CNRP: THE UNITY THAT IS NOT SO UNITED!

THE UNITY THAT IS NOT SO UNITED!

Kevin Ponniah did an excellent job in filing this lengthy report. It is an eye opener for both-- leaders and supporters of CNRP. Their UNITY is not real.


A better organizational structure must be formed or reorganized with transparency. Top leaders must not be interested in only the money...They must know who is who among the supporters.
Those leaders who push for the division have to stop instigating their personal puppets... and the followers should speak up and must not be or become only yes-men.

The problems have been dragged on too long and they are as the result of a fake unity from top to bottom.

MOST IMPORTANTLY INTERNAL CORRUPTION and NEPOTISM, etc... should be stopped.

DON'T BE HYPOCRITE!

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


http://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/continental-divide-cnrp

Continental divide for CNRP

Thu, 9 October 2014

Kevin Ponniah and Chhay Channyda

As a group of longtime opposition party activists from across North America gathered for its first national convention at the ballroom of the Marriott hotel in Long Beach, California, on Saturday, tensions were running unusually high.

There had been threats of protests, and leaders of the Cambodia National Rescue Party North America (CNRP-NA), as the group calls itself, had contacted the police in advance to ensure that nothing went awry.

But the would-be demonstrators they feared weren’t ruling Cambodian People’s Party supporters living in the area. They were disgruntled members of the same party. 

Discord between CNRP supporters of different stripes has been simmering below the surface in the US and Canada ever since the Sam Rainsy Party (SRP) and Kem Sokha’s Human Rights Party (HRP) merged well ahead of last July’s election.

But despite the tension, the fledgling marriage held fast as supporters banded together to finance the new party’s election campaign and support the wave of post-poll protests trying to bring down Prime Minister Hun Sen that followed.

In recent months, however, as the political situation has cooled, those tensions have come to a head, with supporters splitting largely along former party lines. The leaders of the CNRP-NA are aligned with the SRP, but numerous local chapters, including Long Beach, have stronger links with the HRP.

The split has threatened to throw the opposition’s key funding base into disarray.

“From the start, the SRP has not wanted to join us,” said Titthana Tith, president of CNRP Long Beach and a longtime Kem Sokha supporter. “They say they are the biggest party and they don’t want anybody [else] to come. They want to be on top of everything, all of the US, all of North America.”

According to Tith, the CNRP-NA (formerly known as the SRP-NA, or Sam Rainsy Party-North America) has never truly welcomed the union with Sokha’s smaller Human Rights Party.

“We shut our mouth for the past two years,” Tith said. “We didn’t want to have any infighting, because we can’t topple the dictatorship with infighting. So we shut our mouth and did our job here in Long Beach.

“But suddenly [CNRP] NA has a problem in the last year, they want to control us and take money from us.… So we asked the CNRP to eliminate CNRP-NA, as they are [trying] to create a party within a party.”

Long Beach is home to the biggest Cambodian diaspora community in the United States. A Cambodian-American source close to the matter – who asked for anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the dispute – told the Post that the North American split is merely a “mirror” of what lies below the surface of the party as a whole, due to a deficit of trust.

CNRP Long Beach, like many city or state-level fundraising chapters in the US, opposes CNRP-NA’s belief that it should be the official continent-wide representative of the Cambodian opposition. In February, at least 15 local CNRP chapters across the US wrote to Rainsy and Sokha denouncing CNRP-NA. 

Members of CNRP Long Beach were only talked out of protesting at the Marriott event after a conference call with opposition leader Sam Rainsy days before. Rainsy was meant to fly in and appear at the convention in person, but spoke via Skype instead, a move some in the US attributed to the controversy.

In recent months, the Phnom Penh leadership has scrambled to placate its diverse range of backers with a series of directives and statements aimed at decentralising overseas networks – statements that have been interpreted in different ways.

According to Tith, a new group called CNRP USA, which seeks to bring together opposition groups in 30 states, has now been formed. Tith claimed members came from “both sides” of the union.

But leaders of CNRP-NA, which raised more than $1 million in 2013 and 2014 for the party, say that they are “the backbone of the party”.

“[For] 18 years, we’ve done a lot of work, political, financial to support the party,” said Chea Kim Ly, the group’s president.

Because of this, they say they deserve a degree of autonomy from the CNRP in Phnom Penh.

They refute allegations that they have turned up their noses at working with former HRP backers and instead say they welcome anyone to collaborate with them. 

