Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Promoting Education of Anticorruption Law

On March 11, 2010 the National Assembly of the Kingdom of Cambodia passed the anticorruption law with the support of 82 on 82 voices present and on March 19, the Senate also approved the law with 52 voices on 53. The law is very important in the fight against corruption which is a great obstacle for national development but also a judicial tool for strengthening democracy and social stability. It should be affirmed that the Royal Government paid great attention to the drafting of anticorruption law that included inputs and modifications in cooperation with various organizations such as JICA, UNDP, USAID and DANIDA, as well as contributions from state institutions, non-governmental organizations and some of the world’s famous experts. The law is born from of the concentration of intelligence from all sectors of society, the international community as well as experiences gathered from other countries, which make it a world standard and typical to the situation of the Cambodian society.

The fight against corruption is a part of the Royal Government’s program for state reforms so as to guarantee good governance, to improve public services, to strengthen social justice and equity, to develop a sustainable economy and to improve the people’s living condition as a whole. The Royal Government’s strategy in the fight against corruption focuses on three essentially inter-related elements – education for the prevention, law enforcement and suppression of corruption offenses with massive participation and support. So far the Royal Government has taken various measures against corruption by putting in place relevant mechanisms such as the Ministry of Relations with the National Assembly, the Senate and Inspection, the National Auditing Committee and the Anti-Graft Unit, etc. Through these mechanisms and together with other competent institutions, various achievements have been scored in the fight against corruption and a number of offenders have been arrested and brought to trials. However, for the achievement of high efficiency there needs to have this Anticorruption Law as a judicial tool for determining on mechanism, punishments and legal measures in suppressing corruption offenses.

Some in ill-intent circles and opposition circles have criticized and accused the draft law to be of shortcomings and that it would not be able to protect the people’s interest. They verbally attack the Royal Government for not expediting the law organization but when the National Assembly was ready to convene the meeting on the bill, they backtracked to demanding for more time on the pretext that the timeframe provided was too short that MPs could not give it a thorough study and the civil society organizations were not able to comments. They criticized the law as lacking clarity while interpreting various points of the draft law to their ill-intent positions. Moreover, representatives of the opposition parties walked out of the session of the National Assembly that was in motion to adopt the law. This has clearly illustrated lack of responsibility from their parts for national and people interests. At the same time UNCT has issued an embarrassing statement seen to have exceeded its mandate and to interfere in the Cambodian internal affairs.

It is no different to Governments in other democratic countries the Royal Government of Cambodia governs by existing laws, decrees and purviews. Before becoming laws in force, all bills have to be brought for thorough debates in sessions of the National Assembly where all people’s deputies from all political parties with seats in it are entitled to expressing their opinions, whereas in the final stage, decision is up to the adoption session of the National Assembly in accordance with the rules defined by the Constitution and its internal regulations. No democratic country that is required to give the opposition and the civil society more time to study further any draft laws, while the bill has had its passing through various stages in its formation and debates among all concerned circles.

In short, the recently adopted Anticorruption Law by the National Assembly has got qualification that is responding to the wish of national and international community and in conformity with the Cambodian situation. With the law adopted, the Cambodian society will realize more justice, equity, dignity, harmony and progress. It should be understood that the law would not bear efficiency by itself, but would depend on execution with conscience and responsibility of human in both state and private ministries and institutions.

Therefore, the prime task is to promote education and awareness of the law among people, government officials, armed forces, businessmen, traders, investors and circles in society to achieve a good understanding and to move for active implementation. Especially, it is actions taken by the Royal Government in implementing the law with a sharpened and determined political will that are primary factors for the achievement of efficiency of the law. It is in this spirit that the people of Cambodia place their trusts on Samdech Techo Hun Sen in the efforts to win more successes in the battle against corruption.

147th Anniversary of World Red Cross and Red Crescent in Cambodia



Cambodian Red Cross celebrates yesterday the 147th Anniversary of World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day (May 8) under the topic of “Saving Lives, Changing Minds” at its Phnom Penh’s Headquarters under the presidency of Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen and Cambodian Red Cross President Lok Chumteav Bun Rany Hun Sen with the participation of Cambodian Red Cross members, senators, lawmakers, senior government officials, businessmen and other charities.

Addressing the ceremony, Premier Techo Hun Sen expressed his full supports to the Cambodian Red Cross with its topic for this year’s campaign.

The Cambodian Red Cross also raised more than USD 7 millions as donation from the charities during the ceremony.

Prime Minister of Malaysia pays an official visit to the Kingdom of Cambodia





Prime Minister of Malaysia H.E. Dato Sri Mohamed Najib Tun Haji Abdul Razak arrives here yesterday for a 4-day official visit to the Kingdom of Cambodia at the invitation of Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen.

Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen and a visiting Prime Minister of Malaysia H.E. Dato Sri Mohamed Najib Tun Haji Abdul Razak, at the official reception ceremony here this morning just prior to the official meeting between the two prime ministers.

