Dear Editor,

 

In reference to the published article in Phnom Penh Post (Dec 14-27, 2007), entitled

"World Bank launches accountability program," Mr. Brendan Brady wrongly

quoted what I addressed at the Opening Remarks (National Event at Chatomuk

Conference Hall on Dec , 2007) . 

What I said was: "Good Governance is not a new concept and is not an imported

concept from elsewhere either. It was part of the human culture and it had been practiced

by leaders in the past."

I related the example of Lord Buddha on His Enlightenment of his Four Noble

Truths and His Guilding Principles such as 5, 8 and 10, principles for guiding human

beings to find peace of mind and ways to alleviate suffering, if not to end

suffering as in Nirvana.

Also, the glorious period of the Khmer Empire was not possible either without practicing good

governance at that time.

And now, the RGC headed by Samdech MohaAkka Sena Techo Hun Sen, as Prime Minister,

also put Good Governance at the core of the Rectangular Strategy and committed to

major reforms as to insure sustainable socio-economic development with equality

and social justice.

My intention then was to re-emphasize to the audience the importance of good governance

in the country's development and we are all part of the whole process:

the government and civil societies are parties in good governance. We must build

a constructive network so that we can work together to implement the RGC's reforms

agenda and both are working toward social accountability for Cambodia and the Cambodian

people. I also said: "Good Governance can reduce corruption."

I hope you would correct the statement and not mislead your good readers.

 

Sincerely,

Ngy Chanphal

Under Secretary of State, Ministry of Interior

Project Coordinator of the "Demand For Good Governance Project"

funded by IDA/World Bank