Cheam Chansophorn, the son of the National Assembly’s Banking and Finance Commission chairman, Cheam Yeab, has been appointed the governor of Tbong Khmum province, replacing Ly Leng.
The appointment was among several others announced through a royal decree issued on November 3 and obtained by The Post on Tuesday.
Chansophorn told The Post that he is “happy and worried” about his new role as it came with “many responsibilities”.
“The most important thing for me is to serve the people well and help resolve their problems,” he said. Prior to the appointment, Chansophorn was the deputy governor of Battambang province.
Meanwhile, Leng has been appointed the head of the office of the Senate’s first vice-president, Sim Ka.
Affiliated Network for Social Accountability executive director San Chey said, promoting families or relatives of senior government officers is common in Cambodia.
He said the practice of nepotism is worrisome, as it triggers corruption.
“If this situation continues to occur, it will become a bad model for the next generation’s officials. They might envy their colleagues and do whatever it takes to make connections of their own,” he said.
Prom Sokha, Ministry of Civil Service's secretary of state, is set to preside over the appointment ceremony on Wednesday, during which, Uy Sotheavy, the former deputy governor of Tbong Khmum province, will replace Chansophorn as the incoming deputy governor of Battambang province.
Ponhea Kraek district mayor Long Theam will also be officiated as the new deputy governor of Tbong Khmum province.
