Ministry targets reforms, resolution of complaints

MINISTER of Inspection Huot Hak reiterated the ministry’s vital role in maintaining integrity across the nation, detailing its threefold mission: examining every sector, ensuring laws are upheld and dedicating efforts to address and delve into citizens’ complaints.

Hak gave the explanation during a roundtable discussion on “Inspection in the Context of Reform” held at the ministry on January 4.

He noted that the foremost duty of the ministry is to prevent and combat corruption, abuse of power and other instances of neglect of duty.

He said the ministry is obligated to review compliance with all pertinent laws and legal documents in force, which includes overseeing the implementation of Prime Minister Hun Manet’s recommendations.

It is empowered to investigate any individuals, companies, associations or organisations involved in cases.

The minister emphasised the dual focus of the inspection officer’s role: identifying commendable practices in accordance with the law and established legal standards and pinpointing shortcomings, ranging from minor issues to major ones.

“Inspection is the eyes and the ears of the top leaders and a close friend of lower officials,” he stated.

Hak said inspectors are tasked with seeing clearly and looking ahead, while also listening attentively to all information.

Over the past three years, the ministry has received 47 complaints from the public, 40 of which have been settled using a ‘win-win’ strategy and the remaining seven still in the process of being resolved.

The minister added that most cases handled by the working group pertained to land disputes. However, the authority’s scope for receiving complaints and conducting investigations is not limited to land issues alone but also encompasses other grievances such as protests and various kinds of defamation complaints, as long as they fall under the ministry’s purview.

Regarding the work of inspecting and monitoring the implementation of the law, Hak acknowledged that the ministry has undertaken considerable work in addressing issues both minor and major.

However, he did not provide specific details on the frequency or the number of cases involved.