Agriculture official suspended after probe [Cambodia]

[geovalin]

Khouth Sophak Chakrya

The director of the Kampong Chhnang Provincial Agriculture Department has been suspended and removed from his position in the wake of allegations of corruption and abuse from subordinates, though officials yesterday declined to say whether further steps would be taken against him.

Muy Khan, the director of planning and accounting for the department, said yesterday that director Ngan Nany had been suspended since January 20 after the department received word of the official announcement from the Ministry of Agriculture.

The announcement also promoted Nany’s deputy, Ngin Hun, to director.

“Ngan Nany’s suspension is a part of the government official reformation in this ministry, and we wholeheartedly support and follow the orders,” Khan added.

Kreong Samath, provincial director of production and veterinarians, said yesterday that Nany’s suspension was likely “an administrative punishment” following a ministry investigation into a complaint filed against Nany.

In November, 47 officials at the district and provincial levels filed a complaint accusing Nany of accepting payoffs for promotions, collecting money from officials responsible for an anti-bird flu campaign, withdrawing department funds for his own use and cursing and insulting his subordinates.

Ministry inspector Iv Soksan, who investigated the case, said inspectors questioned 50 of the department’s 80 provincial officials before filing their findings to the ministry.

Asked about the suspension yesterday, Nany said that he had no reason to disagree with the ministry’s decision.

“I am a government official, so I have to obey and follow the ministry’s decision,” he said, declining to comment further.

http://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/agriculture-official-suspended-after-probe