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Location: East of Preah Khan, just north of the Eastern Baray.
King: Jayavarman VII
Date: Late 12th century
Religion: Buddhist
Access: At the north side.
Neak Pean consists of a pool some 70 metres on every side, surrounded by four smaller ones. In the central pond is a small round island with a temple tower.There may have been some beautiful fountains here, but little remains today. The whole temple wasonce itself an island in a 3 by 1 km lake. Nowadays the lake and the ponds have dried up and are once again overgrown with vegetation.
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The Roluos group
Location: Roluos, some 13 km east of Siem Reap
Date: 9th century
Religion: Hindu
The Roluos group of monuments comprises of Prah Ko, Lolei and the Bakong temple. The buildings here are among the oldest to be found in the area. It is believed that the the capital was founded here before it moved to the area near Phnom Bakheng and (much later) Angkor Thom.
The lay-out of Prah Ko consists of four enclosing walls from which only parts of the inner two and the entrance tower remain. The six towers of the central sanctuary are built from brick with sandstone lintels and balusters. The towers were originally covered with a light-coloured plaster of which little remains today. The lintels (the large stones above the doors) are beautifully carved.
Prah Ko
restoration Prah Ko
Prah Ko side view
Lolei
In 1997 restoration of Prah Ko was undertaken. This will probably last until 1999.A little north of Prah Ko and the Bakong you can find the small temple of Lolei. (picture above right and below) It consists of four towers in a declining state. As the brick is relatively soft plants flourish on them. Still a miracle that they stand after a thousand years of wind and weather.
The temple originally was an island in the middle of a baray (water basin) some 3800 by 800 metres, now dry.
History
Pre Rup was dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, and it is probably located on a former shivaite ashram, built by Yasovarman I in the previous century. Perhaps it was standing at the centre of a new capital city built by Rajendravarman, with the southern dike of East Baray as northern city limit, but nothing of the dwellings survived and this "eastern city hypothesis" by Philippe Stern was never confirmed by archeological discoveries.
Located just south of the East Baray, or eastern reservoir, Pre Rup is aligned on a north-south axis with the East Mebon temple, which is located on what was an artificial island in the baray. The East Mebon was also a creation of the reign of Rajendravarman.
Pre Rup's extensive laterite and brick give it a pleasing reddish tone that is heightened by early morning and late afternoon sunlight. The temple has a square lay-out and two perimeter walls. The outer enclosure is a platform bounded by a laterite wall, 117 meters N-S by 127 meters E-W. A laterite causeway gives entry from the east; unfortunately, a modern road cuts across it. The four external gopuras are cross-shaped, having a central brick section (consisting of three rooms flanked by two independent passageways) and a sandstone vestibule on both sides. To either side inside the eastern gate is a group of three towers aligned north to south. One of the towers appears to have never been built or to have been dismantled later, however they are later additions, probably by Jayavarman V. Further ahead, through another gate, libraries lie to either side of the walkway on the second platform. Just before the entrance there is a stone "cistern", but scholars believe it was a basement for a Nandi bronze statue rather than being used for cremation ceremonies.
There is also a series of long distinct galleries running along each side, a distinctive feature of 10th century architecture that would be substituted by a continuous gallery from Ta Keo onward.
The terminal pyramid of Pre Rup (with the "cistern" foreground).
The final squared pyramid, measuring 50 m at its base, rises in three steep tiers a dozen metres in height to a 35 m square platform at the summit. The lowest tier is simmetrically surrounded by 12 small shrines. At the top, five towers are arranged in a quincunx, one at each corner of the square and one in the center. Deities carved as bas-reliefs stand guard at either side of the central tower’s eastern door; its other doors are false doors. The southwest tower once contained a statue of Lakshmi, the northwest tower a statue of Uma, the southeast tower a statue of Vishnu and the northeast tower a statue of Shiva. The last one has an inscription on door jambs that dates from Jayavarman VI and is the only proof of his reign at Angkor.
TA KEO (Angko site)
Built between 968 and 1001, this temple of more than 50 m of height is the first one of Angkor, built completely for Wills. The decorations were never finished because carving in wills was very hard. This temple is typical Angkor's " temples-mountains ".
