About the Mirror

From 1997 to the end of 2006, I edited The Mirror – a weekly overview of the Khmer language press, in English translation – in a printed version, which was also available in electronic form for subscription on the Internet. In 1998, a Khmer version, Kanhchok Sangkum – A Mirror of Society – was added.

The goal of these publications was to provide an overview of major issues appearing in Cambodian newspapers, and also to facilitate dialog between different positions, by mirroring a wide variety of information and opinion. The production of the printed versions, and especially of the Khmer language version, also provided for many Cambodians in the provinces an important means to access information, as there are hardly any newspapers available in the provinces. The “Kanychok Sangkum” was also appreciated by many Cambodians abroad.

Unfortunately, to continue to produce these Khmer and English language publications, and to print and distribute them, is beyond our present financial means. To our deep regret, we have to suspend the full production as of the beginning of 2007. We hope that it might become possible, in the not too distant future, to resume these services again.

In the meantime, this blog will provide regular English translations of key articles and headlines from the Khmer language press, together with commentary. It is our hope that the transition to a blog – with news and comments – will also invite interactive public dialogue. It would be most rewarding to see many comments, and an exchange among the readers, sharing their questions, opinions, and concerns among and about the people of Cambodia, the country, and its future as a member of the international community.

This blog is published in cooperation with the Open Institute, a Cambodian NGO which has been created to provide information, tools, and knowledge, and to promote open dialogue in society.

Norbert Klein
Phnom Penh

1.1.2007

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