Senate President Urges Stronger Public Services, Local Governance

PHNOM PENH, May 25, 2026 (KPT) — Acting Head of State Samdech Techo Hun Sen has urged Phnom Penh authorities to strengthen public services, improve local governance and enhance accountability to better serve citizens and maintain social stability.

Speaking before more than 4,300 leaders from ministries, institutions, municipal councils, district administrations, commune councils and local departments at the Koh Pich Convention and Exhibition Center, the Senate President emphasized the importance of responsive governance and effective administration.

Senate spokesman Chea Thyrith said the meeting aimed to reinforce accountability between the Senate and local authorities, improve transparency and encourage closer engagement with citizens at the grassroots level. Samdech Techo Hun Sen called on officials to pay greater attention to their responsibilities and improve service delivery.

He also instructed authorities to maintain public order and security by implementing Cambodia’s “Safe Village‑Commune Policy,” including crackdowns on robbery, drug trafficking and online scam activities. Samdech Techo stressed that the campaign against technology‑based fraud must target both criminal groups and officials complicit or negligent in enforcement.

Provincial governors, district chiefs, police commanders and military police leaders who fail to act against scams could face removal, he warned.

The former prime minister further urged authorities to resolve land disputes more effectively and fairly, particularly through out‑of‑court settlement mechanisms, to reduce tensions among citizens and strengthen confidence in local governance.