This temple the king built not ready was abandon in the forest long time ago because the middle tower was broken.
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The development challenge facing Cambodia is to sustain growth, reduce poverty, and accelerate the completion of the reform agenda. To accomplish these medium term goals will require effective economic management and considerable inflows of external assistance in order to support the implementation of public investment priorities and raise the pace and consistency of structural reform. Moreover, mechanisms to reduce poverty and protect vulnerable groups from accelerated transformation must be put in place. The development needs of Cambodia have shifted from survival mode to a medium term strategic framework for rapid adjustment and growth supported by sound macro and sectorial policies, and complementary public investment and technical assistance programs.
Adjustment and growth, such are the objectives pursued by the MEF. It is important to strengthen the macroeconomic balances in order to allow for the healthy, sustainable growth of the economy. On this basis, sector-driven strategies tended to increase and diversify production, parallel with the budget strategy of reducing financial dependence and encouraging social progress.
The path covered in five years (1994-98), albeit one that shows deficiencies to be corrected and delays to be resolved, seems satisfactory, overall. Progress has been noteworthy and the results indicators positive mainly due to a good concurrence of external factors affecting economic development, and also to the clear direction given by national policies.
Results Indicators - Positive Development
The outcomes of the results indicators appears to be positive, according to the information in Table below:
1. A real average annual growth rate of 5.2% for the period. Had it not been for the downturn in 1997 which will continue to make be felt to a lesser extent in 1998, the average annual growth rate could have reached 6.0%. In this regard, 1995 and 1996 have clearly very high scores, which were lining Cambodia up among the Asian dragons until the recent crisis occurred;
2. A per capita GDP on a constant growth curve, from US$241 in 1994 to US$303 in 1996, with a slight decline in 1997 ($290.9);
3. A CPI that broke free from the soaring increases of the previous years to stabilize from 1996 onwards at a about 9%;
4. A deficit in t he current balance excluding transfers, which is sustained at 14-15% of GDP, despite the. increase in imports due to investments;
5. Foreign exchange reserves that reached over two months of goods and services imports;
6. Foreign contributions that covered the gross deficit of the current balance on an annual average for 1994-97, in the amount of 134%, with the surplus helping to improve the gross foreign exchange reserves.
External Factors and the Funding or Deficits
Factors external to the evolution of the economy are related to official transfers such as donations, capital transfers in the form of loans from international organizations and, lastly, to foreign direct investments (FDI). The aggregate of such external contributions covered, on a annual average from 1994-97, the gross deficit of the current balance in the amount of 134% (the surplus contributed to the improvement of the gross foreign exchange reserves to cover 2.7 months of imports in 1997). However, although official transfers and capital transfers are being maintained from one year to the next, about 8-
1 1 % and from 2-3 % respectively of GDP, these did drop in 1997 by about 8 % with relation to the initial forecasts and by 20% compared to 1996. On the other hand ' FDI that had grown at a very sustained pace since 1093, dropped by 21% in 1997 with relation to the forecasts. There is reason to fear that, in view of the Asian financial cataclysm, such investments will not rapidly pick up the dynamic growth that they experienced up till now.
National Policies and Economic Development - Budget and Monetary Policies.
Expansion of the monetary supply was strong during the years 1994-97, with an annual average rate of 35.7%, and for an average 5.2% of GDP. However, no monetary financing of the Treasury was undertaken with -the National Bank of Cambodia until late 1997. In reality, the foreign currency deposit component explains this growth; liquidity in Riels has grown at an annual average rate of 13.7%. Still, this development is especially due to the exceptional year in 1997 (+33.4%). Nevertheless, the Riel-US Dollar parity has remained very stable during the period, i.e. at the end of the period 2,593 in 1994; 2,560 in 1995; and 2,720 in 1996. It was only during the second half of 1997 that, suffering the effects of the Asian monetary cataclysm, the Riel went up to 3,500 for US$I; since that time, it has basically maintained itself at this level.
