Science of Success: The 17 Principles of Personal Achievement

Science of Success: The 17 Principles of Personal Achievement

Learning Science of Success with the 17 Principles of Success (Dr. Napoleon Hill)--a discussion comparing Western principles and Khmer Principles. By Timothy S. Chhim and Chakra (Chanthou) Oeur 03/11/13.

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

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...

Nanuet Chamber Hosts Holiday Party

Nanuet Chamber Hosts Holiday Party

http://nanuet.patch.com/articles/nanuet-chamber-of-commerce-hosts-holiday-party-video#video-12525657

Nanuet Chamber of Commerce Hosts Holiday Party (VIDEO)

The newly created Greater Nanuet Chamber of Commerce hosted a holiday party at Growler & Gill Craft Beer Shoppe. For information on how to join, go to NanuetChamber.com

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 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...

It’s still a good time to reconcile!

It is not too late to reconcile!

As a Khmer, not a politician, at the time of Cambodia’s great mourning; Sam Rainsy has done his part. Now it's up to the King and Premier Hun Sen to decide.

There is no one else in Cambodia except Cambodia’s King and Prime Minister that Sam Rainsy can ask for help for such a special request. 

King Father Sihanouk has passed and for Sam Rainsy to go through Vietnam, China or other nations for help is inappropriate because according to Premier Hun Sen Cambodia is independent.

The rejection from the part of Hun Sen’s regime only gives Sam Rainsy a new ammunition to fight on to gain his credibility. 

Communications among Khmer brothers must be continued. Without communication, we will not be able to help each other build Cambodia.

Reaching out to his opponent does not mean that Sam Rainsy is weak. It takes courage to request his adversary's help in time of a great national grief and respect.

If he believes that Father King Sihanouk was the father of all Khmers, Premier Hun Sen should be able to show his courage to help. It is much better for Hun Sen to help Sam Rainsy now than to have some foreigners to intervene later on or to handle future problems---putting Sam Rainsy in Cambodia’s jail when Sam Rainsy decides to go in on his own.   

Politically speaking, Hun Sen should not be worried about Sam Rainsy if he believes that the CPP is completely in control of Cambodia’s political landscape.

To let Sam Rainsy in at this time Hun Sen will both save his face and will prove that Cambodia and his regime is independent from any foreign’s domination and interference.

It’s still a good time to reconcile!

Timothy Chhim

October 22, 2012

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

David Chandler On King Sihanouk!

http://www.opendemocracy.net/david-chandler/norodom-sihanouk-cambodian-life

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Mourners offer incense near a photograph of King Father Norodom Sihanouk outside the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh on Friday. (Lauren Crothers/The Cambodia Daily)

