ONE of Cambodia's leading unions has

criticised the proposed incoming government for being too bloated,

saying that the expected 400-member Cabinet would increase inefficiency

and strain the national budget.

Cambodian Independent Teachers Association (CITA) President Rong

Chhun issued a letter Thursday asking the Cabinet to be pared back,

saying the increased salaries for teachers and civil servants was more

important than creating more government positions.

According to the letter, the proposed Cabinet will include nine

deputy prime ministers, 16 senior ministers, 26 ministers, 172

secretaries of state and 168 undersecretaries of state.

Top-heavy government

There is no need for the government to have a "bigger head than its body", the letter stated.

"Every

parliamentarian who is a representative of the people must consider

concerns arising from the inflation of Cabinet members." 

Government spokesman Khieu Kanharith could not be reached for comment.

However,

Cheam Yeap, a lawmaker for the ruling Cambodian People's Party, said

the large number of Cabinet members would not have a negative impact so

long as these members support Prime Minister Hun Sen's government.