Royal Decree NS/RKT/1122/1449 on Annual Staff Promotion for MoEYS dated 28 November 2022 (Sam Rany, K1.5)

 

Ministerial Decision on the Selection of Assessors of Educational Quality at Higher Education dated 26 June 2023

 

Lawyers Instructed to Seek Approval Before Speaking to Media

By Chin Chan - February 11, 2013

Lawyers must now obtain permission from the Cambodian Bar Association before speaking to television and radio media in order to ensure that they do not speak out of turn, the association’s president said in a meeting on Friday.

“First, we want to ensure a high quality of law dissemination. Second, to ensure that explanations of the law to the public are correct, and third to ensure that lawyers adhere to high professional standards,” said Bun Honn, the association’s president.

The new rule does not mean that lawyers would not be allowed to speak to the press, nor is it an attempt to stifle media freedom, Mr. Honn maintained, addressing Bar Association members at the organization’s Phnom Penh headquarters.

“Lawyers can talk to the media, for example, about where a case is going but they can’t criticize a court’s judgment or say the verdict of the court is unfair,” he said when contacted by telephone later.
Penalties for violating the new rule would range from a formal warning to disbarment, he said.
At the association’s request, the Ministry of Information on January 31 also issued a statement advising all television and radio media organizations that wish to interview lawyers to go through the Bar Association first.

At the moment, the only lawyer entirely banned from giving media interviews is Kouy Thunna, who Mr. Honn explained had violated Article 15 in the Lawyer’s Code of Ethics. He declined to say exactly how Mr. Thunna had violated the code, but Article 15 stipulates that lawyers must not give false or deceitful information or engage in self-promotion.

Mr. Thunna declined to comment on the Bar Association’s ban.
Sok Sam Oeun, a lawyer and executive director of legal aid group the Cambodian Defenders Project, said lawyers should be able to serve their clients without being held back by such a rule and that the Constitution protected the right to express one’s opinion.

“Each lawyer is a professional and they know the law and they are also responsible for their clients. For example, if the client agrees for him to say it, he can say it,” Mr. Sam Oeun said, adding that he has never heard of such a rule in other democratic countries.

“If the Bar is concerned that maybe some lawyers do not know how to deal with this, I think it is better for the Bar to train lawyers to deal with journalists,” he said.
(Additional reporting by Dene-Hern Chen)

'Hostage' standoff at Acleda bank branch ends with five arrests

Last Updated on 24 January 2013

By Kim Yuthana, Sam Rith and Chhay Channyda

 

 

 A suspected hostage situation that began Tuesday night was no more than an elaborately staged attempted heist of an Acleda Bank branch, police discovered late last night after apprehending the so-called kidnappers following a 30-hour standoff.

Five men allegedly involved – including the acting branch manager and three other employees – were arrested by police yesterday in Kampong Cham province.

According to provincial police chief Chhay Kimson, the alleged bank robbers had fabricated the hostage situation – with two suspects, one with a gun, masquerading as meth addicts – as a bizarre ruse after plans to rob the small bank branch in Stung Trang district’s Beak Anlung village took a turn for the worse when police caught wind of a situation at the bank.

“Really, there were no hostages,” Kimson said late last night. “All of them are perpetrators. It is really an internal plan. We confiscated their K-54 [pistol].”

Until nearly midnight last night, police believed that two men had taken control of the bank at around 6pm Tuesday evening, taking three employees hostage, and initiating a standoff that lasted through Tuesday night and well into the next.

During the protracted negotiations, the supposed hostage-takers first demanded crystal meth, then that police loosen the ring of some 200 security personnel encircling the bank, and finally, two motorbikes for making good their escape.

After getting the motorbikes at about 10pm, police said, three men were seen fleeing into the darkness of a nearby rubber plantation, where they ditched the bikes, scattered and were later apprehended by security forces.

Upon arresting the three men – and questioning acting branch manager Sim Kimthath, who had been brought in as a person of interest, and branch employee Mat Ly, who had “escaped” the bank early Wednesday morning claiming to have been held hostage – police finally ascertained the truth of the matter, said Kimson.

Ly, he said, cracked under questioning, admitting that an injury where he had been struck in the face had actually been staged to lend his story authenticity.

Kimthath admitted to planning the heist to pay down a sizeable debt, said an unnamed provincial police officer.

The confessions, Kimson said, confirmed inklings of suspicion that the men were in cahoots that had been raised earlier when he overheard a voice – ostensibly a hostage’s – say from within the room where the men were holed up, “Don’t tie me too tight”.

One other suspect was Nou Tola, also known as Gem, 28, a soldier stationed at a border checkpoint in Preah Vihear province, and the only one of yesterday’s five alleged  bank robbers who was not employed by Acleda, said another unnamed officer. The final two suspects’ identities could not be ascertained as of press time.

Throughout the entire day, police and Acleda Bank representatives were convinced that two meth-addled men, one armed, were holding two bank employees hostage, refusing food, declining an offer to leave with the bank’s 57 million riel (about $14,250) in exchange for the hostages, and repeatedly demanding that crystal meth be delivered to them.

In the end, even the number of people inside the bank turned out to be untrue, said Kimson.  After Ly’s so-called “escape”, he said, there were only three men left inside.

Over the course of the day, police acquiesced to the suspected captors’ demands, first providing methamphetamines to the men inside around mid-afternoon, then sending for more to be delivered from Phnom Penh by Ministry of Interior police forces.

When roughly 25 black-clad anti-terrorism police showed up around 4pm, a Post reporter inside the bank overheard one of the suspects say: “If they shoot at us, we shoot back”.

Negotiations between the anti-terrorism police and the men broke down around 5:30pm, and at the request of both the assailants and Acleda representatives, police withdrew further from the premises, giving the men some breathing room, said Acleda Executive Vice President Prom Visoth.

“Our staffers have been detained in a room where we keep the money, but only a small amount of money,” he said at the time. “Police can’t do anything. The robbers want only drugs. They didn’t want money, but the police have no drugs for them.”

Visoth added that he had offered to let the suspects take the 57 million riel when they made their escape, but they declined.

Before learning that the branch had fallen victim to an inside job, Visoth called the incident a lesson for Acleda about the importance of security, saying that while most Acleda banks have armed police, the especially small Beak Anlung branch did not.

“In general, our banks have armed forces that we request from the national police providing us security, but at this office there is no police or security,” he said, noting that the branch handled little money, and sent what little it did handle to a district branch every night.