Sam Rainsy Seeks Return To Bid King Father Norodom Sihanouk Farewell

By Dene-Hern Chen and Chhorn Chansy - October 21, 2012

Opposition party leader Sam Rainsy has sent a request to Prime Minister Hun Sen and King Norodom Sihamoni asking for permission to return to Cambodia in order to pay his respects to the late King Father Norodom Sihanouk, who died October 15 in Beijing.
Currently in self-imposed exile in Paris—where he has now been for three years—Mr. Rainsy wrote his request in two letters sent and delivered October 18 to the Council of Ministers and King Sihamoni’s cabinet.
“During this time of great sadness, I would like Samdech’s help and understanding to allow me to pay my respects to his soul and see the King Father’s face for the last time in Phnom Penh,” Mr. Rainsy wrote in the letter.
“I was very close to the King Father and I owe him a lot. So the least I could do is pay my last respects,” Mr. Rainsy said by telephone from Paris.
“I would be happy [to return], even for 24 hours,” he said.
Mr. Rainsy was sentenced in 2010 to a total of 12 years in prison on charges of incitement, disinformation and destruction of public property for removing a temporary border marker along the frontier with Vietnam. Although critics slammed the verdict for being politically motivated, Mr. Rainsy has remained abroad, often communicating with his supporters through video link.
He recently vowed that he would return to Cambodia in December to lead the national election campaign of the Cambodian National Rescue Party, a newly merged coalition between the Sam Rainsy Party and the Human Rights Party.
Prince Sisowath Thomico, chief of cabinet for the late Norodom Sihanouk, confirmed that King Sihamoni’s staff had received the letter, but admitted that it was not something the King could intervene on.
“There is an arrest warrant against Sam Rainsy. So if the King allows him to come and pay his respect to the King Father, then what about the arrest warrant? The King cannot decide this case,” Prince Thomico said.
“This is a decision from the royal government.”
Prince Thomico added that in the spirit of honoring Norodom Sihanouk, the government should consider issuing a blanket amnesty for all political prisoners, and under those circumstances, Mr. Rainsy could return without fear of arrest.
“King Sihanouk is a symbol of national reconciliation and I think it would be a good opportunity on this occasion for the government to grant an amnesty to all political prisoners,” Prince Thomico said. “This would be a great opportunity to show that the royal government is paying respects to the King Sihanouk.”
Phay Siphan, spokesman for the Council of Ministers, referred questions to officials at Mr. Hun Sen’s Cabinet. Deputy chief of the prime minister’s Cabinet, Lim Leangse, declined to comment.
Mr. Rainsy was one of the first members of Funcinpec, the royalist party formed by Norodom Sihanouk when he was in Paris in 1981. Though he went on to become a Funcinpec minister of finance after the 1993 elections, Mr. Rainsy was subsequently expelled from the royalist party in 1994 after a disagreement with his party leader, Prince Norodom Ranariddh, and CPP leader Mr. Hun Sen, who were sharing the role of co-prime ministers at the time.
Mr. Rainsy said that any disagreements he had at the time with Prince Ranariddh and Funcinpec did not extend to the King Father.
“[Norodom Sihanouk] gave me a lot of advice when I was minister of finance—he encouraged me to stop corruption in government, and to stop deforestation,” Mr. Rainsy said by telephone from Paris.

Cambodian Politics: The true Democratic Party Vs the fake ones

The battles have begun, but who will win the war?

Picture from KI media
The banner in the background in Khmer says: Ture Democracy!

There are 28 months to go for the next general election to be held in July 2013. Cambodia's Democrats or the non-CPP political parties have begun their series of fighting to become the number 2 spot.


Some leaders of the oppositions are hoping to become Hun Sen's partner in the next Cambodian government. It is one of the promises used to string along those gullible members who can come up with large sum of money.

The hot battle this month is the struggle for Kg Cham's province where verbal artillery between Kem Sokha and Sam Rainsy had been launched. Cell phone or personal discussions are unsuitable; thus, both leaders exchanged their punches via open mails.

Kampong Cham belongs to top leaders of all parties. Kem Sokha ran as the number one candidate in 2008 and “won” without having to spend much of his own money. The person who spent most money in that province didn’t win and subsequently defected to the CPP. If you could ask him about the democratic processes inside HRP, he would tell you how much he needed to spend to be listed as a top ranking candidate in that province.

Kampong Cham is the most populated province in Cambodia. It is one of SRP’s strongholds besides Phnom Penh where SRP also holds 5 seats. 18 congressional seats will be up for grab in 28 months. For this mandate, the CPP holds 11 seats, SRP 5, NRP 1 and HRP 1.

CPP’s big gunners Heng Samrin and Hor Namhong and 9 others are in Kampong Cham making this province a must win for the CPP. Meanwhile Sam Rainsy, Kem Sokha and You Hokry, the heavyweight from the Non-CPP parties, are struggling to maintain their presence there. Every ones are hoping to maintain their current seat or to win more votes in July of 2013.
Picture from SRP Website

There is a slim chance for non-CPP parties to get more votes from the CPP's members; hence, it is easier for Kem Sokha to target SRP’s voters, especially when this party’s leaders are in trouble with the CPP.

It is necessarily for HRP to push for a few thousands more votes to get an additional seat. Otherwise, there will be no chance for others besides Kem Sokha to pay for the campaign in Kg Cham. In 2008, HRP got 72,772 votes and won only one seat. Some 30,000 votes were wasted.

The Absence of Sam Rainsy from Kg Cham may have contributed to the internal or personal fighting that caused Mao Monyvan to be expelled and later on defected to the so-called "true Democratic Party." People may wonder if there is such a true Democratic Party, then the rest of Democrats are the fake ones.

