Dear Editor,
First, I'd like to commend the Post for its impressive articles in the last edition
dated 2-15 March 2001, and would like to share my comments on some of the issues
publicized.
KR Trial Law: I am very glad to see KR trial law has been under way, yet I am very
anxious to see the actual trial takes place very soon as it has been too long already.
The former KR leaders are lucky to have a choice of selecting a lawyer and not receiving
death penalty. Were those people killed during the KR regime given opportunity for
formal court hearing or a lawyer as such? Why don't we show our younger generation
that we are serious about accountability, rule of law, justice, peace and human rights,
etc in Cambodia. Let's take no excuses, but go ahead and try them!
Jobs and people are first: The idea of running local bus lines in Phnom Penh centre
is good. However, for the moment please consider the possible loss of jobs and a
creation of hunger for many motorbike taxi-drivers and their families who have been
relying on these jobs. Job opportunities are still limited in this town as you would
know. There are more jobs as motorbike taxi-drivers than bus drivers and their motor
bikes use petrol which probably contribute higher petrol tax than buses run by diesel
fuel.
How about giving the public a choice of bus or motorbike on the same road?
The reported traffic accident related death figure is high and I think is very serious
to consider it as a priority because it involves many people's lives in danger. Traffic
safety education is needed and serious law enforcement is a priority. Let's run a
series of traffic safety campaign widely in the mass media and workshops in schools,
ministries and institutions. On the other hand let's reduce commercial advertisements
that have adverse impacts on our population.
Good roads are the routes to development of economy and contribute to poverty alleviation,
which means jobs for the people. If we lack quality roads, we should NOT lack responsibilities
in taking care of existing roads and safety. Big businesses involving heavy transport
should consider the economy for all, not self-interests. Usually, overloaded vehicles
contribute to the destruction of old and new roads. For the sake of good society
in the long term, let's take no bribes to let them pass the weight control point.
Finally, the removal of the squatters at the Monivong Bridge river bank is not a
priority if they have nowhere else more decent to stay.
- Cheang Yudh, Phnom Penh.
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