Daily Update from Local Newspapers August 3-5, 2013

1.                               Politics/Human Rights

Samdech Techo Hun Sen Says No More Political Deadlock

There will be no more political deadlock like as in 1998 and 2003, because Cambodian People’s Party received a high number of the seats and were able to establish the government, said Premier Hun Sen during his inspection tour of rice farming in Kandal province. Since 2008, Cambodia has no any political deadlock thanks to the amendment of constitution in 2006. According to the amended constitution, a new government can be formed by a 50 percent plus one majority, or 63 lawmakers in the new National Assembly. The national assembly needs two-third majority or 83 lawmakers, only for the amendment of constitution, the approval of financial law or concessional loans. Besides, he also pledged to increase the salary of workers and civil servants in the fifth mandate, he added. (Rasmei Kampuchea, 3 August 2013)

NEC Decides to Create a Joint Investigation Committee Following the Request from Mr. Sam Rainsy

The National Election Committee (NEC) has decided to create a joint investigation committee so as to investigate the irregularities during the national elections on 28 July 2013. The decision was made after the meeting between the NEC and the representative from Cambodian People’s Party and Cambodian National Rescue Party on 3 August 2013. During the meeting, the two agreements have been reached. 1. The agreement on the establishment of a joint investigation committee which represent by the NEC and the two parties (CPP and CNRP). 2. A joint investigation committee will discuss about the mandate and its duties, which need to implement in the near future. The decision in establishing a joint investigation committee is very helpful since it enables the citizens to trust the NEC and the two parties, which have cooperated together to solve the problem of irregularities during the national elections, said Mr. Tep Nytha, Secretary General of the NEC. (Rasmei Kampuchea, 4-5 August 2013)

2.                 Diplomatic Issue

3.                 Economy/Development

4.                 Korea’s interest in Cambodia

Mr. Kheng Sarath Leads a Large Group of Korean Volunteer Doctors to Provide Free Treatment for the People

in Takeo Province

After the election, Mr. Kheng Sarath, advisor to Samdech Chea Sim, led a large group of Korean volunteer doctors so as to provide free treatment for the people who living in two communes of Takeo province on 3 August 2013. Around 1,000 citizens received the treatment freely on the whole day from morning to evening. The group of Korean volunteer doctors named Deagu First Church, which consists of 20 expert doctors and nearly 40 doctor’s staffs, provided a free general treatment for the people such as women disease, laryngitis disease, eyesore, sore throat, toothache and so on.  (Rasmei Kampuchea, 4-5 August 2013)