Why is it that history repeats itself all over the world again and again? According to the Chinese News agency Xihua, “Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen ordered on Monday to halt condom advertisement on televisions, saying that he does not feel the advertisement help curbing the spread of HIV/AIDS, but a promotion of condom sales.”

And why? No guess.

“On several occasions, Hun Sen has criticized TV spots for some parts, damaging the country’s culture, tradition and even considered harmful to public health.”

But according to the Avert Website, “Cambodia’s national HIV prevalence rate is now the second highest in Asia. HIV is transmitted primarily through sexual contact and the highest HIV prevalence is observed among female sex workers in the capital.

Recent efforts to halt the spread of the epidemic, including a programme promoting 100% condom use, have enjoyed some success. Figures indicate that HIV prevalence amongst brothel-based sex workers dropped from 43% to 21% between 1998 and 2003.”

But there is nothing new here, this is only the latest development of policies in continuity with last year’s crackdown on brothels and sex workers following a new law passed by the Hun Sen government. It is even more discouraging when Cambodia has shown some innovative ways to reach people such as with the “You are the Man” TV show.

On the following day it was the turn of Malaysia to ban Sacha Baron Cohen’s Film “Bruno”, not because it was rubbish, but “[...] because the story is based on gay life … There are a lot of sex scenes” said  an official from Malaysia’s Film Censorship Board who declined to identify herself, adding “It’s contrary to our culture.”

So, let’s ask again, what is damaging a country’s culture? Its jingoism? Its pride? The ignorance of its institutions and leadership?

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