A $1,200 Lesson and "Achievus"

A $1,200 Lesson and "Achievus"

October...2012

The weather condition was quite chilly.. but for me that day was as beautiful as any other days.

It was half cloudy yet magically the sun was shining brightly though a few spots of blue sky onto an unfamiliar yet beautiful small town-- a rare thing that happened in Ireland I was told.

I was still uncomfortable with the group of many international students…who came from different parts of the world to complete our certification program-- to become certified instructors for the Napoleon Hill Foundation--a prestigious program that happens once a year.

After having an early lunch --turkey platter--at Jules, a very nice restaurant near the beautiful Castle Trim, I decided to take a walk around the area sightseeing and shooting some pictures.

Across the street from the restaurants, a huge beautiful olden grey stone castle stood proudly awaiting for our small group to take pleasure in its beauty.

Pictures: Author's record

It was rather quiet for a tourist spot, I thought. But, I do love the serenity.

Besides the people in our group, there were just a few local people that I could see getting in and out of their cars in the nearby parking lot.

A few people had already climbed up to the upper level of the tower to where I wanted to be next.

The old castle reminded me the time that I visited the many ancient Khmer monuments in Cambodia a few years back. I remembered I lost a bottle of Avian water to a young poor boy who pretended that he could help me carry it so I could free my hands to take pictures of the Temple.

Instead, the very thin, half naked, young boy decided to run away with my bottle of water… I smiled with compassion as I was watching him spinning his bare feet as fast as he could accross the grassy field. I would give it to him if he just asked…"You can have it, for you need it more than I do." I said to myself, then.

A little flashback brought me a quick smile…

Anyway, I planned to climb up Trim Castle to see more beautiful sites from the top after taking a few more pictures of the big cannon which stood between the parking lot and the castle.


While I was about to take another picture, I heard someone yelling out my name loudly from the street.


"Timothy, Timothy," "Are you Timothy?"… I was wondering why a nice-looking tall young man wearing green t-shirt and blue jacket with ponytail hidden under his bright “Green Beret” rushing toward me like it was some kind of emergency situation.

“What’s going on?” I wondered.

"Are you Timothy?" He stressed again.

"Yes I am," I responded. The young man then rushed toward me....

"Am I in trouble?" "Or Am I in luck?" I thought.

... and then the young man showed me a wallet that had my driver license in it.

I checked my back pocket... just to realize that it was empty. Oh, no!

The young man then told me that he found my wallet in the restroom. I was completely shocked.

"I am Jeremy, I found this in the restroom, is it yours?" " You are Timothy...?" The young man handed over my wallet to me enthusiastically as if he was very happy to find its owner.  Indeed he looked more happier than I did!

After realizing that wallet was mine, I thanked Jeremy for his kindness. He told me that he saw my picture, my name and he knew that it was my wallet. He was looking for me at the restaurant first then someone told him that I was at the castle.

We shook hand then Jeremy returned.

I noticed that everything was all in the same the order... including my credit cards, ID cards, driver license and about $1200 in Cash.

That was the entire possession I brought to Ireland for that trip besides my luggage. Without that wallet the whole trip would be chaotic.

I was and I am proud of Jeremy as well as I was and I am proud of our group who deeply cared about each other.

Jeremy was among our elite group who went to Ireland to complete our certification program to become certified instructors for the Napoleon Hill foundation--the rare leadership position that can help make a big difference in people's life.

I got to know more about Jeremy later on during our trip. It turned out that Jeremy was actually a genius.

A young man whom I predict that will become very successful in achieving his personal goal.

Inspired by Dr. Napoleon Hill's Principles of Success, Jeremy designed  a very powerful mind game which can help thousands of families reach their Major definiteness of purpose via Positive Mental Attitude and more.

I am excited to have met and associated with Jeremy Rayzor, a person of high integrity and with great spirit.

His main purpose is to make millions of people to become successful in their life.


Adults and as well as young children will surely benefit from his works---the works that follow the footprints of the Great Dr. Napoleon Hill...


I wish every family would spend time together playing "Achievus" rather than playing other mind destructing games.


I also wish you would let your mind or your young children's mind be touched by "Achievus" to discover the Keys to achieve your success together.

