The government has taken an important step by creating the General Department of Human Resources under the Ministry of Interior. This move aims to oversee bureaucrats, national police, prison authorities, and other personnel, while also focusing on HR development.

The establishment of this unit follows the current mandate’s sub-decree on August 24, which was signed by Prime Minister Hun Manet and subsequently made public on August 28.

The new group will operate with four distinct departments: Total Administration, National Police, Civil Servants and Prison Officials, and Policy.The body will be led by a director general, supported by deputy director generals as required.

Yong Kim Eng, president of the People Center for Development and Peace, holds reservations about the potential impact of this new group. He suggested that instead of creating additional institutions, the administration should focus on strengthening inspections and Anti-Corruption Unit.

Eng noted that addressing malfeasance is vital, as it corrodes the quality of public workers.

Conversely, Heng Kimhong, head of research and advocacy at the Cambodia Youth Network (CYN), expressed support for the mandate’s decision. He believes the new entity will help enhance the professionalism, knowledge and ethics of employees within the ministry.

To ensure effective leadership, Kimhong suggests that open dialogue be encouraged, allowing citizens to voice opinions and criticise inefficiencies among public servants, especially police officers and sub-national officials.

This approach, he feels, would facilitate better governance and protect against the influence of underperforming personnel.