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To contact the reporters on this story: Kim Yuthana at yuthana.kim@phnompenhpost.com, Sam Rith at newsroom@phnompenhpost.com
and Chhay Channyda at channyda.chhay@phnompenhpost.com

Freedom of information law dealt blow

Last Updated on 24 January 2013

By Meas Sokchea

 

 Discussion of a long-awaited freedom of information law was shot down by the National Assembly yesterday, with ruling party officials claiming the draft version violated the constitution.
Drafts floated by the Sam Rainsy Party had been repeatedly rejected by the National Assembly, though legal experts had been pushing for such legislation for years. Monitors had pointed out frequently that without public access to information, corruption will remain rampant.
Yesterday, CPP lawmaker Chheang Vun, who is president of the Commission on Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, Information and Media said the draft proposed by the SRP was not suitable for debate.

“The draft law [as it stands] contrasts to the constitution and abuses sovereignty of King’s institution,” Vun said, declining to elaborate on the problems.
The SRP maintained the draft had no such failings, and SRP spokesman Yim Sovann accused the ruling party of stonewalling a law that could prove damning for corrupt officials.

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Top 10 Law Firms in the Kingdom of Cambodia

Chambers and Partners - Home

1 Bun & Associates

THE FIRM Sources single out this firm as a market leader, highlighting its increasing appeal to foreign clients. The team's key areas of expertise include banking, foreign investments, real estate and commercial litigation. In the past year, it advised Minebea on business establishment and foreign investment regulations. Other key clients include CIMB Bank, HwangDBS Commercial Bank and Ajinomoto.

Sources say: "We found their service comprehensive and responsive, which enabled us to meet our deadlines. The team was very professional and dedicated."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Youdy Bun is "dynamic, committed and has an international outlook." He recently advised a major local company on the acquisition of a USD60 million brewery plant. His impressive client roster also includes several foreign banks operating in Cambodia. Antoine Fontaine is a popular choice among international firms, and is most noted for his work with French clients.

2 DFDL

THE FIRM DFDL's depth of resources and strong Indochina presence make the firm a popular choice for complex, cross-border deals in the region. With tax advisers on the team, it is able to provide clients with all-round advice that encompasses both legal and tax aspects. The firm is particularly well known for project finance deals. It was instructed by Export-Import Bank of China in a USD300 million hydropower project to be developed in Pursat province in Cambodia. Real estate is another area of strength; the team recently advised the Royal Group of Companies on the acquisition of Hotel Cambodiana.

Sources say: "Their cross-country presence works tremendously in their favour." "They are fantastic in Cambodia and have great regional expertise too."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Martin Desautels is well regarded for investment funds and project finance matters. He proves particularly popular with foreign banks. Commentators report: "He has been in the region for a long time and has  very deep knowledge and experience of the sectors and ministries here. He's also incredibly client-focused and ensures that we get the service we want from DFDL."

3 Sciaroni and Associates

THE FIRM This firm has a long and distinguished track record in advising foreign clients on their inbound investments. Commentators single out the team's strong relationship with the government as one of its greatest strengths. It is particularly active in the areas of property development, agriculture, telecoms and mining.
Sources say: "A top-tier, well-established firm."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Bretton Sciaroni is an adviser to the Cambodian authorities and is the first port of call for clients with government-related issues. Matthew Rendall is best known for his substantial expertise in property matters. Sources commend him for being "a solid practitioner who can pinpoint potential problems before they arise." 

4 BNG Legal 

THE FIRM Clients turn to BNG Legal for its robust foreign investments and company formation practices. Recent highlights for the firm include advising BHP Billiton on compliance with local regulations in areas such as taxation, insurance and labour. The team is also active in the IP arena, handling portfolio maintenance, licensing, anti-counterfeiting and enforcement matters. Its client base also includes Air France, Swift Resources and Leopard Capital.
Sources say: "They are quick to respond and are patient in sitting down with us and discussing the issues in detail."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Naryth Hem is a seasoned practitioner who advises both local and foreign clients on their business operations in Cambodia. One client notes: "He is adept at advising on reaching an agreement between foreign and local investors." Liam Garvey is another leading figure in the team. He is particularly highly regarded for his experience in commercial matters.

5 Bou Nou Ouk & Partners

THE FIRM Ban Nou Ouk & Partners is widely known for its solid litigation practice, particularly in regard to criminal law. It also offers a full range of services in the banking, finance, labour, taxation and real estate areas. The firm is also well versed in advising foreign investors, and has a strong Malaysian and Chinese client base in the garment and manufacturing sectors.
Sources say: "They have strong corporate and litigious practices, and are leaders for criminal matters."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Interviewees highlight Ry Ouk's overseas training as a key draw for international clients. They also single out his negotiating skills: "He's a very forthright negotiator who is not afraid to take a stand and defend it."

6 HBS LAW

THE FIRM This firm stands out for its extensive capability in litigious matters, including IP and criminal cases. Its commercial practice is another core strength. It also advises on banking, telecoms, property and infrastructure matters. The firm attracts both local and foreign clients, with the latter coming from China, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea and Vietnam.
Sources say: "HBS has a very strong contentious practice."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients take great comfort in the high level of commitment they get from managing director Ly Tayseng. He advises foreign investors on company formation issues, and also handles dispute resolution, including international commercial arbitration.

7 Sok & Heng

THE FIRM Sok & Heng was founded in March 2010 and has already secured a prominent position in the market. Sources underline the full-service firm's strength in advising international clients. Its recent highlights include advising WING Cambodia on various matters, including revising mobile network operator agreements and general corporate governance. The group also acted for Malaysian-listed company Golden Land in the acquisition of approximately 30,000 hectares of concession land.

Sources say: “The firm is professional, thorough and extremely knowledgeable in Cambodian law.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Heng Chhay advises clients on corporate and commercial work, and is particularly highly regarded for property matters. Clients report: “Working with someone like Chhay is a breath of fresh air because he's truly informed about the laws and the frequent changes that occur within the legal system.” Khavan Sok is praised as "a shrewd negotiator and talented problem solver – he is able to articulate the laws in an easily comprehensible manner."

8 Sok Siphana & Associates 

THE FIRM This boutique excels in advising on international trade and corporate law. It is sought out by multinational firms for its expertise in the real estate, agriculture and tourism industries. It recently advised the Leopard Cambodia Fund on its investments in local projects. The team also acted on a joint venture between a Thai holding company and a Cambodian firm for the trading and manufacturing of agricultural chemical products.

Sources say: "The firm has extensive knowledge of the Cambodian market and is well versed in the local laws and regulations."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Seasoned practitioner Siphana Sok is lauded for his expertise in commercial matters. "He's among the top Cambodian lawyers, someone whom I respect enormously," a peer affirms. Sok's wealth of experience includes holding top posts in Cambodia's Ministry of Commerce, the International Trade Centre and a joint agency of the WTO and UNCTAD.

កិច្ចសម្ភាសន៍ពី ស្ថានភាពមេធាវី កម្ពុជាបច្ចុប្បន្ន រវាងលោក សយ សុភាព និងលោកមេធាវី សុក ស៊ីផាន់ណា (មេធាវីដ៏ល្អជាអ្នករក ដំណោះស្រាយ ឲ្យអតិថិជនមិនមែន ឲ្យជំរុញកូនក្តី ខ្លួនឡើងតុលាការទេ)

Monday, 29 October 2012 12:08 ដោយ ៖ ដើមអម្ពិល(DAP): ID-078

ភ្នំពេញៈ បន្ទាប់ពីត្រូវបាន ក្រុមមេធាវីធ្វើការបោះឆ្នោត ផ្តល់សេចក្តីទុកចិត្ត ជាសមាជិក ក្រុមប្រឹក្សាគណៈមេធាវី នៃព្រះរាជាណាចក្រកម្ពុជា អាណត្តិ ទី៧ លោក សុក ស៊ីផាន់ណា បេក្ខភាពក្រុមប្រឹក្សា ដែលទើបនឹងជាប់ឆ្នោត បានផ្តល់បទសម្ភាសន៍ ជាមួយអគ្គនាយក មជ្ឈមណ្ឌលព័ត៌មាន ដើមអម្ពិល លោក សយ សុភាព ពីស្ថានភាព មេធាវីកម្ពុជាបច្ចុប្បន្ន ។
ខាងក្រោមនេះ ជាកិច្ចសម្ភាសន៍រវាងលោក មេធាវី សុក ស៊ីផាន់ណា និងលោក សយ សុភាព ជុំវិញនិងស្ថានភាព មេធាវីកម្ពុជាបច្ចុប្បន្ន ។

សយ សុភាពៈ បន្ទាប់ពីលោកជាប់ឆ្នោតជាសមាជិក ក្រុមប្រឹក្សាគណៈមេធាវី តើលោកមាន អ្វីដើម្បីចែករំលែក ជាអទិភាពចំពោះ មេធាវីកម្ពុជា ?


សុក ស៊ីផាន់ណាៈ ខ្ញុំគិតថាមុនគេ យើងត្រូវពង្រឹងសមត្ថភាព មេធាវីក្មេងៗ ជំនាន់ក្រោយ ដែលចូល មកព្រោះ ការចេញ ពីសាលាមិនមែន មានន័យថា យើងចេះធ្វើការនោះទេ កុំច្រឡំឲ្យសោះ យើងចេញ ពីសាលាគឺចេះតែ ទ្រឹស្តី យើងមើលច្បាប់ យល់ប៉ុន្តែអត់ដឹង អនុវត្តន៍យ៉ាងម៉េចនោះទេ ? អ្វីដែល សំខាន់ ត្រូវមានការហ្វឹកហ្វឺន ដល់ ពួកគេឲ្យយល់ក្នុង ការប្រកបវិជ្ជាជីវៈ វាជារឿងសំខាន់ក្នុងនាម ជាមេធាវី តើយើងត្រូវចេះ អ្វីខ្លះ? មិនមែនចេះ ចេញពី សាលាមក អាចអានច្បាប់យល់នោះទេ “អានច្បាប់ ដឹងអីចឹង ពិរោះអីចឹង” ប៉ុន្តែសួរថា មានន័យថាម៉េច អត់ដឹងទេ ?

សយ សុភាពៈ តើអាចនឹងមានបញ្ហាប្រឈមទេ ចំពោះមេធាវីកម្ពុជាសព្វថ្ងៃ នៅពេលចូល អាស៊ាន ?


សុក ស៊ីផាន់ណាៈ ការប្រឈមរបស់យើង គឺនៅពេលដែលសេដ្ឋកិច្ច ទីផ្សារក្នុង តំបន់បើក លំហូ ប្រជាជន លំហូ អ្នកជំនាញ បច្ចេកទេស លំហូ វិនិយោគទុន លំហូទំនិញមក ! តើមកជាមួយអ្វី ? គឺមកជាមួយសេវា ការពារ ក្រុមហ៊ុន ហើយអទិភាពមុន គឺគេរកតែពីរមុខ ប៉ុណ្ណោះ គណនេយ្យ និងមេធាវី ការពារក្រុមហ៊ុន ។ អាពីរមុខនេះ ដាច់ខាតហើយ មុនគេដាក់ជើងរកស៊ី គឺត្រូវការអាពីរនេះ ជាចំបាច់ អីចឹងបើមេធាវីយើង មិនពូកែផ្នែក ពាណិជ្ជកម្ម ផ្នែកវិនិយោគទុន ផ្នែកអាជីវកម្ម យើងបាត់ ទីផ្សារធំ ព្រោះនៅពេលនោះ គេនឹងរត់ទៅរកអ្នកណា ដែរមាន សមត្ថភាព ។

សយ សុភាពៈ តើសព្វថ្ងៃនេះមេធាវីកម្ពុជាយើង មានជំនាញផ្នែកអ្វីច្រើនជាងគេ ?


សុក ស៊ីផាន់ណាៈ ខ្ញុំសង្កេតឃើញ ភាគច្រើន គឺផ្នែករដ្ឋប្បវេណី ផ្នែកព្រហ្មទណ្ឌ ពួកគាត់មិនមាន ជំនាញត្រូវ ទីផ្សារ ដែរត្រូវការនោះទេ ។ ក្នុងសង្គម យើងត្រូវមាន អ្នកការពារក្តី ត្រូវតែមានអ្នក ឡើងតុលាការ ព្រហ្មទណ្ឌ រឿងនេះវាជៀសមិនរួច ក៏ប៉ុន្តែយើងមិនអាច កសាងសេដ្ឋកិច្ច យើងឲ្យមំាបាន ការពារអត្ថប្រយោជន៍របស់ ប្រជាពលរដ្ឋខ្មែរយើង ដែរចូលដៃគូ ជាមួយបរទេស នៅពេលដែល បរទេសគេមក គឺត្រូវតែរកស៊ីជាមួយខ្មែរយើង ក្នុង រូបភាពអ្វីមួយ ? ជារូបភាពដៃគូ ជារូបភាពសេវាកម្ម ជារូបភាពវិនិយោគទុន ខ្មែរយើងត្រូវមានសកម្មភាព អ្វីមួយជាមួយ បរទេសហើយ ប្រសិនមេធាវី ខ្មែរ យើងពុំមានលទ្ធភាព អាចការពារ អាចចរចា អាចរកចំណុច ឈ្នះឲ្យកូនក្តី ឬម៉ូយ របស់ខ្លួន នោះ គឺចាញ់ប្រៀបគេ ។

សយ សុភាពៈ តើសព្វថ្ងៃមេធាវីយើង មានជំនាញខាងពាណិជ្ជកម្ម ច្រើនដែរឬទេ ?


