Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet addressed officials during the Royal School of Administration’s closing ceremony for 2023 and the commencement of the 2024 training courses in Phnom Penh. The Premier emphasized the significance of discipline, the principle of civil servants serving the public, and the importance of merit-based recruitment.
In his address, PM Hun Manet stressed that officials at the Royal School of Administration should uphold stringent discipline standards without resorting to overly severe measures. Recognizing the attendees as potential future leaders, he reminded them of their responsibilities to the citizens and the state.
Furthermore, PM Manet highlighted the necessity for reliable and stable public services that all citizens, including government officials and their families, could depend on without complications or uncertainties. He articulated the idea that civil servants should offer the same level of service to the public that they would expect for themselves, as they too are part of the community they serve.
On the recruitment front, the Premier called for professionalism and skill-appropriate placements, especially at the local level. He insisted on the selection of civil servants through a system promoting merit, fairness, and environmental considerations—a practice in line with the seventh-mandate Royal Government’s reforms. The premier denounced the practice of gathering positions in the capital, which leads to an imbalance and inefficiency in services provided to different regions. Emphasizing the need for hard work, education, and ability, PM Manet discouraged reliance on financial investment or party affiliations in civil service recruitment.
PM Hun Manet also touched upon the five approaches to good governance as outlined by Samdech Techo Hun Sen, urging officials to engage in self-improvement and correct their shortcomings responsibly. He expressed his desire to see officials implement the first four approaches—self-reflection, maintaining purity, eliminating bad habits, and correcting mistakes—before needing to resort to the fifth and final approach, which involves disciplinary action.
He spoke of diligence and the constant striving for perfection, acknowledging that while no one is flawless, it is crucial for everyone to work on improving themselves and to take responsibility for mistakes. The Premier assured that through this mindset, the goal of becoming a developed nation with harmonious and reliable public services could be achieved. Additionally, he underscored the need for officials to be confident in their capabilities, focusing their energy on learning and personal development.
In conclusion, PM Hun Manet’s address to the Royal School of Administration focused on discipline, the servant nature of public service, meritocratic recruitment, and the pursuit of excellence. By adhering to these principles, the premier envisions an efficient, fair, and responsive civil service that serves the needs of the Cambodian people effectively.
Source: Fresh News
