"Cabinet reshuffle aims to increase work efficiency: Cambodian PM"

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PHNOM PENH, April 4 (FN) — Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen said Monday that the unprecedented mid-term cabinet reshuffle aimed to boost work efficiency, although the opposition and analysts said the move was not very effective.

"As the head of the Royal Government of Cambodia, I think that 2016 is a suitable year for the government to check and assess its past mid-term achievements and to set out necessary measures in order to improve work efficiency for the next mid-term period," Hun Sen told the National Assembly before a vote of confidence for a cabinet reshuffle.

The National Assembly on Monday approved eight ministers and 14 secretaries of state to be appointed in the government's mid-term cabinet reshuffle, although most of the opposition lawmakers voted against it.

According to the result of the confidential vote announced by National Assembly president Heng Samrin, 70 lawmakers voted in favor, 24 voted against and 13 voted in abstentions.

"In accordance with the result of the vote, I'd like solemnly declare that the new members of the government have been approved by the National Assembly," he said.

All but two of the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party lawmakers, voted against or in abstentions, as they said that the same faces were appointed as ministers in the reshuffled cabinet.

Minister of Posts and Telecommunications Prak Sokhonn was appointed as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, replacing outgoing Hor Namhong. Namhong is still holding his position as a deputy prime minister.

Minister of Public Work and Transport Tram Iv Tek became the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications, while Minister of Commerce Sun Chanthol was assigned as Minister of Public Work and Transport.

Commerce Secretary of State Pan Sorasak was promoted to the Minister of Commerce.

Water Resources and Meteorology Secretary of State Veng Sakhon became the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery, replacing Ouk Rabun who was appointed as the Minister of Rural Development.

Minister of Rural Development Chea Sophara was assumed as the Minister of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction, replacing outgoing minister Im Chhun Lim.