Seiha urges strengthening of military
MINISTER of National Defence Tea Seiha rallied all officers to persist in their commitment, push for new heights and enhance their abilities in a concerted effort to safeguard Cambodia’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Seiha made the remarks during an annual meeting of the ministry’s logistics and finance directorate, held on January 5 to review its 2023 performance and set directions for 2024.
According to a social media post from the ministry, Seiha commended pertinent officials and army commanders for their effective collaboration in performing their duties to defend the nation responsibly, achieving important results in logistical and financial affairs
“Over the course of 2023, regional and global security situations, as well as economies, underwent continuous changes. These situations, complicated and difficult to predict, posed numerous challenges, including terrorism, various types of cross-border crimes, cybercrime, contagious diseases, natural disasters and climate change,” he was quoted as saying.
Despite the impact of global crises, Seiha noted that the logistics and finance directorate, in collaboration with relevant units and institutions, successfully accomplished their missions.
He said the achievements significantly contributed to the defence of territorial integrity, national sovereignty, security and political stability.
The minister added that the achievements reflected the diligent implementation of political programmes and the Rectangular Strategy-Phase IV of the six-mandate government.
The seventh mandate introduced its Pentagonal Strategy-Phase I upon its inauguration in August 2023, with one
priority focusing on enhancing the effectiveness of defence.
For 2024, Seiha urged the directorate to persist in implementing public financial management reform measures, stressing the need for continued close cooperation with the Ministry of Economy and Finance.
Thong Mengdavid, a research fellow at the Asian Vision Institute’s (AVI) Mekong Centre for Strategic Studies, emphasised that military modernisation is crucial to strengthening army capabilities, particularly techniques.
“Sustainable and transparent military development is greatly important in laying out strategies to manage logistics and finance, ensuring that the
army is well-equipped with weaponry, training, food and salaries, in line with government principles,” he said.
He added that updating the financial system is vital for monitoring and recording military spending and reviewing strategies for the future.
Mengdavid suggested the ministry adopt stringent measures to enhance human resource capacity and modernise the armed forces.
Yang Peou, secretary-general of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, believes that the government, and the army in particular, needs to intensify its focus on strengthening soldiers’ capacities, even in times of peace, to prepare better for potential conflict and insecurity.
He highlighted the significance of logistics and finance sectors for the military, urging the ministry to encourage and upgrade equipment in response to the increasing capabilities of superpowers globally.
“I am not certain about the exact … costs, but I advocate for the expenses to be transparent and targeted. This doesn’t imply that the expenses should be made public, but they should be effective in developing military equipment,” he added.
Peou said that while military affairs often require confidentiality, an internal system needs to ensure transparency and effectiveness to foster national defence growth.