In 2013, Mao Monyvan will probably be appointed "democratically" by Kem Sokha to run in Kg Cham. More than likely he will be listed as one of the top candidates for he claims that most of SRP members will follow him. It would be interesting to know what will happen to those hopeful HRP candidates who have already been promised to be listed as one of the top contenders as well.

According to RFA news, the recent reception held by Kem Sokha in Kg Cham before the Cambodian New Year brought in about 500 new members for HRP. They were not all SRP members. It was included those dubious "hidden members" from the ruling party and other parties.

Why such a small number if the majority of SRP members in Kampong Cham were so unhappy about Sam Rainsy? Was it because of the Khmer Rouge styled system (accused by Mao Monyvan) that made SRP members decided not to defect en mass?

As reported by Soy Sopheap, there were about 90 percents of SRP signs were supposedly bought down. People may scratch their head for there must be something wrong with the above figure.

What Party the CPP would use to break up SRP?

The CPP’s interest is to see the fight goes on; especially, between the "true" Democratic and the “fake” ones. The best party for the CPP to support or employ in the fight against SRP is HRP. It knows that Kem Sokha and Sam Rainsy will never get along. NRP and FUN are already tainted as CPP’s allies. Some clues are found with Soy Sopheap's suggestion to Kem Sokha and to Mao Monyvan as seen on Bayon TV's Special program recently. Please click here.

If the CPP and HRP succeed in chopping down SRP, HRP will not hesitate to become a partner of the CPP in the next Cambodian government. This will leave SRP to remain the biggest opposition for the next 5 years.

While the battles between the so-called True Democratic Party and the fake ones go on, the real winner in the political warefare will be the CPP.

Khmer Rouge Crimes: Can Duch go to Heaven?

Can Duch go to Heaven?

Pictured is a live feed of former Khmer Rouge chief torturer Kaing Guek Eav, also known as Duch, during his trial on the outskirts of Phnom Penh April 1, 2009. (REUTERS/Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia)


“Anicca” or impermanence is the natural law of change--nothing is permanent but change is.

When Duch or Kaing Gech Iev was a school teacher, he probably believed in Buddhism like most Cambodians did.

Then when he turned to communism, Buddhism and all religions were his enemy. Buddhist pagodas and temples were converted to storage rooms, pig sties or destroyed.

After killing thousands of Cambodians at the S21 prison and being haunted by his own past actions or Karma, Duch finally turned Christian. Since he has found peace in God, Duch believes he will go to heaven when he dies.

Other leaders of the Khmer Rouge organization have found their way into believing in some form of religion as well. Khiev Samphan, Ieng Sary, Nuon Chea and Ieng Thirith seem to practice Buddhism. While normal prisoners are treated like animals, the top Khmer Rouge leaders are allowed to be blessed by Buddhist monks.

Below is the image at: www.vitalyogathebook.com/.../

Most communists who were in the same organization (Angkar) as these Khmer Rouge leaders have now turned to Buddhism. Although no one knows for certain what these former communists are thinking as they bow down in front of the image of Buddha, these people know exactly what they have done wrong in the past and present.

 
Below is the image at: www.khmerwitica.com/.../


Let us hope that the change of heart, mind, soul and faith will bring Cambodia to the right track morally, ethically and socially. Furthermore let us hope that the practice of religion by these people is genuine, and not an act to fool the public. After all, as long as a person is true-hearted, like the "thief on the cross” and Angulimala, during Jesus and Buddha’s time, he or she can be saved.

Thank you Supalak Ganjanakhundee. The world have learned long ago who have controlled the Thai Government--the ones who possess cluster bombs. 

The two cases in question--the Thai-Khmer border talk and the deployment of cluster bombs--show the world that Abhisit is just a figurehead, to put it lightly. However, some may say he is just a puppet.

The whole situation is an embarrassment to Thailand and makes the "bully boy next door" more mature.

Now what is the King of Thailand going to do?

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

BURNING ISSUE

Military should not be allowed to interfere in foreign policy

By Supalak Ganjanakhundee
The Nation
Published on April 13, 2011

The latest statement from Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva in relation to posting Indonesian observers at the disputed area near Preah Vihear Temple clearly reflects that it is the military, not the government, that controls Thailand's foreign policy toward Cambodia.

On his weekly talk show, Abhisit said his government had taken the same stance as the military - to not allow Indonesian observers to be |stationed on the 4.6 square kilometres area near the temple, which |Thailand believes comes under its |sovereignty.

Nobody should have a problem if the area in question really belongs to Thailand. If the area is truly under |Thai sovereignty, then it has the right to decide who does or does not enter it. In reality though, this piece of |land is being clamed by both |Thailand and Cambodia, and it |sits at the core of the conflict |between both neighbours.


The Thai military just raised the issue as a tactic to defer the observation. If the observers are kept out of the disputed area, they will have no knowledge of what really happens. This would make the Indonesia-proposed peace plan meaningless and allow the military to scrap it.


The government was wrong in believing that it has full mandate on the foreign policy involving Cambodia when it authorised the Foreign Ministry to make a deal with Indonesia and Cambodia in February, during which it was decided that observers would be stationed at Preah Vihear to monitor a permanent ceasefire.


Indonesia, as chair of Asean, has to lend a hand in resolving the conflict because Phnom Penh took the February border skirmish to the United Nations Security Council. The Security Council then asked Asean to implement a permanent ceasefire.

Initially, having unarmed Indonesian observers monitoring the border situation sounded fine. Many government officials even claimed |that this was a diplomatic victory to prevent aggressive acts from the |other side.

However, this sweet victory turned into a bitter pill a week later when the military disagreed with the idea of stationing observers, saying involving a third party was unnecessary.


Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan, who represents the military rather than the government, previously tried to use diplomatic means to defer the deal saying he needed to discuss the terms of reference (TOR) with his Cambodian counterpart in the General Border Commission (GBC). However, when Indonesia called a meeting of the GBC and the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) in Bogor last week, the Thai military, in a |very undiplomatic response, simply refused to go.

The government pretended to honour the deal that it had already agreed upon and tried to explain that Thailand needed more time to study and negotiate the TOR, when in reality it already had more than a month to read and study the proposal.


Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya should have been the one taking care of negotiations with Indonesia and the TOR on observers. Dealing with other countries is his job, not that of the military. As the foreign minister of an elected government, Kasit has the authority to make deals with other countries and honour them.


The Army should only be consulted on technical matters, such as the terrain in the area and whether it is safe from landmines. If the case of foreign observers is a policy matter, then it's the government's call to make the decision.

 ===============

Bangkok Post

Behind THE NEWS

Unrest stirs between ministry and army

• Published: 13/04/2011 at 12:00 AM
• Newspaper section: News

Signs of conflict between the Foreign Ministry and the Thai Army emerged when Supreme Commander Songkitti Jaggabatara said last week that Indonesian observers would not be allowed to enter the disputed border area.

Gen Songkitti also said an agreement the Foreign Ministry had reached with Cambodia and Indonesia to send Indonesian observers to the disputed border area "has nothing to do with the military".

The deal was made on Feb 22 when Indonesia, as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, called the Asean Foreign Ministers meeting in Jakarta to resolve the border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia. The meeting ended with the two countries accepting an Indonesian observer team be stationed along their common border.

Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya did not directly respond to Gen Songkitti's comment but said Thailand is an open society and everybody is free to express their opinions.

Mr Kasit confirmed he held talks with Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon and Army Chief Prayuth Chan-ocha over the Thai-Cambodian issue almost every week.

But he could not make public details of the discussion because some issues have not been finalised.
"Although we [the ministry and the army] have different opinions, we can still sit and talk with each other," Mr Kasit said.

Regarding the deployment of Indonesian observers, a ministry source said the only inconclusive section of the terms of reference was the "areas of coverage". This is an important point because it determines where the Indonesian observers team will be stationed.

In fact, the Foreign Ministry and the army have both agreed that the Indonesian observers should not be posted in the 4.6-square-kilometre disputed area.

The army also planned to inform the Cambodian military about the Thai stance regarding the Indonesian observers at the General Border Committee (GBC), which is led by defence ministers from Thailand and Cambodia.

But the army changed its mind and refused to join the GBC meeting when Cambodia, the host of the next GBC meeting, insisted the talks must be held in a third country, which is Indonesia.

