A Cambodian anti-corruption group has been forced to suspend operations because of

internal corruption.

The Khmer Human Rights and Anti-Corruption Organization (KHRACO) sacked its executive

president in March 2003 for stealing money; now it has found his replacement and

an associate doing the same thing.

Yesterday the KHRACO treasurer general Lim Ky Eng, a Phnom Penh accountant, announced

at a media conference that in order to protect the group's reputation, he has appealed

to all donor organizations to suspend financial aid until it restructures and takes

action to prevent the problem occurring again. Theft of about $3,000 was involved.

"We make the public declaration that irregular and non-transparent activities

have been taking place in KHRACO that are disappointing and embarrassing and we cannot

accept," said Mr Lim. He said he founded the NGO in 1999 with a personal donation.

He asked the six media present not to name him. However, he issued a public press

release with his name and signature on it.