Abuse allegations dog latest oknha honouree

A wealthy tycoon who stands accused of savagely abusing two teenage maids for nearly a decade has been anointed with the sought-after honourific of oknha.

In a royal decree dated July 26 and obtained yesterday, Veng Lyphytech – who, along with his wife, Ly Pov, faces charges of torture and child labour abuse – is granted the royal title. …

There are more than 200 oknhas in Cambodia – wealthy men and women who are expected to aim their largess toward the ruling party and its charity projects. Though the government is mum on the requirements of the title, analysts have said the honourific can be granted only after a $100,000-plus infrastructure donation. …

Buth Reaksmey Kongkea
http://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/abuse-allegations-dog-latest-oknha-honouree