Current Cambodia's Prevalent Diarrheas and My Simplified Resolutions

Unemploymenthas no sea. Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam all have
Unemployment has now become one of thesea and especially these three countries are
fundamental drawbacks for Cambodia's existing plight.neighbours, but why can't Cambodia's gasoline be as
As one of the university students, I have alwayscheap as in that of Vietnam and Thailand? And in
been greatly discouraged by the unemployment ratewhat ways can the gasoline's price be decreased to
in Cambodia. Will my time-consuming endeavourbe on par to that of Thailand and Vietnam?
produce cost-effective output? Is my education anThe solution is clearly seen. Government should apply
empty promise? Would I be a "should-be" productiveone of the elements of "free-market economy"
member of the society? These rhetorics havewhich is free and fair competition. Gasoline in
always subtracted most of the Cambodian studentsCambodia is totally monopolized by Sokimex
from acting as full citizens (power of the state).Company, chaired by Sok Kong, president of
From being a honourable empire that producedCambodia's chamber of commerce. Every gas
architectural masterpieces of the Angkor era,company in Cambodia has to unconditionally follow
Cambodia now is one of the most tender or probablythe price imposed by Sokimex Company. Monopoly is
the tenderest tigers in Southeast Asia. UNDPnot an element of liberal democracy; it is practiced
reported that in 2002, imports of goods and servicesonly in Socialist countries.
accounted for 67% of Cambodia's GDP and grossThe problem was to be settled, when quite a long
domestic product (GDP) accounted for only US$time ago, after Prime Minister Hun Sen announced for
4,215 million in 2003 (Asean).any company that could decrease the gasoline's price
Subsequent to Cambodia's open-sky policy,to about 1,700 Riel (about 47 USD cent), a
international cooperation and assistances have beenRussia-related company guaranteed that it could
apparently and continuously flowed in, and muchsupply for this price, and even less than that.
more have been promised. Cambodia's population isEveryone was happy, except perhaps Mr. Sok Kong,
much smaller compared to most of other regionalhis counterparts, and other Sokimex's stakeholders.
countries. In addition, rivers, lacks, and forests andThe prime minister's response was extremely
other underground resources promise plentiful stocksunexpected; he not only did not accept the
of at least the nation's basis needs. Cultural assets,crisis-solution (which he himself, proposed), but also
such as Angkor Wat, Preh Vihear temple and otherthrew malicious metaphor to the Russia-related
existing and hidden natural assets have attractedgasoline company. This paradox showed us that the
influx of local and international tourists. Yet,government, specifically the prime minister himself
unemployment is one of Cambodia's gravest crises.was not responsible for what he spoke, and did not
The world is man-made; this means unemployment iswillingly intends to solve the people's problem at all.
man-made either, so in what ways can theSok Kong, as claimed by a huge number of people,
unemployment be unmade?has close relationship with the prime minister. And a
1. Eliminate Invisible But Deep-rooted Demonslarge number of the prime minister's relatives are
Cambodia has never applied the policy thatowners of the gasoline companies and stations. So, if
super-markets can open from what time to whathe allowed the Russia-related company to operate in
time, from which day to which day, and small storeCambodia, his fellowmen and relatives would have
doesn't have to apply the strict rules regulated bybeen badly hurt. The prime minister is seen, by this
the government, yet World Bank Group reports thathypothesis, place his personal agenda in prior to the
in 2002, foreign direct investment accounted for onlypublic agenda. So how can this be solved?
USD 53,8 millions. What make Cambodia anIn my research paper, entitled "Plato; Life and
unattractive investment destination? World BankWisdoms" for the Third Cambodia's National Nou Hach
Group releases another report that "allegation ofContest (2004-2005), I took a deep ground into
corruption is widespread" in Cambodia.Plato's political philosophy, in order to express that
Cambodia needs to build better trust for impendingwho should be the ruler and what the ruler's
investors, by elimination corruption, bureaucracy,obligations are. My most important point was to
amending complicated commercial regulations that areexpress that ruling is an awe-inspiring vocation, so not
incentives to corruption. But how can these vocationseveryone can reach the ruling position. The ruler must
be executed? From an outset, government shouldhave, if not really philosophical, but at least some kind
internationally or regionally standardize the law onof philosophical mentalities, that's why rigorous and
investment. Chapter III, article 7 which stats thatprotracted philosophical and scientific enculturation is
"The Council for the Development of Cambodia shallneed to be executed before becoming the ruler.