This has led to the impasse and prompted Mr Kasit to offer to clear the issue during a meeting with Gen Prawit last Wednesday. Although Mr Kasit has decided to take over from the Defence Ministry the task of defining the roles of Indonesian observers and the locations along the Thai-Cambodian border where they would be posted, it could not handle the matter alone, the source said.

Prime Minister for Life

With the current electoral processes where people vote for a party not for an individual candidate, Premier Hun Sen will surely be the next prime minister until or unless: 1) he die, 2) is too old for the CPP, 3) he quits or else-- until he is forced out of the office like other dictators in other countries.


Many people in the oppositions and some observers probably bet or hope that Hun Sen will be forced out of power, but that chance is slim to none.

Looking at the top leaders of the CPP, it is unlikely that any one of them will be able to challenge PM Hun Sen without having a green light from Vietnam first.

Regardless how Cambodians feel about the Vietnamese, Vietnam does have great influences over the Cambodian People's Party. Whoever is skillful enough to promote special ties with Vietnam will have a bright future in this party.

Premier Hun Sen has also made it known that Cambodia owes so much to Vietnam for helping Cambodia from being wiped out by the Khmer Rouge--the former ally of Vietcong and North Vietnamese.

With the principle of virtuous gratitude or “Kunnathor” instilled in Cambodian’s frame of mind for generations, they will always be indebted to the Vietnamese. Likewise, the CPP members are thankful to their respective leaders as well as to Premier Hun Sen for giving them what they have so far.

With gratitude and personal interests in mind, the majority of voters will not mind to have Premier Hun Sen ruled Cambodia as long as he wishes. They deserve him.

Meanwhile, to date, the majority of Cambodian voters don’t see anything in store given by the oppositions; they have seen only empty promises. In additions the news and special events created by the oppositions are more of the same—disunity and disorganize.

The Indigenous--Will they survive?

By Timothy Chhim
April 5, 2011

One thing that I noticed from the movie called Battle Los Angeles was “colonization.” To conquer the earth the aliens needed to kill off the earthlings—the indigenous people on Earth.

What is the difference between aliens from outer space that want to take over the Earth and the aliens on Earth that wants to conquer other nations?

In the movie, the aliens from outer space want to kill off the indigenous earthlings for our water. In real life here on earth, one country conquers the other because it needs something- oil, mine, land, water, and other natural resources.

When the American Indians were conquered, the newcomers—the American settlers-- killed millions of them and leave the rest in the so-called reservations.Read : http://hnn.us/articles/7302.html
 
When Vietnam conquered Champa, the Cham had been marginalized and their land was taken by the Vietnamese.

The Chinese took over Tibet and made it part of their territory and the list goes on and on.

In modern time, the conquerors promote ideology to justify their invasion: Communism, Capitalism, Freedom, Democracy, etc…

In many cases, the principles seem so perfect, but the application cost millions of lives and the indigenous people got wiped out along with their land, culture and way of life.

Why do certain countries care so much about others and willing to spend billions and send their young men and women to die in the battlefields? All sorts of weapons have been used in the name of a better “ideology.”

American used the most powerful bombers and modern weapons to fight in many wars, including the ones in Vietnam and Cambodia. Russia and China and other countries have done the same. Vietnam had spent billions of dollars to invade Cambodia many times in the past and sacrificed thousands of its citizens inside Cambodia. Is it to save the lives of Cambodians?

Website for this image  en.wikipedia.org

Since World War II, we have not seen the big powers fight each other, but they have been using the little guys to fight their wars.

Meanwhile, the people who suffer are the “indigenous.”

  
Website for this image wikis.nyu.edu

Khmer people are indigenous of Cambodia. We need to save ourselves from being wiped out. In the movie-- Battle LA-- the earthlings found the way to save their lives and their planet. They found the weak and vital spot of alien fighters and they finally destroyed the Command Center of their operation. With courage, persistence and cooperation--the earthlings won. Watch the movie and think.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDT2rinrFNQ

The real obstacles to politcal unity

The main reason SRP changed its name was to avoid the internal coup that could split the party. We had seen such a coup in the past when internal fighting within a party split the party into pieces. It has been suspected that the split was the work of the ruling party which had the “ways and means” to buy out some greedy opposition’s leaders. But, you can't buy without a seller, can you?

