Prime Minister Hun Manet and his wife Pich Chanmony attend the August 5 groundbreaking ceremony for the Funan Techo Canal infrastructure project in Kien Svay district, Kandal province. AKP
As Prime Minister Hun Manet marked one year in power today, analysts hold varying views on the achievements of the seventh mandate government.
Manet assumed office on August 22 last year, succeeding former Prime Minister Hun Sen, who led the country for approximately 38 years and is now the president of the Senate.
Upon taking office, Hun Manet announced his Pentagonal Strategy, which aims to transform Cambodia into an upper-middle-income country by 2030 and a high-income one by 2050.
The first phase of the strategy focuses on human resource development, infrastructure development, the expansion of water and electricity supply networks, and technological advancements. One notable project – which broke ground earlier this month – is the Funan Techo Canal project.
On August 19, the government spokesperson unit held a press conference to showcase the major achievements of the seventh-mandate government, both domestically and in foreign policy. However, some observers have differing views about Manet's leadership over the past year.
Ou Chanrath, president of the Cambodia Reform Party, noted that had little changed in the first year of Manet's leadership, with many measures resembling those of the previous administration. He believed that the new government continued to restrict freedoms, detain political and environmental activists, and file lawsuits against politicians, while issues like social problems and corruption persist.
On the economic front, he pointed out that challenges remain, such as the continued migration of workers abroad, in spite of the government's announcements of increased jobs and economic growth.
Chanrath observed that while the government has been active in attracting foreign investors, there appears to be limited investment from Western countries due to concerns about democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
"Another issue worth noting is online crime, such as scamming. Therefore, there are still unresolved issues in Cambodia that have yet to be addressed effectively,” he said.
He also remarked that the separation between legislative and executive institutions appears blurred, as power appears to be concentrated between the two. Additionally, the judiciary still seems to respond to government directives.
He acknowledged that the government has been more active in cracking down on drug-related cases, although such cases remain prevalent.
He encouraged the new government to continue its efforts to strengthen democracy and the rule of law and address numerous other issues, acknowledging that although resolving these matters will require time, political will is crucial.
Yong Kim Eng, president of the People Center for Development and Peace, highlighted several positive aspects of the new government's first year, such as stable economic growth and continued infrastructure projects like the Funan Techo Canal.
“In terms of international relations, we have also seen stability. However, there are still issues that need improvement in the realm of human rights and democracy. There were high expectations that the new government would be more open to allowing public opinions and criticisms. But I still see many people being arrested for expressing their views, so these issues have not yet progressed,” he said.
He added that he believed greater freedom would garner more support for the prime minister.
Yang Peou, secretary-general of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, recognised many successful policies and positive achievements of the new government.
“The Cambodian government has implemented the policies it announced it would, such as providing social funds and vocational training, all of which have started off well,” he said.
He continued that the government has ensured macroeconomic stability, even though Cambodia, like other countries, is facing global economic challenges due to various crises.
He also noted that the government has pursued a "colourful flower" foreign relations policy, maintaining and promoting good relations with all countries and major powers, ensuring stability, and acting firmly yet flexibly.
Peou emphasised the need for the government to continue eliminating corruption and hold those who harm the interests of the people or the country's development policies accountable.
He concluded that the government must increase public trust in civil servants, enhance the quality and efficiency of public services, and ensure that these services reach the people.
“Losing public trust in civil servants is a significant danger that a government in any democratic society must address. When people lose trust in public officials, support for the government may decline, leading to a loss of popularity or even the opportunity to lead the country,” he warned.
