M ilitary police who helped in a crack-down on tax evasion were given a cash

reward by Finance Minister Sam Rainsy.

Rainsy paid 69 million riel

($26,744) to the unit of 1,000 MPs who helped the Ministry in coping with

illegal business activities.

At a presentation ceremony on Jan. 22

Rainsy said the money was a sign of gratefulness and encouragement for the

poorly paid MPs.

He said he was proud of the MPs who worked closely as

partners without thinking of party affiliation.

 

Last December they had helped him succeed in a series of operations to seize

over 20 truck loads of tax-escaping imported items along Route 4.

Rainsy

said: "It shows patriots from all circles, all factions give importance to the

nation's interest. We might have died or lived together during our operations

and I was very happy to work with you."

"We tried to push for a

law-abiding atmosphere, to serve the nation's interest and we will continue our

commitment to work together to crack down on law-breakers," he said, adding that

without proper regulations Cambodia could not be developed.

The minister

said the money given to the MPs had come from fines levied on the owners of the

seized imported goods, which were paid in addition to the taxes due on the

goods.

The award will also be used to improve the unit's headquarters in

the former Police Academy in Tuol Kok, Phnom Penh.

Unit commander Gen.

Keo Samuon said the number of MPs would be expanded and re-deployed to ensure

order and security nationwide. They were initially trained and formed from

different armed factions by UNTAC peacekeepers in July 1993.