Information ministry spokesman Tep Asnarith (centre right) speaks about a ministry recommendation urging provincial departments to monitor and control public sentiment during a meeting with the Kampong Thom provincial information department on October 11. Supplied
A recent recommendation from the Ministry of Information urging provincial departments to monitor and control public sentiment, particularly on social media, has raised concerns about whether the primary intent is to maintain stability or stifle local opinions.
The guidline, aimed at understanding community concerns and shaping public opinion, is seen by some as a double-edged sword that may unintentionally – or even deliberately – suppress criticism under the guise of maintaining peace.
Ministry spokesman Tep Asnarith spoke about the recommendation during a meeting with the Kampong Thom provincial information department on October 11.
He emphasised the growing role of the department in managing local information and public discourse in the digital age, stressing the need for proactive monitoring of emerging issues.
Asnarith explained that the purpose of monitoring and gathering public information is to listen to the people's voices.
“The role of all provincial administrations is to use the information department as a public information liaison,” he told The Post. “We listen to the needs of the people in their daily lives and raise issues to promote development at the commune, district and provincial levels.”
Among the four tasks outlined in the recommendation, the first is to monitor emerging situations to understand the key topics of interest among the general population and communities in various parts of the province.
“No story [fake news] should be allowed to remain in the public domain, especially on social media, if it could negatively impact public sentiment or threaten the public interest, potentially disrupting peace in the community,” it states.
The second task is to develop a mechanism and strategy to coordinate information efforts through a proactive communication, Asnarith said.
“This should become a regular practice in managing public opinion,” he told The Post. “The department should increase digital content for platforms such as Facebook, TikTok and YouTube, focusing on priority areas set by the provincial administration to foster development and improve the daily lives of the people.”
He said the third task is to continue strengthening good relations and network cooperation with all local stakeholders at every level, as well as with the media, to build an effective information dissemination system.
Asnarith noted this approach aims to ensure timely public communication that supports stability in the community and sustains public welfare.
Task four is to establish a "home", meaning a system of procedures that focuses on strengthening clear plans along with methods to measure results and efficiency.
The spokesman emphasised the importance of continuously researching and adopting new knowledge, skills and methods to meet the demands of the digital age and technological advancements.
Asnarith acknowledged that while the department lacks expertise in some fields, it remains responsible for providing information to capital-provincial leaders and other departments.
He said this helps address citizen concerns and ensure peace while protecting the public interest.
In light of social and technological development, the internet and social media have become platforms where citizens can raise issues, particularly concerning community life.
“Key areas of concern for the people include agriculture, trade, livelihoods and improving family and community life,” Asnarith told The Post.
“I’ve heard reports from the Kampong Thom provincial information department and local authorities, who have received praise from the people for their leadership in driving community growth and development. Many issues have been resolved through direct information provided by the department,” he said.
Asnarith highlighted that a focus on youth is crucial, especially regarding education and employment, which require organised mechanisms for dialogue and opinion sharing.
He stressed the importance of advertising on websites, social media, traditional media like radio and television and other platforms.
Lastly, Asnarith stated that the government is working closely with all sectors, including the private sector, to achieve economic growth and elevate Cambodia to a high-income nation.
