Siem Reap gov’s son raises ire

[geovalin]

Pech Sotheary and Sarah Taguiam

CNRP officials are calling for a review after Siem Reap Provincial Governor Khim Bun Song allegedly appointed his son to one of the city’s top jobs.

Bun Song reportedly handpicked his son Khim Phinong to become the province’s deputy director of administration in June, CNRP provincial councillor Sok Kimseng said.

The move, Kimseng said, is opposed by several provincial officials given that Bun Song bypassed the necessary approval to make the appointment.

“Many are unhappy with this appointment, because the governor’s son is not an officer in the city,” Kimseng said. “We don’t know where he’s from, nor are we familiar with his work background.”

Deputy Governor Bun Tharith, however, denied Kimseng’s allegations.

According to Tharith, a recent change in procedure doesn’t require the board of governors to approve the appointment.

“The governor can appoint his son because his son has enough capacity to do it,” Tharith said. “We do not have any laws that prohibit relatives from working together.”

Transparency International executive director Preap Kol said the appointment is another example of the rampant nepotism in Cambodian politics.

“This is common practice and part of the overarching issue of nepotism in the National Assembly.” he said.

http://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/siem-reap-gov%E2%80%99s-son-raises-ire