Thursday, December 23, 2010

Neatee Koun Khmers: Exploring the concept of political institutions


I jumped at the chance to discuss political institutions when a fellow blogger suggested the topic. To this end, I am thankful to one of the participants in the forum who suggested a research by Bueno De Mesquita et al. (1999) as part of this week discussion. Isn’t this wonderful that there is so much knowledge out there? I am also grateful for all participants who have been sharing ideas and perspectives in the forum. In the past, educated Khmers tend to separate themselves, and their knowledge made them too prestigious to engage with ordinary people. Now, sharing is a norm. And I am very proud that we are sharing.
Everyone has made significant contributions to the forum, and we have just proved that it is possible to have civilized dialogues. True dialogue, according to Freire (1993), cannot exist unless the dialoguers engage in critical thinking. What we are doing here is crucial (though this does not replace a formal education). By getting together to discuss ideas and concepts we are building a foundation for all to engage in critical thinking. Critical thinking enables one to look and understand situations beyond the obvious.
In the past weeks, we have explored the concept of sovereignty, leadership, and responsibility. This week we attempt to connect the concept of accountability and responsibility with political institutions. Political institutions are where all the important decisions are made that impact people’s liberty, social quality, national sovereignty, economy, political stability, and the country’s long term direction. Thus, who sets national agenda and manages political processes in these institutions makes a big difference in the people’s lives and the future of a nation.
What is your perspective of political institutions? How do you see political institutions? Do they function the way you have envisioned? Do they serve the national interests? Are they democratic political institutions? I am sure your perspective, experience, and knowledge will make this discussion a very interesting one.
Meanwhile, allow me to look into the concept from a particular angle. I found Terry M. Moe’s (2005) view of political institutions very appealing while Peter Burnell (2006) provided an interesting context to the definition of autocracy that will enhance our understanding of the concept presented by Bueno De Mesquita et al. (1999). Due to space limitation in this forum, I will only focus on one aspect of the research that is how leaders manage to stay in office in light of their policy failure.
Terry M. Moe (2005) has a realist view of political institutions. “The problem, as I saw it, was that the theory tended to view political institutions as structures of voluntary cooperation that resolve collective action problems and benefit all concerned, when in fact the political process often gives rise to institutions that are good for some people and bad for others depending on who has the power to impose their will. Institutions may be structures of cooperation, I argued, but they may also be structures of power” (p. 215).
Within institutional context in a democracy, policy makers may still find loopholes to manipulate political processes to give themselves advantages. “Whoever wins has the right to make decisions on behalf of everyone else, and whoever loses is required by the law backed by the police powers of the state to accept the winners' decisions. This means that any groups that prevail under the formal rules can legitimately use public authority to impose bureaucratic institutions that are structurally stacked in their own favor, and that may make the losers worse off, perhaps by a lot” (Moe, 2005, p. 218).
In a political system that structures with term limits and with checks and balances, elections ultimately tend to create equilibrium among competing factions or political parties; however, the absence of which may create a different political outcome. What intended to be a democracy may end up as something else entirely difference. Autocracies seem to be default for the ‘non-transitions’ as developing nations are experimenting and transitioning to democracy. Peter Burnell (2006) who observed the wave of democratization process among developing nations in the last decades provided this observation:
…Autocracies can be understood as political regimes where competitive political participation is sharply restricted or suppressed and the power holders reserve a right to determine the rights and freedoms everyone else enjoys, while being largely free from institutional constraints themselves. In a fundamental sense such claims to arbitrary or unlimited power mean the ruled must be unfree, even if in practice the people are permitted some liberties to a certain degree, for example some economic freedoms, at the autocrat’s discretion. (p. 546)
In a democracy, there is reciprocity of responsibility and accountability between voters and their representatives. Voters have the responsibility to elect their representatives to these political institutions. In turn, the representatives have the accountability to set national policies that encapsulate national interests. Base on this assumption, one would assume that successful policies are ones that promote peace and prosperity and that politicians are motivated to enhance their nation’s welfare to enhance their chances for continuing in offices; and those leaders “who ruin their country’s economy…and who fail to provide for the welfare of their citizens must have poor prospects of staying in power” (Bueno De Mesquita et al., 1999, p. 147).
More importantly, “How do those who responsible for fail policy survive?” Bueno De Mesquita et al.(1999) argued that the character of the political system that chooses a nation’s leader has a great deal to do with the instances where small failures of policy will lead to the removal of the leader, but in others, “seemingly endless blunders have little or no consequence for the leader’s retention in office” (p. 148). The politics of maintaining winning coalitions plays a major role in maintaining the power. Bueno De Mesquita et al. (1999) wrote:
Politicians attract a winning coalition and retain its support by distributing things of value. Put coarsely, they "buy" office. Broadly, the goods used to do this take two forms, and their relative value depends on the institutional arrangements of the state. Some are distributed in the form of private goods, such as special privileges, access to graft and bribes, favorable tax terms, favorable contracts, judicial favoritism, and the like. These private goods are allocated only to the members of the winning coalition whose continued support is essential for the incumbent to remain in office. Other goods take the form of public policies that affect the welfare of everyone in the state. The provision of political freedoms, national security, general economic growth policies that lift the total size of the pool of resources in the state, and the like are examples of such public policies that affect citizens of the state. (p. 149)
The general principle here is that the winning coalition gets bigger, private goods get spread more thinly, and so they less easily can make up for failed public policies. Conversely Bueno de Mesquita et al. (1999, p. 154) suggested, “A political system with small winning coalitions and a large selectorate (usually implying rigged elections) is quite beneficial for leaders. It helps them keep their jobs and their access to private benefits, even when they perform poorly in the policy arena.” In such scenario the political survival of the leadership is not threatened even when facing with policy failure are typical autocracies.
In closing, I am glad we have a chance to discuss this concept simply because those who prevail in a political system to have the authority to set policies in political institutions wheel tremendous power. What they do impacts almost every aspect of the people’s lives and hence the nation’s future. In a political system without term limits and/or checks and balances, citizens must take the responsibility to monitor their elected leaders seriously and carefully. Without monitoring, the leaders may use their institutional power to create policies that give themselves advantages and to subvert public interest and public good into private gain. To monitor such government requires vigilant and rigorous analysis from all responsible citizens.
I am truly humble and honored to have an opportunity to be part of this forum. Please freely express yourself.
P.S. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
References
Bueno de Mesquita, B., Morrow, J. D., Siverson, R. M. & Smith, A. (1999). Policy failure and political survival: The contribution of political institutions. The Journal of Conflict Resolution, 43(2), 147-161.
Burnell, P. (2006). Autocratic opening to democracy: why legitimacy matters. Third World Quarterly, 27(4), 545-562. doi:10.1080/01436590600720710.
Freire, P. (1993). Pedagogy of the oppressed. New York and London: Continuum
Moe, T. M. (2005). Power and political institutions. Perspectives on politics.
Vol. 3, No. 2 (Jun., 2005), pp. 215-233 Published by: American Political Science Association.

