Anti-Graft

Acoalition of local and international NGOs hope to put graft in the spotlight during Wednesday’s celebration of International Anticorruption Day that is expected be held in Phnom Penh and eight provinces, officials said on Sunday. The celebrations, which will start with an event at Phnom Penh’s Chenla Theatre, carries added significance this year, organisers said, with the Council of Ministers set to discuss the country’s long-stalled draft Anticorruption Law on Friday. “The objective of the programme is to urge the government to approve the draft Anticorruption Law and encourage residents to avoid corruption,” said Yong Kim Eng, director of the People’s Centre for Development and Peace. More than 1,000 people are expected to join in the celebrations, said organisers, who also include the Coalition for Integrity and Social Accountability and 43 local and overseas NGOs. In addition to celebrations to be held in the capital, anti-graft events have also been organised in Preah Sihanouk, Siem Reap, Battambang, Pursat, Banteay Meanchey, Oddar Meanchey, Stung Treng and Kampong Thom provinces.