Officials from the Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) teach members of the public about practical anti-corruption measures during an outreach event. ACU
Prime Minister Hun Manet has reiterated the importance of a transparent and accountable public administration in delivering effective, efficient public services.
Serving the people and the state with integrity and dedication is essential, he explained, in a message released to commemorate this year’s December 9 National and International Anti-Corruption Day.
This year, the Kingdom’s Anti-Corruption Day will focus on improving public service delivery under the theme: “Good public service, people’s love and support”.
The selection of the theme aims to promote, strengthen and manage mechanisms to provide modern and transparent public services which avoid corruption, the abuse of professional ethics or the abuse of power in the performance of roles and duties.
The prime minister’s message noted that the December 9 celebration aims to “promote the spirit of fighting corruption in all forms, in all sectors and at all levels, to participate in strengthening good governance and the rule of law in the leadership and management of the state, which is the basis for the development of society”.
The seventh-mandate government has implemented the Pentagonal Strategy for work growth, equity, efficiency and sustainability. Among its latest reforms are the implementation of the single-character system, the development of institutions, the strengthening of good governance and the expansion of work efficiency in the public sector.
Manet pointed out that some of the government’s most significant achievements include maintaining economic growth, fostering investment, promoting the welfare of citizens and civil servants and implementing reforms across all sectors, particularly in public finance, justice and administrative management. These efforts aim to enhance quality, efficiency and sustainable development.
He highlighted the government's commitment to strengthening legal frameworks to combat corruption through three core measures: education, prevention and enforcement. These efforts are supported by internal controls and international cooperation to ensure accountability and integrity.
Despite global economic challenges and the instability of international peace, the government remains committed to overcoming obstacles to further Cambodia's development and improve the quality of life for all citizens.
The prime minister expressed his confidence in positive outcomes, stating: “As long as we unite under the shared banner of nation, religion and King, we will achieve our collective goals for a better future”.
He called on all anti-corruption agencies, institutions and related parties to undertake key activities to support joint efforts, including broadening anti-corruption education in schools and workplaces, as well as public and private institutions.
“Promoting preventive measures in public administration, including the provision of transparent public services and accountability, the management of conflicts, the protection of individual interests, disciplinary reporting and other penalties are crucial,” he explained.
The head of government added that the work of rooting out corruption needs required all parties to be united, and that cleanliness must come from the homes of each institution. The Anti-Corruption Unit ACU), which serves as the government’s chief inspection unit, must play a role in promoting and facilitating necessary cooperation, both in education and prevention work with all partners, especially to focus on the implementation of the government's national policy and development plans, in line with the Royal National Strategic Plan Against Corruption issued by the National Council Against Corruption.
In the past three years, the ACU has stepped out outreach activities to spread anti-corruption messages using similar methods, especially around the December 9 celebrations.
ACU spokesman Soy Chanvichet stated that seven ACU teams comprising 67 members have actively engaged in campaigns in 14 districts across Phnom Penh and provinces such as Kampong Speu, Takeo and Svay Rieng.
The locations they visited included schools, universities, one window service, markets, police stations and factories. In addition, a large concert was held on December 3.
Public engagement has significantly improved, he reported, with citizens gaining awareness of the campaign’s objectives and the mechanisms for reporting and addressing corruption cases, ensuring collective participation in the fight against corruption.
“We have sent a message to the public. They have received the information they need, and if they want to participate in the fight against corruption, they know which way to go,” said Chanvichet.
“The message is to join the fight against corruption. First of all, they must be determined not to commit corruption. In addition, if they see corruption, they should inform us or file a complaint, in accordance with the mechanisms that our campaign informed them about,” he added.