However, CNRP-NA members also argue that all funds donated by North American supporters at the city, state and country level should be going through them to ensure transparency and accountability.

The anonymous Cambodian-American source, a former HRP fundraiser who says he quit because of a lack of transparency, told the Post that smaller groups aligned with Kem Sokha have been funnelling money to him directly and that many are questioning where those funds are really going. 

While Kim Ly declined to name names and did not make the same allegations, he agreed that these small groups were mostly aligned with the HRP.

“When any group does whatever they want, you open up a lot of room for opportunists and it is no good for the party,” he said. “No institutions or party can run like this, it should [have] an organisational structure.”

But it appears Rainsy and Sokha disagree with that notion. In a September 29 directive, they said the situation with overseas supporters was “complicated” and that internal regulations were being ignored.

Deputy leader of the Cambodia National Rescue party, Kem Sokha, posses for a photo with supporters in San Jose, California, in April during a forum on the political deadlock in Cambodia. PHOTO SUPPLIED

“So, during this transitional period, the CNRP would like to instruct all compatriots who are members and supporters overseas that you can create a supporting group based on your own will and each group can contact the central headquarters of the CNRP directly,” the directive said.

This angered some supporters aligned with Rainsy, who accused the CNRP of being captured by the interests of Sokha’s faction.

“Once a leader (Kem Sokha with his group) puts self interest beyond national interest, he will bring down the entire organization,” a supporter named Ratha Touch from Lowell, Massachusetts, posted on Facebook. “After 18 years with Sam Rainsy, it is the first time that I realize how incompetent he is. How can a huge organization with 25 elected MPs and thousand members be controlled/hijacked by an incompetent party with only 3 elected MPs?”

CNRP-NA is also perplexed by rumours that the central leadership is trying to shut them down on the orders of Sokha.

On September 24, CNRP information head Meach Sovannara, a former HRP official, blasted the CNRP-NA on Khmer Post Radio, an online station that he runs.

“Some CNRP supporters who want to hold a convention are illegal and violating internal regulations for overseas [groups],” he said, adding that although the group had announced Rainsy was attending, there had been no approval from the party’s permanent committee.

On September 30, the CNRP-NA released a statement condemning Sovannara’s “political assault”.

“The timing of the assault on the CNRP-NA and its leaders is highly questionable, politically motivated, irresponsible and extremely divisive. Remarks made during the interview [were] not factual, inappropriate and [made] without knowledge or consent of the leadership,” the group said.

Despite Sovannara’s remarks, on Saturday, in the Marriot’s ballroom, Rainsy greeted his longtime CNRP-NA supporters via Skype to kick off their convention.

“Though I’m so far, thousands of kilometres away, I meet you all who I used to work together with … I remember all your devotion and efforts,” he reassured them, before addressing the elephant in the room.

“I know that overseas people have not worked in the same way as the people in Cambodia, as one party,” Rainsy said.

“The Sam Rainsy Party and Human Rights Party have merged together, so we have worked as one, we have no brawling. We are recognised as one party. So I would like to appeal to all CNRP here [in North America] to unite as one like in Cambodia. Here, you have no unity like in Cambodia.

“I have received a lot of information that this group [overseas] is not good or another group is not good ... I cannot accept only one group and deny another group,” he said.

Rainsy added that “one day” an official overseas entity would be created to represent the party.

CNRP-NA, however, still appears to believe that it is the legitimate representative of the party in North America. 

The convention adopted “recommendations” that they be able to appoint two representatives on the party’s steering committee in Phnom Penh and have the right to ignore directives from the central leadership.

Members also want to set up a joint convention across three continents.

It’s clear they also feel spurned.

“[The CNRP-NA] recommends that CNRP-PP must recognise and respect CNRP-NA leadership, which has done its best to reach out to the CNRP leadership in Phnom Penh, but received no proper reply, no sense of recognition, nor appreciation regardless of our quality human resources with years of service and commitment,” the group said. 

When reached by email yesterday, Rainsy said there was “no unique official representative” of the CNRP in North America.

He also appeared to admit that small groups of supporters were funnelling donations directly to Sokha rather than sending funds to the CNRP treasury.

“In free and democratic countries such as the USA and Canada people can do whatever they want as long as they are not engaged in illegal activities,” he said. “This applies all the more to volunteers who spend their own money the way they want. Any regulations are difficult to implement.”

