CT Director removed over corruption accusations
The Ministry of Post and Telecommunications has removed Nhek Kosal Vichea from his post as general director of the Cambodian Telecommunications (CT) for allegedly embezzling million of dollars of state funds from country’s international phone networks.
The removal took place April 18 following a September-2007 report which revealed he had recorded only 5 percent of state revenues from the international phone incomes totaling US$414,000. He was also accused of inflating the number of his advisors from seven to nine, as well as that of aid workers and of pocketing salaries of phantom workers. “His term was ended. He is allowed to work only for three years. Therefore, after three years, we must make a change,” So Khun, Minister of Post and Telecommunications said.
Asked if the removal is connected to corruption, So Khun said, “Please allow relevant authorities to carry out more investigations since the Ministry of National Assembly Senate Relations and
Inspection is conducting more investigation into the issue.”
Lao Saroeun, a senior official at CT, will replace Nheik Kosal Vichear, who still holds a post at the Ministry of P&T although he is also under investigation over the issue.
Yang Kim Eng, director of the People Center for Development and Peace in Cambodia, argued it is not strange that the government transfers its corrupt officials to other positions as a measure to fight corruption. “This is the normal way [to deal with corrupt officials] of the government, and measures like this will not teach any lessons to corrupt officials.”
SPR Lawmaker Yim Sovann claimed there are more officials who have been involved in state fund embezzlement. “The transfer of the position will pave the way for investigation into corruption accusation. We welcome it, and we call for a proper investigation by an independent committee,” Sovann said.
Nheik Kosal Vichear could not be contacted for comment. RFA, April 21, 2008
(Source: Corruption Monitor, Issue 6, May 2008)