Interior minister Sar Kheng said the police officials showed a lack of leadership and failed to carry out their duties. Hean Rangsey
Minister of Interior Sar Kheng issued five disciplinary letters dated March 26 to the Kampong Thom provincial police chief, deputy police chiefs and officers under their command for showing a lack of leadership and failing to carry out their duties, it was revealed on Tuesday.
Those warned were provincial police chief Ouk Kosal, provincial deputy police chief in charge of the Anti-Economic Crime Department Va Chankosal, provincial deputy police chief in charge of the Human Resource Department Im Sokoeurn, deputy provincial police chief in charge of the Criminal Investigations Department Tith Samnang and provincial traffic police chief Rum Sovichea.
“Those named must correct their wrongdoing. If they fail to do so, the National Police force will take further disciplinary action,” one of the letters said.
It was the first time the officials had been warned.
The head of the ministry’s personnel department Pen Vibol told The Post on Tuesday that the letters were released by his department on Sar Kheng’s orders.
National Police spokesman Chhay Kim Khoeun said on Tuesday that the five officials had committed mistakes in their work. He said the warning was the first step and the officials will be allowed to correct their behaviour.
If they make further serious mistakes that can’t be forgiven, they will be removed from their positions, Kim Khoeun said.
The five officials could not be reached for comment on Tuesday.
Provincial governor Sok Lou said on Tuesday that the officials had not made significant mistakes but they had not performed their work well. He said this warning was a message to persuade them to change their ways.
Asked why they were warned, Lou said that the warning was attributed to frictions in internal affairs.
He said the officials have responded to the warnings and have started to perform well again.
“It has nothing to do with traffic law implementation or anything else. I’m glad that he [Sar Kheng] admonished the officials.
“Admonishing these officials is not only a warning for Kampong Thom provincial officials but also for officials nationwide. They must have internal unity, strengthen discipline and handle their work,” he said.