But Rainsy rejected the idea that splits along SRP/HRP lines in the US were reflective of wider party divisions, citing his and Sokha’s “maturity in leading the CNRP” as a united force.

“At the same time, we have noticed that, among some CNRP supporters abroad, there are a lot of ego problems. Hence the decentralisation policy we have adopted to deal with our different overseas support groups.”

Sokha hung up on a Post reporter yesterday when asked to address these issues.

Party spokesman Yim Sovann characterised issues among North American supporters as minor and said any antagonism was based on “personal opinions”.

“Of course there are some little differences, but everybody respects the leaders.”

Gratitude...is important for good leaders...

To some ungrateful leaders:

Gratitude...is important for good leaders...

 Because they don't know it better, that's why they have chosen to support you, be your followers and expect you to lead and help them.

Some have helped you raise funding, some have given you their life savings, many have given you their life--valuable time and effort--, others helped organized human resource to support your cause. Unfortunately, a few might even commit unlawful activities to support your cries...

What do they expect from you?

They expect you to be truthful to them and to the nation; to be grateful to them and to good cause--what they have done to help you get where you are now. 

Whatever you do, you cannot continue to bite the hands that have been feeding you all along. You might have enough power and money now, but they are temporary. Sooner or later you will need their help again... so be kind, be grateful and practice what you have preached. 

They don't know it better, that's why they are your followers...

http://www.khmer.rfi.fr/kem-sokha-denies-that-three-people-who-are-international-police-are-looking-for-i%5Cis-not-belong-to-him-03-10-2014

Human Rights or Wrongs?

Picture from the Phnom Penh Post          See full story here: http://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/activist’s-facebook-firestorm

Human right or wrongs?

Virak's comment drew barrage of attacks from many individuals on Facebook. Some attacks are very blunt and quite heinous by calling him all sort of names and painting him with a broad brush. Ou Virak is a brother of Ou Chanroth and Ou Chanrith, both are now higher-ranking members of CNRP. I know both of them.

Whether we agree with Virak or not, Cambodians should exercise our restraints so that we don't go too far... as far as to character assassinate this brilliant young man who has served Khmer interests for many years.

I would encourage all of our friends to become brothers and perhaps we should dig for reasons to applaud rather than to scratch for excuse to gossip or to hate. I don't believe that Virak has any tiny bone in him that he would hate Cambodia or Cambodians. All of us, especially Cambodian political leaders, must tone down their rhetorics during this challenging time. Thinking before saying is better than saying before thinking. Maybe we should bite our tongue more often and taking the time to praise those who dare to do good for Khmer people regardless which side they belong to.

Virak may have a few points…on the Thais and the Vietnamese issues:

Politicians should show the world that they can work with the Thai and the Vietnamese, not against them. The United States are dealing directly with Vietnam now. UNTAC somehow tainted and established the word Yuon as racial. The Opposition needs to watch what they say, how they say and stop instilling and inciting fears into Khmer people’s mind about the Vietnamese issue. Fears feed more fears. Racial connotations should be tuned down and toned down. Teaching the people to understand our history and to help stop illegal immigration does not have to include racial attacks and or painting people with the same brush.

Bigger nations like the United States and other democratic nations that deal directly with Thailand and Vietnam won’t be able to help us much if we are perceived as racist. Even if Sam Rainsy is the Cambodian Prime Minister, he will have to work with the Thai and the Vietnamese. These two nations will still have major influences over Cambodia regardless of who runs it.

Remember, " it’s the economy stupid?" The world now is different.

Thank you.

Fact or Fiction: Can you tell?

Fact or Fiction?

Whether it is off line or on line, if an author is a scaremonger, scandalmonger, rumormonger, manipulator, or hate writer who write with the intention to confuse readers, to harm or hurt individuals, to threaten or destabilize a society or a country; that author is out of line.

A sample from FaceBook

The majority of Cambodians still live in a fragile society. They have good heart yet are prone to believe in misinformation and deception. 

A sample of one of the publications posting on KI-Media

Hearing, seeing, reading any false publications can have adverse effects to their thinking---which require more training and learning how to think accurately.

http://www.pressocm.gov.kh/site/videoplayer/4814.html#.UaDoCWT71Us

A sample of one of the publications posting on Cambodia's Government Press

As for a reader, it is important that he or she "can read” and knows how to read.

The ability to "read" should include the skill to separate fact from fiction; understand the truth versus false and to think accurately and to analyze with care if the given information is just propaganda for political gains.

