NGO
STATEMENT TO THE 2001 CONSULTATIVE GROUP
MEETING ON CAMBODIA
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Introduction
The effects of corruption take both concrete and less tangible forms. At the most basic level, corruption results in inefficient management of public resources and governmental decision-making based upon the personal gain of those in positions of power rather than the public welfare. Among the immediate results of this unprincipled behavior in a developing country like Cambodia are such basic things as reduced levels of health, education, and infrastructure. Beyond these immediate effects, corruption corrodes the basis for trust between public officials and the public they are supposed to serve, thus undermining and preventing the further development of the foundations of democracy itself. Thus for example, the corrupt practice of vote-buying illustrates the commonly held conviction that once candidates are in power, they'll act in their own personal interests anyway, so the voter quite reasonably expects little beyond the price of his or her vote. Recommendations
Programs to increase transparency in the hiring and promotion of civil servants at all levels must be implemented. Salaries of all civil servants must be raised to a level at which graft and corruption will be minimized and pride in public service fostered.
Efforts to pass effective anti-corruption legislation should be expedited. Key to the success of any legislative scheme will be a truly independent anti-corruption body with effective investigatory powers, and an independent judiciary before which to bring its charges. In addition, a law on declaration of assets by government employees must be passed. It can truly be said that progress, or the lack of it, on this legislation will be the true measure of the political will to fight corruption in Cambodia.
To break down the system of corruption in Cambodia it is imperative that Cambodians come to see that the only proper role for those in positions of political and governmental power is that of public servant. This concept must be inculcated at all levels of education in Cambodia, and should be made part of the required training of all government officials. The holding of public office in Cambodia must come to be seen as a privilege that carries with it the highest levels of ethical and moral responsibility.
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