A CTING Head of State Chea Sim signed the controversial new press law Aug 31
following King Sihanouk's departure on a trip to Indonesia. All new laws require
the signature of the King or, in his absence, the Acting Head of State, before
they can take effect. Chea Sim signed shortly after the King left Cambodia. The
King has previously expressed reservations about some provisions of the law,
which has been criticized by human rights and journalism groups. Its most
controversial clause permits publishers, editors and writers to be prosecuted
for spreading news which affects "political stability" - a term undefined in the
law.