Samdech Hun Sen receives Dean of Lim Kokwing University


Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen receives here yesterday Mr. Tansri Lim Kokwing, Dean of Lim Kokwing University.

On the occasion, Premier Techo Hun Sen thanked Mr. Tansri for providing scholarships to Cambodian students and his contribution to Cambodian Red Cross.

The weekly cabinet meeting



The weekly cabinet meeting was held here today under the Chairmanship of Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen to debate on the following issues:

1. The draft of the 4th and 5th National Report on the Implementation of the Convention for the Elimination al all Forms of Discrimination against the Women in Cambodia.

2. The draft of National Forestry Program. And

3. Others.

The Twenty Fifth Meeting of the Greater Mekong Sub-Region Tourism Working Group



The Twenty Fifth Meeting of the Greater Mekong Sub-Region Tourism Working Group was held in Siem Reap city, Siem Reap province on May 6 with the participation of some 60 tourism officials from 6 Mekong countries including Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam together with their development partners such as ADB with an aims to focus on the promotion of the tourism cooperation in the region.

BHN organization of Japan hands over 116 solar-power radios to Ratanakiri Provincial Information Department



Mr. Kazo Iwaso, a representative of BHN organization of Japan hands over 116 solar-power radios to Ratanakiri Provincial Information Department on May 6 under the auspices of Information Minister H.E. Khieu Kanharith.

Retired King and Queen Grant US$10,000 to CRC



Cambodia’s Queen Monineath Sihanouk accompanied by Cambodian Red Cross President Lok Chumteav Bun Rany Hun Sen and other senior Red Cross members distribute relief to 531 poor families in Kampong Cham province’s Cheung Prey district on May 5.

Also on the occasion, the queen donated USD 10,000 to Cambodian Red Cross for the celebration of the upcoming 147th International Red Cross and Red Crescent Day

Samdech Hun Sen receives a visiting Minister of Information and Culture of Lao People’s Democratic Republic



Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen receives here yesterday a visiting H.E. Muonkeo Oraboun, Minister of Information and Culture of Lao People’s Democratic Republic.

During the meeting, H.E. Muonkeo Oraboun briefed Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen over the results of the just signed memorandum of understanding for the Cooperation on Information and Broadcasting between the Lao Ministry of Information and Culture and Cambodia’s Ministry of Information.

In reply, Samdech Techo Hun Sen expressed his supports and encouraged the two countries’ ministries to further strengthen and consolidate the cooperation

A Dissemination Workshop on Strategy Plan of Phnom Penh Healthy City 2010-2014


Phnom Penh Municipality and the Ministry of Health jointly organize here yesterday a Dissemination Workshop on Strategy Plan of Phnom Penh Healthy City (PPHC) 2010-2014 under the presidency of Phnom Penh Governor H.E. Kep Chutema.

The inauguration ceremony of a road and pond recently at Takeo province



Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries H.E. Chan Sarun cuts red ribbon to inaugurate a road and pond recently at Takeo province’s Tramkak district.

Samdech Hun Sen receives deputy Minister of National Defense of Japan


Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen receives here yesterday a visiting H.E. Mr. Shimisa Kazuya, Deputy Minister of National Defense of Japan.

On the occasion, Premier Techo Hun Sen thanked Mr. Shimisa Kazuya for his fruitful meeting with Cambodian Defense’s Minister H.E. Tea Banh and encouraged the two countries’ national defense ministries to further boost their bilateral cooperation bilaterally and multilaterally.

Samdech Hun Sen meets with vice Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan



Cambodia’s Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen meets here yesterday with a visiting H.E. Chiaki Takahashi, Vice Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan.

During the meeting, H.E. Chiaki Takahashi briefed Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen over the results of the just signed memorandum of understanding between the Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMNC) with Cambodian National Petroleum Authority (CNPA).

In reply, Samdech Techo Hun Sen said Cambodia welcomes and supports all Japanese investors to Cambodia.

Construction of Special Economic Zone in Sihanoukville Kicks Off



Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Keat Chhon, Minister of Economy and Finance together with Deputy Prime Minister Yim Chhay Ly and Japanese Ambassador to Cambodia H.E. Massafumi Kuroki on May 2 presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of Special Economic Zone in Preah Sihanouk Ville Autonomous Seaport.

The Special Economic Zone in Preah Sihanouk Autonomous Seaport is to be built by Dai Ho Corporation under the loan project of the government of Japan at the total costs of ¥3,651,000,000 or roughly (US$ 39 millions).

Cambodia and Laos Promote Bilateral Cooperation on Media and Broadcasting



A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the Cooperation on Information and Broadcasting between Cambodia and Laos was signed here yesterday by H.E. Khieu Kanharith, Minister of Information of the Kingdom of Cambodia and H.E. Muonkeo Oraboun, Minister of Information and Culture of Lao People’s Democratic Republic.

