Corruption: Groups urge citizens to report graft

10/12/2009
Khuon Leakhana and Sen David
Phnom penh Post

THE freedom of citizens to report corruption is crucial if Cambodia is to tackle its graft problem, advocates said Wednesday during a celebration of International Anticorruption Day, adding that draft anticorruption legislation that comes before the Council of Ministers on Friday should be immediately approved as a sign of the government’s will to combat the problem.

Cambodia is perceived as one of the world’s most graft-plagued countries, according to the German group Transparency International, which this year ranked the Kingdom 158 out of 180 nations polled.

“It is better than last year, but it is not enough. The government should approve the draft anticorruption law as soon as possible,” said Chea Vannath, an independent analyst.

Corruption is a daily issue, said Mom Sitha, executive director of the Cambodia Independent Anti-Corruption Committee. “Even our children know corruption,” Mom Sitha said.

However, Phay Siphan, spokesman for the Council of Ministers, brushed aside references to corruption, accusing some NGOs of also being corrupt.