More than 1,000 retired and disabled officers from the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) have been included as regular staff and promoted within the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) to receive allowances when they retire.
CMAC director-general Heng Ratana said on Wednesday that as of early October, four groups of former CMAC officers have been transferred as regular staff and given promotions within the RCAF.
“They are all retiring officials. It means that they take a break from the work of CMAC. Our senior leadership decided to allow officials with past achievements in serving the nation to receive allowances from the State.
“CMAC will continue training specialists to continue clearing mines and unexploded ordnance,” he said.
RCAF spokesman Thong Solimo said he has not received the information and referred questions to Ministry of National Defence spokesman Chhum Socheat, who could not be reached for comment.
“He [Socheat] receives information faster than I do,” Solimo said.
RCAF infantry spokesman Mao Phalla also said he had not received the information.
Affiliated Network for Social Accountability executive director San Chey said on Wednesday that including the former officials into the political framework is a good choice. He said it should be stated clearly that they were brought in because they had achievements and work experience.