សុក ស៊ីផាន់ណាៈ ខ្ញុំគិតថាខាងពាណិជ្ជកម្ម ខាងវិនិយោគទុន អត់ពូកែទេ ព្រោះសាលាបង្រៀន ភាគច្រើន បង្រៀន ផ្នែករដ្ឋបាល ផ្នែករដ្ឋប្បវេណី និងផ្នែកព្រហ្មទណ្ឌ ច្រើនជាង អីចឹងនៅពេល និស្សិតចេញមក គាត់មិន អាចមានជំនាញ ដែលអាចហ្វឹកហ្វឺន ទៅធ្វើអាជីវកម្មកើត ។ ខ្ញុំឃើញថា សព្វថ្ងៃសេដ្ឋកិច្ច នៅកម្ពុជា យើងមាន ឧកញ៉ា ដែលមានជីវភាព ធូរធាច្រើនណាស់ អាជីវកម្មរបស់ គាត់រីកធំ ហើយតម្រូវការច្បាប់ បញ្ហាផ្នែកគតិយុត្តិ នៅក្នុងក្រុមហ៊ុនរបស់គាត់ ក៏សម្បូរណាស់ អីចឹងគាត់អាចជួល មេធាវីខ្មែរម្នាក់ឲ្យធ្វើការ ប្រចាំក្រុមហ៊ុន ឲ្យប្រាក់ ខែគេ២០០០ ដុល្លារ ទៅ៣០០០ ដុល្លារ ក៏បានដែរ ព្រោះការងារដែលគាត់ធ្វើ រាល់ថ្ងៃគង់តែជួលអ្នក ក្រៅដដែរ អីចឹងមានន័យថា យើងត្រូវតម្រង់ទិស ឲ្យបានច្រើនឲ្យមេធាវីយើង រៀនជំនាញផ្នែកពាណិជ្ជកម្ម ផ្នែកក្រុមហ៊ុន ដំណើរការ ក្រុមហ៊ុន ច្បាប់ការងារ និងរបៀបដោះស្រាយវិវាទក្រៅ ប្រព័ន្ធតុលាការ ទាំងអស់នេះសុទ្ធតែ ជា ជំនាញបច្ចេកទេស ដែលអាចរកអាជីព បានដោយមិនចំាបាច់ ឡើងតុលាការ ។ ចង់មិនចង់ អ្នករកស៊ី គេមិនចង់ ឡើងតុលាការនោះទេ ជម្លោះ គាត់បញ្ជៀសបាន គាត់ជៀសហើយ ការបញ្ជៀសជម្លោះ អាចធ្វើបាន ក៏ដោយសារ តែយើងមាន លទ្ធភាពក្នុងការសរសេរ កិច្ចសន្យា ដែលវា មិនផ្អៀង ខ្លំាង ។ ប្រសិនបើកិច្ចសន្យា ផ្អៀងខ្លំាង ដល់ ពេលមួយអ្នកដែរនៅ ខាងក្រោមនឹង អាជញ្ជីងមួយ ដែលបះជាងគេនឹង ដល់ពេលណាមួយ នឹងរើបម្រះ ទៅជា ជម្លោះ អីចឹងនៅពេល អ្នករកស៊ីមាន ជម្លោះគឺខាតទាំងអស់គ្នា ។

សយ សុភាពៈ ដោយសារតែសព្វថ្ងៃនេះ មេធាវីនៅមានបញ្ហាមួយ ខាងផ្នែកពាណិជ្ជកម្ម តើក្នុងនាម គណៈមេធាវី អាចមានឥទ្ធិពលអ្វីមួយ ដើម្បីជំរុញ ខាងរដ្ឋាភិបាល ឲ្យជួយបង្កើតតុលាការ ពាណិជ្ជកម្ម បានដែរ ឬទេ ?

សុក ស៊ីផាន់ណាៈ ពេលដែលយើងចូលអង្គការពាណិជ្ជកម្ម ពិភពលោក WTO រដ្ឋាភិបាល បានប្តេជ្ញា ហើយ គឺ យើងត្រូវតែធ្វើ តែ៦ឆ្នាំ ៧ឆ្នាំនេះ យើងមិនទាន់បានធ្វើនោះទេ ប៉ុន្តែវាមានការវិវឌ្ឍន៍ មួយល្អដែរ មានមជ្ឈត កម្មពាណិជ្ជកម្ម គឺការដោះស្រាយវិវាទ ក្រៅប្រព័ន្ធតុលាការ ហើយដំណើរការ ទៅបណ្តើរៗហើយ គេបង្វឹកបង្វឺន មួយក្រុម ដំបូងចំនួន៥០ នាក់ជាង សម្រាប់តុលាការ ពាណិជ្ជកម្ម ត្រូវតែមាន ព្រោះជាកាតព្វកិច្ច ក្នុងការសន្យា របស់យើង នៅពេលចូលក្នុង អង្គការ WTO ។ ប្រសិនបើយើងមានតុលាការ ពាណិជ្ជកម្ម ជាការផ្តល់សញ្ញាមួយ ទៅឲ្យបរទេស ឃើញថា ប្រសិនបើអ្នក ឯងមានមាយាទ យើងមានតុលាការ ពាណិជ្ជកម្ម ដែលអាចរកយុត្តិធម៌ ឲ្យវិវាទពាណិជ្ជកម្ម ដែរមាន ។

សយ សុភាពៈ នៅឆ្នាំ២០១៥ ខាងមុខនេះ គេសមាហរណកម្មចូលគ្នា ការងាររកស៊ី មួយចំនួន ដោយឡែក ខាងមេធាវី តើច្បាប់អនុញ្ញាត ឲ្យមេធាវី បរទេសបើក ការិយាល័យ នៅកម្ពុជាដែរឬទេ ?