Timothy Chhim; New York.
On the day of the biggest snow storm in 2013. 
February 9, 2013

Good-Bye "God King"

Good-Bye "God King"

Picture: Author's record

For those who dislike the late former King, the most joyful day is here again. Their wishes are fulfilled and unfortunately their hatred will continue from here to eternity.

Nothing in this world that anyone can do to heal their injuries and hatred—for all they see is what the former King has done wrong.

They will consume much energy to talk about “evil” things that they think the King had committed. Among other things, they would criticize that the King was an absolutist; his behaviors had brought Cambodia down; his policies were self-destructive; his personal life had been nothing but a playboy; he had allowed Vietcong and North Vietnamese to station in Cambodia; He was siding with the Khmer Rouge; had kowtowed to Vietnam, China and never been friendly to the West, etc…

For those who look for the King’s positive side, they are deeply mourning the passing away of their revered “God King” with love, respect and compassion.

Regardless of what the King had done wrong, they will forgive and willing to forget. Their mind will be at peace and there is no hatred left. Perhaps they will be happier than those who possess hatred...

They would praise the King for his work to help gain independence for Cambodia; love him for giving Cambodia Peace for many years; admire him for standing strong against America; thank him for helping Cambodia to achieve a peaceful solution with the current regime, etc…

One chapter of Cambodian history is finally closed. The talk of the town will continue for a while and then Cambodia will move on without the former King. Another “God King” has not been created or born or perhaps Cambodians will become their own “King.”

The future of Cambodia will depend on whether Cambodians can learn from our adversity and defeat and figure out how to build a better Cambodia together.

Khmer people need to think right. With accurate thinking Cambodians will be able to see things clearly and in order to think accurately Cambodians must avoid negative emotions because such emotions will lead to more confusion. No one in this world can do things right when they are confused.

Universal law permits no one to become successful when he or she possesses negative emotions such as hatred, revenge, jealousy, anger, fear, greed and superstition, etc…For these reasons the best thing that we all can do is to stop recycling these destructive emotions.

Picture: Author's record

For me I would say farewell to the former head of State, the former Prince, and the former King…the history will judge him and he must deal with the law of Karma….the law of cause and effect or Karma which rules the Universe will determine the King’s fate.

Yes, I used to love him when I was once a young high school boy who was diving from the crowd to grab his hand under the hot sun;

...then I was disgusted with his policy and my blood boiled when I learned that he allowed the Vietcong and North Vietnamese to use Cambodia to fight the Americans;

Then…I despised him when the Khmer Rouge, his communist ally, sent me to be executed.

Then my heart melted when he decided to turn against the Vietnamese invasion of Cambodia in 1979…and the world knows the rest of the story.

…and then the one other thing that the King and I had in common was music. Music has no color and although he could not sing well, the King was a good musician… And for whatever will happen to Cambodia next, I will always like his music… and I will remember the times when he and I used to play together…

As for the King and I, he is gone and I hold no grudges: I am at peace.

R.I.P

Good bye "God King!"

Timothy Chhim

October 14, 2012
February 1, 2013



One Monk to Watch...

Is Cambodia lucky enough to have Ven. Loun Sovath

to hepl protect Human Rights?

Enthusiasm is a double-edged sword that can make or break an individual if it is not properly controlled.

I like Venerable Loun Sovath’s courageous activities to help bring justice to Cambodian victims of human rights abuses. And I also like his enthusiasm and passion in doing his gracious works to let the world know about Cambodia’s need ---to improve its human rights record. It is a much needed record for the Cambodian government, IF it wants to be recognized as a civilized and dignified government.



It is indeed a tough job for Ven. Loun Sovath…for being a prominent monk who must balance between Buddhist disciplines and the day-to-day life and politics of laypersons; especially, when he is in a spotlight and being watched by thousands.

Any activity contradicts to Buddhist rules of conduct can become problems. Problems that may hinder his own progress toward his personal purposes as well as the long-term progress of thousands of people who may count on his works.

It is very important for Ven Loun Savath to control his enthusiasm. Turn it on when it is necessary and tune it down when it is not. Watching his own steps and actions is one of the most important things he must do.



It is understandable that sometimes, people unconsciously do things that may cause adverse effects to his/her success or the success of the majority. But, for Ven. Loun, he must not let his personal pride and pleasure control his mood and actions. He must not give weapons or alibis to his opponents who may effortlessly use to destroy his good cause.