Misinformation, disinformation and deception are the effective works of the Devil.

Beware!

Timothy Chhim

http://www.phnompenhpost.com/2013052465832/National/online-or-out-of-line.html

Cambodian Politic: Brother Enemy and Family Business

Cambodian Politic: Brother Enemy and Family Business

http://www.khmer.rfi.fr/kem-sokha-attacked-by-his-own-brother

Political fighting between family members is family business as usual.

In business if one brother works for Coke, the other works for Pepsi, regardless of which company wins or does well in the market place, both brothers will benefit from the success of their respective company.

In Cambodian politic, thus far, like many politicians, Kem Sokhon and Kem Sokha have defected a few times—that is Cambodian political norm. Both brothers claim that they have been seeking for a better solution for Cambodian people. Can anyone guarantee their moves in the future?

Something to think about:

Social activists use social issues as their business venture, religious workers use religion to make a living, entrepreneurs use business enterprises to enrich themselves, and of course politicians use politics to proper.

Benefits may come in different forms. Some prosper with money, others with name and fame; many with “title” designations.

A few good men/women who want to get into politics for national interests don’t last.

In the end it is the supporters who pay the price--financially, mentally, and spiritually.

Meanwhile Cambodia is still waiting for a better team.

Timothy Chhim

"Silence is not necessarily golden"

The Cambodian Oppositions and their Negative Campaigning Are they the forces of positive changes?

The Cambodian Oppositions and their Negative Campaigning

Are they the forces of positive changes?

The oppositions should be the forces of positive thinkers for positive changes and should avoid being too negative to the point that they can be called extremists.

Most philosophers agree that only positive thoughts can attract positive people and yield positive outcomes or results.  Positive thinking has been accountable for all major accomplishments in the world. Negative thinking or stinking thinking rarely or never yields positive results.

From time to time I check into KI-Media. Blogspot.com, the Khmer Intelligence blog that is widely believed to belong to Sam Rainsy’s supporters or even Sam Rainsy’s Party (now the newly formed Cambodia National Rescue Party.) 

Although some cut and pasted articles are useful and informative, the majority of written and posted articles, caricatures, perverted pictures and commentaries are ferocious, deceitful and distasteful.

Those who oppose Hun Sen's regime and Hun Sen's supporters may not like top Cambodian monks and label them as terrorists, but there are millions of Cambodians who do respect them as their religious leaders. Offending their religious leaders maybe counterproductive.  

From Ki-Media.blogspot.com

Poems, responses as well as comments expressed by readers and by those who are allowed to post their postings are extremely offensive and violent.  Such contents and languages really make Hun Sen’s ruthless tongues as by far more reasonable indeed.

I personally understand the anger, frustration and resentment that many Cambodians have with the CPP, it’s leaders and their Vietnamese ally, but I disagree with the languages used by those who claim that they are much better than Hun Sen and his team. Especially, those who have been groomed or schooled and trained in the West or in the United States.

They should have higher moral standard than those whom they believe as evil in a third world country like Cambodia. Such languages, displays and presentations are beyond being humorous or amusing. They represent hatred and profanity. How do  they expect to get help from other "good leaders"of the world? 

From Ki-Media.blogspot.com

I believe you should be able to bring your messages to the world in civilized manners without resorting to cursing, blaspheming, and using vulgar languages. Negative and extreme languages only attract negative and extreme people and negative individuals repel good and decent people.  Any misinformation or wrongful accusations can only damage your very own reputation.

From Ki-Media.blogspot.com

I realize that many people believe that the only way to change the country is to "curse" its leaders out or to prove them devilish. Those dictators maybe evil in certain individual's mind, but may not be in all Cambodian people’s mind. 

From Ki-Media.blogspot.com

If and when you are being labeled as a group of extremists, you are finished. I assume that KI’s business is to help the oppositions to succeed in their quest—to win the next general election.  Otherwise, you are only doing Hun Sen a favor by making him as a more reasonable man.

Be the forces of positive changes!

If you want to be a force of positive thinkers who want to bring positive changes to Cambodia you should change the way you think, speak and act.  There is no need to kowtow or bow down to Premier Hun Sen or to agree with his leadership ability, but you need to earn respects from the world community and from Cambodians at large.

One way to earn admirations from the Cambodian people is to become calm, cool and collected. There are plenty of words that describe our feelings that will yield positive outcomes.