64 comments:

Anonymous said...

tốt bài viết chúng tôi thích nó. Bạn rất giỏi trong văn bản bằng tiếng Anh. Tốt về bạn

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas và Chúc mừng năm mới cho bạn

Anonymous said...

"To subvert public interest and public good into private gain" is a formal definition of corruption.

Nice way to say corruption without using the term.

Thanks

Anonymous said...

The Vietcong leaders uphold AH HUN SEN slave to their illegal border and friendship treaty! Does AH HUN SEN uphold the Vietcong leaders to anything? Nothing!

To make matter worst AH HUN SEN doesn't even make order Viet settlers uphold to Cambodian law and constitution! So what is becoming of Cambodian protection under Cambodian and Constitution? Cambodian people are becoming a victim of their own law and Constitution!

The Vietcong thugs must not be allowed to displace Cambodian people by military, political, and economic mean and what AH HUN SEN need to do is to make the Vietcong leaders uphold to international law and Cambodian law.

If AH HUN SEN fail as a leader of Cambodian people uphold the Vietcong leaders to the rule of law and he will answer before Cambodian people!

AH HUN SEN needs to start looking for other country to call home before he ran out of power!

ជនពាល said...

បើនិយាយរឿងនយោបាយ ជាមួយពួកជ្រុលនិយម គឺដូចជាមនុស្សពីរនាក់ ដែលនៅភពដទៃ ពីគ្នា អចឹង ។ ពួកជ្រុលនិយម មិនចេះ វែកញែករក មិនចេះប្រើភាសាមនុស្ស មិនចេះធ្វើការវិភាគ អោយបានគ្រប់ជ្រុងជ្រោយឡើយ ។ភាសា របស់ពួកគេ គឺមានតែពាក្យ ក្បត់ជាតិ ​ចោរលក់ជាតិ ខ្ញុំកញ្ចាស់យួន ពោល គឺជាពាក្យអសុរស ទាំងអស់ ។
លើសពីនេះទៅទៀត អោយតែនរណា និយាយហ៊ាននិយាយវែកញែកតែបន្តិច ពួកជ្រុលនិយមទាំងនេះ នឹងចោទថាជា YOuN SLAVE មួយរំពេច ។

Anonymous said...

Here is my view about the world in a short sentence: "Either way WE ARE DOOMED and FUCKED." Another word, can you really interchangeably number 11? Having said that we are living in one the most dangerous times where a push of a button can actually destroy this fucking world. Atomic bombs, Fussion bombs, Hydrogen bombs, Thermo Nuclear bombs, and above all, the father of all nuclear bombs held by Russia, these weapons are designed with an intent to put earth back into the Stone Age many times over. We are just a bunch of fucked up species where directions do not make any different because we DO NOT follow directions anyhow. Just read Wikileaks you will know what I am talking about. These world leaders care about nothing excepting playing God and safekeeping their self interests and not interests of the publics. I say...fuck Monarchism, Aristocratism, Socialism, and above all...FUCK YOU COMMUNISM. You guys are nothing but abunch of hipocrite among other species. You preach of great values, but behind closed door, you like to enjoy what life has to offer such as those who are living under Capitalism. If I was the person handling these weapons, I would most likely will release them all and let the wrath of destructions take over. Because of hatred by these hipocracy and idiocy this world has to offer. Why live when you have to kneel and not dying when you can meet the ultimate beings.
You cant really trust anyone. The poor wants to be rich and the rich wants more, so either way we are fucking RAPING this world until the world cant take no more. We rape this world for all the Natural Resources this world has to offer. We rape this world like we are raping a young child. We fuck this world wherever there is a hole. There is no committment from mankind to make this world a better place. WHY? The answer is simple...WE CONSUME. The only thing we gave back to this world is piss and craps and above all we shove it down the throat of this world. If this world can talk, I bet she will scream as loud as she can and tell us to STOP FUCKING HER ferociously. This place is an evil place where there is no justice for the honest and the poor. The only justice is available is only reserve for the rich, the super rich and the powerful ones...the rest are nothing but slaves to be disposed by the wealthy and the powerful ones. Is this really how the world works? NO! Then who are we to BLAME? If you look hard enough you will KNOW WHERE THE ANSWER IS.


I bet you peace.


God.

Anonymous said...

this is complex topic, but i would like to put my opinion in simple terms. i'm not a politician, i just have my opinions. anyway, i think cambodia ought to encourage freedom of political choices. and schools that teach political science in cambodia ought to teach not only the country's politics such as constitution, law, code of ethics of politics, if there is one, but should also discourage fear in speaking out against injustice, especially if it's detrimental to national security, national development, national growth, publice services, etc... schools should also encourage students of political science to study from the world and the world's view because we interact with each other all over the world. it is good to visualize, to envision, to imagine, etc for it's a way of thinking, learning, and so forth. i believe in learn, there is no such thing as a one-way to learn things. everyone learns differently. talk about differences, everyone ought be encourage to think differently, openly and individually as well as group, community, etc... it is better to let diversity co-inexist freely. and no one should be selfish when it comes to sharing knowledge, experience, education as these things know no boundary in reality. in political science, it is importance to learn about history of cambodia and history of the world as well. i think cambodia should foster a new generation of vibrant thinking individual(s). emphasize the teaching in civility, code of ethics and so forth. teach everyone student to be a good citizen, to think freely, to be open-minded, to agree to disagree, to listen, to ponder, to work tirelessly and endlessly, to be vigilant, perseverant, disciplined, etc, etc... emphasis on what matters more than some trivial stuff in life. yes, look beyond our borderline into the bigger world out there, really... god bless all.

Anonymous said...

in politics, it is good to teach the philosophy of the "glass half full or glass half empty" view in life. yes, use more scenerios or examples so students can understand about the abstract concept, etc...

