister of Culture and Fine Arts Pheoung Sakona was on stage praising Cambodian filmmakers for their efforts to bring fame back to Cambodian cinema industry at the launch of Cambodia International Film Festival held in Phnom Penh last weekend, renowned filmmaker Chhay Bora was listening quietly and clapping his hands at the end of her speech. This despite his latest feature film "3.50," which he co-produced with a Singaporean filmmaker, being banned at cinemas in the country. "I hope the new minister who has been in office recently will probably consider opening up more for the art arena especially the film industry." (Say Mony, Phnom Penh)

Expert Touts Rise of Citizen Journalists

Say Mony, VOA Khmer

14 December 2013

A journalist takes a photo using a smart phone during a press conference, file photo.

PHNOM PENH — Citizens can be journalists, and they can help Cambodia face ongoing issues like illegal logging, rights abuses and corruption, a communications technology expert says. Ngeth Moses, ICT coordinator for the Community Legal Education Center, told “Hello VOA” Monday that new tools are making it easier for so-called citizen journalists to emerge.

“They can get audio and video from the field where those problems occur, and share them quickly on social media,” he said.

Alumni Groups Raise Funds To Aid Flood Victims

Say Mony, VOA Khmer

27 November 2013

A Cambodian amputee beggar is given money by a passerby while wading in the street flood in Phnom Penh, file photo.

ODDAR MEANCHEY Province - Heavy rainfall and flooding along the Mekong River killed 168 people this year and damaged hundreds of thousands of hectares of rice and other crops across the country. But this year, groups of former students who had studied abroad decided to raise funds for charity. They have so far raised some $30,000 in flood relief

Student Group Raises Funds To Aid Flood Victims

Say Mony, VOA Khmer

26 Nov 2013

Student Group Raises Funds To Aid Flood Victims ​

Heavy rainfall and flooding along the Mekong River killed 168 people this year and damaged hundreds of thousands of hectares of rice and other crops across the country. But this year, a group of former students who had studied abroad decided to raise funds for charity. They have so far raised some $30,000 in flood relief. For flood victims like 73-year-old farmer Kroch Sann, that meant a little help after flooding destroyed his rice paddy. (Say Mony, Oddar Meanchey province)

On Tonle Sap, Collusion, Corruption Mean Overfishing

Say Mony, VOA Khmer

16 November 2013

Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC), a Japanese oil company, has been granted a rights by Cambodia Tuesday, May 4, 2010, to study a survey for possible oil onshore at the basin of Tonle Sap lake, or "Great Lake," the largest freshwater.

PHNOM PENH - Members of a fishing community in Battambang province say overfishing has increased in recent years, fueled in part by collusion between criminals and the authorities responsible for protecting them. Cambodia is facing a growing crisis from overfishing, as major fish stocks in the Tonle Sap lake are being depleted, diminishing a major source of protein for millions of people.

In Kantrai village, Battambang province, fisherman Lorn Rim said the are “no fish now.”

Cambodian Opposition Protest: Paris Peace Accords Violated

Say Mony, VOA Khmer

23 Oct 2013

Cambodian Opposition Protest: Paris Peace Accords Violated

Cambodia's opposition is beginning three days of mass demonstrations in the capital to call for the government to allow an independent probe into alleged fraud in the country's most recent election. Thousands gathered early Wednesday in Phnom Penh's Freedom Park, where they were met by thousands of riot police. Many Cambodians fear a repeat of last month's opposition protests, during which one protester was killed and several wounded following clashes with police. Say Mony, Phnom Penh.

‘Hungry’ Teachers Need Better Pay, Educator Says

Say Mony, VOA Khmer

17 October 2013

Cambodian school children sit under the shade of tree as they listen to teacher at Trapaing Loeuk primary school in Kampong Speu province.

PHNOM PENH - An increase in teacher salaries and the elimination of administrative corruption are key reforms needed to ensure improved education and competitiveness for Cambodian youths, an educator says. “Some teachers say that with hungry stomaches, they cannot teach,” Pa Chanroeun, a PhD candidate at Charles Stuart University in Australia, told “Hello VOA” on Monday. “So there must be decent salaries for educational personnel, especially teachers.”

Cambodia’s teachers earn about $100 per month, leading many to resort to low-level bribe-taking to make ends meet. The government has said it cannot afford higher wages for more than 112,000 education personnel nationwide.