In a bid to allay parents’ concerns that their children will be disadvantaged in the upcoming national high school exit exams if they don’t resort to bribery, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports has issued a statement claiming the tests will be transparent and fair.

The statement on Monday appealed to candidates to study hard and respect the rules during the tests on August 22 and 23, noting that “if you are capable, you will pass the examination”.

“To prevent possible problems that can cause the loss of funds and transparency, the Ministry of Education calls on parents and candidates not to be persuaded by lies from opportunists and please cooperate with the ministry,” the statement said.

Still, some parents are concerned.

“Three days ago, I heard my daughter’s friend say that her parents have paid money to a teacher claiming to help her to pass the approaching examination,” said Ken Sophanny, 52, a green grocer at Tuol Sangke market. “If this happens, the high school examination this year will be unfair for the poor people’s children, like my daughter.”