(From top left) Cheam Chansophoan, Vei Samnang, Kuoch Chamroeun, Pen Kosal. (From bottom left) Mang Sineth, Mean Chanyada, Nuon Pharath, Sor Soputra. Supplied
Eight provinces have seen new governors appointed by Royal Decree, with four current governors being transferred to new locations and four former deputy governors being promoted.
The four governors who have completed their terms have been appointed as secretaries of state at the Ministry of Interior.
The eight provinces are Stung Treng, Oddar Meanchey, Preah Sihanouk, Kampong Thom, Takeo, Kampong Speu, Kandal and Tbong Khmum.
According to the June 24 royal decree, Kampong Speu provincial governor Vei Samnang will replace Takeo provincial governor Ouch Phea, who was appointed secretary of state at the Ministry of Interior.
Samnang’s former role will be filled by Tbong Khmum provincial governor Cheam Chansophoan, whose role will in turn be assumed by Oddar Meanchey provincial governor Pen Kosal.
Phnom Penh deputy governor Mean Chanyada was appointed Oddar Meanchey provincial governor, replacing Kosal.
Preah Sihanouk provincial governor Kuoch Chamroeun has replaced Kandal provincial governor Kong Sophoan, who will now take up the role of interior ministry secretary of state.
Preah Sihanouk provincial deputy governor Mang Sineth was appointed governor of the province.
Kampong Speu provincial deputy governor Sor Soputra will assume the governor’s position in Stung Treng. He replaces Svay Sam Eang, who was appointed secretary of state at the ministry.
Phnom Penh deputy governor Nuon Pharath was appointed as Kampong Thom provincial governor, replacing Nguon Rattanak, who has also become a ministry secretary of state.
Royal Academy of Cambodia secretary-general Yang Peou believed that the government must be prepared to carry out reforms to the territorial administrations when necessary.
He noted that if a provincial or district governor does a good job, he or she should be given the opportunity to hold a better position, in order to set an example for other provinces or districts.
“For example, if he or she manages his or her province well, they should serve as a model for other provinces. I think the seventh mandate government should be prepared to do this,” he said.
People Center for Development and Peace (PDP) president Yong Kim Eng explained that the change of provincial governors is simply part of the administrative process.
