More Muslims to Be Appointed as Public Officials in Cambodia: Interior Minister
Sar Kheng made the remark while inaugurating a mosque in Kampong Luong commune, Kandal province.
The government will implement a policy of appointing Muslims in sub-national positions across the country so that they can participate more effectively in their community’s development and decision-making, he said.
Kheng added that the government has already set out directions in this regard to appoint the young and active members from the community for public service in the communes, districts and cities where Muslim ethnic groups are found in large numbers.
Kheng said, “They will be elected by the people to serve as the public officials. The priority will be for those who are below 60 and qualified to be appointed as police or military police officers, soldiers and civil officials in some ministries and institutions.
“The decision becomes relevant because we have just increased the number of deputy governors to four in each city and two in each district,” he added.
Muslim officials are now serving in public posts in 12 provinces and 50 districts, according to Kheng.
“No religious conflicts have happened in Cambodia as the people have always upheld national unity above racial and religious discrimination which the government also underlines in its policies,” he added.
Lib Keu, a Cambodian Muslim student who is studying in France, said that the new policy of making more officials from Muslim community is not only good for the community but also for the entire country.
“In fact, this should have been done a long time ago.”
Lam Socheat, executive director of the Advocacy and Policy Institute (API) said it is a good initiative as the Constitution makes it clear that any citizen has the right to apply in all sectors of the government.
“If they are qualified, they should be allowed to become officials. Recruitment should not be biased because of the candidates’ religions or races,” he added.
Source: khmertimeskh.com
