Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has unveiled a plan to streamline government operations by cutting back three general departments and 30 departments within various ministries and state agencies. This restructuring is part of an ongoing effort to reform public administration in Cambodia. Addressing attendees at the inauguration of the new General Department of Taxation headquarters, Hun Manet emphasized that the goal is to boost government efficiency, cut public expenditure, and better prepare state institutions for the demands of an increasingly digital world.
The reform initiative comes after reviews of 16 government ministries and institutions, with Hun Manet outlining objectives such as enhancing institutional performance, improving human resource management, and optimizing state resources. He made it clear that the reforms are intended to modernize the government’s workings rather than for political gain. To further this modernization, some ministries and agencies have set up specialized units focused on digital systems and artificial intelligence, supporting Cambodia’s digital transformation goals.
Deputy Prime Minister Hun Many added that the government’s strategy is to bolster existing structures rather than expanding them. He pointed out that the Ministry of Public Service, along with 12 other institutions, has already reduced several departments and offices, all while maintaining staffing levels and increasing employee responsibilities to boost productivity.
Despite the government’s intentions, some observers remain skeptical about the pace and effectiveness of these reforms. Critics argue that significant administrative reform should begin with cuts at the highest levels of government and state institutions to achieve more substantial savings and efficiency.
The restructuring initiative is part of Cambodia’s broader efforts to modernize its public administration, enhance governance, and align government functions with anticipated economic and technological advancements.