Buddha preaches proper balancing and adhering to certain behaviors and ethical conducts to achieve your goal. Follow his path and you will surely reach your destiny.

Timothy Chhim

Jan 16, 2013 



Shoppers Delight: Nanuet Mall Getting New Life

Shoppers Delight: Nanuet Mall Getting New Life

http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2012312100091&nclick_check=1



Risa Hoag, a Nanuet Chamber of Commerce board member, left, and Timothy S. Chhim, president of Greater Nanuet Chamber of Commerce, are photographed as construction continues on the Shops at Nanuet on the site of the former Nanuet Mall on Dec. 10, 2012. ( Matthew Brown/ The Journal News )

NANUET — Rockland’s oldest mall will reopen Oct. 1 in its new incarnation, The Shops at Nanuet, several weeks ahead of its widely anticipated opening.
Thomas Schneider, Simon Property Group’s executive vice president for development, said construction was progressing at the site of the old Nanuet Mall and would continue through the winter.

“We are planning on opening Oct. 1,” said Schneider. “We’re all hoping for decent weather this winter ... We are doing everything we can to move things along.”
In the past the company had given no clear opening date but had indicated the shopping center would open ahead of the 2013 holiday season.

Motorists can now see the skeleton of the new structure coming up at the site of the old mall, most of which was razed to the ground earlier this year. Construction is taking place daily and the new mall is beginning to take shape. Clarkstown building department officials are monitoring construction daily at the site, the town said.

“You can see something is coming up finally,” Sheila Morahan-Gick, a Nanuet mother of three. “We have been waiting a long time for this. Now to finally see a structure, it’s exciting. It will be a good shot in the arm for Nanuet.”

Morahan-Gick said she and others in the hamlet were looking forward to good quality stores coming to the area and giving shoppers an option other than the Palisades Center in West Nyack.
The town and Simon had been in discussions for years about the Nanuet Mall, which opened in 1969 and began to lose customers and tenants when the larger Palisades Center debuted in 1998.
The slow demise of the Nanuet Mall led to a drop in revenue for Simon, and lower property and sales tax revenue for the town and the Nanuet school district.

All parties hope a refurbished mall with high-end stores will bring customers back and improve the economy of the area.

“It’s an exciting process,” said Clarkstown Supervisor Alex Gromack. “Every few weeks you’ll see something more being built.”

In meetings with Clarkstown and the local community, Simon has said it will build a 790,654-square-foot, L-shaped, open-air mall with a boulevard flanked by single-story stores with upscale fashion retailers and restaurants, next to a two-story cinema and fitness center.
"Silence is not necessarily golden"

Pedestrian walkways and landscaping would flank the stores and some parking would be available on the boulevard.

So far Simon has announced a 66,000-square foot Fairway Market will open at the mall — a first for Rockland. Regal Theaters and a large fitness center would also open.
Schneider declined to name any additional stores because, he said, lease negotiations had not been finalized.

But he said announcements would be coming in the new year.
The planned opening has also reinvigorated the business community in Nanuet, which is hoping that shoppers who flock to The Shops at Nanuet will stop by downtown Nanuet on their way to and from the mall.

To that end, businesses have come together to form the Greater Nanuet Chamber of Commerce, a rejuvenated version of a chamber of commerce that had struggled for years and finally became defunct a decade ago.



Timothy S. Chhim, president of Greater Nanuet Chamber of Commerce, left, and Risa Hoag, a Nanuet Chamber of Commerce board member, survey the construction for the Shops at Nanuet on the site of the former Nanuet Mall on Dec. 10, 2012. ( Matthew Brown/ The Journal News )




Risa Hoag, a Nanuet Chamber of Commerce board member, left, and Timothy S. Chhim, president of Greater Nanuet Chamber of Commerce, are photographed as construction continues on the New Nanuet Mall in Nanuet Dec. 10, 2012. ( Matthew Brown/ The Journal News )

“We are excited about the mall being revitalized,” said Risa Hoag, a board member of the chamber who led the effort. “The mall will be a magnet for people to shop ... We are looking at it as an opportunity to improve Nanuet as a whole.”

In a show that all businesses in the area are connected, said Hoag, Simon signed up with the chamber.
“Everybody is excited about it,” said Hoag. “It’s always nice to have a place to shop and feel proud of.”

