Chinese New Year celebration in Phnom Penh (Photo: Pring Samrang, Cambodge Soir Hebdo)26 Jan 2009
By Ky Soklim
Cambodge Soir Hebdo
Translated from French by Tola Ek
Click here to read the article in French
A city with empty streets, empty schools, absent civil servants, this is the atmosphere in Cambodia during the Chinese New Year which is celebrated on 26 January, in spite of the fact that this date is not an official holiday. Even with the presence of a strong Sino-Khmer community, one has to note that even “middle-class Cambodians” follow the Chinese custom.
An anonymous civil servant from the ministry of Education claims that 20% of the personnel from his department came to work late on Monday 26 January. However, the remaining 80% of the workers are still absent from their work. “I came to the office, but I cannot do anything. So, I will return home,” the man said.
According to observers of the Cambodian society, China’s influence is taking a stronger grip on the country, in all fields, from the economy to politics, to culture. For example, between 2003 and 2008, China became the top investor in Cambodia. In the tourism sector, China brings in about one fifth of foreign visitors, number wise. Chinese diplomatic and political influence also carries a stronger weight as China is becoming the top bilateral aid donor. China recently financed the construction of the building housing the Council of Ministers at a cost of $30 million.
As for language, an estimate of 700,000 people, both Cambodians and Sino-Khmers, are studying Chinese.
An anonymous civil servant from the ministry of Education claims that 20% of the personnel from his department came to work late on Monday 26 January. However, the remaining 80% of the workers are still absent from their work. “I came to the office, but I cannot do anything. So, I will return home,” the man said.
According to observers of the Cambodian society, China’s influence is taking a stronger grip on the country, in all fields, from the economy to politics, to culture. For example, between 2003 and 2008, China became the top investor in Cambodia. In the tourism sector, China brings in about one fifth of foreign visitors, number wise. Chinese diplomatic and political influence also carries a stronger weight as China is becoming the top bilateral aid donor. China recently financed the construction of the building housing the Council of Ministers at a cost of $30 million.
As for language, an estimate of 700,000 people, both Cambodians and Sino-Khmers, are studying Chinese.
7 comments:
Happy Spring Holiday to all!
Happy Lunar New Year!!!
What can we do! Don't you see our King DOES LIVE in China, the prime minister celebrates that festival even bigger that Khmer's one, plus, leaders of all national institutions have been ordered all members to participate. That is the obligation, if you don't turn up, you will be in hot water.
It is nothing against Chinese. But it is really sick of those who pretend to be what they are not. I would call the CULTURAL INVASION. Why don't they stand for what and who they are!
Most pure Cambodians think that the Cambodian-chineses are doing well in business because they pray well and offer nice offerings to god and their ancesters. That is why pure Cambodians imitate in the hope that they can be prosperous as well in their business. Many Cambodians are superstitious :)
But really, I think it is nice to see that Cambodians can respect one another customs. We need racial harmony to stay strong as one. No matter if you are a pure Cambodians, Cambodian-chineses or Cambodian-chams, now that we are known as Cambodians, we must stay strong as one people.
(for Cambodian-vietnameses... sorry, I don't really know you guys intentions yet)
Yeah, and don't forget, Viet is Chinese too, and they have been with us for as long as the Chinese did.
Happy Holiday to all Viet and may the new year be a better one for all!
May justice take ak Youn Vietnamese to hell with ah Ho Chiminh goat face motherfucker!!!!!
Some are not chinese but they try to say they are chinese! but the chinese never wants to be called Khmer except when they hear Angkor...
1% of their blood makes them Chinese?
However, if they are rich enough, they will have their own pride...
Butwhen will they be if Hun Sen is still in Power...
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