Press Release: The Passage of an International Standard Anti-Corruption Law Is Still the Main Objective of International Anti-Corruption Day
December 4, 2008– On December 9, 2008 starting at 8:00am, Cambodians from all parts and levels of society will be celebrating International Anti-corruption Day in six provinces and municipalities including Phnom Penh, Sihanouk Ville, Battambang, Siem Reap, Kratie, and Svay Rieng. Since there has been little progress in fighting corruption in recent years – especially the failure to pass an international standard anti-corruption law – this upcoming celebration, like those in the past, will focus mainly on the push for the passage of an international standard anticorruption law. In addition, it is important that citizens are aware of the impact of corruption and about mechanisms to prevent it.
Please be notified that the government has promised and confirmed many times to send the long-awaited anti-corruption law to the National Assembly to be reviewed and passed immediately after the criminal law is passed. While civil society and citizens are still doubtful about this confirmation, they are also concerned about the content of the law which may not meet international standards.
The celebration of International Anti-corruption Day will include public forums in the morning, at which corruption issue-related speeches and remarks will be given by members of parliament, provincial authorities, civil society representatives, private sector representatives, and citizen/youth representatives to hundreds of citizens in each forum in each province and municipality. In the afternoon, from 2 to 4pm, there will be live round-table discussions between anti-corruption experts and other people interested in corruption issue. From 4 to 8pm, there will be a concert and youth performance. In the afternoon, corruption-related questions will be released to participants and gifts will be awarded to those that answer correctly.
Further information, contact:
- Mr. Im Sophea, cell phone: 016 888 552
- Mr. Young Kim Eng, cell phone: 016 828 211