Cambodia has embarked on a significant reform of its public administration under the leadership of Prime Minister Hun Manet, who announced a plan to streamline government structures by eliminating three general departments and 30 departments across various ministries and state agencies. This move is part of a broader initiative to enhance government efficiency, cut down on public expenditure, and align state institutions with the demands of an increasingly digital world.
During the inauguration of the General Department of Taxation’s new headquarters, Hun Manet outlined the ambitions of this restructuring, emphasizing its goal to bolster institutional performance, refine human resource management, and optimize the use of state resources. He underscored that this modernization effort is not politically motivated but is aimed at making government operations more responsive and effective.
The reform strategy comes after comprehensive reviews of 16 ministries and institutions, reflecting the government’s commitment to adapt to future economic and technological landscapes. In line with this modernization drive, certain ministries and agencies have initiated the creation of specialized units dedicated to digital systems and artificial intelligence, further supporting Cambodia’s digital transformation agenda.
Deputy Prime Minister Hun Many highlighted the government’s focus on reinforcing existing structures rather than expanding them. He pointed out that the Ministry of Public Service, along with 12 other entities, has already downsized several departments and offices. This has been achieved while maintaining staffing levels and enhancing employee responsibilities to boost productivity.
Despite these efforts, some critics remain doubtful about the effectiveness and pace of the reforms. They argue that genuine administrative reform should target reductions at the highest echelons of government to realize more substantial savings and efficiency gains. Nonetheless, this restructuring initiative is a testament to Cambodia’s ongoing efforts to modernize its public administration and improve governance in line with evolving global standards.