Oknha Association Gets Role of Listing Tycoons
The Cambodian Oknha Association (COA) has been given the full right to update the list of those with the title of okhna and to arrange official uniforms.
- By Meng Seavmey
- July 28, 2023 10:51 AM
PHNOM PENH – The Cambodian Oknha Association (COA) has been given the full right to update the list of those with the title of okhna and to arrange official uniforms.
The right was provided by the government, Ken Satha, Secretary of the Council of Ministers, told association president Ly Yong Phat.
The decision was made following Prime Minister Hun Sen’s note on July 19. The Council of Ministers and the relevant ministries will provide all copies of letters and documents related to the title, especially the royal decree conferring it.
The government will include uniforms in the decree.
The establishment of the COA was approved on Oct. 25 last year by the Interior Ministry. The association was officially launched on June 10 this year, presided over by PM Hun Sen.
Ly Yong Phat said there were 1,299 tycoons at the time.
A sub-decree in 2017 increased the cost of the title from $100,000 to $500,000. Philanthropists who help the state by providing money or materials worth more than $100,000 will be awarded the National Construction Award No. 1.
The government will ask the King to give those who provide more than $500,000 to the state the title of oknha.
San Chey, executive director of the Affiliated Network for Social Accountability (ANSA), said it would be hard to respect okhnas involved in land disputes even though they would have a uniform.
The criteria of giving any individual the title should be reconsidered, Chey said.
“Previously, the title was provided only when the individual had contributed significantly to building the state, not only with money.
“If we compare, the tycoons before and tycoons nowadays do not relate, as any individual with wealth now may receive the title."
He suggested the research on the difference between the two types of tycoon should be done to rebuild the value of the title.
In the association, PM Hun Sen is honorary president. Interior Minister Sar Kheng, Defense Minister Tea Banh, and Men Sam An, Minister of National Assembly-Senate Relations and Inspection, and Cham Prasidh are the honorary vice-presidents.
The association consists of eight senior advisors who are also titled oknha and nak oknha, including Royal Group chairman Kith Meng, Senator Lau Meng Khin, Sokimex founder Sok Kong, Canadia Bank chairman Pung Kheav Se, CEO of New World Group Hong Piv, Vattanac Investment Group Sam Ang, property developer Khun Sea, and Cambodia Tela director General Chhun Oun.
Tycoons with the title will also make income for the country by paying taxes, adding to their investment and businesses that create jobs for local people, Ly Yong Phat said.
They also attract international investors and charity activities for the country,
Hun Sen called on all the tycoons to protect their dignity, fame and honors as they should with such an honor from the King.
“The tycoons must jointly work with the government in reducing poverty and helping vulnerable citizens,” he said.