For those hopeful MP candidates: What to look out for...(cont)

For those hopeful MP candidates: What to look out for...(Continues)

4-Watch for the misinformation:

It is tricky indeed when "misinformation" becomes the only "information" you are given and you need to really digest.

As an outsider who have been exposed to different standard of morality, belief and background. You will have to learn how to separate facts and fictions on your own. Propaganda is being used and abused not only to mislead the public, but you can be deceived as well.

You may hear statements like these: "The whole country is supporting us! (like the collapse of the Earth and Water )", "The CPP is crumbled and many of its members will join us!", "Renown elites with high educational backgrounds or degrees will be supporting us and many of them are supporting us in secret."

The above statements may be used to lure you in, to secure your support and to give you hope. One of the biggest misconceptions is the notion that many CPP members or people who work  for the CPP support the CPP because they have no choice. It's a delusion. 

All CPP members are in "the CPP" together for better or worse. With Cambodia's national resources under its management for decades, this organization has become financially strong and it has given plenty of benefits and reasons for its members to bind together for life. Thanks to the many overseas Cambodians who have used their skills to help make that happen.

Although some of the so-called hidden well educated people may be sympathetic with your cause, they are not courageous enough to join your party. Their self-interests are still bigger than what we call national interests and in addition they do not have much confidence in your leaders. Your leaders know this quite well that  your party will never get the real support from the "ghosts," but telling you the truth is not an option. Those invisible educated individuals will remain unknown, perhaps, forever.

The best way for you to deal with this is to ask your leaders point blank for the names of those would be supporters. Generally, you will hear silence or you would be told that those names are being withheld for future announcement or for their safety. Be prepared for the "no show" meetings from those ghosts.

Most information you receive are distorted.  You will hear some party's leaders misinform you about the many things including the half-truth about your party and its organization. 

What you call the "political party" is merely a group of individuals who operate their political business as a private enterprise owned by a few influential people. This must be restructured . Hence, do not expect to see your party leaders use democratic principles as you know or learn them in the West. Whether it is intentionally or not, the word "democracy" is improperly used and in principle it is grossly misapplied and manipulated.

Most importantly you should take notice and be aware that the organizational structures of your party are still weak and fragile.  It is unquestionable. Most of its leaders are not well trained or simply inexperienced to lead or to follow. Some are just the "24-hour" recruits. This may relate to the financial problems--the problems that can be addressed with the changing of the mental and moral attitude of your political leaders.

Financially, your party is mostly backed by dwindling donors from overseas Cambodians. Unless a drastic change is made the supports from these people will come to an end. Leadership qualities, integrity, good morality and skills must be installed. 

Regardless how much you love your country, if you don't have the money to run the campaigns, you will not get enough votes to win additional seats. 

You may wonder if such an organization can effectively run Cambodia, right? 

Just remember this: if you have doubt about your organization, other Cambodian people will surely have the same impression.

To be continued...

For those hopeful candidates: What to look out for...

For those hopeful MP candidates: What to look out for...

For those hopeful opposition candidates running for Cambodian Parliament Members of National Assembly --in 2013 election.

A few of you, hopeful candidates from overseas, will pour a huge chunk of your hard-earned savings into Cambodia mainly to help finance your political activities hoping to be elected as a Cambodian congressman/woman representing your political party.

You may not be well informed by your Cambodian political team inside Cambodia. They may intentionally keep you in the dark or not giving you some facts fearing that you would not join them or support them.

I am putting this information to help you discover a few important things and my past experience may help you run your campaign more effectively.

It is good that you have a heart to help your country and to help make a difference, I personally commend you for that.  On the other hand, you should know a little better before you go or "get in." Unless you are in politics for some other reasons, you should not let anyone take advantage of your love for your country and our people.

Here are some information:

1-Watch for political boasting or gross exaggeration:

If the numbers of projecting winnable congressional seats is unreal, it surely is.  For example in 2008 HRP's leaders wildly believed and projected that they would definitely win more than 60 seats. It got 3.

If the number is too good to be true, you should know the answer to that. There is no system in place to take a decent poll in Cambodia. There is a difference between motivational speeches and misleading information intended to gain your monetary support. Remember it is not what you know, but what you have that counts. Trust but verify!