The 52nd SEACEN-Federal Reserve System Course on Principles of Asset/Liability Management



The 52nd SEACEN-Federal Reserve System Course on Principles of Asset/Liability Management (PALM) is being hosted by the National Bank of Cambodia in Siem Reap provincial town from May 2-7 under the Chairmanship of H.E. Chea Chanto, Governor of National Bank of Cambodia with the participation by representatives from 16-member of SEACEN countries and the United States. The course is mainly focused to review the experiences and to put forth new measures for the asset and liability management.

PM Returns Home from World Expo 2010 in Shanghai



Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Decho Hun Sen accompanied by his wife Lok Chumteav Bun Rany Hun Sen and Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Hor Namhong, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and other senior government officials returned home on May 2, after paying a 4-day fruitful visit to Shanghai, People’s Republic of China.

Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Hor Namhong, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation holds a press conference at the Phnom Penh International Airport on May 2, upon his arrival from accompanying Cambodian delegation led by Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen from the 4-day fruitful visit to Shanghai, China.

On the occasion, he briefed the media that during the meeting between the Chinese President Hu Jintao and Premier Techo Hun Sen, Preisident Hu Jintao has declared that China will continue to provide assistance to Cambodia in all domains including the national defense and development.

MOU on cooperation activities in oil and gas upstream sector



Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Sok An, Cabinet Minister and H.E. Mr. Akira Suzuki, Executive Director , Member of the Board of Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC) sign here today a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on cooperation activities in oil and gas upstream sector which will include evaluating the oil and gas business opportunity, researching technology and developing the oil and gas upstream activities, and providing overseas trainings for Cambodian National Petroleum Authority’s (CNPA) staffs at JOGMEC Technology and Research Center (JOGMEC-TRC).

The annual Plowing Ceremony of Cambodia




The annual Plowing Ceremony of Cambodia was celebrated on May 2 at Angkor Thom Temple’s Elephant Terrace, Siem Reap province under the high patronage of Preah Karona Preah Bath Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni, King of Cambodia with the participation of senators, lawmakers and senior government officials as well as hundreds thousands of Cambodian people across the country.

H.E. Keat Chhon meets with A newly appointed Ambassador of China


A newly appointed Ambassador of China to Cambodia H.E. Mr. Pan Guang Xue pays a courtesy visit to Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Keat Chhon, Minister of Economy and Finance in Phnom Penh recently.

During the meeting, H.E. Keat Chhon expressed thanks to the Chinese government for always provides its support and assistance to Cambodia.

The inauguration ceremony of the head office of the Press Council of Cambodia in Phnom Penh



Information Minister H.E. Khieu Kanharith cuts red ribbon to inaugurate the head office of the Press Council of Cambodia in Phnom Penh on May 3.

On the occasion, the minister said that all media associations and clubs should unify into one force to help resolve the journalists’ matters.

The 4th Trail of Civilization and Performance







The 4th Trail of Civilization and Performance was held at the Bayon Temple’s terrace in Siem Reap province on April 28 under the auspices of Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Sar Kheng, Minister of Interior.

This historic event was also attended by representatives from 15 countries and hundred thousand of Cambodian people across the kingdom.

H.E. Sok An meets with Outgoing Ambassador of Indonesia to Cambodia


Outgoing Ambassador of Indonesia to Cambodia Mr. Ngurah Swajaya bids farewell to Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Sok An, Minister in Charge of the Office of the Council of Ministers in Phnom Penh yesterday, upon the completion of his diplomatic mission in Cambodia.

On the occasion, H.E. Sok An expressed thanks to the Indonesian Ambassador for his great efforts in strengthening and consolidating the ties of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

H.E. Keat Chhon meets with Dean of Research Institute of the Republic of Korea


Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Keat Chhon, Minister of Economy and Finance, meets here yesterday with Mr. Moon Sook Kang, Dean of Research Institute of the Republic of Korea.

During the meeting, H.E. Keat Chhon asked Korean Research Institute to further conduct a study over Cambodian products’ standard, particularly rice and rubber for exportation.

Sunday, May 2, 2010

H.E. Oun Ponmonirath Leaves for the 13th Asean Financial Ministerial Meeting +3


Secretary of Sate of the Ministry of Economy and Finance and Deputy Governor of Cambodia to ADB H.E. Oun Ponmonirath leaves Phnon Penh International Airport on April 27 for the 13th Asean Financial Ministerial Meeting +3 and the 43rd Meeting of the Council of the Governors of ADB to be held from May 1 to 4 in Tashken, Uzbekistan.

The 4th Trail of Civilization and Performance for Senior Official Meeting




Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism hosts the 4th Trail of Civilization and Performance Forum on Culture Tourism Promotion in Siem Reap province on April 27 under the auspices of Cambodia’s Tourism Secretary of State H.E. Sam Promnea.

The meeting was attended by senior officials from Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam together with other two more countries’ observers aims to adopt a road map for the development of the tourism areas and cooperation on other related fields.