Anonymous said...

ពួកអគតិច្រើនតែគិតថាល្អទៅអាក្រក់សទៅជាខ្មៅ
ខ្លៅទៅជាអ្នកចេះ។គេមើលទៅស្រុកខ្មែររាល់ថ្ងៃថាពុំមានសន្តិភាពហើយនិយាយជុំនាន់ពលពតថាជាល្អទៅវិញ។ពួកនេះបើទុកឲ្យនៅស្រុកខ្មែរយូរៗទៅ
ពិតជាពិបាកបន្តិចហើយដួច្នេះត្រូវតែកម្ចាត់ពួកនេះ
ឲ្យអស់ពីស្រុកខ្មែរទើបបានល្អ។

Anonymous said...

I think this small discussion is very critical to examment deeply to Cambodian current regime - to understand the policy that the government creat - is whether to benefite all Khmer people or just a few of their selectorate soupporters. As Mesquita el la point out that.

"Politicians attract a winning coalition and retain its support by distributing things of value. Put coarsely, they "buy" office. Broadly, the goods used to do this take two forms, and their relative value depends on the institutional arrangements of the state. Some are distributed in the form of private goods, such as special privileges, access to graft and bribes, favorable tax terms, favorable contracts, judicial favoritism, and the like. These private goods are allocated only to the members of the winning coalition whose continued support is essential for the incumbent to remain in office"

According to this statemen, it shows the reality of Sen's regime that is support only few of his cland with all land concession and exclusive rights land rent up to 99 yrs to build hotel, rubbers plantation, real estate development such as the diamond island, and more, etc. which in return provide financial resource back to the regime to maintaim Mr. Hun Sen in office. In addtion, Mr. Sen's regime has no shame event go chasing Khmer people of their land in the name of development. The major companies and individual that are well known in Cambodia can country are: Yeay Pouve, Month Rithy, Sokhemix, etc..they are the one that own Cambodia with the back up Mr. Hun regime. These people take the entire Khmer country, which is a publice good and sale it as their private property foreign companies for their private benefit. Event the land concession to Vietnamese, most of these land with the concession of 99 yrs!

Dear blogger read this article careful...one can see that how the current regime stood naked infront of our eyes and to see them how they are abuse Khmer nation and her people for their private to their family and a few selectorate group that help maintain the Sen's regime in office!

Thank you very Koun Kmer for picking up this topic.

My mutual respect,

I remain

Anonymous said...

12:55 AM,

Are you saying?

Please allow me to translate your comment. If we don’t change our ways we are “F____ and doomed.”We cannot trust any political system because it is not the system that ruins us. It is we who destroy ourselves. The leaders do not care about public interest, and we don’t care for each other. The leaders care about themselves. Those of us who are wealthy want to be richer at the expense of the poor, and at the detrimental of the environment.

We still have hope if we work together.

Anonymous said...

when it comes to politics, the politicians should be direct in their remarks, comments, etc... i think schools should discuss about the important of the rule of law, judicial reforms and judicial indenpendence, etc, and why it is important to have them implemented in cambodia. there's a call for many reforms in gov't institution or gov't way of doing business as they called it! there ought to be a process for our country to choose or select the leader(s) wisely with strict guidelines, rules, code of ethics, etc... i think the era of hurting one another, of revenge, etc, should be history and start anew in cambodia! unless we all become enlightened and wake up and smartened up, etc, it is unlikely things such as politics, way of doing business, etc, will change soon. it is everyone of us that have the responsibility to be proactive, to act up, to stand up, to say something, to do something about it, etc, etc...! we are only hurting ourselves, our children, our country's future, etc..., you know! it's time to seriously wake up! there's no such thing as too late in changes and reforms, you know!

Anonymous said...

12:58, 1:02, and 1:27 AM,

Great idea. I agree with you 100%.

Anonymous said...

1:27. It is a meaningful comment. It should start from the way we made comments using meaningful and dignified words. Abusive words only reflect poorly on the authors.

Anonymous said...

1:14 AM,

Who says Pol Pot regime is better? Can you point that out to the rest of us. If people disagree and have different opini"kom'chat?"

Do you know or are you aware that the language you used is borrowed from the Khmer Rouge. They always "kom'chat."

Disagreement can lead to progress if we find a way to work together. Khmers should foster an attitude of compromise. "Kom'chat" has no place in a democracy.

Thank you for showing your true color.

Anonymous said...

1:55 A.M.,

This kinds of subject is no longer exclusive for those people that have to attend the University to learn this. Some of us fortunate enough to attend University and come a creoss this topic...From my part I want to share this article with all Koun Khmers with khmer's heart and everybody to read and to think critically and to see what have happen in our Khmer nation. Thanks to Koun Khmer to further strenghten the discussion with sources to back this.

Corruption, and dictatorship is not something unique to Cambodian a lone, Thus, we don't need to reinvent the wheel to understand the topic It is happen to majority of the LDC. But for the start, in order to cure Cambodian nation, we have to understand her sickness - so that we can put the rights medicine to scure it. In this case, we see that Khmer lack of strong institution, lack of term limit of the Prime Minster, etc, therefore Parliamentary member - suppose to past laws to strenghten the instution, it is their job to do so! If the Parliamentary are not doing this, than the power should be back to the people to elect different people to represent them. MP must serve the people they represent!

Thus, strong institution and functional institution are the only institution that will serve the people rather than just a few sectorate that help maintain the power for a few! And take the public's goods (such as land, river, natural resources, etc) for private interest...period!

Anonymous said...

Voters in Cambodia are not free to act on their own; they belong to political interest groups whether they are srp, ccp, or hrp. Usually these voters get some sorts of bribery gifts in return for their votes in the national election.
Hence Cambodia will never be a democratic nation. Cambodians will never live in a free society where they can exercise their civil right without political expolitation.

Anonymous said...

ARE YOU STUPID 4:07AM?????

YOU ARE FREE TO BELONG TO ANY POLITICAL INTEREST, THAT IS YOUR CHOICE IN DEMOCRACY!

Not free when they not allow people to register or to vote in any reason and make their people vote more than one or put the ticket in the box or take it out in order to controle the outcome of the vote!

Why you so stupid where do you get PhD! from communist shit??????

Anonymous said...

4:41AM! why you back to the dog or talk to the monkey?

