Cambodia Welcomes All Honest Forms of News Media

By Soy Sophea

Cambodia’s Ministry of Information has issued a statement to reaffirm that the ministry will not impose sanctions or censorship leading to a shut down of websites critical of the Cambodian government.

According to the Ministry of Information’s statement dated January 13, the ministry has not considered monitoring news publication on the internet and has no plans to do so. The statement said that currently it has been making a draft law to moderate the output of radio and television stations and printing houses. The draft makes no mention of Internet controls.

A 19-year-old student, Vin Sophannary, an English Literature student at the University of Cambodia (UC), said that the internet is a vital source of information for Cambodians, given the trend towards globalization.

“I always want to know what is happening to my country everyday, and I am equally concerned about regional and international breaking news,” said Sophannary, who spends her free time at internet cafés.

Sophannary said that she can strengthen her English language reading and writing abilities through her intelligent use of the web. She said that she was very happy to hear that the Cambodian government would not monitor nor censor news on websites, despite the critical tone of some of the information.

Chhreav Sovanny, another UC student said that she would be concerned if she were to learn that the government would shut down any anti-government websites. She said that if the government were to do so, it would tarnish the government‘s image as a supporter of freedom of expression.

“I think it is a reasonable thing to want access to the full spectrum of opinion, including sites that espouse unflattering views of our Royal Government,” she said. “I really want the government to retain the status quo order to arrive at a balanced picture of the political situation and read about the impact of the latest policies and activities,” she added.

Sovanny fully supported the nation’s information and broadcast policies despite the fact that the allowed the expression of critical views.

“I like to live in a country like Cambodia where the government takes steps to ensure the freedom of the press.” She concluded that the internet had become a welcome part of her life as both a source of information for her classes and as a form of entertainment.

Sen Rachana, a student at another private university in Phnom Penh, said that his degree in Political Science depended on his having access to a broad range of opinion, be it supportive of his government or otherwise. “I know that the government is strong enough to turn a blind eye to unflattering articles or cartoons on the internet,” he said. “We need all kinds of information so as to create a balanced picture. It helps us exercise our own critical thinking skills as we assess this negative information.”

He said that internet news providers played a vital role for Cambodian newshounds, interested in conditions at home and abroad.

Information Ministry officials said earlier in January that the laws, which are due to be passed later this year, were designed to prevent potentially defamatory or libelous material from appearing on the internet.