2-Look out for the elitists:

Some so-called elite individuals will use their political heredity or influences (former or present positions) to be listed as the top candidates in a certain prime territory where more seats are available . They will use their past and present records to take priority over your qualification and capability. It is unbelievable, but such a practice should be stopped.

These people will pay no or little money to help you with the campaigns. Using their social and political inheritance, they expect the lower ranking candidates to also pay for their expenses including food, hotel room, travel costs for them, their drivers and security guards and more.

As time goes by, be prepared to dig deeper into your pockets.  ATM machines are available everywhere. You will need to fund your territory as well as to feed your party leaders when they visit your province or district.

Local leaders will also become the middlemen or brokers to help you spend your campaign funds at local and national level. Prices are usually marked up to feed the middle men and receipts for expenditures are readily available at your request.

These elites will use their internal connections to push themselves up higher and will kick other people out or around when the election date is nearer. There will be no short of reasons for top leaders to justify their moves. Be cautious! By that time most of your money would be used and you would not have many choices to make.

Competition to be on the top "listing" will be ugly. You may be placed on the top for the beginning, but don't be surprised if later on you would be switched around. Look out for your initial "deposit" and other expenses. I knew a number of people exhausted their funds by being kicked around from place to place.

You should push for a change! No political elites should be honored as such. They must be qualified to lead as well as to share the cost like anyone else.  Most importantly they need to illustrate their good (if not high) morality to show the people that they do love them--not their titles and or positions.

To be continued...

3-Watch for the opportunists:

Other seasonal "positions" or "titles" besides MP candidates like the "titles" of local, provincial and national leaders within the party will be offered at a certain price tag.  The Competition for such positions is fierce and may cause strong resentments and frictions among party's leaders and supporters. Backstabbing may occur without your notice. However, most positions for those who live overseas are merely symbolic.

As for overseas organizers or leaders, you have little power in any decision making processes inside Cambodia. What the party leaders need is your ability to get them financial support . In addition, you need to gather people to come to the meetings, receptions, to hear their political messages and for photo opportunity. Unfortunately restaurant owners or caterers do make more profits than your party does.

You are also expected to raise funds for transportation, hotel cost, food, etc... for your political leaders who come to visit the U.S. and other countries. Some top leaders use this opportunity to visit their family members at your expenses. This must be stopped. They are wasting your hard-earned money--the money that can be used to get more votes inside Cambodia.

Donation given to these leaders is generally concealed and kept for their personal use--not for the party. I find it absurd that donors and recipients are taking the advantage over your generosity. All funds should be transparent.

Look out for some close relatives and friends of certain political leaders, they will join the party for personal business rather than national interests usually for the money.  Many will defect back to their political base after the election is over. Do not believe in the "swearing" practice or ceremony... So far lightning have not struck those who had betrayed their own political party yet. It has become rather a "business as usual" nowadays for those leaders who swear then jump ship (defect.)

Be prepared for the price hiking when the election date is nearer.  The price for infomercial on the radio like radio Sambok Khmum, etc... maybe 50 percent higher.

You may need to hire writers or professional "journalists" to help write and print newspapers for your party and they are not cheap. There are many writers for hire but they are seasonal...

However, make sure you don't fall for the propaganda on the radio or party's newspapers because most news and information are bias and not all true-- many are cut and pasted. Don't get excited. I think half truth are more dangerous than a lie.

The costs of everything else like campaigning materials will be increased as well.... I cannot figure out yet why those people who claim that they love the country so much need to put more burden on you.
 

Can you figure that out?

To be continued...

Mr. President: Don't forget to say Hello to the King

Mr. President: Don't forget to say Hello to the King

AP reported that, “White House officials emphasized that Obama would not have visited Cambodia had it not been hosting two regional summit meetings the U.S. attends, a rare admonishment of a country on its own soil.”

It is understandable that Cambodia may not be good enough to earn respect from the U.S president at this time. However, America can be tough only with Hun Sen, the Cambodia’s strongman, but it should not be so tough with the Cambodian people and tradition. Cambodians had suffered enough from some of the American past policies that may have contributed to such atrocity.  

While he is already there, in the Cambodian Capital, it would be a nice gesture if President Obama would show some respects to Cambodian people by stopping by to say hello to Cambodia’s King and offer personal condolences for the passing of the late King. 

Better yet, to help rebuild U.S.--Cambodia’s relationship Premier Hun Sen should help make an arrangement to have such a visit possible.  

Cambodians will be more resentful with the Americans if President Obama is seen to be disrespectful, arrogant or snobbish to Cambodia. In addition, Hun Sen will be able to use such attitude as an alibi to justify his move--- against the United States or to become closer to China.  

We should thank Mr. Obama for "seeing" Cambodia!

We should thank Mr. Obama for "seeing" Cambodia--the way it is!

There is no reason why Cambodians, especially the oppositions, should be worried about President Barack Obama’s visit to Cambodia.

We should let Mr. Obama see for himself the present Cambodia and Cambodian situations under Hun Sen’s ruling. Mr. Obama should be able to pick up the positive and negative sides of all developments like economic, social, political and human rights, etc…

What Cambodian oppositions should do is not to try to stop Mr. Obama from going to Cambodia or to attempt to cause any disturbance during his visit. Such attitudes will only backfire.

Many leaders of the world mostly possess positive mental attitude toward many things, hence they may view the attitude of the oppositions as nothing more than just griping in order to grab some attentions.

When people possess optimistic mental attitude, they only pay attention on the positive outcomes and not to dwell of bad things. They tend to see good things on the road and not the garbage on the roadside. Meanwhile those who have negative mental attitude see only the garbage and rarely see good things within the surroundings.

President Barack Obama waves as he leaves the White House in Washington, Saturday, Nov. 17, 2012, for a trip to Southeast Asia. Obama will seek to reinforce American influence in Southeast Asia in spite of the large shadow cast by China. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

It is very important for the Cambodian oppositions to recognize and acknowledge that there are improvements in Cambodia in the recent years but there are other issues of concerns that need to be addressed and address them with the positive mental attitude.

The Cambodian opposition’s leaders must change the way they act and the way they think. They must move from the negative to the positive side. Fighting from the dark side may be viewed as an act of fearfulness and fear is one of the major negative emotions. Cursing, complaining, demanding or protesting to get help is not an effective approach to reach out to world’s leaders—those leaders simply don’t have the time to be negative.

President Obama is the President of the United States. He will do whatever is best for America and for the American’s interests. Cambodians must remember that. All actions taken by the U.S leaders will be weighing out carefully for their own national benefits.

The oppositions should be thankful for Mr. Obama’s visit to Cambodia and should be looking for a positive ways to help him see and deal with Cambodia for the benefit of both countries. They should become the positive force to help rebuild Cambodia not a negative entity that can sap energy away from the countries or people who are willing to lend a hand.

Change!

Timothy Chhim
New York
November 17, 2012

Ethnic Chinese in Cambodia: 5 control 80?

5 control 80?

“Ethnic Chinese in Cambodia only account for 5 percent of the total population, but they control 80 percent of the country's economy. In the current Cambodian government, more than half the cabinet ministers are ethnic Chinese. These people are believed to play a positive role in maintaining the friendship with China.”

Naturally, the Chinese, Vietnamese and other nationals see great opportunity to succeed in Cambodia. They do not wait and or depend on any foreign assistance to survive. They work hard with specific goals and purposes. They help each other grow businesses; hence they dominate Cambodia’s economy.

Meanwhile, most Cambodians are untrained to become successful. The majority of them drift everyday without any direction in life.  Many are inactive and unwilling to hustle. Others just hope or wish to get help from the government, NGO and international community. Politicians over-promise the people to get something for nothing for so many years.

While the newcomers are happy to grow their businesses, many Cambodians are very happy to help them make profits. Without Cambodians spending their money, those businesses cannot become successful. Many people sell their property to gamble, dine, sing, drink and trade for sex until they have no more land to live on.

It is time for the Cambodians to take charge of their own personal and national destiny. If not then someone else will.

If you don’t take care of your garden, the weeds will take it over. It is a natural law!!!

