Cambodia
has progressed rapidly since the UN-brokered peace deal twenty years ago. It
has moved on from being a war-torn country to one that is being described as
the next Asian "tiger", with near two-digit economic growth.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, who has been
in power for three decades, wants to turn his country into a hub of economic
transactions in the region, bringing back the glory days for Cambodia. Today,
the streets of Phnom Penh are packed with investors and expensive new cars.
Skyscrapers are now beginning to dot the city. Tourists are crowding into the
ancient temple complex of Angkor Wat. The country is now preparing to be the
Asean chair next year. Phnom Penh already has a long list of what it wants to
achieve.
Despite all the good things that are happening
in Cambodia, Hun Sen is moving quickly to counter the proliferation of
non-governmental organisations. Since the 1990s, Cambodian civil society groups
have done jobs that the government has not paid enough attention to. They have
supplemented the existing government programmes and actions regarding the
alleviation of poverty, the promotion of education, and in helping the poor to
fight for their land rights. Other active groups are focused on the protection
of the environment and human rights - both areas of concern in Cambodia.
The most controversial issue today in Cambodia
is the pending draft legislation on non-governmental organisations, which donor
organisations and recipients say would limit their ability to do good work. The
United Nations Special Rapporteur for Human Rights in Cambodia, Surya Subedi,
says the law should be carefully reviewed and, as it stands, "may hamper
the legitimate work of NGOs in the country".
In addition, he has expressed concern about
the lack of progress on land rights and freedom of speech in the country. In the
past few years, large tracts of land have been allotted to industrial
investment companies, causing trouble for poor people who have no land to live
on or farm. The government has provided new land for them, but this is either
not sufficient or of poor quality.
Just a few days ago, the Cambodian Ministry of
Information shut down 16 newspapers, 15 magazines and six bulletins. It was the
biggest media gag operation in the history of Cambodia. However, one positive
thing is that Cambodia is highly tolerant of the foreign-language newspapers -
English, Chinese and French. The Phnom Penh Post, which is 100 per cent
foreign-owned, has so far reported straightforward news without any government
intervention. Increasingly, local Chinese newspapers are making their voices
heard.
After Cambodia's chairmanship of Asean next
year, the country will seek to become a non-permanent member of the UN Security
Council. Asean countries have already backed its bid. There will be more
activities both from the government and civil society groups, which want to see
more programmes to help the poor and promote human rights. At the moment, Hun
Sen is focusing more on the home front because he wants to make sure that he
leaves a good legacy for Cambodia. Next year, Cambodia will hold an election,
which his Cambodia Party is expected to win. His continued leadership is
virtually secured.
Editorial Desk
The Nation (Thailand)
Business & Investment Opportunities
YourVietnamExpert is a division of Saigon Business Corporation Pte Ltd, Incorporated in Singapore since 1994. As Your Business Companion, we propose a range of services in Consulting, Investment and Management, focusing three main economic sectors: International PR; Healthcare & Wellness;and Tourism & Hospitality. We also propose Higher Education, as a bridge between educational structures and industries, by supporting international programs. Sign up with twitter to get news updates with @SaigonBusinessC. Thanks.
No comments:
Post a Comment