However, a good macroeconomic performance was obvious in the – liberalization of the rate of exchange, the stabilization of inflation to a tolerable level, and the revamping of the commercial framework (removal of restrictions on imports and obstacles to exports).
Taxation-an up-to-date tax system, but still yielding inadequate results
The Government undertook the renovation and reinforcement of a taxation and duty system that was still in infancy. The country was slowing getting away from a command economy. The option was made for a modern, performing tax system, but by means of a progressive approach that would allow for reasonable time for the new economic structures to adapt and for State employees to be trained. With the year 1998-after the Taxation Code of February 1997, pending enforcement of the VAT on large commercial enterprises in 1999, and with the Customs Code yet to come out-the Cambodian approach will be five years old.
The current nomenclature of é taxes and duties is a good reflection of the tax structure as it is found in most countries in the world. An analysis of the relationship between tax revenue and the components of GDP that are the basis thereof gives rise to the following observations:
What is called the tax ratio and which means the actual levy made on GDP, experienced a rapid increase between 1993 (4.32%) and 1994 (5.95%), when the initial tax measures kicked in. Since that time, the tax ratio continues to be around 6% -- with a peak of 6.46% reached in 1997 -- the lowest rate in the world, even compared to the Least Developed Countries (LDCs). In the Southeast Asian region, the tax ratio rate was already 9.53% in 1984 in the Philippines; 14.34% in Thailand; 1 26.93% in Indonesia; 21.53% in Malaysia. the Philippines is the only country where the rates appear relatively low-, although the rate quickly increased to 15.5 1 % in 1992. That is about the same rate as in Vietnam (I 5.4% in 1993 for a GDP per capita that is lower than that of Cambodia), while Laos was at 7.4% in 1991.
* 43% to 46% of GDP is not subject to taxation due to the rightful exemption of agricultural production;
* When only the potentially taxable GDP is considered, the average tax rate of national production barely reaches,8% (from 7.63-7.95% depending on the year);
* Internal taxation, aside from customs duties, remains weak, if not negligible; income- profit taxes carried over to the potentially taxable GDP is less than 1% (0.36 - 0.77%, except for 1998 which is forecast for 1.23 ˜%). At the same time, the ratio between domestic indirect taxes and potentially taxable GDP is barely above 1% (0.59 - 1.36% depending on the year);
* The average rate of tax on imports remains at a very reasonable level (IO - 13 % on total imports);
* Private consumption that supports both the domestic indirect and import taxes is only a very small contributor to taxation, between 7 - 8% -- whereas in all the countries of the world this is the main source of tax receipts.
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Shihanuk Ville(Kompong Som Province)
Sihanouk Ville is a coastal city that is collated 235 km southwest of Phnom Penh. It can be reached by National Road No 4. The Cambodian seaside paradise can be visited all year round.
Its charm results from a harmonious combination of undulation mountain, tropical islands, translucent seawater, glittering sand, swaying palms, tourist spots, and an international seaport, along with a mild climate and a cooling breeze.
The tranquil water is perfect for relaxing after tiring visits to Angkor, swimming in the evening through the phosphorescent water that gleams like diamonds, and sunbathing on the white sandy beach. Watching the sunset along the coast is the perfect ending to the day. If you want to see beautiful natural scenery and breathe clean fresh air and enjoy extraordinarily delicious seafood, Sihanouk Ville has it all. There is a wide variety of accommodation and restaurants available at a reasonable price.
It takes about 4 hours to journey from Phnom Penh to Sihanouk Ville on a comfortable luxury air-conditioned bus. You will enjoy the wonderful view of mountains, forests and valleys along the road, all of which will make your journey an unforgettable one.
In a land with thousands of years of history, Sihanoukville is a colorful but tragic upstart. A mere fifty years ago, a French-Cambodian construction carved a camp out of the jungle and started building the first deep-sea port of a newly independent Cambodia. Named Sihanoukville in 1964 after the ruling prince of Cambodia, the booming port and its golden beaches soon drew Cambodia's jetsetting elite, spawning the first Angkor Beer brewery and the modernist seven-story Independence Hotel which, claim locals, even played host to Jacqueline Kennedy on her whirlwind tour of Cambodia in 1967.
