Prime Minister Hun Manet chairs the plenary session of the Council of Ministers on August 23 in Phnom Penh. STPM
Prime Minister Hun Manet instructed relevant ministries and institutions to continue to improve the protection and well-being of the elderly, highlighting their important roles in creating useful resources and experiences for the next generation.
In a circular dated August 26 on the organisation of both the Cambodian and International Day of Older Persons on October 1, Manet stated that the celebration aims to “enhance effective protection and promote the well-being of older people.”
"The day also highlights the important role of the elderly, our ancestors who created valuable resources and provided countless knowledge, skills and experience for the next generation," he said.
The circular stated that the government considers the day as the commemoration of the merits of the Cambodian elderly, the ancestors, grandparents, parents, uncles and aunts who built and left a precious legacy.
Manet advised the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation and the Cambodian National Committee for Elderly (CNCE) to cooperate with ministries, development partners, NGOs and relevant international organisations to celebrate the day.
He instructed the Phnom Penh and provincial administrations to organise the celebration by fostering an environment where government officials, the armed forces at all levels, monks, clergy and people of all ages can participate in raising awareness about the importance of the National Ageing Policy 2017-2030.
He also directed all ministries and institutions that are members of the CNCE to establish a working group dedicated to supporting senior citizens and promoting the implementation of the policy.
“All ministries, institutions and sub-national administrations must visit the elderly in local communities, pagodas and religious temples, bringing generous donations to assist the sick, disabled, poor and helpless elderly," Manet stated.
“The sub-national administrations must continue to promote the establishment of more elderly associations in local communities across the Kingdom, according to the set plan. This effort should be grounded in the spirit of solidarity, focusing on mutual support among older people, especially in caring for the sick, disabled, poor and helpless," he added.
The prime minister also called on development partners, NGOs and international organisations to continue supporting existing programmes for the development of elderly associations.
Yong Kim Eng, president of the People's Centre for Development and Peace (PDP-Centre), told The Post on August 27 that it is commendable that the prime minister instructed ministries and institutions to take care of senior citizens. However, he emphasised the need for an action plan that targets specific individuals, demonstrating a clear commitment from the government.
“We do not want to see just the celebration of Elderly Day; we want to see practical actions to support them. What older people need most is healthcare. Does the state support [this] and provide them with National Social Security Fund (NSSF) cards for treatment?
“If healthcare support is taken into account, the priority should be to consider providing NSSF cards to the poor elderly. These cards must be implemented effectively and without discrimination by hospital staff and physicians. This can offer older people hope in their later years,” he said.
Kim Eng also highlighted the importance of the state looking after the livelihoods of older persons, noting that while some have support, others do not. He noted that when the elderly are unable to work and earn a living, they must rely on the care of relatives and the state.
“If their relatives are poor or do not support them, then the state must step in as it has a responsibility to the people. The state cannot evade this responsibility,” he added.
