Cambodian police, prosecutors and policymakers were hosted in Washington recently by the US government, as part of America’s efforts to support the drafting of the Kingdom’s controversial cybercrime law.

The group of 10 delegates, who returned on Sunday after the five-day study tour, included members from several ministries including interior, post and telecommunications, justice and the Council of Ministers.

Telecommunications Ministry spokesman Khov Makara said the officials met with members of the FBI and other relevant departments to exchange experiences, adding the Cambodian officials wanted to learn from the US experts. “They are more advanced than us in that sector,” he said.

US Embassy spokesman Jay Raman said the Cambodian officials were advised about how America deals with cybercrime issues and also discussed international best practices for cybercrime laws.

“The group met with elements of the federal government, district courts and private companies for wide-ranging, technical discussions on emerging issues in cyberspace,” he said.

A version of the law obtained by the Post in December had nixed controversial clauses penalising online content that “slanders or undermines” the government or public officials, but Interior Ministry official Pol Lim, head of the drafting team, yesterday wouldn’t say whether they remained within the 37 articles that comprise the current draft.