Alas, the party came to an abrupt end in 1970 when Sihanouk was deposed in a coup and Cambodia descended into civil war. The town – renamed Kompong Som – soon fell on hard times: the victorious Khmer Rouge used the Independence Hotel for target practice and, when they made the mistake of hijacking an American container ship, the port was bombed by the U.S. Air Force. Even after Pol Pot's regime was driven from power, the bumpy highway to the capital was long notorious for banditry and the beaches stayed empty.
Peace returned in 1997 and in the ensuing ten years Sihanoukville has been busy picking up the pieces. First visited only by a few intrepid backpackers, guidebooks still talk of walls pockmarked by bullets, but any signs of war are hard to spot in today's Sihanoukville, whose new symbol seems to be the construction site. After 30 years of housing only ghosts, the Independence Hotel is up and running again, more and more Khmers and expats have settled down to run bars and restaurants, and the buzz of what the New York Times dubbed "Asia's next trendsetting beach" is starting to spread far and wide.
When one hears “Cambodia,” the image that automatically comes to mind is the wonders of Angkor Wat — the ancient archaeological complex filled with temples and stone edifices that fill the heart with awe.
Sihanoukville, or Snooky as it is known to foreigners, however, is far from being prehistoric. A mere fifty years old, the town is located south of Cambodia. It is known as Kompong Som or Krong Preah Sihanouk to locals, and dubbed by New York Times as “Asia’s next trendsetting beach.” The French and Cambodians constructed Sihanoukville in the early 1960s as a seaport town, and despite its rough times during Pol Pot’s regime, it has grown through the years as the place to be in Cambodia.
Fun Time at Sihanoukville
The term som in Kompong Som means “agreeable,” and also “fun” or “having a good time.” Sihanoukville seems to meet this promise with its variety of entertainment for the intrepid traveler. Its primary attraction is its beaches and water sports, bordered as it is on three sides by tropical beaches and islands.
Scuba diving, snorkeling, sunbathing, boating, and island hopping are typical (and recommended!) things to do in Snooky. Depending on one’s mood, or budget, or whatever one considers in choosing a place to go to, one can choose from among a number of beach resorts in Sihanoukville.
After an exhausting day soaking the sun at the beach, however, Sihanoukville has more to offer, depending on the visitor’s taste. There are bars and discos that are open until the early hours of the morning, as well as karaoke joints and other places one would not take one’s children or parents to.
For a “cleaner” and less rowdy pastime, touring around town or having a food trip would be a good idea. Food can be found everywhere in Sihanoukville, and depending on the traveler’s palate, one can have the familiar Western food, or “exotic” dishes like grilled dog or fried spiders that one should eat at their own risk. For those with sensitive stomachs, it is best to avoid streetfood and tap water. Bottled water should be the norm, unless one likes to risk getting diarrhea, or worse.
Other Things to Do in Sihanoukville
Aside from its water sports and its nightlife, there are other alternative activities should one decide to stay longer in Sihanoukville. There are motorcycles and bicycles for rent, which one can use to go around the town. Having a Khmer massage is also a good idea, as well as shopping, learning to cook Khmer food, and for the big-hearted, volunteering to help the poor children at the non-profit organization Cambodian Children’s Painting Project.
Whatever one decides to do, always remember to consider the best times to go to Sihanoukville, as well as the visa requirements in going there! It is rainy season from May to early November, so even though it does not rain everyday, too much water may dampen one’s spirit.
Unless, of course, one enjoys the simpler things in life, like sitting inside a nice hotel in the middle of Cambodia’s beach town, drinking beer, and listening to the rhythm of the falling rain. Such is life indeed.
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His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni is the son of His Majesty Norodom Sihanouk, former King of Cambodia and of Her Majesty Queen Norodom Monineath Sihanouk of Cambodia.
King Sihamoni's selection was endorsed by Prime Minister Hun Sen and National Assembly Speaker Prince Norodom Ranariddh (the new king's brother), both members of the throne council.
