July 17, 2011
Fight Corruption Now – Distributing Wealth to
Benefit All!
The existence of ‘ghost’ soldiers is no secret to Prime Minister Hun Sen. Millions of dollars of State funds have been lost to corruption committed during the demobilization of soldiers following the 1991 Paris Peace Accords and a second stage of demobilization followed with a US$18.4 million World Bank loan. Marred with corruption, the World Bank discontinued the project.
Last week a request was made by the Ministry of Economy and Finance for the Ministry of Social Welfare to return more than US$5 million embezzled through falsified budgets and pensions collected in the name of ‘ghost’ veterans. They also have demanded an immediate and in-depth inquiry of all Ministries concerned. Embezzlement of public funds, falsification of documents are crimes with stiff penalties under the Penal Code and the Anti-Corruption Law.
The time is now for Cambodian people to unite against corruption! Every year until now hundreds of million of dollars has been embezzled by this government and its officials either through the process of collecting revenue, through government expenditure or through government concession policy. This money was intended to be used to better pay for genuine civil servants, teachers and soldiers and especially to allow for the sustainable development of our country.
We, the Members of Parliament of the Sam Rainsy Party can no longer accept what is really a token political gesture to “return” the stolen State funds. This does not go far enough to address what has become a systemic problem in our country – government corruption. We demand the following:
An immediate and full independent and public investigation This investigation is to be transparent and objectively conducted into the investigation of all relevant Ministries including the Office of the Prime Minister and Ministry of Council of Ministers on the misappropriation of state funds and those held accountable to be brought for justice. This includes the suspension and criminal retribution of all those found responsible in accordance with Law.
- The government is to release all falsified documents and expenses including the payroll list for soldiers, civil servants and government contracts (including oil and gas contracts), land, mining concessions and so forth.
- The government adopt the law on Freedom of Information proposed by the the Sam Rainsy Party Members of Parliament.
Corruption thrives in a climate of secrecy and impunity. Corruption threatens good governance sustainable, democratic process and fair business practices. More importantly corruption creates poverty and human rights abuses.
SRP Members of Parliament
For further information contact: MP Son Chhay on [email protected] or MP Mu Sochua on 012- 831040
