Friday, 19 September 2008

Union criticises bloated Cabinet

The Phnom Penh Post

Written by Meas Sokchea
Friday, 19 September 2008

ONE of Cambodia's leading unions has criticised the proposed incoming government for being too bloated, saying that the expected 400-member Cabinet would increase inefficiency and strain the national budget.

Cambodian Independent Teachers Association (CITA) President Rong Chhun issued a letter Thursday asking the Cabinet to be pared back, saying the increased salaries for teachers and civil servants was more important than creating more government positions.

According to the letter, the proposed Cabinet will include nine deputy prime ministers, 16 senior ministers, 26 ministers, 172 secretaries of state and 168 undersecretaries of state.

Top-heavy government

There is no need for the government to have a "bigger head than its body", the letter stated."Every parliamentarian who is a representative of the people must consider concerns arising from the inflation of Cabinet members."

Government spokesman Khieu Kanharith could not be reached for comment.

However, Cheam Yeap, a lawmaker for the ruling Cambodian People's Party, said the large number of Cabinet members would not have a negative impact so long as these members support Prime Minister Hun Sen's government.

No comments: