Letter: Homeland for the Cham

Dear Editor,

After reading David Lempert's commentary on October 10 ("A homeland for the Chams"), I must express concern over the severe lack of cultural recognition the Cham receive from governments and Unesco.

Also troubling are US policies targeting Chams for their supposed affiliations with radical Islamic charities. While some concerns could be real - especially after the 2003 arrests at Om-al-Qora school - the US must take caution not to alienate this vulnerable ethnic group and, in the process, further legitimise one of the world's most corrupt governments.

In southern Thailand, shortsighted policies and incompetent security forces unfairly targeted moderate Malay Muslims, helping to foster a thriving militant movement. Let's not re-enact those mistakes in Cambodia.

Geoffrey Cain

Phnom Penh

MOST VIEWED

Phnom Penh curfew starts today
A two-week curfew from 8pm to 5am starts today in Phnom Penh, a day after a sub-decree detailing administrative measures to contain Covid-19 was issued by Prime Minister Hun Sen. “Travelling in Phnom Penh is temporally banned between 8pm and 5am,” said Phnom Penh governor
Cambodia on the verge of national tragedy, WHO warns
The World Health Organisation (WHO) in Cambodia warned that the country had reached another critical point amid a sudden, huge surge in community transmission cases and deaths. “We stand on the brink of a national tragedy because of Covid-19. Despite our best efforts, we are
Cambodia gears up for muted New Year festival
The recent curfew and restrictions imposed in the capital and other Covid-19 hotspots were intended to break the chain of transmission, Ministry of Health spokeswoman Or Vandine said as municipal and provincial authorities issued new directives banning certain activities during the upcoming Khmer New Year
Vaccination open to foreigners in Cambodia
The Ministry of Health on April 8 issued an announcement on Covid-19 vaccination for foreigners residing and working in Cambodia, directing the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training and local authorities to register them. Health minister Mam Bun Heng, who is also head of the inter-ministerial
Time to Rise by rapper, chapei legend is viral hit with ancient-modern mix
Kong Nay is known internationally as the master of the chapei dang veng, a traditional Cambodian instrument resembling a long-necked lute or guitar with two nylon strings that he was already playing professionally by the age of 15. Nay is sometimes referred to as the Cambodian
Cambodia set for large-scale vaccination campaign as Covid spreads
Prime Minister Hun Sen has instructed all provincial authorities to get ready for a large-scale vaccination campaign, with at least one million doses to be administered per month. “We will roll out at least one million doses. The vaccines we have purchased and received as