31-3-2024 (PHNOM PENH) Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet has made public order a top priority since assuming office in August last year. As part of his efforts, a policy of “house cleansing” has been implemented, requiring drug testing for all police, military personnel, and civil servants at the national and sub-national levels.
According to Ministry of Interior spokesperson Touch Sokhak, as of March 28, more than 230 police officers have been dismissed or demoted for involvement with drugs or serious disciplinary violations. He stated that since the new government came into power, over 160 officials from the National Police and General Department of Prisons (GDI) have been dismissed after testing positive for drugs. Additionally, more than 50 officials from these agencies have been dismissed for general disciplinary infractions, and more than 20 have been demoted.
Sokhak noted that the testing of civil servants is still ongoing, and therefore, specific figures are not yet available.
Kin Phea, a political analyst and director of the Royal Academy of Cambodia’s International Relations Institute, commended the government’s clear and focused plan to combat narcotics, which includes drug testing for armed forces and civil servants. Phea believed that ensuring no state employees are drug users is an excellent decision that will contribute to eradicating the drug problem. He also highlighted the government’s efforts in arresting and sentencing the leaders of various drug trafficking operations, emphasizing the strong message it sends in the fight against drugs.
Phea expressed support for the dismissal of officials who tested positive for drugs and the prosecution of those involved in narcotics trafficking. He also praised the government’s stance against illegal gambling and its commitment to enforcing traffic laws, particularly through breathalyzer testing. However, Phea acknowledged that there have been incidents of unprofessional conduct by some police officers during breath testing procedures.
Sokhak explained that the actions taken against police officers and civil servants align with the former Prime Minister Hun Sen’s reform agenda, specifically the “surgery” component of his memorable five-point reform slogan. This approach also reflects the sentiments expressed by Prime Minister Manet and Interior Minister Sar Sokha.
The Ministry of Interior spokesperson emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring clean officials within the National Police, prison department, and public administration. He emphasized that the focus is not on quantity but on the quality and effectiveness of their work for the government, the people, and the Kingdom as a whole.