One of the great advices from our Cambodian forefathers is,” Samdeiy Sar Jeat, Mearyeat Sar Pouch” or “your words represent your nationality (or who you are) and your characters represent your origin.” 

To defeat our adversaries or opponents we need to really"focus"on winning not to curse with anger and hatred. We need to think accurately. Accurate thinking and controlled attention cannot be done when we possess negative emotions. Be the forces of positive changes!

There are many ways to skin a cat, but don't do it when you are angry or when you are out of your mind.

Timothy Chhim
New York
3-27-13

NEGATIVITY AND COMPLAINING ROT YOUR BRAIN

http://www.talentsmart.com/articles/How-Negativity-and-Complaining-Literally-Rot-Your-Brain-1719177667-p-1.html

http://www.tom2tall.com/Travis-Bradberry-Negativity-and-Complaining.html

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

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

Watch for the ghost supporters:

Ghost supporters are everywhere, there are plenty of them. If you look for ghost supporters and hidden members, of course, you will not find them.

Besides ghost leaders who never show up to support and to lead your party you also need to know that there are many ghost supporters and hidden members who will remain in secret and silent forever.

Local leaders will tell you that many of real supporters are afraid to come out to support your party. Regardless of their no-shows, according to the local leaders, those ghost members need your assistance with the money, too.

It is impossible to verify these members because they are really hidden.  Frankly speaking, majority of them exist only inside those local leaders' head.  The numbers of those ghosts are fictitious.

Don't count on their name, address and identification card because these things can be falsified. The money you spend on ghost members is likened to the money that Mr. Lon Nol's Generals spent on their ghost soldiers in the 70's.

The fear is real:

Although the fear of an oppressive regime is real in Cambodia, you need to understand that many people including professional politicians had used such a condition as alibis for their personal benefits at your expense. They would claim those hidden supporters as one of their reasons or sufficient grounds to ask you for more monetary support. You must not let your heart control you head. The expenses on ghost members and supporters must be brought under control, otherwise your funds will be exhausted much sooner.

It is good to remind yourself that politicking in Cambodia has become more like a seasonal business. Many leaders and supporters are very sensitive about the way they do business.  You may not received full support from your local leaders if you ask for clarification or transparency about how the money was/is spent. Therefore, you need to be cautious to prevent a possible backstabbing in the future. Many times it is the enemy from within that really cause you headaches, not the CPP.

You also need to be aware that many people who claim to support the oppositions are those members of the CPP who were allowed to participate in your party's gatherings. They do that for their personal interests. These people without fail would go back to their base and vote for their own party. When your political leaders brag about the participation of the CPP's members in your party's meetings, you should not count on those people's supports.

Just remember that this is how most people who live in many Cambodian communities interact. They are very loyal to those who feed them. They may like your party and realize that you have "good" ideas, but at the end of the campaign season they will vote for their friends, relatives and their community leaders who work, drink, play and pray together. Social conformity/heredity , communal norm and personal interests lead them to make such a decision.  Those who cross the political line will be outnumbered and outcast.  Hence they rather yield to such pressures.

The empty promises:

Your political party may have promised many things in the past, and they will do it again in the future. Nevertheless, none of those promises has yet been materialized.  This is one of the weaknesses that the oppositions face in every election. This upcoming election, for example, some of their promises are too good to be true. 

Somehow Cambodians nowadays are very skeptical of any campaign promises.  They have learned "well" and they are more intelligent than they were in the past.  The oppositions are somehow tainted as the parties that are poor, broke and unable to support themselves.  Internal fighting and defecting also the causes of the suspicion.

If the promises are put in writing, you may expect some mocking remarks from many voters. Many Cambodians now don't read and rather demand and expect bottles (of white liquor) not written pamphlets describing your promises to bring them a better future. They want to see, touch, taste and feel instant gratifications.

There is no immediate solution to this chronic immoral issue, it has been embedded in the mind of many Cambodians for decades. Education maybe the answer, but excessive drinking, smoking, gambling, prostitution and other dishonest behaviors may hinder their learning process. You can blame the current government for this, but it is appalling to learn that most of opposition leaders and members, too, are in the same boat. This is where democratic processes in corrupt society tarnish good and fair outcomes of the elections

One thing that every leader, especially leaders of the oppositions, can do and need to do instantaneously is to change himself or herself from within.  Be a good leader! Everyone  needs to lead not just in politics but in moral, mental and spiritual as well.  Personal growth is the most important development everyone of us need to do in order to effectively help develop a nation, region and the whole world.  However, developing ourselves is the starting point.