He was crowned in Phnom Penh on October 29. Born on Thursday 14 May 1953, in Phnom Penh, His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni is the son of His Majesty Norodom Sihanouk, King of Cambodia and of Her Majesty Queen Norodom Monineath Sihanouk of Cambodia. Sihamoni remains a bachelor and has no children, which means he does not have a direct successor if one were to be required.
However, this should not be a problem as the King in Cambodia is selected by the throne council.
Norodom Sihamoni speaks Khmer, French, Czech, English and Russian. He is the first Czech speaking monarch after Ferdinand I of Austria.
Education Background
1959-1962: Primary schooling at the Norodom school and then at the Descartes high school in Phnom Penh (Cambodia)
1962-1967: Primary and Secondary schooling at Prague's high school (Czechoslovakia)
1967-1971: Dance, music and theatre courses at the National Conservatory of Prague
1970: High school certificate -Prague (with "very good" marks)
1971: First prize course of classical dance of the National Conservatory of Prague
1971-1975: Higher dance, music and theatre courses, Academy of Musical Art of Prague
1975: Graduated from the Academy of Musical Art of Prague
1975: Author of a thesis on the conception and administration of artistic schools in Cambodia
1975-1976: Higher studies of Cinematography in the D.P.R. of Korea
1976-1979: Prisoner of the Khmer Rouge along with his parents and his younger brother, H.R.H Prince Norodom NarinDrapong
1979-1980: Served his father in exile abroad as his Private Secretary
1981-2000: Professor of classical dance and artistic pedagogy at the Marius Petipa conservatory, the Gabriel Faure conservatory and the W.A. Mozart conservatory of the city of Paris
1984-1988: President of the Khmer dance association in France and director general and artistic director of the ballet group "Deva"
1988-1993: Director general and artistic director of the Khmer cinematographic corporation "Khemara Pictures". H.M. Norodom Sihamoni, then Prince, has produced two creations (Ballet-Films): Dream and the 4 Elements
1992-1993: Chosen unanimously by the members of the Supreme National Council of Cambodia to be permanent representative of Cambodia to the United Nations
1993-2004: Ambassador of the Kingdom of Cambodia to Unesco
2004: Member of the High Council of French-Speaking Countries (Francophonie)
1st Feb 1994: Elevated by H.M. the King to the rank of Sdech Krom Khun (Great Prince)
17 Oct 2003: Appointed high privy Councillor to His Majesty the King
31 Aug 2004: Elevated by H.M the King to the Rank of SAMDECH PREAH BAROMNEATH
14 Oct 2004: Elected unanimously by the members of the throne council as King of Cambodia to succeed his august father who has decided to retire
Languages: Khmer, fluent in French and Czech, good English and Russian
Decorations:
*Grand cross of the Royal order of Cambodia
*Grand cross of the Royal order of Monisaraphon (Cambodia)
*Grand officer of the legion d'honneur (France)
Silver medal of the city of Paris (France)
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Events in Cambodia
January 01: International New Year’s Day
January 07: Victory Day Over Genocide Regime
February 09: Meak Bochea Day - Buddha's preaching
March 08: International Women's Day
April 14-16: Cambodian New Year
A three-day celebration after the end of harvest to mark the turn of The New Year according to the Khmer lunar calendar. Every home is seen with attractive decorations. shrines are full of food and beverages given as offerings to God.. Other people attend Buddhist temples where traditional games are also performed. Click here for more details about Khmer New Year.
May 01: International Labor Day
May 08: Visaka Bochea Day - Birthday of Buddha
May 12: Royal Ploughing Ceremony
It is culturally celebrated to alert the nation of the commencement of rainy season, and farmers to be ready for farming rice by starting to plough. The venue is a field at a wing of Royal Palace, Phnom Penh. The scene is interesting as it depicts real ploughing activities where cows are given a variety of crops to eat. Based on the choices of crops eaten by the cows, prediction are made for the coming year. Click here for more details about Ploughing Ceremony.
May 13-15: Birthday of King Sihamony
During king's birthday, a giant firework display is held close to the riverbanks in front of the Royal Palace.
