A Change of Guard

សូមស្តាប់វិទ្យុសង្គ្រោះជាតិ Please read more Khmer news and listen to CNRP Radio at National Rescue Party. សូមស្តាប់វីទ្យុខ្មែរប៉ុស្តិ៍/Khmer Post Radio.
Follow Khmerization on Facebook/តាមដានខ្មែរូបនីយកម្មតាម Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/khmerization.khmerican

Monday 8 December 2014

The Importance of Transparency

500_amb
By William E. Todd, U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Cambodia

This week, I took a work trip to beautiful Siem Reap province.  While there, I had the chance to speak with a smart young university student who asked me about the need for transparency in government.This is an area where people often express to me their desire for change, and it brought to mind the popular quote in the United States that “sunlight is the best disinfectant.”  This quote is often used to stress that the public interest is best served when governments and organizations operate in a spirit of openness and transparency.  As the major parties continue to work out their differences on power sharing, election reform, and other important topics, I hope that they will be mindful of the need to work together to create a society that values civic engagement, embraces peaceful public dissent, and protects those who tackle corruption.

The recent discussions about a whistleblower protection law are a step in the right direction. Last week, a joint commitment of the Anti-Corruption Unit and the National Assembly’s Anti-Corruption Committee announced plans to draft a law to provide safeguards for individuals seeking to expose corruption.  This is promising news, particularly for civil society organizations that have been calling for effective whistleblower protection legislation for years.  As we have learned in the United States, one of the best ways to combat official corruption and graft is by making it possible for people to report misconduct without fear of retribution.  A good whistleblower law based on international standards could go a long way towards helping Cambodia tackle this longstanding problem.

It is one thing to have a good whistleblower protection law, but it is another thing to enforce it fairly and effectively.  Even the best law will have no effect if it is selectively enforced.  This takes political and moral courage, as well as a change in culture for organizations that have become accustomed to small- and large-scale corruption.  It is encouraging to see that Cambodia’s leaders are willing to consider measures to safeguard citizens who take the brave step to expose corruption and mismanagement.  Hopefully, with this announcement whistleblowers will begin to be seen as valuable assets in identifying fraud, mismanagement, and other illegal activities that have long been kept hidden from the public.

An effective whistleblower protection law can help, but it is only one of many tools to combat corruption and increase accountability of public officials.  I cannot emphasize enough that opennessand transparency is not only for the people of Cambodia – it is also good for the Cambodian government and the democratic process.In discussions with government officials and other stakeholders, I have consistently stressed the importance and the advantages of increased transparency and openness, which makes government more effective, increases confidence in elected and appointed leaders, and improves Cambodia’s image in the world.  With an open government, citizens are more empowered to help decision makers understand their needs and priorities, which makes government more responsive.Governments benefit when the people are invested in the development of solutions to everyday problems. Transparent practices and anti-corruption measures would also encourage international businesses to consider making longer-term investments in Cambodia, leading to greater prosperity, more jobs, and a higher standard of living for its people.

Despite some efforts to crack down on corruption, it continues to be a significant issue in Cambodia.  Respected NGO Transparency International just released its 2014 Corruption Perception Index and ranks Cambodia 156th out of 175 countries evaluated.The United States recognizes the need to help countries to address corruption and offers technical assistance to governments to become more accountable to the public.  A vital part of the U.S. mission in Cambodia is to promote transparency and good governance, which leads to reform at local, provincial, and national levels.  

With technical assistance from the U.S. Department of Treasury (DOT), the Royal Government of Cambodia has been making progress on fiscal transparency, developing a budget classification system that meets international standards.  Anti-money laundering protocols were also established with DOT assistance, improving the Cambodian Financial Intelligence Unit’s ability to receive, analyze, and inform the public about mandatory financial reporting.  To address the need for transparency and strong public participation in Cambodia, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) developed the Accountability in Governance and Politics (AGAP) program.  By expanding access to information and generating progressive leadership among youth, the AGAP program allows USAID to reach millions of Cambodians with the help of partners such as the Youth Council of Cambodia and the Youth Leadership Challenge television show.These programs demonstrate that it is possible to change attitudes towards corruption and to make meaningful changes that improve the way that government works.

Increased transparency and openness at all levels of government is necessary for reducing corruption and enhancing the speed of progress and reform in Cambodia.  Involving a more diverse group of stakeholders in policy formulation and implementation will help create effective broad-based solutions to problems that face ordinary Cambodians.  The Cambodians who I meet want a greater stake in the democratic process, and the changes they seek will not be achieved by political deals alone.  Proposals such as the whistleblower protection law are an important and necessary part of building a Cambodia that represents the interests of all Cambodians. 

Thank you very much for reading my column this week.  If you would like me to answer your questions, please e-mail me at AskAmbToddPP@state.gov.

William E. Todd is U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Cambodia.

3 comments:

Kim Ea said...

To Mr Ambassador of the US , i praise your willingness to meet with Khmer youth and talk about the crisis of Khmer political in Cambodia right now . You are right to offer them some word of mind about real democracy , but some thing i want you to do show them the true nature and duties of the US policy , is some gut to strongly stand up and confront with this insane Khmer administration from an unlawful act, or abusive of power against the innocent people . I respect you at the bottom of my heart ,but want you to tackle the real problem between government of the US and Khmer abusive government , not act like a university professor or and bystander . Please accept my sincere apology .

Anonymous said...

Snowden, blew too hard on his whistle and landed him in Russia. Many Americans not only gotten their whistles taken away, but also their lives! Good Job America - land of oppression, bureaucracy and dark policy.

Magog

ជូលាងហាក់ said...

I am genuinely and profoundly grateful to the U.S. Ambassador to Cambodia for his effort that helps tackle the long standing issue of corruption. One step at a time this effort will eradicate this problem to the very minimal level. With good will of good leaders Cambodia can and will move forward to the new dawn of prosperity. Without good will and strong commitment from these leaders to get the job done this new law will not fulfill its goal. Thank you.

Chou Leang Hak

...