Part-time politicians:

You need to realize that many politicians, political leaders, and supporters of the oppositions are seasonal and they are only active during the campaign season. For that reason, the level of cooperation among them is very low. It seems that they are simply in politics for the money. To them, if you do not have enough money you are nobody. Your knowledge and education or your backgrounds carry little weight comparing to money.

You may run into a lot of frustration when you see people with less education, little experience, lack of good morality  yet they are listed as top candidates to become Cambodian lawmakers. You should be reminded that in Cambodia there is a perverted proverb that says: the money is number one, the woman (other women) is number two, and the party is number three. National interests are probably the least priority on their mind.

It is unfortunate that many part-time politicians can dominate political decisions because they are related and befriend with top leaders of your political party.  This issue, too, must be addressed!

To be continued...

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...

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

Negative Campaign: It will not work!

Negative Campaign: It will not work!

Let’s hope that Cambodian political campaigns are more about serious issues and not about who can scream the loudest or who can curse better. However, until now leaders of the oppositions as well as the ruling party are trying to outshout each other hoping to win voters’ attention, to show their power or perhaps in order to gain their respect.

Besides the shouting matches, the oppositions somehow do not like President Obama to visit Cambodia. Many people think that they shoot themselves in the foot.

Obama’s visit should be encouraged. Let him see the truth and judge Hun Sen’s regime on his own. The oppositions should not be worried or fearful about the visit of any leaders of the world. The culture of trying to stop any leader from visiting Cambodia should be discontinued. It is backfired. There are other ways to bring our concerns to them. Disorganized demonstrations against political leaders or random petitions only show how week the oppositions are and for many years they have not been helpful.

Shouting, cursing, demonstrating and petitioning may not earn much respect from the world’s leaders as well as from the Cambodian people. Good leaders gain respect by the manner they conduct themselves. Good morality is among other behaviors that the world and Cambodian people want to see. Negative attitudes repel supporters.

Perhaps it is time for the leaders of oppositions to change themselves first before declaring that they can change Cambodia. They must demonstrate to the people that they care about them, about Cambodia and about their supporters. They must show that they will always look out for people’s interests, not their own interests. Living in a luxurious villa while the people are hungry is a bad example to be a leader. Fooling around with people’s money is a destructive behavior.

A good officer always makes sure that the troops are provided for before he takes care of his own needs. If you ever expect to have authority over others, you must first prove yourself worthy. If you look to gain respect you must respect others, including your opponents. Remember, negativity repels. 

Timothy Chhim

09-30-12

Politcal Merger: The new golden boy?

Political Merger: The new golden boy?

It is clearer now that the merging between Kem Sokha’s “Human Rights Party” and Sam Rainsy’s “Sam Rainsy Party” was likely created to help rescue Sam Rainsy as well as to prolong the life of Kem Sokha’s political profession. However, the persons who will probably benefit most from the merging are Kem Sokha as well as Hun Sen.

Picture from VOA.

It appears at the moment that Hun Sen will not allow Sam Rainsy to return to Cambodia, unless, like in the past, Sam Rainsy does something drastically to help benefit the CPP better than Kem Sokha can do.

One would remember that the main reason why Sam Rainsy changed his Party’s name from the Khmer Nation Party to his personal name was to avoid a possible internal coup staging by those who may be bought by the CPP. Such a coup has destroyed nearly all opposition parties thus far and the Cambodian political history speaks for itself. Now, Sam Rainsy has finally given up to such a long-term belief.

Recently, Sam Rainsy announced in advance that he would be the only Candidate for Cambodia’s Prime Minister representing the so-called National Rescue Party to oppose Hun Sen. Therefore, Hun Sen must allow him to return to Cambodia otherwise the election will be meaningless. Such an announcement has raised some eyebrows of some democratic lovers who thought that internal electoral processes among both parties (as well as others) should take place before any announcement is made.

Looking closely, people may also note that there are no such democratic processes, because the motives behind the merger was never meant to include any other individuals nor to truly embrace democratic processes to allow any other smaller opposition leaders to get involved. The top positions of the newly merged Party had already been previously handpicked. That is one of the reasons why people believe that the merging is not about saving Cambodia--- it is about saving individuals’ profession.

