US Ambassador Calls for Curbs on Corruption
U.S. Ambassador William Todd on Tuesday used his weekly newspaper column to urge Cambodia’s government to immediately conduct reforms that would even the country’s economic playing field, curb corruption, restore democratic freedoms and generally address the concerns of citizens who want change. “Corruption and nepotism contribute to an uneven playing field that poorer Cambodians and those without family connections are hard-pressed to overcome,” Mr. Todd said in his column, which is published in the Khmer-language Rasmei Kampuchea daily and on the Cambodia Express News website. … Government spokesman Phay Siphan said that Mr. Hun Sen’s administration is already working on the reforms recommended by Mr. Todd, adding, “We don’t need any other nation to help us.” “[Mr. Todd] complains about nepotism and corruption. The government has been taking care of that. This issue does not find a solution overnight,” Mr. Siphan said. Mr. Siphan said that the government’s suppression of freedom of assembly has been a step forward for democracy. “It is not the wrong direction, it is the right direction to strengthen law and order and democracy. This democracy doesn’t allow anyone to commit anarchy on the street,” he said. …
Colin Meyn
http://www.cambodiadaily.com/news/us-ambassador-calls-for-curbs-on-corruption-51436/