provide a response as to its decision to all investorRuler must have mature mind, they must not be
applicants within a period not to exceed 45 daysself-indulgent, and otherwise ruler and common
following the date of submission of the completepopulace would not be able to distinguish from each
investment application." 45 days is too long comparedother. And the most important vocations of the ruler
to other countries in the region and in other parts ofare the order of the state and the welfare of the
the world, so government needs to shorten thispeople, as expressed in my research paper. I didn't
imposed date. Besides this, government should notmean to totally follow Plato's political philosophy;
restrict investment incentives to only in nine fields:otherwise our government would become totalitarian,
Pioneer and/or high technology industries; Jobbut I thought that some points he/she could possibly
creation; Export-oriented businesses; Tourismfollow.
industry; Agro-industry and Value-adding industries;On the similar ground, in my One Reason Tennessee
Physical infrastructure and energy; Provincial and ruralProspers, that was published in I took one of the
development; Environmental protection; andlegitimacies why Tennessee, a state of The United
Investments in a Special Promotion Zone (SPZ) asStates of America, prospers. This is another of the
states in chapter V, article 12 of the law onphilosophical approaches to "leader's willingness for
investment. Encouragement restriction to just somethe public good would attract the volunteerism of the
kinds of job would condense the job diversities.inhabitants. Combination of these two merits would
Because of job-condense, most of the studentslead the whole state, and increasingly the whole
choose the fields of their studies, not in accordancenation into victory".
to their interests or innate talents, but in accordanceMy comprehensive research into Greece's ancient
to the market. Market-based decision has demandedphilosophy and other varieties of topics have made
many students to study two universities at the sameme more conversant to what is really politics, so that
time. This has greatly affected the qualities ofI can have some analytical knowledge to view
education and is one of the fundamental causes ofcurrent Cambodian politics and politicians, and, I
unemployment. In my The Advantages of Seriousbelieve, my paper would at least bring dim light to
Stance that was published in The Rasmeytoday's Cambodian leaders.
Kampuchea Daily, No. 3556, Thursday, 23rdLegal Loophole and Ambiguity
December 2004, I strived to explain the present andLong been under the French colony, Cambodia has
future advantages of serious stance, by referring toadopted Civil Law system. In Civil Law system any
some philosophers that held serious stances, such ascommitted wrongdoing that is not stated in the law,
Socrates and The Buddha: These two people couldthe committer is innocent. Moreover, the judge has
become history conquerors, because of their seriousno precedence like that of the Common Law
stances. Finally, I claimed that "job is not the onlysystem; it is more likely that the transgression
objective of study, but self-actualization would becommitter would absolutely be innocent. Cambodia
the solid objective." I chose law as my major in theare lacking many laws; such as, anti-domestic violence
university, and many disagreements have beenlaw, anti-corruption law, many business-related laws,
widespread from my parents, friends and otheretc. Such a loophole would make "culture of impunity"
relatives, because they think that the job prospectwidespread in Cambodia.
for law graduate is very faint in Cambodia. MyMore ironically, though some kinds of offense are
self-expression through the local newspaper hasstated in the law, the remedy is not stated. This is
urged I, myself to untiringly hold law as my onlyanother of the Cambodia's legal loopholes that would
major until today.create injustice. For example, in article 7, paragraph 2
Government should apply the free-market theory ofof Cambodia's law on investment states that "any
"customer is the king." The world is moving very fastGovernment officials who refuse to review and
and we have to serve the customer as fast as theyrespond to an investor's application past the above
desire. Not only the law on investment, other lawsmentioned period of time (45 days), without proper
related to commerce, trade and investment must bejustification, shall be punished by law." Yes, we see
regionally and internationally standardized. Complicatedthat the wrongdoer shall be punished by law, but
law would lead to legal corruption and under-the-tablewhat kind and the level of punishment is not stated
corruptions, which mean much more money isat all. This would make the wrongdoer innocent, and
needed to be paid by the customers for nothing.even difficult for the judge to impose the punishment
Secondly, there should be absolutely separateeither. Another example I want to draw is from law
commercial court. Cambodia has only one court toon organization and functioning of the ministry of
deal with every kind of case: commercial, civil andinformation. Chapter 2, article 11 states "press shall
criminal. This proves weakness and ineffectiveness ofnot publish any information that would lead to social
law enforcement and conflict settlement. How can adisorder, inspire one individual or many to commit
person have every skill? Furthermore, thisviolence." This article is too ambiguous. What is the
single-minded court must be absolutely separate frominformation that would lead to social disorder should
legislative and especially executive institution, so thatbe clearly stated. Journalism is such a sophisticated
justice could become for apparent for our customers.job, so what really social disorder is too broad. The
Recently, I have written a text namedbad-wisher could interpret this article to hurt any
"Government-ness" and was published in Theindividual he/she hates.