សុក ស៊ីផាន់ណាៈ ច្បាប់យើងដែរធ្វើ តាមរយៈ WTO យើងអាចអនុញ្ញាតឲ្យគេ មកផ្តល់ជាអនុសាស្រ្ត តែលើ ច្បាប់ ប៉ុន្តែមិនមែនច្បាប់ កម្ពុជានោះទេ វាមានន័យថានៅពេលឡើង តុលាការប្រើច្បាប់ខ្មែរ មេធាវីខ្មែរជាអ្នក ការពារ ។ ដោយឡែកនៅក្នុងចរន្តនៃ វិនិយោគទុនឆ្លងដែន ប្រសិនបើ វិនិយោគទុន មួយមកពីប្រទេស វៀតណាម មកពីប្រទេសថៃ អីចឹងអ្នកមកពីថៃ គឺត្រូវការច្បាប់ថៃ ត្រូវការមេធាវីថៃ ព្រោះគាត់ចាប់ដៃគូ ជាមួយខ្មែរ ព្រោះរឿងនេះ មេធាវីខ្មែរម្នាក់ឯង មិនអាចផ្តល់យោបល់ថា បើអ្នកឯង រកស៊ីជាមួយខ្មែរ ច្បាប់វាយ៉ាងនេះ ឬវា យ៉ាងនោះ ច្បាប់ពន្ធដា វាយ៉ាងម៉េចនោះ អីចឹងគាត់មិនអាច និយាយទៅលើច្បាប់ថៃ បាននោះទេ បើគាត់មាន ដៃគូ ជាមួយមេធាវីថៃ គាត់អាចរួមគ្នា ឲ្យយោបល់អំពី ការបង្កើតអាជីវកម្ម នៅ ស្រុកខ្មែរ បង់ពន្ធដាយ៉ាងម៉េច ហើយដៃគូជាមេធាវី ថៃអាចប្រាប់ខាងថៃថា បើអ្នកឯងរកស៊ី នៅស្រុកខ្មែរ អ្នកឯងបង់ពន្ធតម្លៃនេះ អ្នកឯងអាច ចំណេញ ប៉ុន្មាន កត្តានេះ វាជាឱកាស ផ្តល់កិច្ចសហប្រតិបត្តិការ ចាប់យកទីផ្សារឲ្យបាន ។ ចំពោះផលវិបាកសព្វថ្ងៃ បញ្ហាមេធាវី បរទេស មួយ ចំនួន គាត់ចូលមកគ្មាន តម្លាភាព មកលួចលាក់ ដាច់ខាត យើងត្រូវ តែគ្រប់គ្រងមេធាវី បរទេសដែលមកធ្វើ អាជីវកម្ម នៅស្រុកខ្មែរ ការគ្រប់គ្រងនេះ មានន័យថា មិនតម្រូវឲ្យ គាត់ ធ្វើអ្វីក្រៅពី ច្បាប់កម្ពុជា ប្រសិនបើយើងមិនទាញ ពួកគាត់ចូលក្នុងរង្វង់ ច្បាប់គ្រប់គ្រងរបស់យើង គាត់ នឹងនៅតែ លួចលាក់ ជិះ យន្តហោះមក គាត់ចុះកិច្ចសន្យា ហើយចុងបញ្ចប់ រុញឲ្យខ្មែរបកប្រែ ។ ក្នុងន័យនេះ មេធាវីបរទេស ត្រូវធ្វើការជាមួយមេធាវីខ្មែរ ក្នុងអង្គការ WTO ដែលកំពុងចរចា មានន័យថា មេធាវីបរទេសអាច ធ្វើអាជីវកម្មរកស៊ីមានបាន ក្នុងស្រុកខ្មែរ ទី១.ត្រូវធ្វើការជាមួយមេធាវីខ្មែរ ទី២.ទាល់តែមាន សកម្មភាពហ្វឹកហ្វឺន មេធាវីខ្មែរ ប៉ុន្មានឆ្នាំក្រោយមក អ្នកឯងត្រូវជម្រុញ សមត្ថភាពឲ្យមេធាវីខ្មែរ ឡើងឋានៈ ឬអ្វីមួយ ទាំងអស់នេះ គឺយើងអាចពង្រឹង សមត្ថភាពមេធាវីខ្មែរ ។

សយ សុភាពៈ តើបច្ចុប្បន្ននេះក្រមសីលធម៌ វិជ្ជាជីវៈមេធាវី យ៉ាងម៉េចដែរ ?


សុក ស៊ីផាន់ណាៈ ខ្ញុំគិតថាក្រមសីលធម៌យើងត្រូវប្រឹងមែនទែន ខ្ញុំមិនបានពាក់ព័ន្ធ ច្រើនរឿង នឹងទេ ប៉ុន្តែតាម ការឮ វាជារូបភាពមួយ ដែលយើង ត្រូវពង្រឹង ខ្ញុំមិនវាយតម្លៃទេ ប៉ុន្តែធ្វើអ្វីមួយត្រូវ តែមានការចាប់ផ្តើម ពីកន្លែង ណាមួយ អីចឹងយើងកុំមើល ថយក្រោយ យើងមើលទៅមុខ វិញថាធ្វើ យ៉ាងម៉េច ដើម្បីពង្រឹងវិជ្ជាជីវៈ ឲ្យទទួល ស្គាល់ថា វិជ្ជាជីវៈគាត់ គឺជាវិជ្ជាជីវៈកិត្តិយស ដែលគេទុកចិត្ត ដែលគេមានភាពកក់ក្តៅ ដល់ពេលនឹងគាត់និង ធ្វើត្រឹមត្រូវហើយ វិជ្ជាជីវៈមេធាវី ប្រសិនបើគេទុកចិត្ត យើងគឺមិនធម្មតាទេ ។ សម្រាប់ខ្ញុំនៅពេលមាន អតិថិជន គេមកពឹងពាក់ ឲ្យជួយមើលការងារឲ្យ និងចាត់ចែងឲ្យ នេះគឺពិតជាកិត្តិយស សម្បើមណាស់ ការទុកចិត្តនេះ មិនមែនជារឿង ធម្មតាទេ នៅពេលដែរគេប្រគល់ ជីវិតពាណិជ្ជកម្ម ធនធាន ការសន្សំរបស់គេ មកឲ្យយើងជួយ គិត វាមិនមែនជារឿង ធម្មតានោះទេ រឿងនេះមេធាវីយើង ត្រូវគិត មិនមែនដូចជា ការងាររកស៊ី ដូចយើងទៅលក់ នំបុ័ង លក់កាហ្វេនោះទេ មេធាវី គឺជាអាជីពកិត្តិយស បំផុត នៅក្នុង ស្រុកគេមេធាវី មួយៗមិនធម្មតានោះទេ រឿង នេះទាល់តែជំរុញ ស្មារតីចិត្តសាស្រ្ត ឲ្យ ខ្លំាងមែនទែន រឿងនេះមិនមែន ជាអាជីវកម្ម ចេញមកលក់របស់ របរនោះ ទេយើងពាក់អាវផាវ វាមិនធម្មតានោះទេ ។

សយ សុភាពៈ តើលោកយល់យ៉ាងម៉េច ដែរសព្វថ្ងៃនេះ មតិសាធារណជន ខ្លះតែងនិយាយថា មេធាវី និងបុគ្គល ព្រះរាជអាជ្ញា ចៅក្រមមួយចំនួនខ្លះ នៃតុលាការរកស៊ីចូលគ្នា ចរចាលុយគ្នាត្រូវហើយ ទើបកាត់សេចក្តី ?