June 18: Royal Birthday of H.M Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk
September 24: Constitution's Day
September 18-20: Pchum Ben Day - The Soul Day
A religious festival to bless the souls of ancestors, relatives and friends alike who have passed away. Household members attend Buddhist temples.
October 29: Royal Coronation of King Sihamoni
October 31: Birthday of King Father Norodom Sihanouk
November 09: Independence Day
November 01-03: Water Festival
Not only it marks the reversing flow of Tonle Sap River
but also ushers in the fishing season. The Highlight of the event is boat races over three days. As night falls, fireworks light the sky and a lighted flotilla of boats sail under full moon to whom household worships. Some analysts say the celebration is also a thanksgiving to the Mekong River for providing the country with fertile land. People from all walks of life gather on the bank of the Mekong River for days and nights. Click here for more details about Water Festival.
December 02: Angkor Half Marathon
International Half marathon. Held at the world renowned Angkor Wat an event which attracts competitors from all over the world. With thousands of spectators and the wonder of Angkor Wat, it is a spectacular setting. Click here for more details about Angkor Half Marathon.
December 10: International Human Right's Day
Mid December: Angkor Festival
This festival is a showcase of performing arts with Angkor Wat as a backdrop. Performers from all over Asia attend this festival performing great epic stories from myths and legends, including the Ramayana, with their own national dance costumes and musical and rhythmic interpretations. Former King Sihanouk often attends when he is in residence in Siem Reap and other dignitaries come to witness this wonderful spectacle.
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In the past two decades, Cambodia has gone through many major changes reflecting the heroic sacrifice of the Cambodian people to protect and to rebuild their homeland, the standard of their living, and the prosperity of their future. With the October 23, 1991 Paris Peace Agreement, Cambodia achieves full right and sovereignty. For the result, the Cambodian people may fervently develop their country with generous assistance from international communities.
Before reaching their goal of prosperity, they facedmany critical proceedings. With His Majesty vision of Preah Bat Samdech NorodomSihanouk, the beloved king of the Cambodia people, peace and nationalreconciliation were finally achieved.
At the second session of the auspicious plenarymeeting of the National Assembly, I (Samdech Hun Sen, Prime Minister) have the honor to submit the Royal Government of Cambodia's Platform for approval from the august legislative body, the National Assembly. It is a foundation of governance to ensure peace, stability, democracy and development for the Cambodian people and to rebuild their country.
I. Policies:
A. Domestic Policies:
The main goal of the Royal Government is to ensure peace, stability,and national unity. In order to create a political stability conducive to theeconomic and social development, and the alleviation of poverty, Cambodiarespect of human rights must be firmly promoted.
1.Pacification:
The Royal Government adheres to national solidarity.To respect the consuls of His Majesty the King, the Cambodians from all walks oflife and political backgrounds from every corner of the world must come togetherto defense their national's independence, peace and prosperity.
To restore permanent peace and political stability,the Royal Government would welcome the return of the remnant of the Khmer Rouge.It continues to integrate the armed force and the people, who support the policyof pacification successfully implemented in Pailin, Samlot, Malai, Anlong Veng,Preah Vihea, and in other areas.
The Royal Government continues to cooperate withinternational organizations to set up the repatriation program to settle theCambodian refugees into their society. It would pay at any price to stop thereturn of the genocidal regime, and the recurrence of the recent past tragedies.The hard-line leaders of the outlawed Khmer Rouge would be put on trail by thecourt. In the meantime, the Royal Government would reinstate a handful of formerservicemen into the Royal Armed Forces. Under the chairmanship of His Majestythe King, the November 13 statement clearly emphasized that the working group incharge of military affairs must immediately and properly implement theagreements set forth in the spirit of the November 12-13 summit. The Kingdom ofCambodia has full sovereignty. It is a unified state, not a seceded state.