Anonymous said...

To 1:16 AM

I simply am saying that we as PEOPLE have the will to change what WE DO NOT LIKE, however, if we continue to ignore the importance of life precious and rare gift such as LEGAL RIGHTS or HUMAN RIGHTS then we are NOT that DIFFERENT from that of the animal kingdom. I have to disagree with Einstein when he said "Imagination is better than Knowledge." Here is my simple argument: If you are lacked of Knowledge where it is a base for human advancement, even imagination must begin with Power of Knowledge." Knowledge is a foundaiton where experiences become a part of of human endeavors, thus it is taken as face value where it is being written and recorded into the history of mankind. You can possess great imagination, but if you do not possess the foundation of education and knowledge where else can you bring imaginations into realism! Even Dr. Einstein himself started with basic education thus allowed him to foresee what his imaginations foretold. But this is not about Dr. Einstein or any gifted individuals who are GREAT THINKERS of our time, but it is about BAD LEADERSHIP and HUMAN GREED. Having said that GREED is the ROOT of all EVILs that led to CORRUPTIONS and CRIMES. I like what 12:58 AM is saying, however, in a country such as Cambodia it was bad public policies and bad leadership skills that actually destroys Cambodia. Even President of Singapore privately claimed to the US that Vietnam is a much better race in East Asia and this was also stated in the Wikileaks document from Embassy of Singapore. How shameful to have heard such claim made by world leader. To make matter worst we dont even recognize this statement when in reality it is a true that Vietnamese is a much better race. We have this fucking monument such as Angkor and we think we are the SHIT, I can tell you this much...WE ARE NOT THE SHIT! WE ARE A FUCKING DECEDANT RACE, A WEAK RACE, A FALLEN RACE and ABOVE ALL...WE ARE DYING RACE.


Thats all I can say.


GOD

Anonymous said...

4:50AM! why do you care about the so call word leaders some of those shithead are dickhead and a fool!

Or at least they are human with smelling shit just like you!

Those socal leader are look for their own interest! like the Viet and the Chinese would thing ah Kwac is better that any body alive beside Pol Pot!

The Saigapor would say the Viet is better than us!because: the Saingapor are Chinese who steal Malaisia land just like the Viet did to Cham and Cambodia!

Motherfucker better race are decendents from Chinese Rober and Hooker !!!

Anonymous said...

I am glad that you have continued and expressed the importance of this topic.It is complex as already mentioned,and make it worse when it is reflected upon the management of political affairs in Cambodia.

In 1991, the UN and the supreme national council agreed to our current national constitution.
Thus our political institutions mainly relied on this constitution and to be upheld by any political mean or party.And thank you to our blogger for all effort to insert our constitution in the KI,to share this vital knowledge in order to clarify and deal with circumstances of abuse against the article in the constitution.

Many know that parliarment is also mainstream of state affairs,but it is controlled by the majority where only number counted in Cambodia.Civil security has become civil insecurity due to the distortion and corruption of power.
Cambodian security has been sabotaged by poor salary and ineffective management.

Laws is supposed to be respected upheld,but state power become cheap and it can be bought and turned into individual and owned.
Court is symbolised as highly respected,prevent abuses that normally from the powerful to the powerless ones but it becomes the centre of the abuses as it is influenced by political power.

Autocracy becomes the thing in the past,however Cambodia still practices it under the name of CONTROL.
Please note that control and keep thing under control are the two separated concepts.It is obvious that keeping things under control is concept of democracy but controlling is somewhat concept of autocracies such as past monarchy and communism.

Policies are the vital components based on rights of works,not just for set tasks but also legal ones included in both public sector and private sector.

Economy is main focus of any political means,management and country.Exploring all possible means to change and improve standard of living broadly.
Privatisation is now applied in many countries including transforming China.But check and balance is to maintain between public management and private ones.
In practice,many developed countries never allow shares become overcontrolled by privatisation.It is stimulus management.

In reference to Cambodia, there are alot to change to adopt and adapt by the government, but until individual start to see reality and is willing to change for our survival.Corruption is rampant.It should:
1-Establish preventative measures such as effective policies.
2-Praise honesty with rewards of salary and others.
3-Collective revenue is to be more transparent by fair taxing systems.It is achievable as so many machanism such as computer and plenty of resources in this area.
4-Fair distribution for revenues collected transformed into state infrastructures and employment.
5-Penalise crimes committed indiscriminately.
6-Dealing with corruption,anti corruption body and social organisations for transparecy needs collaboration for its effectiveness.
7-Education is open to critical thinking,dialoges for better concepts and practices.
8-Diffentiate between private interests and public interests and mutual respect.This should be aware and cautious by those who are in power of both public and private cooperations.And it should be educational programs initiated by Anti corruption body,social organisations and education.
9-Practicle and reformed(realisic values) Buddhism should also be active.

Beware,

CORRUPTION=Conflicts of interest

Best management= best functional componets,in engineerng term.

Best leader=Leader with appropriate vision and Ethics.

Best and luck koun Khmer!

Peasant

Anonymous said...

:50AM!!! Why do you care about the so call word leaders, some of those shithead are dickhead and a fool!

Or at least they are human with smelling shit just like you!

Those socall leaders are look for their own interest! like the Viet and the Chinese would think, ah Kwac is better that any Cambodian beside Pol Pot!

The Saingapor would say the Viet is better than us!because: the Saingapor are Chinese who steal Malaisia land just like the Viet did to Cham and Cambodia!

Motherfuckers better race are decendents from Chinese Rober and Hooker !!!

Anonymous said...

4:50AM!!! Why do you care about the so call word leaders, some of those shithead are dickhead and a fool!

Or at least they are human with smelling shit just like you!

Those socall leaders are look for their own interest! like the Viet and the Chinese would think, ah Kwac is better that any Cambodian beside Pol Pot!

The Saingapor would say the Viet is better than us!because: the Saingapor are Chinese who steal Malaisia land just like the Viet did to Cham and Cambodia!

Motherfuckers better race are decendents from Chinese Rober and Hooker !!!

5:19 AM

Anonymous said...

4:50AM!!! Why do you care about the so call word leaders, some of those shithead are dickhead and a fool!

Or at least they are human with smelling shit just like you!

Those socall leaders are look for their own interest! like the Viet and the Chinese would think, ah Kwac is better that any Cambodian beside Pol Pot!