សុក ស៊ីផាន់ណាៈ បញ្ហានេះ ដូចអ្វីដែលខ្ញុំបានលើកឡើងដំបូងអីចឹង ប្រសិនបើយើងមិន ពង្រឹងសមត្ថិភាព មេធាវីឲ្យចេះធ្វើការងារ ពាណិជ្ជកម្ម អាជីព នៅក្នុងក្រុមហ៊ុន ។ ខ្ញុំផ្ទាល់តាំងពីធ្វើជាមេធាវី គឺមិនដែរបានឡើងទៅ តុលាការម្តងសោះឡើយ ព្រោះជំនាញខ្ញុំវា មិនទាក់ទង តុលាការ ជំនាញ ខ្ញុំនៅពេលដែលឲ្យ យោបល់ទៅ អាជីវករ ដែររកស៊ីជាមួយគ្នា ធ្វើយ៉ាងម៉េចកុំ ឲ្យមានវិវាទ ព្រោះនៅពេលមានវិវាទ គឺខាតទាំងអស់គ្នា ឲ្យតែវិវាទ អាជីវកម្មគាំង មនុស្សឈ្លោះគ្នា អត់រកស៊ីជាមួយគ្នា សេដ្ឋកិច្ចធ្លាក់ អីចឹងយើង ឃើញថា មេធាវីល្អគឺមេធាវី ដែររក ដំណោះស្រាយ ឲ្យអតិថិជនរបស់ខ្លួន ដើម្បីរកផលចំណេញ មិនមែនជំរុញ ឲ្យអតិថិជនរបស់ខ្លួន ឈ្លោះគ្នាដើម្បី ឡើងទៅតុលាការ បានផលកំរ៉ៃនោះទេ ។ ជំនាញខ្ញុំ ខាងពាណិជ្ជកម្ម អីចឹងគឺឲ្យយោបល់ ធ្វើយ៉ាងម៉េច ដើម្បីកុំ ឲ្យអ្នកឯងឈ្លោះគ្នា យោបល់ នេះសំខាន់ណាស់ ខ្មែរយើងនៅពេលមាន ដៃគូ៣ នាក់ ទៅ៤ នាក់ រកស៊ីជាមួយគ្នា មិនស្រួល ប្រហែល៤ ខែក្រោយមកឈ្លោះគ្នា យើងអត់មានក្របខណ្ឌ អត់មានមូលដ្ឋាន ជាក់លាក់ ខ្ញុំសុខចិត្តឲ្យគាត់ ឈ្លោះ គ្នាមុនគាត់ចុះ ហត្ថលេខា ប៉ុន្តែចុះហត្ថលេខា រួចហើយ គាត់នៅ សុខដុម ជាមួយគ្នា២០ ឆ្នាំក្រោយមក រឿងនេះយើងត្រូវបង្រៀន មេធាវីខ្មែរយើង ឲ្យកូនខ្មែរ យើងដើរតួរ កុំឲ្យទៅជាមេធាវី ប្រឈមមុខនឹង តុលាការ យើងឲ្យគាត់ក្លាយ ជាមេធាវីរកដំណោះស្រាយ ទៅ ឲ្យ អតិថិជន របស់ខ្លួនមុនវិវាទ កើតទៅទៀត ព្រោះនៅពេលវិវាទ កើតហើយ មនុស្សខាតទាំងអស់គ្នា អីចឹង ហើយបាន ជានៅក្នុង ពាណិជ្ជកម្ម អន្តរជាតិ ការដោះស្រាយវិវាទ ក្រៅប្រព័ន្ធតុលាការ ជាជម្រៅ ដ៏ល្អ បំផុត ទី១.ពុំមានអ្នកដឹងទេ មនុស្សទាស់គ្នាលើចំណុច១ នៅ ចំណុច៩០ ជាងទៀត ក្រុមហ៊ុននៅដំណើរការ ហើយ អត់មានអ្នកណាដឹងថា ក្រុមហ៊ុននេះទាស់គ្នា លើភាគហ៊ុនណា មួយនោះទេ ? អីចឹងរកស៊ីជា ធម្មតា មនុស្ស អត់ភ័យ ឧទាហរណ៍នៅក្នុង ធនាគារមួយឮថា ម្ចាស់ភាគហ៊ុន ឈ្លោះគ្នា ពេលបែកការអ្នកណាដឹងថា ម្ចាស់ភាគហ៊ុនឈ្លោះគ្នា រកលក់ មនុស្សនាំគ្នា ទៅដកលុយ ធនាគារនឹងរលំ ដែរតាមពិតទៅវាមិនត្រូវ រលំសោះ ។
ព័ត៌មានពាណិជ្ជកម្មវាជារឿងសំខាន់ តួនាទីមេធាវីត្រូវតែរក្សាការ សំងាត់ពាណិជ្ជកម្ម ហើយយើង ជាមេធាវី ដូច ជាប្រអប់ខ្មៅមួយ ងងឹតអីចឹង ព័ត៌មាន ចូលមក ចប់ត្រឹមនឹង បោះចូលធុង នឹងគឺជិតឈឹង ហើយរឿងនេះគឺ ទាមទារ ស្មារតីវិន័យ ខ្លំាងណាស់ ៕

Party over for Cambodia's daytime discos

Thursday, 06 September 2012

Mom Kunthear

 

 

The Ministry of Tourism has issued a nationwide directive to stop clubs and discos from operating in daylight hours because of the huge number of social problems associated with irregular partying hours.

During a Phnom Penh Municipal Hall meeting on Monday, Governor Kep Chuktema issued his own enforcement directive that any clubs or discos opening during the day will be immediately shut down by City Hall.

Phnom Penh Municipal Hall spokesman Long Dymang said that Chuktema was responding to the Ministry of Tourism directive on Monday when he ordered police, military police and other officials in all districts to ensure that clubs and discos open no earlier than 6pm.

“Most people who go to nightclubs or discos in the daytime are secondary and high school students, and some also are university students,” Dymang pointed out.

The venues’ practice of opening during the day caused students to cut class and encouraged general social disorder, he said.

“I don’t know which district has the most discos, but Daun Penh has many discos open during the day,” he added.

Tourism industry department director Prak Chandara confirmed yesterday that his ministry had recently issued a directive calling for the daytime closure of clubs and discos across the country.

“The directive is in the process of nationwide implementation. There are a lot of problems involved with this case,” he said, declining to comment further.

Ministry of Tourism officials told the Post in June that there were 376 karaoke parlours, 79 discos, 187 massage parlours and 97 beer gardens in the country.

Payments illegal, says ACU chief

Tuesday, 31 July 2012

Stuart Alan Becker

 

Om Yentieng, president of the government’s Anti-Corruption Unit, speaks to a packed house last night at Sunway Hotel in Phnom Penh. Photograph: Heng Chivoan/Phnom Penh Post

 

People who make illegal facilitation payments to get government services will now face harsh penalties under Cambodia’s Anti-Corruption Law, just as the government officials who receive the money face charges, according to the President of Cambodia’s Anti-Corruption Unit.

