Ministry of Civil Service spokesman Youk Bunna said officials should be punctual to ensure the people are served effectively. Hean Rangsey
The Ministry of Civil Service spokesman Youk Bunna said civil servants across the country who carry out their duties properly and loyally will be rewarded with salary increases, but those found to be doing otherwise would be punished.
Speaking on Monday at the Council of Ministers meeting on its achievements for last year and plans for this year, he said the ministry strives to enforce civil service principles and policies, and is responsible for monitoring and examining the progress of improving public service quality at national and sub-national levels.
Therefore, he said if a ministry pushes for salary increases for its civil servants, the Ministry of Civil Service believes the officials at that ministry should work harder as well.
“Please try to work harder when your salary increases, if not, it is unacceptable. We must consider that we work in public services, and we must provide public service. That is the job of all officials,” he said.
He said he wanted all levels of civil servants to change their behaviour and become positive role models. As public service providers, officials, he said, should be punctual to ensure the people are served effectively.
Bunna also said some officials faced legal actions and were fired for misbehaviour. He said more people will be fired if they continue to not fulfil their roles.
The Ministry of Civil Service 2019 annual report said Cambodia has a total of 218,482 civil servants, including 45,599 at the national level.
Affiliated Network for Social Accountability executive director San Chey said when Cambodia is experiencing economic development, the provision of public services should not be confined to preparing birth and marriage certificates but extend to land and health services.
He suggested that to improve services, the government should simplify its processes. “If the system of providing a service is complicated, the people are forced to pay unofficially to get them.
“We have learnt that it is difficult to ask for construction permission for instance. That creates an issue because the procedure is so complicated, people look at ways to bypass it and this promotes corruption,” he said.