Kampuchea Thmey Daily, year No. 4, No. 690,Legal loophole not only could turn the law unjust and
Wednesday 23 March 2005." One of the Answers tocreate cultural impunity in Cambodia, but also make
Why Cambodia Has Sluggish Development" wasthe students really difficult to have a good handle on
uploaded in Another text is called "A glimpse intoCambodian law. In one of my general subjects called
uncivilized action" was uploaded in In the first text, I"business law", the whole document from the
explained that "creating justice" should be the firstbeginning to the end of the term, is totally taken
priority of the government. In the second text, Ifrom foreign law, namely British, French, or American
touched the ground of separation of multimediabusiness law. Would our knowledge be turn into
power from executive power, which is one of theknow-how, by totally studying foreign business law in
elements of liberal democracy. In the third text, ICambodia? Indeed, the more informant we are the
enquired into the rule of law would be an instrumentbetter we become, but knowledge of only the
of conflict resolution, by drawing examples fromforeign business law without even a single sense of
family context and increasingly from the society. Imy country's business law, would never be good.
also took a glimpse into Cambodia's tragic past, thatSocial order is one of or probably the forefront
conflict-maker never applied philosophical mechanismcommitments of today's Cambodian government,
to solve the conflict, but conflict was to be solvedlegal loophole, on the other hand, has dramatically
by the law of the jungle. Cambodia's bygone andcontributed to Cambodia's disorder. Two
recent past should be invaluable lessons for todaymatter-of-fact approaches below intend to fill
and tomorrow Cambodia for the purpose ofCambodia's legal loophole and ambiguity.
betterment. Revenge is never been overcome by1. Renaissance Is Never Too Late
revenge.Renaissance (rebirth of lost literature and culture of
These social participations have immensely changedthe western world) started in the western world in
my life. They have then been incentives to myabout 14th, 15th and 16th century. From that time
scholarship and research resistance and I wasonward, mental competence has taken deep root in
contacted by an Australian lawyer, Peter Howitt.the western mindset. Cambodia, similarly, is never too
Peter has now become my friend and professor, andlate to start "legal renaissance". More laws, intended
we discuss about Cambodian laws. Peter has alwaysto Cambodia's prosperity, shall start today under the
encouraged me to learn, sent me documents tothird mandate of The Royal Government of
read, and taught me more law-related issues. ICambodia (RGC).
believe my exposures to these social participationsMy A Glimpse Into One Uncivilized Action, which was
must have been heard into the public ears, and wouldpublished in I touched a deep ground into the
be some kinds of role model to value and encouragedisadvantages of Cambodia's legal loophole and
the right to self-expression.ambiguity. In the above publication, my most
2. Education To Produce The Genuinely Educatedimperative intension was to express that absence of
Not only extreme shortage in investment that hasanti-domestic violence law would turn the offense
produced unemployment rate in Cambodia, but "tointo habit. Without the law and punishment law,
few jobs for too few experts is another legitimacynobody can punish the wrongdoer, so the offense
to high unemployment rate." What do I mean by toocould become habit of the uncivilized family. Yes,
few jobs for too few experts? Cambodia's educationthere is resolution, but resolution by cultural value is
is unrecognized in the international stage and even innot effective, because cultural value has no "sense of
the region. Though chapter VII, article 18, providesforce and punishment."
that "Investors shall be allowed to hire foreign2. Be Receptive To Constructive Criticism
employees when the qualification and expertise ofIn my short story, entitled My Father's Last Dream
these foreign employees are not available in thefor the Third Cambodia's National Nou Hach Contest
Kingdom of Cambodia among the Cambodian(2004-2005), I coined a quote "almost every
populace." Cambodian citizens, still, mostly can't standhappiness in the world is initiated by the closes
chances to those positions, because of the lack ofhappiness." What do I mean by such a quote?
intellectual competitions. So what should be done toHistory has told us that self-indulgence has been the
make Cambodia's education resurgent? I woulddeep-rooted value of most of the Cambodian leaders.
suggest two potentials for this objective.This quote particularly intended to insert more value
Firstly, government should allocate proportionalinto the surrounding criticisms. Most of
subsidy, subtracted from the national revenue forCambodia-based NGOs and I have seen that it is too
higher education institution. In the Rectangular Policyrare for the Cambodian government to accept the
of the third mandate of The Royal Government ofconstructive criticisms from individuals or legal entities.