2. Liberal Democratic Process andRespect of Human Rights:
The Royal Government adheres to the principle ofdemocratic pluralism and to the respect of human rights for which, it stronglybelieves they are fundamental to the social progress. The democratization andliberalization of all social fabrics must be rapidly addressed, because they arethe essential forces of economic and social developments. The Royal Governmentassures and protest freedom of its citizenry bestowed in the Constitution, inthe Universal Declaration of Human Rights, in the Convenants on Civil andPolitical Rights and Social, Economic and Cultural Right, and in the Conventionon the Rights of Women and Children. It strongly opposes racial hatred. Theoverall structure of the state run human rights institution would be upgraded.
3. Freedom of the Press and of Expression:
The Royal Government vigorously supports freedom ofthe press, freedom of expression and of assembly, which freely contribute tosocial and political conscience. In order to seek different shade and color ofopinions, public forums are encouraged to take place. At the same time, freedomand anarchy should be clearly differentiated. The Constitution provides itcitizenry their freedoms to be enjoyed and honored, not to be destructive andintrusive.
4. The Role of Oppositions:
To mobilize the wisdom from all walks of life andbackgrounds to build the nation, the Royal Government widely supports the roleof oppositions for constructive criticism, and for good services to the nation.The oppositions have full legal rights to perform its political activities. Theyare fully guarantied by the Royal Government equal social and politicalbenefits, such as freedom, justice, security, and employment. They may assistCambodia's young democracy to be fully developed. They do not have to implicatethemselves in order to be labeled oppositions. The Royal Government and theoppositions would have to promote jointly the national interest, the socialstability, and the welfare of the people, so that Cambodia and her people mayenjoy the fruits of long lasting political strength and national stability.
The role of the oppositions shall be defined in thelaw.
5. The Participation of the Civil Society:
The Royal Government and the civil society shallincorporate their principle of state of law into strengthening democracy,liberty, and social law and order. They may not develop the country byconflicting interests between civil and political societies. The civil societyshall be a key partner of the Royal Government in the construction of Cambodia.In view, the Royal Government would endorse the multiple activities of thenon-governmental organizations and of associations, which have served theCambodian people nationwide. It will appropriate special funds and allocate themto the non-governmental organization in providing services on its behalf to theneedly. The Royal Government would welcome the participation of theinternational non-government organizations in the process of rehabilitation ofeconomic development and in the promotion of democracy and human rights.Therefore, it needs drafting a law on the non-government organizations andassociations.
6. The Rule of Law:
The rule of law is the basic principle of democracy,the sustainability of the government, and of all institutions. It is to ensurefreedom, national interest, justice, harmony, and social sustainability. Aforceful legal structure to end assaults on human dignity is urgently needed.The enforcement and education of law would be widely disseminated. All men areborn free and equal, but they must not be allowed to be above the law. A set oflaw must be applied equally to all.
7. Reforms:
Presently, administrative, judicial, military andpoloce, and economic reforms are urgently to be addressed.
Today, Cambodia's administrative machine is excessive.The Royal Government can not further support it. It would take steps to reformit. It should gradually trimmed. It should be neutral and sound administration,which is capable to effectively serve the people. The rule of civil servantsmust be strictly applied. The training program to update the knowledge and skillof the employs must be spontaneously upgraded and maintained.
The physical structure of provinces and its citiesmust be reviewed. The provincial administration autonomy should seriouslyconsidered. The management of provinces, districts, communes and villages shouldbe properly carried out to rules and regulations.
The judicial system and the court are necessary to beentirely overhauled. By law, they ought to be independent, honest, andtrustworthy. To succeed their quest, the corporations among the nationalinstitutions, such as the National Assembly, the Government, the ConstitutionalCouncil, the Council of Magistracy, and the court, should be overcome. Judges'salaries must be adequately raised. Especially, they judges in the Supreme Courtmust request their summons be properly recorded and executed. However, if thereis a judge committing a violation, the Council of Magistracy should immediatelyreprimand him or her.
The corruption and power abuses, which obstruct thepromotion and supports of the people's living conditions, ought to be stopped.The Cambodia's, the businessmen, and the investors must not be victimized bythose exploitations. The Royal Government of Cambodia considers the fightagainst the corruption as its matter of priority.
The Royal Government would set transparency in everywork force. The anti-corruption institution would be soon formed. To ensure theeffectiveness in the work force, the following measures would urgently berealized:
