Phnom Penh (FN), Feb. 19 – Cambodian Delegate Minister, also Chairman of the Royal Government Spokesperson's Unit Pen Bona stated that it has been six months since Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet took office. In the past six months, Samdech Thipadei has achieved many accomplishments for the benefit of the nation and its people.
Cambodian delegate minister spoke on Monday (Feb. 19) at a press conference to present the achievements of Royal Government in the new mandate over the past six months under the leadership of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet at the Office of the Council of Ministers.
Pen Bona highlighted the detailed achievements of the following six priority policies as follow:
1. Expansion of Health Services: Since the announcement of implementation at the end of 2023, the relevant ministries, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Labor have actively implemented and made significant progress. The provision of health services has two programs. The first program is the expansion through the Health Equity Fund, and second is the expansion of health services through the national social security fund (NSSF) system via the voluntary contribution system, which includes those responsible for public official and for workers (those engaged in the informal economy). As of the beginning of 2024, there are more than 130,000 registered people, and these two programs cover nearly 7 million individuals, which is about 40 per cent of the total population.
At this point, Pen Bona underlined that the objective of Samdech Thipdei is not only to provide health services to all but also to offer quality services, including proficient doctors who diagnose accurately, prescribe appropriate medication, and provide quality medicine.
2. Vocational and Technical Training: According to the plan, 1.5 million people will receive free training and a subsidy of 280,000R per month. Nearly 30,000 users are now registered. On 15 January 2024, the Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training announced the commencement of a training course with 673 classes. Ongoing and expanding activities aim to empower 1.5 million people and all skilled individuals to earn a livelihood.
3. National Social Assistance Program: This program comprises two types. Type 1: The National Social Assistance Program in the family package includes a cash support program for pregnant women and children under 2 years old, scholarships for impoverished students in primary and secondary education, cash support for people with disabilities, and financial assistance for individuals aged 60 years and older. Type 2: Social protection in response to disasters encompasses natural disasters (including hurricanes, floods), public health crises, and macroeconomic and financial crises.
4. National Strategy for Informal Economic Development: A significant number of people are engaged in the informal economy across the country. This extensive work is interconnected from the Ministry to the capital-province level, requiring substantial efforts to organize a practical work system for informal economists.
5. Coordination Mechanism and Financing Programs: The Royal Government allocated a US$ 100 million, with the possibility to allocate more budgets if necessary to assist farmers in achieving higher incomes, balancing production, and maintaining food security.
To achieve this goal, the Ministry of Agriculture and Commerce is engaged in various tasks, including establishing a coordination group between the two ministries, providing guidance at the capital-provincial level to establish a joint working group, and monitoring the development of rice prices in regional and global markets, ready to purchase stockpiled rice for food security and price stability.
6. Deployment of technical officers: In response to this policy, the Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with the Ministry of Civil Service, has initiated the first phase of recruiting 250 officials and identified another 800 communes for the second phase in April.
In addition to the aforementioned achievements, Pen Bona also highlighted other significant accomplishments in the fields of justice, public administration, land, and security as follow:
In the justice sector, Pen Bona mentioned that the Ministry of Justice has embarked on sharp and active reforms. The National Non-judicial Dispute Resolution Authority began accepting complaints on 1 March, initiating two "campaigns" in early 2024 to promote and expedite case resolution in courts and oversee the examination and resolution of irregularities within the judicial system. Additionally, the Steering Committee for Judicial Reform is committed to ensuring justice for the people.
In public administration sector, the Ministry of Civil Service, has spearheaded numerous reforms, including two recruitment examinations for the hiring of 250 commune agricultural officers and 100 physical education and sports teachers. Both recruitment drives have been transparent and well-received across all sectors of society. Generally, no irregularities or suspicions have arisen.
The Ministry of Civil Service has also led various other reforms, including bolstering institutional capacity, enhancing the management and capabilities of civil servants, and improving the delivery of public services.
In land sector, the Ministry is actively striving to establish a land-conflict-free environment in Cambodia. To this end, the Ministry has issued and distributed 5 million land titles to citizens, completed survey work, ensured proper technical measurement through the Cadastral Commission, and worked diligently to resolve land disputes through the National Authority for Land Dispute Resolution. Overall, land disputes are at an unprecedented low. The ministry has now equipped citizens with digital devices to facilitate land verification.
For the security, on 14 February, Samdech Thipadei issued a strict directive to the state capital to review the location of gambling establishments, halt the issuance of new licenses, and potentially revoke licenses nationwide. The Ministry of Interior has cracked down on gambling and drug-related offenses, handling over 3,000 drug cases and confiscating more than 300 kilograms of drugs, resulting in the arrest of over 8,000 individuals. Relevant authorities have implemented necessary measures to foster safe village and commune environments.
Based on these achievements, Minister Pen Bona, concluded that over the past six months, the Royal Government has been proactive and visionary, led by young leaders with ample experience. It is a government that accomplishes more in less time, led by a leader who not only speaks but delivers results.
Pen Bona also observed that within just six months, the popularity of the Royal Government of Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet has surged, garnering support from people of all walks of life, nationally and internationally. Cambodians, regardless of age or gender, have closely followed the government's activities and witnessed its activism and achievements, exceeding expectations, thereby expressing high confidence and full support. Never before has a six-month-old government enjoyed such widespread popularity.
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