The National Audit Authority (NAA) has approved the establishment of Cambodia Kantha Bopha Foundation Support Commissions. The commissions will communicate and support the foundation, in addition to conducting any tasks set by its chairman.

The June 21 decision, seen by The Post on June 27, explained that the commissions, to be overseen by the NAA, will be established in state institutions, large enterprises and business associations, in order to coordinate and transfer donations to the foundation through its partner banks, or through its secretariat located at the Ministry of Economy and Finance.

NAA auditor general Som Kimsour said the commissions will maintain records of donations and keep an up-to-date list of donors’ names, gender, phone numbers and the amount of their contributions.

The information will enhance the transparency of the foundation’s work and maintain public confidence, she explained.

“The support commissions have the role of mobilising donations from officials and employees at all levels,” she added.

On June 22 and 23, finance minister Aun Pornmoniroth, who is also chairman of the board of the foundation’s trust fund, conducted a series of meetings with representatives of state institutions, as well as large enterprises and business associations, to discuss the establishment of the commissions.

Chan Narith, undersecretary of state at the finance ministry and head of the foundation’s secretariat, encouraged the meeting attendees to consider the possibility of establishing similar commissions within their own organisations.

He suggested that staff members could become members of the foundation, by donating 5,000 riel ($1.25) per month to maintain the free and sustainable operation of the Kantha Bopha children’s hospitals.

His suggestion drew positive feedback, with many of the state institution and business representatives expressing their support for the idea. More than 40 companies and institutions have already established similar commissions.