Speaking to a packed house last night at Sunway Hotel, the President of Cambodia’s Anti-Corruption Unit Orm Yentieng said the law was on the ACU’s side and that corruption in Cambodia was going to be reduced over time.

“If you think your government salary is too low, you can get out of the position,” Orm Yentieng said, earning a round of applause.

During his speech and question-and-answer session at the CAMFEBA event, attended by many of Phnom Penh’s business leaders, the ACU chief reviewed one of the cases he had been working on, involving a US$200 payment to an official working for the Ministry of the Interior.

“If you agree to give $200, you are both going to be the victim, and you will be caught as well. The law is strict. If you do it wrong, you should be caught.”

The ACU president said that as part of the unit’s recent work, information had been disseminated to 1,700 communes around Cambodia assuring local government officials that they face punishment for corruption activities.

“Only a few ask for money. The rest cooperate with us,” he said.

“We tell them: do not take any more money, and if you take it you are facing consequences. The taker and giver of the money, both of you, will be punished,” he said. “If we are not strict, we won’t be able to deal with it.”

“If you are a government official and ask for money and they don’t it to give you, you will be caught, and this is printed out in big words in front of the commune offices. We did that on 1,700 communes. If we catch you doing that, we will send you to court. We are spreading, we can hear you, we can see you, and we’ve got more force coming up.”

Orm Yentieng said the ACU had been given special powers to record conversations and take photographs.

“It is not heartless on the part of the private sector not to pay facilitation payments. They have to do this. We’re not wasting time. We will push it, the faster the better. If the Ministry of Interior asks you for money, come and talk to me. He promised us in writing he will not take any money. Now is the time to enforce it. We will be waiting for you at ACU and we won’t step back.”

Orm Yentieng mentioned the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) a few times during his speech.

“The CDC is not poor; everyone has a car and there’s hardly any space for parking. We spend an hour to find a parking space. We have much more parking at the Anti-Corruption Unit,” he said, getting another round of applause.

The ACU president said Minister of Economy and Finance Keat Chhon had agreed with the ACU that a list of formal facilitation fees would be prepared so that receipts of facilitation payments could be kept on record.

Comparing institutionalised corruption in Cambodia to a disease, the ACU president said people should take the medicine. “If you are sick, do you want to take the medicine or not? Do you want to die? We do not have a choice.”

He acknowledged that government salaries are low, but that they would rise slowly during the coming years.

“Tighten your seat belt,” he said.

One of the things business people in Cambodia should not have to pay for is a change of business address, which is a common occurrence when businesses expand.

“We should be thanking the private sector for providing us with the information. We should not be asking for money for these changes,” he said.

The ACU president appealed to the audience to “come quietly” to talk about cases.

“We can help you in any case. Come quietly and talk to us,” he said, adding that citizens with permission from the ACU could make recordings of conversations and take photographs that could later be used in court.

“If people from the private sector ask permission from the ACU, you can take pictures and make recordings. The ACU alone cannot find proof, but needs the cooperation from private sector and the cooperation is easier than doing it alone. The ACU needs to find new proof and evidence to present in court.” He added that sources would be protected.

AMCHAM and IBC Chairman Brett Sciaroni said he had known Orm Yentieng for 20 years and his job was the second most difficult in Cambodia, following that of Prime Minister Hun Sen.

“He is seriously committed to changing the mentality,” Sciaroni said.

India’s anti-alcohol laws: Inspector Killjoy

 

A crackdown highlights the problems with a modern city’s archaic rules

Jun 23rd 2012 | MUMBAI | from the print edition 

IF A Bollywood scriptwriter had to dream up a killjoy cop, he would base him on Vasant Dhoble. Over the past month Mumbai’s police have been shutting down parties and confiscating bars’ music systems in a drive to regulate the city’s nightlife. Leading the drive has been Mr Dhoble, the head of the city police’s “social services” division.

A stocky figure in his 50s sporting a moustache, Mr Dhoble has gained cartoon-villain status among hip Mumbaikers. An anti-Dhoble Facebook group has attracted over 20,000 members. Urbane newspapers witheringly describe him as a teetotal vegetarian. Bloggers have shared video footage that shows him roughing up employees at a juice bar, armed with a hockey stick.

The crackdown intensified on May 20th, when officers broke up a party at a hotel. Guests were rounded up and blood-tested. Police cited the Bombay Prohibition Act of 1949, which states that even customers must have a permit to booze. Mr Dhoble is making a speciality of dusting off old edicts—alcohol was banned in the state of Maharashtra, which the city of Mumbai (then Bombay) dominates, until 1963. Many prohibition-era laws have not been updated, yet until recently were rarely enforced.

Mr Dhoble or his officers have also shown up at five of the city’s high-end bars this month, slapping fines on them for overcrowding or for allowing DJs to perform without the correct licences. At another bar, some women customers were detained on suspicion of being prostitutes, leading to a defamation lawsuit against Mr Dhoble that was dismissed on June 20th. Bar-owners say turnout has dropped as nervous customers have chosen to stay at home.

Mr Dhoble’s crackdown highlights a wider grievance among Mumbai’s business crowd, all of whom complain about archaic and fiddly rules (be they citywide, statewide or national laws). Bar-owners say they need up to 20 licences to run a single drinking hole, and up to three-dozen if music is also to be allowed. Property developers grumble that they have to provide the original plan of a building they wish to overhaul. One art dealer is fed up with the lengthy process by which sculptures for export must officially be confirmed as not being antiques—even contemporary pieces in fibreglass. 

The World Bank ranked India 132nd out of 183 countries in last year’s “Ease of Doing Business” report.

Mr Dhoble, at least, appears honest. But outdated rules create opportunities for graft—one reason they remain in place. A bar-owner says that when setting up a venue last year, Mumbai officials expected a bribe equal to the cost of each licence they issued. One licence cost over $6,000. Officials ask the art dealer for under-the-table fees before sculptures for export can be signed off. A property lawyer says he just thinks of corruption as part of the process—itself an example of how a supposedly go-ahead city can stay stuck firmly in the past.

Nuon Chea’s lawyers to face the bar abroad

Monday, 02 July 2012, Bridget Di Certo

Brother No 2 Nuon Chea’s defence lawyers had exhibited a “pattern of disregard” for their duties at the Khmer Rouge tribunal amounting to professional misconduct, Trial Chamber judges said in a decision on Friday.

The judges had compiled enough “egregious examples of misconduct” by Dutch lawyer Michiel Pestman and American lawyer Andrew Ianuzzi to refer to the bar associations in Amsterdam and New York respectively for “appropriate action”.

Both lawyers are now working on the case from abroad.

