CAMBODIA
The Cambodian Prime Minister, Hun Sen has used Facebook to warn that he plans to review Public Service and military promotions over concerns of nepotism.
The Prime Minister called on his Ministers to ensure all promotions were in compliance with the law and internal guidelines.
“All Ministers must promote properly and comply with the law, and do not promote people linked to yourself and your relatives without caring about lower officials,” Hun Sen said in his post.
He reminded Ministers that promotions of individuals were limited to one every two years.
In the past 18 months, more than 1,000 military officials have been promoted to the rank of General as part of the Government’s recognition and gratitude towards troops’ service and sacrifice in helping to defeat the Khmer Rouge.
Spokesperson for the Ministry for Civil Service, Youk Bunna confirmed that PS employees could be promoted only once every two years, adding that the Ministry had received complaints about irregular practices regarding Ministerial promotions.
“When they see that the promotion is not right, they can make a request to this Ministry,” Youk Bunna said.
Facebook users were quick to comment on the Prime Minister’s post, airing their grievances about missed promotions at their workplaces.
Roskan Davy said he only reached Deputy Department Director level after nearly 40 years of service, and was never able to move up the ranks fast enough.
Another, Sim Serey, said promotions were based on an official’s capability to pay up.
“When there is no money, there is no promotion,” Sim Serey said.
Government Accountability Advocate San Chey said corruption was endemic in the promotion practices of the Public Service, with capable officials often overlooked for more connected PS employees.
He believed Hun Sen had raised the issue because of the General Election scheduled for July.
“He raised it in order to gain more popularity for his party,” San Chey said.
Phnom Penh, 8 May 2018
