Gov’t assigns new posts to officials

CHEAM Chansophorn, the son of the National Assembly’s Banking and Finance Commission chairman, Cheam Yeab, has been appointed the governor of Tbong Khmum province, replacing Ly Leng.

T h e a p p o i n t ment wa s a m o n g s e v e r a l o t h e r s announced through a royal decree issued on November 3 and obtained by The Post on Tuesday.

Chansophorn told The Post that he is “happy and worried” about his new role as it came with “many responsibilities”.

“The most important thing for me is to serve the people well and help resolve their problems,” he said. Prior to the appointment, Chansophorn was the deputy governor of Battambang province.

Meanwhile, Leng has been appointed the head of the office of the Senate’s first vicepresident, Sim Ka.

Affiliated Network for Social Ac c o u n t a b i l i t y e x e c u t i v e director San Chey said, promoting families or relatives of senior government officers is common in Cambodia.

He said the practice of nepotism is worrisome, as it triggers corruption.

“If this situation continues to occur, it will become a bad model for the next generation’s of f icia ls. They might env y their colleagues and do whatever it takes to make connec- tions of their own,” he said.

Ministry of Interior secretary of state Prom Sokha is set to preside over the appointment ceremony on Wednesday, during which, Uy Sotheavy, the former deputy governor of Tbong Khmum province, will replace Chansophorn as the incoming deputy governor of Battambang province.

Ponhea Kraek district mayor Long Theam will also be officiated as the new deputy governor of Tbong Khmum province.