Minister of Civil Service Prum Sokha during a press conference recently. Hong Menea
The Ministry of Civil Service requested that the governors of the capital, provinces, towns and districts recruit civil servants and contract officials into the state employment framework by holding an examination to ensure high transparency and accountability with applicants approved based on merit.
The ministry said those administrations should also encourage female candidates and those with disabilities.
“When necessary, governors of the capital, provinces, towns and districts can ask for cooperation from the Ministry of Civil Service by March of 2023 to hold their examination for recruitment instead. The examination must be in compliance with all required formalities and legal documents in force,” wrote Minister of Civil Service Prum Sokha in a letter obtained by The Post on January 11.
He said as for the recruitment of contract officials, they must do written and oral tests and comply with guidelines and conditions such as making a public announcement at least one week prior to the exam and copy it to the Ministry of Civil Service. The candidates must be of Cambodian nationality and age 18 or older and they must sign on to the job for a minimum of three months and a maximum of 12 months guaranteed employment.
“In case there is a change in the number of contract officials different from the table in the appendix by the Ministry of Interior on the distribution of the use of contract officials recognised by the Ministry of Civil Service, they must apply for a permit with the recognition of the Ministry of Civil Service to make changes in the IT system,” he said.
Oddar Meanchey provincial deputy governor Dy Rado said on January 11 that the province has not yet held its examination and has not received a letter from the ministry either. When the province receives a letter from the ministry, it would then check the letter accordingly and hold the examination to guarantee the best quality candidates are employed.
“In principle, we don’t discriminate against anyone, whether they are women or disabled persons,” he said. “As of the quality of examination, I assure that the candidates will only pass according to their real capacities.”
Preah Sihanouk provincial administration spokesman Kheang Phearom said on January 11 that having received the letter from the ministry, the provincial administration is planning to hold the entrance examination in coordination with the department of civil service.
He added that the recruitment of new officials is needed because at present, the number of officials they have employed does not yet meet the administration’s needs.