The Saingapor would say the Viet is better than us!because: the Saingapor are Chinese who steal Malaisia land just like the Viet did to Cham and Cambodia!

Motherfuckers better race are decendents from Chinese Rober and Hooker !!!

5:19 AM

Anonymous said...

I am glad that you have continued and expressed the importance of this topic.It is complex as already mentioned,and make it worse when it is reflected upon the management of political affairs in Cambodia.

In 1991, the UN and the supreme national council agreed to our current national constitution.
Thus our political institutions mainly relied on this constitution and to be upheld by any political mean or party.And thank you to our blogger for all effort to insert our constitution in the KI,to share this vital knowledge in order to clarify and deal with circumstances of abuse against the article in the constitution.

Many know that parliarment is also mainstream of state affairs,but it is controlled by the majority where only number counted in Cambodia.Civil security has become civil insecurity due to the distortion and corruption of power.
Cambodian security has been sabotaged by poor salary and ineffective management.

Laws is supposed to be respected upheld,but state power become cheap and it can be bought and turned into individual and owned.
Court is symbolised as highly respected,prevent abuses that normally from the powerful to the powerless ones but it becomes the centre of the abuses as it is influenced by political power.

Autocracy becomes the thing in the past,however Cambodia still practices it under the name of CONTROL.
Please note that control and keep thing under control are the two separated concepts.It is obvious that keeping things under control is concept of democracy but controlling is somewhat concept of autocracies such as past monarchy and communism.

Policies are the vital components based on rights of works,not just for set tasks but also legal ones included in both public sector and private sector.

Economy is main focus of any political means,management and country.Exploring all possible means to change and improve standard of living broadly.
Privatisation is now applied in many countries including transforming China.But check and balance is to maintain between public management and private ones.
In practice,many developed countries never allow shares become overcontrolled by privatisation.It is stimulus management.

In reference to Cambodia, there are alot to change to adopt and adapt by the government, but until individual start to see reality and is willing to change for our survival.Corruption is rampant.It should:
1-Establish preventative measures such as effective policies.
2-Praise honesty with rewards of salary and others.
3-Collective revenue is to be more transparent by fair taxing systems.It is achievable as so many machanism such as computer and plenty of resources in this area.
4-Fair distribution for revenues collected transformed into state infrastructures and employment.
5-Penalise crimes committed indiscriminately.
6-Dealing with corruption,anti corruption body and social organisations for transparecy needs collaboration for its effectiveness.
7-Education is open to critical thinking,dialoges for better concepts and practices.
8-Diffentiate between private interests and public interests and mutual respect.This should be aware and cautious by those who are in power of both public and private cooperations.And it should be educational programs initiated by Anti corruption body,social organisations and education.
9-Practicle and reformed(realisic values) Buddhism should also be active.

Beware,

CORRUPTION=Conflicts of interest

Best management= best functional componets,in engineerng term.

Best leader=Leader with appropriate vision and Ethics.

Best and luck koun Khmer!

Peasant

Anonymous said...

My apology to the repitition of page due to technical error.

thank you

Anonymous said...

All Khmer people must be united in order to save and protect Cambodia from the Vietnamese expansion we must learn from Khmer Krom suffering and loss of land. We must stop ignoring our Khmer people anywhere on earth we are all Khmer even though you cannot speak Khmer but you are Khmer by birth. The time is now Khmer people must get together in actions fighting by words are no goods with Hun Sen's Yuon slave.

savecambodian.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Sir Hun Sen And Sir Var Kimhong are Vietnamese! They are real hero for Vietnamese people. We are Vietnamese respect him very much they are real patriot of Vietnam. He will do anything to build Vietnam to be a better place and bigger country. Thanks you Mr. Hun Sen and Mr. Va Kimhong you are the best of the best we will never forget you at all in our heart! Long live Sir Hun Sen And Sir Var Kimhong! We are Vietnamese always support and back up you.

What are you going to do about it if you know so ? Look at your Khmer youth, they are shit very weak youth they even sell their mother if they have too that is why we Vietnamese talking your land and your resource and Cambodian youth do nothing as usual. We are Vietnamese, we proud of Sir Hun Sen And Sir Var Kim Hong. They are best of the best Comrade for Vietnam! They patriot like Uncle Ho!!! Cambodian Youth are weak as Shit. We like to call them Shit Youth anyway.

Look at Cambodia Human resources are shit can't compare to Vietnam Human resource. Cambodians are chicken shit that why they allow Cambodia like these. Fuck khmer youth shit! Chicken shit Khmer youth. Chicken shit is khmer youth today! Ha Ha Ha Long Live Uncle Ho and Sir Hun Sen And Sir Var Kim Hong! Fuck Cambodians Youth they are chicken shit

Mother Fucker Khmer Youth still stupid idiot as usual that is very good News for us. We took your lands, your sea and Kos Trol and most of Cambodia resources for over 30 years already they still don't know and idiot as We called khmer are idiot and stupid shit. Don't just take my words look at your fucken history after your fucken Angkor wat. Long Live Uncle Ho, Sir Hun Sen and Sir Var Kim Hong! Fuck all khmer youth as you are shit and useless as shit. Look at our Vietnamese youth very very strong! if you don't believe me come to take our land please and let'see from that but if we take Cambodia lands or sea cambodians youth and Khmer army do nothing as easy as that Ha ha ha Long lIVE uncle Ho , sir Hun Sen and Sir Var Kim Hong.

Lâu dài sống là Việt nam! Lâu dài sống Vietname! Người mất là căm-pu-chia!.

Anonymous said...

i think one way to fix the political institution in cambodia is to educate people on the concept of term limit for primiership position. now, do people in general understand what term limit mean? or do they aware that in america they use the term limit for president? i think cambodia ought to focus on introducing the concept of term limit into law, this way it lessen the bickering, the power hunger, the corruption, the dynastic pattern of leadership, the injustice, etc, etc..., i believe. also, term limit is an integral part of the rule law for without it now, look what happened in cambodia, people kept complaining about huns sen a dictator, hun sen this, hun sen that, etc... so, it is the responsibility of the senate, the parliamentary, the national assembly and so on to debate seriously about this in order to give justice and set forth the tradition of rule of the law, etc. otherwise, stop complaining, whining, bitching, etc about this or that in power for so long... it's time to use our god given brain, really! stop being greedy, selfish, stop exploiting the country and naivety of the people are have no opportunity in education, etc... and stop try to isolate or confine cambodia to a state of ignorance, etc, ok!

