BANTEAY MEANCHEY: The Ponlei commune administration has issued a letter of recommendation for the request to open an exclusive legal printing business in a commune in Banteay Meanchey province after receiving harsh criticism.

On Tuesday, 27 December, Ponlei commune chief, Krib Lam and a representative of the Kork Ta Sok village chief signed an agreement with Ton Virak to open an exclusive printing business in Ponlei commune, Banteay Meanchey province.

After the letter was widely shared on social media, Phnom Srok commune chief Ponlei issued a declaration and apology for his decision on 29 December, apologizing to all levels of government officials and the public, especially the people in the 6 villages of Ponlei commune.

In the letter, the commune chief wrote, “After criticism from the people and the commune itself, it was found that there was a misunderstanding with the law, so the Ponlei commune administration would like to issue a letter annulling the business application letter of Mr. Ton Vireak from the day of signing onwards.”

On 27 December 2022, a man proposed to open an exclusive printing business in Ponlei commune and also with the consent of the Ponlei commune chief and a representative of the Kork Ta Sok village chief, but the letter was leaked and many distributors and the public have criticized and expressed dissatisfaction of it because of various business laws.