Lawyers have called on Cambodia’s Anti-Corruption Unit to implement transparent reporting on monetary donations it receives from individual politicians and government groups.

During an anti-corruption training session on Friday, they pointed out the incapac-itating influence the ACU would face if it tried to investigate a financial donor.

“I am doubtful about the influence of a donation. If I were a wealthy person intending to donate to this unit without receiving anything back, next time if I am engaged in corruption, there will be a problem in the unit’s decision-making,” lawyer Ang Oudom said.

Another participant, opposition Sam Rainsy Party lawyer Choung Choungy, said there were many articles in the new law that needed explanation.

He said the ACU had difficulty bringing effective disciplinary action against senior officials of the government.

The Post has reported on the ACU issuing “warnings” or requesting graft monies be “paid back” instead of arresting corrupt officials.

Im Oudom, assistant to the ACU vice-president, stressed the unit was not under the influence of any individual.

“The unit will not receive the donation if it is intended to influence or cause problems in an investigation or a conflict of interest,” he said.

Mam Sitha, director of the Cambodian Independent Com­mittee of Anti-Corruption, said that because there were so many cases of corruption in public institutions, any donations from these bodies would cause difficulty.

To contact the reporter on this story: Chhay Channyda at [email protected]