Anonymous said...

Bạn đang giữ mơ bởi vì nó sẽ không trở thành sự thật. Việt Nam là tốt nhất và giành chiến thắng mỗi lần

Anonymous said...

Vietnamese are not just taking Khmer land but they are also insulting and scolding our Khmer people as well including idiot and stupid Hun Sen and CPP allowed the Vietnamese to controlling and supervising the Cambodian government. Hun Sen knew that he cannot protect and save Cambodian territory because he is powerless against Vietnamese boss. So he will do nothing against the Vietnamese but he is fighting and killing innocent Khmer people instead.

This is why the Vietnamese called HUN SEN the most idiot and stupid leader on earth.

Anonymous said...

cambodia's political institution needs nurturing, love, but firm and assertive, etc... it needs encouragement, suport, contribution, new thinking, new generation of thinkers, etc, etc... of course, there are more to cambodia that you and i, really!

Anonymous said...

បើនិយាយរឿងនយោបាយ ជាមួយពួកជ្រុលនិយម គឺដូចជាមនុស្សពីរនាក់ ដែលនៅភពដទៃ ពីគ្នា អចឹង ។ ពួកជ្រុលនិយម មិនចេះ វែកញែករក មិនចេះប្រើភាសាមនុស្ស មិនចេះធ្វើការវិភាគ អោយបានគ្រប់ជ្រុងជ្រោយឡើយ ។ភាសា របស់ពួកគេ គឺមានតែពាក្យ ក្បត់ជាតិ ​ចោរលក់ជាតិ ខ្ញុំកញ្ចាស់យួន ពោល គឺជាពាក្យអសុរស ទាំងអស់ ។
លើសពីនេះទៅទៀត អោយតែនរណា និយាយហ៊ាននិយាយវែកញែកតែបន្តិច ពួកជ្រុលនិយមទាំងនេះ នឹងចោទថាជា YOuN SLAVE មួយរំពេច ។

Anonymous said...

"Beware,

CORRUPTION=Conflicts of interest

Best management= best functional componets,in engineerng term.

Best leader=Leader with appropriate vision and Ethics.

Best and luck koun Khmer!

Peasant"

-------

Peasant,

Thank you for your contribution to this discussion - why it takes you so long! I know for a long time that you have many knowledge and understanding to assist with all Koun khmers.

Peasant please share your knowldge as we notice that some our Koun Khmers said that this kind of issues is only belong to classroom in University...But I want all Koun Khmers not to think like this. The one that know teach and share with those that know a little. And those who know a little teach and share with those who don't know. I hope that in the long-run, all of us will know something true about our Khmer nation and the true of where our country is heading! We are all have to try to understand, take action, and commit to help our Khmer nation the way we know how!

Without farther due, Thanks Peasant for your contribution.

Wishing you a merry christmas and happy New Year and to all of our bloggers.

With my humble regards,

I remain

Anonymous said...

7:02 am,

I agreed with you that Khmer people are more than you and I in this Ki's blog. But event those just a few of us...we shouldn't sit on the side line to see everything and every wrong thing going on in our motherland without doing anything. we have to do something! Know that Ki media know by the govt. More Khmer people want to know what all the hip about Ki media. Such as this issue on "institution", it is just not us that interest...I am sure that many others khmers are interest as well...

All-in-all, knowledge is the best wealth to share with our khmer people that live under the current political regime....

Anonymous said...

a better cambodia and world for that matter will emerged based on faith and understanding.

Anonymous said...

if you tell people where to go, but not how to get there, you'll be amazed at the results, really!

Anonymous said...

Yes, 7:39,

I would like to add on to what you already said...yes I agree with you that understanding, in addition knowldge that give us power and courage to do something for not only the good for our ourselves, but for others. The happiness that we can experience is our ability to give and share with others...event just the know ledge we knowledge...

Anonymous said...

even leader has to consult with their subject or people, too, you know! it's like if you can't tell somebody to do something, then delegate that authority to someone that can e.g. supervisor, manager, etc, ok! it's called being smart about it, ok! experience should help, you know! it's crazy to try to do everything own your own when you have the authority to delegate to other with appropriate skill and position to do so, etc, really! that doesn't mean abuse the privilege, though! the key is to make sure all conform with the policy, the law, etc! that's all!

Anonymous said...

I suggest to all young Cambodian living in foreign countries to join political party in their host country. One day, you will be in turn to be the candidate representing their party in their elctorate. You will learn everything.

Areak Prey

Anonymous said...

To understand Cambodian political environment and as to why Cambodia known as a "fail state" - just look at bellow picture of "Sacrava's Political Cartoon: Boeung Kak.."

This is what Bueno de Mesquita et la talking about institution how "fail state" can maitain their power by selling public good for private interest. In this case, Hun's regime sale publice good in this case land to Shukaku Inc. and cover up in the name of development...than one should question ...development for who? For Hun Sen's clant....and where do Khmer go...next thing you know, Khmer people will rent their land from foreigners and work as a slave to foreigners' conpany...why this happen because Khmers do not have a strong institution to hold those in power accountable for what they are doing!...Just reread the article again...and Koun Khmer had done a good job in bringing others sources to support of what Bueno de Mesquita et la' article is saying....this is the reflection of mirror image of what the current Khmer govt. show to the world...

With my regards,

I remain

Anonymous said...

are they selling or leasing? it's two different meaning here! how else are you supposed to develop cambodia if you don't invite investors to develop the swamp? hello! wake up already! don't tell me, people like that want to use the squatters to legitimize their unwanting to develop phnom penh because the show must go on! cambodia can't afford to stay lacking forever while neighboring countries developed their cities, countries, etc... don't you get it! enough already, cambodia must develop and grow and modernized, ok!

Anonymous said...

i'm sure everyone who write must have a goal, a message they want to convey to others. so, be honest, what is your ambition to want to stop the developer from developing boeungkak lake, etc? don't tell me sustainable living, that sound like the stone age era, really! sustainable in certain designated area, yes, however, if sustainable development shouldn't be solely emphasize on cambodia while neighboring countries like vietcong and siem thugs are running amok with with development, you know. let's be fair to my country cambodia, ok! take your sustainable development to vietcong country and siem thugs country or africa or whereas else, but do leave my country cambodia alone for a change, ok! bye bye!

