By Ky Soklim
Cambodge Soir Hebdo
Translated from French by Tola Ek
Click here to read the article in French
<http://www.cambodgesoir.info/content.php?itemid=35388&p=>
A city with empty streets, empty schools, absent civil servants, this is
the atmosphere in Cambodia during the Chinese New Year which is
celebrated on 26 January, in spite of the fact that this date is not an
official holiday. Even with the presence of a strong Sino-Khmer
community, one has to note that even "middle-class Cambodians" follow
the Chinese custom.
An anonymous civil servant from the ministry of Education claims that
20% of the personnel from his department came to work late on Monday 26
January. However, the remaining 80% of the workers are still absent from
their work. "I came to the office, but I cannot do anything. So, I will
return home," the man said.
According to observers of the Cambodian society, China's influence is
taking a stronger grip on the country, in all fields, from the economy
to politics, to culture. For example, between 2003 and 2008, China
became the top investor in Cambodia. In the tourism sector, China brings
in about one fifth of foreign visitors, number wise. Chinese diplomatic
and political influence also carries a stronger weight as China is
becoming the top bilateral aid donor. China recently financed the
construction of the building housing the Council of Ministers at a cost
of $30 million.
As for language, an estimate of 700,000 people, both Cambodians and
Sino-Khmers, are studying Chinese.
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