Nevertheless, if Sam Rainsy is not allowed to return, (which is more than likely) the second person in command of the not-yet-born “National Rescue Party” would be Kem Sokha. Without the presence of Sam Rainsy in Cambodia, Kem Sokha would push his way to run as the candidate for the Prime Minister against Hun Sen. Unquestionably, Hun Sen will win again.

It is well-known that Kem Sokha has a much closer relationship with Hun Sen than Sam Rainsy does. Kem Sokha’s brothers and relatives are members of the CPP holding good positions there. If Kem Sokha is used by Hun Sen to break up the New Party, there is no chance that Sam Rainsy can recuperate. The cooperation between Kem Sokha and Hun Sen in the future may be seen as the return of an old comrade in arm for Hun Sen and as a new victory for the CPP, but it would spell the end of the Sam Rainsy’s styled opposition as we know it until this day.

We should send a clear message to all Cambodian politicians that regardless how cleverly you package yourselves; people will eventually see through your masquerade and recognize you for what you really are. As a general rule, people will accept you for what you say you are until you prove yourselves to be otherwise. Don’t take advantage of the goodwill of the Cambodian people. They have suffered long enough from your game. As President Abraham Lincoln once stated, “You may fool all the people some of the time, you can even fool some people all the time, but you can’t fool all of the people all the time.”

"Silence is not necessarily golden"

Timothy Chhim
08-20-12

Where past performance is guarantee to future results

To form long-lasting alliance individuals must share the same definite purpose and have the same burning desire to achieve that purpose. Top members of the alliance must work together harmoniously. Harmony is the key. Any frictions among leaders will not only cause total destruction to the alliance but will also put those who follow the leaders in greater danger.

While we don’t know for sure about Sam Rainsy and Kem Sokha’s genuine motive(s) behind their recent hasty actions in Manila, we can presume that their mutual intention is to seek all types of support in order to win a little bigger or to gain seats in the general election next year.  The very least is to get the followers excited with this “special event” that usually take place before the elections.

Accurate thinkers know that with the current system in place there is no chance that the CPP will loose or yield their power to the two men. Accurate thinkers can tell that statements made by many politicians and reported by the media are not factual. Accurate thinkers do not form their opinions based upon newspaper, radio or television reports for such information are merely hopeful wishing and not the result of careful analysis of facts.

Past and present records and credibility of these two men are very important. Not long ago we had heard traceable bickering and internal strife between them and between their party leaders. Not long ago, Kem Sokha angrily stated that two men were likened to “oil and water.” They could not see each other eye to eye form many years. Suspicions and worries are still lingering among them and many followers. Now when the election is near, the pressure is on and not enough money is coming, they conveniently found a two day meeting in Manila to announce such an alliance. Both people have also had history of forming an alliance or coalition with different parties previously. Such past alliances had never lasted and many promises had not been kept.

Please use your own judgment and be cautious no matter who may endeavor to influence you. If these people’s actions and statements do not seem reasonable or do not harmonize with your own experience you may want to hold it in abeyance for further examination. Personally, I do want to see true unity among all Khmers where those with different political backgrounds join hands to help save and rebuild Cambodia.

I can only tell by using logical reasons found in natural laws: when any members of the alliance do not work together honestly and harmoniously, the alliance will be self-destructed. The lack of proof that these two men could work together in the past seems to suggest that the Alliance is temporary.  The distance between the two men is one of the many reasons that harmony between them is impracticable.

This statement should be viewed as a positive suggestion to members of the so-call coalition that without working in harmony toward their mutual definite purpose, the alliance will not last, hence the consequence. In this case “past performance” is guarantee to future results: the same.

Sample of political bickering: Mao Monyvan: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-WXEdHXafE

Immorality & Politics: Who is Nita? Part 2...

Who is Nita? Part 2

"Silence is not necessarily golden"

Cambodian Politics: Where immorality can bite ...

Nita: Who is Nita?

Click here for Samdech Decho's answer where he knows it all!

http://www.khmerlive.tv/archive/20110706_PM_Hun_Sen_Speech_at_the_Groundbreaking_Ceremony_of_Takhmao_Bridge_-_4th_Cambodia-China_Friendship_Bridge.php



Where your money can be wasted!


Click for more on Who is Nita, Who is Nita's Mother? Who is Nita's Father? 
From PM Hun Sen'd Speech on 7-6-2011

http://www.box.com/s/l2bxlab4egsq58o7a0sf

Some people pull teeth, others sell their gold teeth, collect their welfare and social security checks to feed Nita and her mom, hoping that Cambodia can be freed from Vietnam by career politicians.