Cambodia, subsidy for the field of higher education isPrime Minister Hun Sen, however, has persistently
not mentioned at all. This means that higher-educationprotested the criticisms and proposals by saying that
institution has to be totally responsible for everything.those NGO express themselves to gain benefits. Yes,
Higher education is one of the most effectiveCambodia has such NGOs, but we can know that
institutions of every nation in the world, responsiblewhich NGO is profit-oriented and which NGO is not
for producing the effective and productive membersprofit-oriented. There must be good points and bad
of the society, so potential and standardizedpoints from local and international NGOs, and the
measures are needed to be taken to bring such thegovernment does not have to accept all the criticism
power into reality. For me, without subsidy,and proposal, just adhere to the points that intend to
higher-learning institution would definitely bebuild the public good. But it has clearly seen that too
converted into "business establishment", which meanlittle or none of the criticisms or proposals that the
profit-oriented. Profit-oriented mentality will immenselygovernment has adhered to.
affect the quality of Cambodia's field of higherSensitivity to criticism and I-am-always-right
education.sentiment is one of the reasons to Cambodia idle
Secondly, government and higher-education institutiondevelopment. Immediately after I saw these kinds of
itself should apply what I call "the university-ness." Inpeccadillo, I wrote One of the Answers to Why
another of my letters entitled "Free-Market andCambodia Has Sluggish Development and was
Cambodia's Higher-Education" to The Kampucheauploaded in In this essay, I took a surface-grasp into
Thmey Daily, I criticized most of the CambodianCambodia's multimedia extremism; completely
universities and institutes of not daring to apply thepro-government or completely anti-government and I
strict disciplines necessary for students' capacities.also criticized the imbalanced voice of the political
Most of the universities and institutes apply theparties. One party never listens to another party,
theory of "customer is the king", but higher-learningespecially between Sam Rainsy Party (opposition
shall not be business. I also complained that instituteparty) and Cambodian People's Party (governing
and university have different status and criteria, butparty).
most of the institutes have changed their titles fromFor the similar purpose, in my One Point That The
institutes to universities without applying theRoyal Government of Cambodia Should Follow
standardized status and criteria." Though CambodiaAmerica that was published in The Kampuchea
has no law and order to regulate the field ofThmey Daily, year Nบ4, Nบ685,
higher-learning, institute and university itself should beThursday 17 March 2005, I drew one example into
conversant about this, because most of the seniorAmerican politics: Democratic and Republic Party, just
staff are PhD or master's graduate from the worldlyhave different name, but they share the same
celebrated universities" I added. This is another of mypropensity which is to bring prosperity and order for
exposures to social participation, that is a motivationAmerican people. So they exchange ideas and policies
to demand for endless insight into what I callfor the America's good. Cambodia, on the other hand,
"university-ness" and, of course, I adopted my ownthe governing party and opposition party are
constitution to meet the international standard, whilecompletely different; Sam Rainsy, opposition party
I am a student of an unrecognized university.leader once said: If have Hun Sen no Rainsy. This is
Not only I myself, this social participation has broughtthe most important reason to the country's
quite a large number of my friends to curiosity andupheavals.
conversation on "university-ness" was, indeed,These social involvements have brought me deeper
instigated by me.into the world's politics and, of course, I was the one
"An ineffective domino would never produce awho instigated further discussion on the topic with
positive domino effect"my friend Peter. And this dialogue has dragged me
Sky-High Gasoline's Priceeven further into the evolving world's affairs and
Cambodia's today (2005) gasoline costs 3,300 Rielpolitics.
(about USD 80 cent) per litter, whiles my mother'sConclusion
plus my father's monthly salary account for onlyA land of smiling people was totally demolished and
about USD 50. This price is extremely high comparedreplaced by a land of tear, because of
to Cambodia's GDP which is about US$ 4,3 billionbrother-enemy conflicts. A forward-looking Cambodia
(World Bank Group). Gasoline is the basic need forhas just been emerged in the 1990s, while most of
Cambodian populace, so it should not be expensive atthe western world has reached its control age.
all; otherwise people can't survive. ExtremelyConverting itself into part of the world's society,
expensive gasoline would lead to other price-increaseCambodia must face uncountable challenges, but
in principle goods and services, specifically food,"can-do spirit", I think, will overcome every obstacle.
electricity, water, transportation, health care, andYesterday Cambodia wouldn't be repentance, but it
increasingly education (academic textbooks, accesswould be unschooled lesson for today and tomorrow
to internet, extracurricular documents and otherCambodia. We are in the middle of a new drama, and
stationery).to make this drama worth-seeing, drama's directors,
It is reported that gasoline in Thailand and Vietnam isactors/actresses and subordinates must closely
much cheaper than Cambodia. Lao, on the othercooperate.
hand, is more expansive than Cambodia, because it