By Lauren Crothers
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AA) – Cambodia’s anti-corruption chief is under scrutiny after his two sons were given promotions within the same organization, and after he said that asking about his distribution of envelopes to soldiers could result in criminal punishment.
The sons of Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) chairman Om Yentieng were reported by the Phnom Penh Post on Wednesday to have been given positions as assistants in the official body.
One was promoted as a secretary of state and the other as an undersecretary of state.
The Post quoted the ACU deputy president, Nuon Bophal, as saying that there was no issue because the sons “are suitable for this according to their age and capability.”
The prevalence of perceived nepotism among Cambodia’s political and business elite has long been a source of widespread concern.
The eldest son of Prime Minister Hun Sen — who has led Cambodia for more than 30 years — is a lieutenant general with the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces.
Hun Manet also leads the counterterrorism department and is a deputy commander in his father’s bodyguard unit.
Second son Hun Manith was promoted in September to direct the country’s military intelligence unit.
The third son, Hun Many, is a lawmaker in the National Assembly — a position made possible, even after he did not receive enough votes in the 2013 elections, when an older lawmaker stepped aside to make room.
Political analyst Ou Virak told Anadolu Agency on Wednesday that it is inappropriate for Yentieng’s sons to hold any positions in the ACU, let alone be given the opportunity to rise up its ranks.
“It’s a clear case of conflict of interest and by any definition anywhere in the world, it would simply and purely be conflict of interest,” he said.
“Particularly at an institution that is supposed to be fighting such things. It sends a wrong message.”
On Wednesday, the Post reported that Yentieng effectively classified himself as beyond reproach when it comes to questioning of his own behavior.
On April 6, he handed out a number of sealed envelopes to soldiers stationed in Preah Vihear province, which borders Thailand, but has since refused to disclose the contents.
In a press conference, he referred to a request for clarification on the contents from the leader of the Khmer Power Party, saying that according to the ACU law, only the ACU has the power to ask questions related to perceived corruption.
He added, “if you request a clarification from ministries, institutions or an individual, you may face a criminal charge.”
“The issue is why the soldiers, and why are they taking this kind of gift?” Virak told Anadolu Agency. “You don’t want soldiers up for sale because it means they could be influenced by this gift or offering.”
