PHNOM PENH: Officials under the Ministry of Interior who drive while intoxicated and cause disputes or traffic accident will be dismissed from state employment, in addition to any other legal liabilities, according to Interior minister Sor Sokha.
“Officials under the Ministry of Interior, including civilian officials, national police and prison officials, who consume alcohol and drive, causing traffic accidents on the roads, will face expulsion,” ministry spokesperson Touch Sokhak reiterated.
The same will apply to officials who are involved in fights or other immoral activities while under the influence, he said, adding that the decision was made on Wednesday (Aug 26) by the Interior minister.
Sokha’s decision reportedly follows a recent case involving a Phnom Penh police official whose companion allegedly assaulted a member of the public with a liquor bottle.
Yang Peou, secretary-general of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, suggested that the interior minister’s message was a political one that aims to encourage officials to avoid wrongdoings, noting that he often sees similar messages raised.
He expressed his belief that regardless of whether they are civilians or officials of any rank, those who commit crimes must be held equally accountable before the law, without sentimentality or bowing.
In his view, another issue that citizens are concerned by is when fines imposed by traffic police are accompanied by abusive language.
“I hope that this statement by the interior minister will provide public confidence. I hope his sentiment lasts, and also note that citizens should not be punished if they record inappropriate actions by the authorities and post them,” he said. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
