Ministry under-secretary of state Heng Lim Try during a press conference on the ministry’s five-year achievements, on September 8. Heng Chivoan
In a five-year period, the Ministry of National Assembly-Senate Relations and Inspection has received a total of 164 complaints, 16 of them resolved. The majority of the issues were related to land disputes, with the institution continuing to encourage people to file complaints.
The ministry released an official report during a press conference on its five-year achievements on September 8.
The report, signed by minister Men Sam An, detailed complaints from 2017-2021.
It noted that some of the complaints had been referred to other relevant institutions for resolution, some withdrawn by complainants while others remained under investigation.
Most of the 16 resolved cases related to land disputes in Phnom Penh and provinces of Mondulkiri, Preah Sihanouk and Banteay Meanchey.
Heng Lim Try, ministry under-secretary of state in charge of receiving and investigating complaints, said people could file complaints to the ministry, directly or online, regarding any cases of social injustice or corruption. If certain complaints were outsides of its jurisdiction, the ministry would refer them to the relevant authorities.
Lim Try noted that that if complaints were received from the Royal Palace, the National Assembly or the government, the ministry would immediately assign officials to begin investigating.
“If the complaints come from the public, we will refer it to the most relevant professionals. If they are related to our own ministry, we will investigate accordingly,” he added.
Som Boran, director of the ministry’s Institute of Inspection, said it has been providing training in investigation to civil servants, both at national and sub-national levels. A total of 15 sessions has so far been held, with nine ministries added to the training this year alone.
“The ministry’s main mission is to monitor the implementation of the law aimed at preventing corruption, social injustice or the abuse of power to serve individuals, groups or families. It aims to protect the rights of the public and strengthen good governance,” said the report.
In the coming years, the ministry plans to launch an e-library where people can file complaints and view legal documents via their computers and smartphones, to keep pace with the development of Cambodia’s digital society.