Timothy Chhim

October 24, 2012   

=====================================

Cambodia to deport Chinese for insulting late king

SOPHENG CHEANG, Associated Press Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

SOPHENG CHEANG, Associated Press

Updated 7:47 a.m., Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/news/world/article/Cambodia-to-deport-Chinese-for-insulting-late-king-3970770.php#ixzz2AElr0oV5

• 
In this photo taken Monday, Oct. 22, 2012, Wang Zia Chao, 43, a Chinese factory supervisor, is escorted by Cambodian police officers after being detained, on the outskirts of Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Wang who caused an uproar by tearing up a poster of Cambodia's late King Norodom Sihanouk, was transferred Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2012 to a city court where she could face formal charges for insulting the monarchy and inciting public disorder. Wang had accused garment industry employees of shirking work during a week of official mourning for Sihanouk. When she seized the portrait from one worker before a shift and destroyed it, more than 1,000 irate workers protested Monday, eventually marching to the Royal Palace to demand she be punished. Photo: Siv Channa /

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/news/world/article/Cambodia-to-deport-Chinese-for-insulting-late-king-3970770.php#ixzz2AElbVc3e

-------------------------------

Sino-Cambodian ties undimmed bySihanouk’s death

By Deng Yingjing (Global Times)

08:46, October 24, 2012

Although I have been to Cambodia several times, this time was definitely the most impressive. On October 15, I was woken by an early morning phone call from one of my Cambodian friends. He told me that former Cambodian king Norodom Sihanouk had just died in Beijing. My colleagues and I immediately headed to Phnom Penh.

The whole of Cambodia has fallen into deep sorrow. In front of the Royal Palace, hundreds of thousands of people, dressed in black and white, came to mourn the former king.

On October 17, more than 100,000 Cambodians lined the route from the airport to the Royal Palace, for the return of Sihanouk's body. It reminded me of a similar scene in January 1976, when China's then premier Zhou Enlai died in Beijing.

The public is worried whether the good Sino-Cambodian relationship built by Sihanouk will be shifted by his death. In my opinion, the relationship between the two countries is at a high point, and will get better in future.

Sihanouk abdicated in 2004. As he spent most of his old age in China, his influence on Cambodian politics was limited. However, the good relationship built by Sihanouk has deeply influenced the Cambodian public.

Ethnic Chinese in Cambodia only account for 5 percent of the total population, but they control 80 percent of the country's economy. In the current Cambodian government, more than half the cabinet ministers are ethnic Chinese. These people are believed to play a positive role in maintaining the friendship with China.

Congratulations Sam Rainsy: A good move to reconcile

Congratulations to Sam Rainsy for reaching out.

Mr. Sam Rainsy (L) and Mr. Hun Sen during an unexpected meeting in front of the National Assembly in 2006.

http://www.voacambodia.com/articleprintview/1528966.html

It is now up to Premier Hun Sen and His Majesty King Sihamoni to help reconcile among all Khmer brothers.

On October 15 I wrote on this blog suggesting that a phone call should be made (by someone).... and all Khmers should use this sad  occasion to reconcile. Now 3 days later, Sam Rainsy has made a move to reach out.  Congratulations.

If you think you can, you can.

Timothy Chhim
October 18, 2012.

Yes, We Can Win Without the God King

Yes, we can win!

Losing a God King? Let's respectfully mourn and move on.

Stop accepting that we are the victim: the victim of the French colonialist, the past unsuccessful policy of King Sihanouk, the failed policy of Pol Pot, the Vietnamese cruelty and the regime's brutality, etc… because when we think and accept that we are the victim, we are the victim—forever.

We must rise above being the victim for we are not. We were born as Khmer and as Khmer we can become as strong as anyone out there in the world and we have proofs. The proofs are not just thousands of monuments and footprints out there throughout Southeast Asia and the world but they are in our blood, heart, mind and spirit.

Picture: From Travelog.Org

What ever happened in the past can be used as seeds, as stepping stones and as great lessons for us to move forward to rebuild and construct a bright and dazzling Cambodia. We must learn from all factors that have led to Cambodia’s temporary defeats with the understanding that every defeat carries with it the seed of an equivalent or greater benefit when we have the right and positive mental attitude—the attitude of being the victor instead of being the victim.

We have to realize that each defeat is just a temporary setback and not the total failure and we have to understand that it takes many defeats to achieve the final victory—comparing to a baby who needs to learn from his falls… so many times in order for him to stand up, walk and then run.

We must get off our knees and stand up to face all current challenges: immorality, poverty, oppression and foreign control.

To get off our knees is to take possession of our mind and use it. And we must use it … with the positive mental attitude that we are now and will be the victor---we are no longer the victim: No more crying for help, no more self pity, no more belittling ourselves, no more fearing and no more accepting any notion that Khmers are losers and cannot win--- for a loser and a victim are all the same.