Whether the work has been done by the ruling party or not, a self-named political entity can only last as long as the person with that name lives provided that he can hold on to his duty.

However, with the entire political arena controlled and monitored by the ruling party, the same can find the way to dismantle its opponents with little or no problems. The important thing is whether politicians truthfully believe in their own principles and are honest with their party and to themselves.

Being a father who is away from home, the family can be shattered; hence the concerns over Sam Rainsy Party without Sam Rainsy being home are understandable. It becomes clearer now that the theory behind naming a political party after one’s own name in order to stay united or to win does not work given that there is no proper democratic process in the political theater.

With the current electoral procedures, the oppositions have no chance to succeed. The political opportunity is set by the ruling party for the oppositions to play in order to legalize its rules. Many years ago Sam Rainsy said he would not become an alibi to the CPP, but as of today Sam Rainsy still wants to continue the same processes. His party has asked to the King to pardon Sam Rainsy so that he would be able to play again in the same uneven political ground. This reason proves that politicians use whatever tactics they can to stay in politic for it is their lifetime career.

Yim Sovann is rational enough for saying that some SRP defectors would only use other political parties such as HRP as a parking lot to move on. Some politicians have already done that. After all, Premier Hun Sen said he would always welcome more defectors to his party.

Learning from Yim Sovan meandering statements as well as my own experience, it is ashamed to find out that certain politicians are deceitful. A number of politicians are playing game by double-dealing having their family members working in different political parties to secure their family’s businesses and their own profession. Using the pain and suffering of Cambodian people as baits, some leaders mix up political and personal businesses at the expenses of innocent donors.

With regard to a mass defection, if it happens at all; it is not because one party is better than the other democratically. HRP is not democratic. Defection is about whether politicians see their potential in a certain party or not. Some people jump ship to seek a better position and/or for a better opportunity. After a while, when they learn about the new leadership and the lack of opportunity, they would do it again—and the final destination would be at the party that can offer them some money, security and position.

It is therefore reasonably concluded that, it’s not about the name of the party, nor about the democratic processes within a party that are the real obstacles for political unity. It’s about the attitude, level of commitment and moral obligation of many Cambodian politicians toward Cambodia’s national interests and toward their party’s principles.

Cambodian politic nowadays is nothing more than just a form of profession which is banking on the pain and suffering of the Cambodian people. However, if ones are mentally corrupted and blinded by money, sex and nepotism; no types of party on earth can help them win for Cambodia.

Regardless of what many corrupted politicians promise to the people, the smelling is too strong for most of them to believe.

Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia youths boost cooperation

Another boost of the cooperation of the three countries is unfolded. This time they focus on youths--the younger generations. The event held by Ho Chi Minh Communist  Youth Union. 

This reminds us of the creation of the Indochinese Communist Party formed by the Vietnamese great man Ho Chi Minh back in 1930.   Ho Chi Minh Youth Union was founded in 1931.

Some of us may want to learn why Cambodian youths are still interested in communism and what the future of Cambodia will look like.

While the so-called democrats or democracy loving leaders are fighting each other, the communists are united.

Learn from them! Point your arrow on the above red and blue organization then click and learn.

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

NATIONAL

Thursday ,Mar 24,2011, Posted at: 15:09(GMT+7)

Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia youths boost cooperation

Young people from regional countries of Vietnam, Laos and  Cambodia joined in a friendship meeting in Hanoi on March 23. The event, held by the Hanoi ’s Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, aims to create a forum for youths from the three countries to meet and exchange experiences in educating the young generation to treasure solidarity, promote traditional friendship as well as maintain peace and boost cooperation in the future. The exchange, taking place on the occasion of the 80 th founding anniversary of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union and the Vietnam Youth Year 2011, is a chance for Vietnamese youths to promote the country’s image as well as introduce their Lao and Cambodian counterparts achievements that Vietnamese young people have contributed to the country’s construction and defence. In the framework of the event, participants will take part in a talk themed “Vietnam- Laos- Cambodia youths promote traditional solidarity and friendship for mutual peace, cooperation and development” to update each other on mobilising youth and promote youth’s roles in cooperation for socio-economic development of the three countries. During the event, which will last till March 30, Lao and Cambodian youths will meet with Vietnamese students and visit the country’s historical sites and landscapes.

Source VNA