Looking down from the Preah Vihear mountain, everything apparently becomes unimportant.

As reported, the recent disputes between Cambodia and Thailand over Preah Vihear Temple which shares the Hindu sculpture of the famous Angkor Wat temple have stirred nationalism in many Cambodians. Before that, the inclusion of Preah Vihear temple as a World Heritage site rankled a huge number of Thais and has given a chance to Thai politicians to take advantage of the politics in Thailand.

Let’s do some talking.

In a book written by a historically-famous Chinese ambassador to Cambodia back to the mid-Angkorian era, Cambodians were portrayed as brave warriors. They, both male and female, worked hard for their country. Nationalist, you can say. Yet, what impared their character was they easily took the bait.As written in the book, Cambodian warriors preferred keeping their swords with them all the time to anywhere they went. Fighting was common on the way. They would go into fighting quite easily. And blood could be shed without hesitation with swords in their hand.

What I want to point out from here is that sensitivity ran through the circle of the Cambodian ancestors and emotions spoke too much on behalf of the brain. ‘Nationalism’ and ‘senstitivity’ should be distinguished. Of course, the past was the past. It will go forever, but inevitably we need to learn the differences.

What is defined by nationalism? Does nationalism mean that you have to die for your country all the time while you leave someone else suffering? Do people have to kill or hurt others to be called “nationalists”? Of course, I appreciate that Cambodia learns that Preah Vihear belongs to them. But obsession that it must be ‘yours’ doesn’t help make the truth clear. We must do something besides showing our emotions (anger/sadness). Can I say ‘globalist”?

Students unfazed by reporter’s murder

Friday, 18 July 2008
Pao Raotana
The Mekong Times

Intimidation, detention and particularly murder don’t necessarily make journalism students give up their commitment to the news profession.

Keo Kounila, a student at advertising management of Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP), expressed sorrow over the murder of Moneaksekar Khmer newspaper journalist Khim Sambo and his son, Khat Sarin, at a press conference Thursday that showcased the achievements of the students with the Department of Media and Communications (DMC) at RUPP. She stressed that the murder will not discourage her from becoming a journalist. “It doesn’t discourage me. I still want to be a journalist because journalists play a key role in a democratic society to inform society with true news,” Keo Kounila said. “To overcome all obstacles as journalists, we must have specific skills, ethics and heavy responsibilities.”

Lim Seangheng, a second-year media management student at RUPP, claimed the journalism profession is now open to women. Lim Seangheng is proud of her participation along with other second-year students in forming the newspaper Cambodia Votes 2008, which was unveiled at Thursday’s press conference at RUPP. The first 24-page edition has over 50 articles written by the students and was published with a budget of over US$10,000.

The five-day study tour to Stung Treng province and the Lao border and additional research in other regions in Cambodia is part of the “Report on the Election” project, which stemmed from the almost three years of cooperation between the DMC and the German Development Service (DED).

“Training journalists in election is the high-quality result of media education. DMC and DED are very proud of the achievements and good cooperation,” said Wolfgang Moeller, director of DED in Cambodia, during the press conference. “DED has assisted DMC for nearly two and a half years by sending its two advisors and media experts.”

He added that the DED has provided about US$30,000 in funding this year for the program that includes courses on journalism ethics.

Tieng Sopheakvichea, co-director of the DMC, stressed the importance of the program’s mission. “We can say that a good journalism profession relies on a journalist who has knowledge, ethics, and responsibilities,” he said. “At school, each student receives the same training, but they do a different job in society.”

The DMC enrolls 30 students per year for a four-year bachelor degree.

Pram Seila, a student in the department, said he is “very happy” about the end result of the newspaper.

“It shows what we have learned and about the commitment of future professional journalists, and it will provide a lot of benefits to the nation.”

Hul Reasmei, reporter from Radio Free Asia, who attended the ceremony, was impressed with the finbal product. “Each story has interviews with sufficient sources, balance, and good usage of words.”

One thousand copies of Cambodia Votes 2008 are not for sale, but for free distribution.