Phnom Penh – On the morning of Monday, November 6, 2023, H.E. Chea Somethy, Minister of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation, accompanied Prime Minister of Cambodia, Samdech Hun Manet, at the official inauguration of the Ministry of Interior’s new building.

During the inaugural event, Prime Minister Samdech Hun Manet emphasized the need for the Ministry of Interior to bolster security, maintain law and order, and tackle issues related to drugs and gambling.

The Prime Minister highlighted the significance of security and order, stressing that they are crucial for the safety and well-being of the entire population, including both ordinary citizens and the families of Ministry of Interior officials.

Furthermore, Samdech Hun Manet called upon various ministries and institutions, with a particular focus on the Ministry of Interior, to facilitate the transfer of authority from the national to sub-national levels, promoting decentralization to bring government services closer to the people.

He underscored that the seventh-mandate government aims to enhance decentralization, prioritizing essential services such as education, healthcare, and agriculture. To achieve this goal, an efficient and swift transfer of authority from the national to sub-national levels is essential.

Prime Minister Samdech Hun Manet also emphasized the importance of utilizing digital technology in the administrative system. The intention is to support decentralization and improve public services at the local level, rather than using technology to centralize power among ministries and institutions.

While recognizing that decentralization will not happen overnight and will require time and effort, the Prime Minister stressed that it should involve the transfer of authority, provision of funding, capacity building for officials, and a focus on responsibility.