Anonymous said...

"Areak Prey" why should Koun Khmers joint political party in their host country? While their motherland is in dying need of their help? I am sure that these Khmer people they are well off and well educate...they don't need power for anything! The only reason that I want them to share their knowledge with other Koun Khmers that want to know and understand of where they are come from and what is their duty as Koun Khmers.

Sharing is caring, not necessary just money, and materialistic things. I know that younger generation, my generation, and older generation are disconnect of knowledge of our country...I would like all Khmers to learn from each others from within and between the inter-generational's knowledge in sharing of what they know. And ki media is the mean to share because it allow all of us to disarm our self without externality or pre-conception whether by their raise, gender, class, and ages...just allow all of us to share the core value and the comment value that we have for Khmer nation!

So Peasant...what is your thought on this...not to call Koun Khmers to joint political party of their host country, but what can they do to help their motherland!

Anonymous said...

"So Peasant...what is your thought on this...not to call Koun Khmers to joint political party of their host country, but what can they do to help their motherland!"
---

Sorry Peasant, what I mean is to call upon "Areak Prey" to comment on this..

Thanks,

Anonymous said...

The main problem in Cambodia is the ruling party knows how to manipulate Cambodian people.
1). For smart people (educated people), they see all the bad things that have been done by the ruling party. But they cannot do any and everything starts fading out of their mind. They have to force themselves to accept to live under the situation.
2). Business people (normal small business exclude those tycoons), they are just busy taking care of their business and their families. They believe the current government can maintain the stability so their business can carry on as usual.
3). Uneducated and poor people, this group is the most critical to the country. The ruling party uses all its tactics to control this group. Those tactics include buying, threading, ect. They have created an organization from the top to bottom, it is a communist structure to control these people.

So it is not simple when talking about changing the ruling party. But this does not mean thing cannot be changed. We need our young generation to step up for this change. Base on the current situation, the structure of the current government, nothing can change. It has to wait at least 15-20 years until most of them die.

Khmer Young said...

The article has showned us clearly that two alternatives keeping power for autocracratic regime like current Cambodian government is the winning coalition and a large selectorate.

What are those factors endorsing winning coalition?
1. Cambodian monarchy
2. Cambodian Buddhist Sangha
3. Patronage-cliental system embedding within major Cambodian brain.

What are those factors endorsing a large selectorate?
1. Commune and village heads which are pinnaple eyes for government
2. Kleptocratic network
3. Economic monopoly
4. Major representatives in the assembly

Anyone cannot weaken or break this two factors, it is hard to change Cambodia.

Thank you very much Koun Khmer for this enlightening description.

Khme Young

Anonymous said...

Have a lot to say but not to show.

Anonymous said...

Thanks 9:35 for you are good to capture the main ideas from this article! Now the question is how? How are we going to break the winning coalition of Sen's regime? The one way I see it is to strenghten the institution as a whole - in order for leaders accountable for their action that rsponsible to the people that they suppose to represent!

Anonymous said...

The reason, I want Cambodian young people to join political party in their host country is to learn how their political party is running and how they are making policies for their economic development and their social development and how they making their foreign policies. You are going to learn how people are treating to each other. I am at my 60' now and I have never seen Cambodian politic to develop the country as a whole at all. They are only about self-interest and power and power is from the top to the bottom. we need to learn the real democracy and how the grass-roots can benefit from all policies.
Regarding the development of Boeung Kak by stealing their right and their decision making from Beoung Kak Resident is not truely developing that area at all.
Indeed Beoung Kak is a good lake and we should preserve it for urban recreation centre. It will a unique place for peole in Phnom Penh to enjoy this lake. People who are living around there should have their choice. Shukaku should develop area where thee is no residents so that they can make by their own choice too. They shouldn't stealing people lands and make excuse for development at all.
Without having an open space with water like Beoung Kak Lake, Phnom Penh residents will face with environment problem very soon for laking enough air and oxigene and the whole city will be collapsed like the great Angkor in the 13 century. Each city needs space for parks. recreation areas, to make a good city and to make good life. If you are developping in every inch of the land of the city, you will die by lacking of air for sure.

Areak Prey

Anonymous said...

9:50 am, yes indeed we have a lot to say...it is the same questions to you is that - how are we translating this ideas into action? Anybody have any suggestin?

About 9:50 am, do you have any input as to "how" we can move from ideas into action? Any suggestion or ideas?

Remember this is the brain storm session and trying to find some solution to the problems that we see in Cambodia!

I believe that we are already starting moving in the right direction by discussing and to try to understand the not so visible problems to mass population of Cambodia...we want to dick deep into the root cost of how it has bring above and maintain the "fail state" regime in Cambodia right now?...

Anonymous said...

"Areak Prey"

I think for Khmers to joint political in their host countries to learn about political process than to bring that knowledge to Cambodia, I don't think it is work. The reasons are:
1. Different culture, and believe,
2. Difference level of economic development
3. The need of Khmer people is very different from most of the host countries, for example in the US - now try to over pass the law "don't ask don't" in relation to gay serve in military...the same issues would not appropreate to promote in Cambodian rights now...because it is not the priority to pushing our country to development!
4. Our people are at difference education level, thus has different need for the time being!, etc....

Thus, these kinds of policies are not replicatable in Cambodia...

Khmer must concentrate first thing first...that is to strenghten the institution...put everybody under the law...no exception!

Anonymous said...

Dear Poster 11:26 AM,
I am saded to read your comment. Why can't we just try?
Car, plane, motor, computors are all made from overseas. Why khmer can use those technologies? why Khmer can learn medical from western countries can apply into Cambodian health and save millions of khmer lives? Why khmer learn architctures, constructions from westen countries, and why khmer still loved to live in those nice houses?
We need to be very positive and be ready for change.
Areak Prey

Anonymous said...

Areak Prey,

I understand your point very well. Let allow me as to why I am saying this. I have live in the US for 30 yrs. I worked in Cambodia with the high ranking official for more than five years (but my funding was by the international community) and have been travel to Cambodia one a twice a year for the last five years. I am still have many good friends in all Khmer political parties. I travel constantly to Khmer country side and talk and engage with different level of Khmer people in the society: from people driving moto doubt, vegetables sellers, Khmer farmers and vegetable growers all the way up to Ministers, and Human rights representative in Cambodia. Thus, from all these experience that I come to conclude that the host countries policy such as in the US is not going to work in Cambodia (for now), but manybe in the Long-run, we can adopt this western democracy. By no mean that I entil that Khmer people are not capable of addapting the Democracy of the West, it just that Khmer have not reach the crticle mass of embrassing this type of democracy yet!! As you know that over 80% of Khmers still working with agriculture...and their vote still can buy by the rulling party with noodle and monosodium (this is from my experience as an international observer to National election in 2008).