Economy is tight! Before  taking food away from your children's kitchen table or withdrawing from their education's funds...Please investigate thoroughly.

"Silence is not necessarily golden"

Soy Sopheap: How Premier Hun Sen helped Kem Sokha regarding HRP

"Silence is not necessarily golden"

A little leak, a little lie and a little too late for the UNITY

Pictures and comments on the left are from KI-Media blogspot.com.
                                                                      
A secret phone talk between Samdech Hun Sen and Kem Sokha on July 25,  2007 has brought storms of criticisms from all sides.(Click here for Bayon TV's discussion.)

The leak had caused Kem Sokha to become the instant spin doctor for his HRP trying to explain why he had to speak to Premier Hun Sen regarding their strategy to weaken SRP, etc...(click here to read the transcript).

In Cambodian politics, lies can be called maneuvers. When a politician lies and get caught he may get away with it, if he/she can charm his/her way out of such a deception. After all, many voters may have a short memory.

Kem Sokha’s reasons why he needed to talk to Samdech Decho Hun Sen are ridiculous and unreasonable for many of us, but those who are on his side including his yes-men/women will find ways and means to justify Kem Sokha’s actions.

One may question why many other party’s leaders were not given the same opportunity (or didn't need) to talk with the premier to get his green light. However, Kem Sokha believes it is OK to have some candid conversations with different party leaders; after all Samdech is a Khmer, too (!).

It pays to know someone on the top, doesn’t it?

Some HRP’s members might suggest HRP’s Disciplinary Committee to take some actions against Kem Sokha, except they knew too little how HRP operates. The “democratic processes” inside this party exist only on paper. What Kem Sokha wants, Kem Sokha gets it. Nepotism does exist.

Many HRP's founders and key members have left because they had lost confidence in Kem Sokha and his organization. Others, who got smarter, have completely stopped supporting HRP. Nevertheless, other fanatic members will continue to believe in his "maneuvers" hoping some days they will reap personal and political benefits together. Those who knew about the talk (between Samdech and Kha) or other secrets and believed they were misled have already made their decision to jump ship.

It is believed that after this first little leak and little lie; many HRP members will have to reconsider their support. Members who believe that Kem Sokha directly or indirectly deals with Samdech Decho, will probably have to join CPP openly rather than working with its proxy.

SRP on the other hand will reap some immediate benefits from the leak. Many SRP’s leaders have questioned Kem Sokha’s motive and sincerity well ahead of the inception date of HRP.

The relationship between SRP and Kem Sokha turned bitter when SRP boycotted all Kem Sokha’s CCHR public forums in the early part of 2006 claiming that Kem Sokha had repeatedly attacked SRP in the open.

Recently, Kem Sokha stated that the difference between him and Sam Rainsy was like oil to water. If that is the case, what can we say about his relationship with Samdech?

Kem Sokha’s attitude toward SRP seems to be consistent. His conversation with Premier Hun Sen further reveals his true intention: to split SRP.

His primary target was not the CPP but the oppositions. Cambodian professional politicians who live on politics know very well that most members of the CPP are completely loyal to their leaders at all levels. There is little chance any CPP member will jump ship to be with a HRP; therefore, it is obvious that the creation of HRP has only helped weaken SRP as well as other oppositions.

Meanwhile, some overseas Khmers are still vulnerable to the belief that many members of the ruling party as well as the other oppositions will switch to support HRP because Kem Sokha’s HRP is “the best and the last choice Cambodians have.”

However, such a theory was just a propaganda aiming to find monetary support from naïve Cambodians abroad. It is unquestionable that the overseas Khmers love Cambodia and its people that is why some shrewd politicians manage to use the pain and suffering of poor Cambodians to squeeze our heart, soul and bank account.

More and more Cambodians in Cambodia now are much better off than they were and yet HRP have not been able to raise enough funds to support its operation. What are they trying to tell us?

Regardless of what Kem Sokha says or swears, the private discussion between him and Hun Sen helps enlighten Cambodian people that both HRP and CPP do have at least one common goal and the same opponent: the Sam Rainsy Party.

With this in mind Cambodians can put an end to their long waiting dream—a unity among the Non-CPP.  At the end the CPP and its affiliates will be the winner(s).

A little leak, a little lie and it is little too late for the UNITY.