Particularly “egregious” acts include Ianuzzi’s reference to Dr Dre lyrics when filing a motion for New Zealand Judge Silvia Cartwright to keep all her responses open and on the record after she was allegedly caught by the team mouthing the words “blah blah blah” while they were making submissions.

The Trial Chamber, in its decision on the misconduct of judges said this allegation was false.

Ianuzzi yesterday told the Post that he looked “forward to submitting my own version of events to my bar association in due course. I have a ready answer for each and every charge levelled by the Trial Chamber – including the defamatory remark that I ‘falsely claimed to have read Judge Cartwright’s lips’,” he said by email.

The bench hearing the case against Nuon Chea and his two fellow co-accused also considered the team’s repeated protests of government interference at the UN-backed tribunal to be part of the “pattern of misconduct”.

“[The team] seems to be trying to provoke high-profile members of the Cambodian government by linking them to the activities of the Democratic Kampuchea,” judges said.

The core position of Nuon Chea’s defence is that government interference at the tribunal has destroyed any likelihood of a free and fair trial.

Documentation Center of Cambodia legal adviser Anne Heindel said it was this “inherently confrontational” defence strategy that had caused an ongoing struggle between the lawyers and judges.

“Their defence is that the court is riddled with political interference, and by bringing it up and being shut down consistently, they aim to prove that – and they are allowed to pursue their defence,” Heindel said, adding it was up to the court to manage this.

USM takes the lead again

GEORGE TOWN: Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) in Penang will lead the way to become the first tertiary institution in the country to establish a research chair on various projects through university-industry collaboration.

USM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Omar Osman expressed hope that industry players, especially multinational companies (MNCs), will contribute the necessary funds to ensure the success of research projects.

“It is important to have continuous engagement between universities and the industry to benefit the community.

“We need between RM4mil and RM5mil for these projects. Therefore, the university would like to invite companies to invest 50% while we will bear the rest for further research proposals,” he told a press conference yesterday.

Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Dr Hou Kok Chung was present to launch the ‘Community-University-Industry: One Rhythm One Aspiration’ collaborative event which saw over 150 representatives from various industries attending.

Dr Hou said he was impressed with the university’s efforts to foster closer relations with industry players to utilise the knowledge for research which benefits the public.

He urged other universities to get involved in similar programmes. During the event, he witnessed the exchange of memorandums of agreement between USM, B. Braun Medical Industries Sdn Bhd and Rajanagarindra Institute of Child Development (RICD) from Thailand respectively.

Dr Hou also launched the international electronic journal of community and industry engagement (IeJCIE) and internship guidebooks. Also present was USM deputy vice-chancellor (Industry and Community Network) Prof Datuk Dr Susie See Ching Mey.

Fake USM degree syndicate conned more than 20 people

NIBONG TEBAL: Three people detained in connection with fake Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) degrees have cheated more than 20 people in the last three months.

Penang acting police chief Datuk Abdul Rahim Jaafar said members of a syndicate offered 'USM degrees' for sale at RM4,888 each via a specific website.

"The modus operandi is to advertise the 'USM degrees' and ain access to USM database via a website," he told a press conference at Seberang Perai Selatan police headquarters here on Monday.

Syndicate members would ask buyers to deposit money into an account belonging to certain individuals but refused to conduct any transaction over the phone.

Police are checking the relationship between the bank account holder and the three people arrested.

Eight bank ATM cards were seized from the three people detained including two women.

Initial investigation found that the man had used a genuine USM degree belonging to his sister and used software to change the name on the degree.

Rahim said the two women, a USM graduate and a private college graduate, were also the man's girlfriends.

"We conducted intelligence and surveillance for two months after USM lodged a police report on the sale of fake degrees via a website." The suspects detained in a house in Kampar, Perak two days ago were remanded until Tuesday pursuant to Section 420 and 468/471 of the Penal Code.

Police seized equipment including 12 desktop computers and five laptop computers believed used for producing the fake degrees.

Meanwhile, USM vice-chancellor Datuk Dr Omar Osman said that every degree certificate from the university had various security features, including the serial number and watermark to ensure its authenticity. "Thus, it is impossible for any individual to produce copies of it and passing them off as original," he said, adding that there should also be no public scepticism over USM degree qualifications. "The original certificate also carries a logo that has been changed, signature of the vice-chancellor, registrar and USM seal which has its own safety features. 

"Every graduate is also listed in the computer data and manual data known as 'Buku Warta Konvokesyen Graduan' (Graduands Convocation Gazette Book)," he told reporters, here, on Monday.

According to him, a total of 120,000 graduates of the university had been recorded in the book since USM's first convocation ceremony in 1972.

"However, those who need assurance can call USM by giving the serial number printed on the degree certificate, and we will verify it," Omar said. He said USM took the criminal act of the suspects seriously as it could damage the image of the university, adding that USM left the case to the police for investigation and further action. - Bernama

Cambodia ripe for more exports

HCM CITY — Cambodia offers plenty of oppor-tunities for Vietnamese exporters although there is intense competition from countries such as Thailand and China, delegates said at a conference in HCM City last Thursday.
 
Le Quoc Phong, general director of the Binh Dien Fertiliser Group, said the Cambodian market had been familiar with fertilisers imported from Thailand and China. Therefore, the company faced difficulties in the initial step of penetrating the market.
Thanks to providing training courses for its sale agents as well as farmers, the company had gradually won consumers' confidence in its products. As a result, sales had increased strongly in recent years, Phong said.

He said last year the company earned US$50 million from the export of 90,000 tonnes of fertilisers to the Cambodia market. It expects to export130,000 tonnes of fertilisers worth $70 million this year.
Kao Sieu Luc, general director of ABC Bakery, also said Cambodia had very high export potential, but "we must understand consumers' taste and produce suitable products."
The company's revenue from the Cambodian market went up more than 40 per cent year on year, Luc told the conference organised by the Business Study and Assistance Centre.
He said the company planned to open 10 bakery shops in the coming time.
It also planned to build a bakery factory in the market.

Tang Quang Trong, sales director in Indochina region of Dai Dong Tien Corporation, said Cambodia was also a large market for Vietnamese plastic products for which Thailand posed stiff competition. Hence the company had focused on improving their products' quality and expanding its distribution system.

Currently the company enjoyed very good sales in Cambodia, Trong said, adding that it planned to construct a warehouse there as part of its expansion plan.
He said Vietnamese products exported to Cambodia must have labels in English.
Le Xuan Khue, deputy chairman of the Vietnamese High-Quality Products Business Association, said the association would organise a five-day trade fair of Vietnamese high-quality goods and exports in Cambodia from August 9-13.

The 10th edition of the fair would be a good chance for Vietnamese firms to reinforce their brands in the Cambodian market, Khue said, adding more than 150 Vietnamese businesses would take part in the event. — VNS