With out further due...I am speaking from my observation and experiences...

With my regards to your opinion,

11:26 am

Anonymous said...

11:26
You are one of the few overseas Khmer who see the reality as it is on the ground. It is people like you who can really help Cambodia on its way to a freer and better society.


A word to the wise. KI-Media should decide what it wants to be - a site for news aggregation, a site for political indoctrination and hate-mongering (how else can your sideline about the traitors be understood?), a mouthpiece for the SRP, or a site for political and civics instruction. Right now it is a site overflowing with information, news, opinion, political essays, and what not. If I want news about Cambodia I will google it (at least it's unbiased there). If I want to read invective and insults of the current government I come to KI-Media. If I want political instruction I go to the library. I don't need a Khmer Democrat or Koun Khmer.

Anonymous said...

your observation of cambodia may be true now, what about time, time can heal and change things in life, you know! understand that things don't necessarily stay the same forever in cambodia, good or bad, if now is bad, then good is coming. anyway, don't give up yet just because you see the something you don't believe or don't like. again, i chose to see the glass half full, not half empty, therefore, i see a potential waiting to blossom in cambodia. yes, it takes patience, time, etc like most things you try to achieve in life, really, and cambodia is not unique in that sense. now, there are more and more young people (and for your information) the population of cambodia is growing as well, good thing. i wouldn't be surprise to see a social shift in cambodia from an agricultural basis to an vibrant, eager, educated work forces, etc... it is better for all to help to nurture it, instead of being cynical, chastising society, people, etc! that's making a real difference, you know!they say if everyone is thinking alike, then somebody isn't think, you see! step aside if you are uncapable and let more capable and willing people space to make a real difference, ok! god bless cambodia.

Anonymous said...

1:01 Pm,

This 11:26. I can say that I have education enough to understand the different between rights and wronge. I can earn enough money to live comfortably in the United state, vacation oversea of my own choice. I have travel extensively to more than 30 countries around the world, for learning, teaching, conferencing, and for pleasure. But why I come to involve with Khmer's issue? One word that continue to ring in my heard is my father words. He said to me, no matter what I become, I am still his child and I am still Koun Khmer (not Koun Khmer writing this article) I am merly given a suggestion for the topic of this one and other Koun Khmer took the liberty to share his scholarship with us.

Thus, it is my quest to understand who am I of being Koun Khmer. And whether anything I could help Khmer nation! What I can help is just the knowledge that I have learn so far...that is all. At the same time I would like to ask all koun Khmers to help Khmer nation the way they can and know how...help build the nation, not distroy the nation....That is why I like to read most of Dr. Peang-Meth articles...he had teach me at different level of understand of khmer political evolution since her independent from France!...

Without further due,

Thanks 1:01 pm for your possitive comment.

Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and happy New Year!

Anonymous said...

1:58 PM

As a well educated person, you don't need to react and give that kind of answer. You sound have lost respect to yourself and to other.

Anonymous said...

Prime minister Hun Sen! your lost your land and sea again, next time Cambodian border next to your home, Heng Somrin he lost his entire home village to Viet already but dare to say nothing, Chea Sim is too weak to say anything except prepare himself for judgement day, where is our belove king please get out from closet and give a big slap on Hun Sen face and say louder "why you gave my land and sea to Viet and punish my people hasss!"?, His majesty the king you can not stay in closet for too long, Cambodian are waiting for you to do something, you have no wife no kid must not afraid to die, you will be our hero king forever.

Anonymous said...

Dear Koun Khmer,

I just want to take this opportunity to thank you for taking the liberty to write this article with your scholarship to strenghten our discussion!

If any bloggers that share this comment space, would like to suggest any topic, please do so. And I am very much hope that Koun Khmer will be kind enough to dedicate his time and his scholarship to share with us all.

In addition, the holidays are here, I would like to take this opportunity to wish Koun Khmer and your family a Merry Christmas and Happy New!

Last but not least, wishing all bloggers that share this space to have a wonderful holidays...

Happy Holidays to all,

With my love and mutual respect to Koun Khmer,

I remain

Koun Khmer said...

1:01 PM,
Somehow, 1:58 PM and I share the same sentiment almost exactly. I came to K I by a mere accident. The opportunity presented itself and I took it. I thought I could share and learn from my fellow Khmers.

I came to the U.S. as a young person. As a refugee, I live a blessed life that this country continues to offer me with tremendous opportunity to have education, to work, and to live an American dream. I live comfortably that the country economic down turn has not impact on me.

The problem is no matter how successful I am I have never forgotten that I once was born in Cambodia. Yes, I can close my eyes to the current plight of Cambodia and completely ignore everything that goes on in my country. As a Koun Khmer, I feel that it is my obligation to do something positive for Cambodia.
Although I am fully qualified as an instructor, I am not here to give political instruction. My hope is to steer our conversations toward constructivism based on facts. My hope is to my fellow Khmers become more reflective. And my hope is that by sharing ideas and concepts, we are truly engaging in critical thinking that allows all of us to be more rational to make our decisions based on concrete analysis and not on fear, rumors, and innuendos.

I am sharing this with you because I want you to know my real intention just in case you might think that I am here to serve a political party or to propagate a political agenda.

Thank you for sharing your concern. I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Sincerely yours,
Koun Khmer

Koun Khmer said...

8:40 PM,

Thank you for your kind words.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and to all bloggers.

Faithfully yours,

Koun Khmer

Anonymous said...

Dearest Koun Khmer,

Thank you for clarify to all bloggers who share this space. Yes, you are well put it. We both here by accident and I thought that some issues might be useful to discuss and you took the liberty to share with us your time and your valueable wealth of knowledge with all of us. I know writing with scholarship demand a lot of thought put into it and it is not an easy task, but you had done well and simplify the issue for all of us:~). I would say my head off to you, except that I don't wear any head :~).

With my mutual respect and faithfully yours,

I remain,