From now on we declare that we are the winner and we can do whatever we want to rebuild and construct our own life as well as our country… and we can do it as a person, a family, a society and finally as a great nation.

Take possession of our mind, put our mind and thoughts together collectively and harmoniously and the victory is awaiting just a few steps away.

Yes, we can win! And we can win without the former King.

Timothy Chhim

October 18, 2012

Good-Bye God King....

Good-Bye God King

Picture: Author's record

For those who dislike the former King, the most joyful day is here. Their wishes are fulfilled and yet their hatred will continue from here to eternity. 

Nothing in this world that anyone can do to heal their injuries and hate—for all they see is what the former King has done wrong. They will consume much energy to talk about “evil” things that they think the King had committed.

For those who look for the King’s positive side, they are mourning the passing away of their revered King. Regardless of what the King had done wrong, they will forgive and willing to forget. Their mind will be at peace and there is no hatred left. Perhaps they will be happier than those who possess hatred...

One chapter of Cambodian history is closed. The talk of the town will continue for a while and then Cambodia will move on without the former King.

The future of Cambodia will depend on whether Cambodians can learn how to build a better Cambodia together. Khmer people need to think right. With accurate thinking Cambodians will be able to see things clearly and in order to think accurately Cambodians must not possess negative emotions for such emotions will lead to more confusion. No one in this world can do things right when they are confused.

Universal law permits no one to become successful when he or she possesses negative emotions such as hatred, revenge, jealousy, anger, fear, greed and superstition, etc…For these reasons the best thing that we all can do is to stop the cycle and the recycling of the above emotions.

For me I would say farewell to the former head of State, the former Prince, and the former King…the history will judge you and the law of cause and effect or Karma which rules the Universe will determine your fate.

Yes, I used to love you when I was once a young high school boy who was diving from the crowd to grab your hand under the hot sun; 

...then I used to hate you when I learned that you allowed the Vietcong and North Vietnamese to use Cambodia to fight the Americans; then I despised you when the Khmer Rouge sent me to be executed.  

Then my heart melted when you decided to turn against the Vietnamese invasion of Cambodia in 1979…and the world knows the rest of the story.

Picture: Author's record

…and then the one other thing that we had in common was music. Music has no color and you were a real good musician… And for whatever will happen to Cambodia next, I will always like your music… and I will remember the times when we used to play together…

For yours and my own sake: We are at peace.

R.I.P

Good bye God King!  

Timothy Chhim
October 14, 2012

When politicians promise...

When politicians promise, people need to beware.

Most people believe that, “a man needs to help himself first, then God will help him.” Buddha preaches self-reliance, “Attahi Attano Neatho” that is Man is himself his master. No one can be his master.

For decades—thanks to the world-- Cambodian people have been receiving all kinds of aid and assistance from international community.

Let’s hope that Cambodians are no longer being the recipients and do something to become self-reliant and that soon we can become donors to the world.

Let’s hope that Cambodian government and politicians begins to inspire people to use their own power from “within” to help themselves and their nation.

What the government ought to do is to help create opportunities for the people to allow them to find decent job.

What the people need to do is to help themselves by stop depending on outsiders for their assistance. And what the politicians need to do is to encourage people to work and stop promising or providing lip services for some kinds of free assistance after certain politicians win the elections.

Let’s hope that everyone in Cambodia “thinks.”

All living things on this planet need to work for a living. If they don’t work, they don’t eat and they will die; but all natural worlds do work.

Birds, bees and all kind of animals that want to live freely have to work for a living. The rest of them like cow, pig, sheep, etc… whose life depends on being fed are either human’s slaves or used to be slaughtered.

Next time, when politicians promise, we must think. Don’t let them incite us to get something from nothing. There is no such thing as a free lunch. Past empty promises have never been materialized because we expect something from nothing.

As a human being we must take possession of our own mind. Our mind is the only thing that we can control. We have the capacity to think. Our thought is the power that can help us become free, self sufficient and self reliant.

Don’t let anyone think for you otherwise you can never become independent. We need to be the master of our fate by practicing the law of cause and effect. Think first, then take action and you will get results. Don’t wait for politicians.

When politicians promise, people need to beware.

Attahi Attano Neatho!

Timothy Chhim October 6, 2012