Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - No new civil servants or salary raises in 2022: PM

No new civil servants or salary raises in 2022: PM

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
Civil service Minister Prum Sokha (centre) speaks at a press conference. Heng Chivoan

No new civil servants or salary raises in 2022: PM

With the nation still feeling the economic impacts from Covid-19, the government has put a temporary halt to the recruitment of new civil servants and to all salary raises for civil servants in 2022.

“In order for the government to save money in its budget for the continuation of healthcare programmes and social support interventions during the Covid-19 pandemic, [the prime minister] has decided in principle not to allow the recruitment of new civil servants to replace retirees with the exceptions of the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Health,” said the letter from the Ministry of Economy and Finance addressed to the Ministry of Civil Service on December 18.

Ministry of Economy and Finance spokesmen Meas Sok Sensan and Kim Sopheak could not be reached for comment on December 19.

Ministry of Civil Service spokesman Youk Bunna told The Post on December 19 that the ministry has complied with the government’s decision adding that in 2021, retired civil servants numbered between 3,000 and 4,000.

When asked if the lack of recruitment in 2022 will lead to a shortage of officials to work in government ministries and institutions, Bunna said that although the government put a halt to the recruitment of new civil servants in 2022, it is still allowing the recruitment of civil servants in 2021 to raise staff numbers to meet their future needs.

Yang Kim Eng, president of the People’s Centre for Development and Peace, told The Post on December 19 that it was good that the government was using its budget to solve social issues next year, especially those caused by Covid-19, because it affected the occupations and businesses of many people.

He added that the government should pay special attention to small businesses and entrepreneurs who were living hand to mouth and prioritize women whose livelihoods sustained their families as they were facing difficulties.

“Otherwise, they will be at-risk and more of them might end up as migrants, affecting their children and grandchildren, affecting their education, affecting security, with cross-border risks and so on. This daily income is very important because they need it to live and otherwise they will end up with debt that forces them to sell their houses and land so that they fall even deeper into poverty,” he said.

MOST VIEWED

  • Bareknuckle champion wants Kun Khmer fighter

    Dave Leduc, who is the current openweight Lethwei boxing champion in Myanmar, has announced that he will travel to Cambodia this year to challenge SEA Games gold medallist Prum Samnang any time that is convenient, after their planned match later this month in Slovakia was

  • Five-year-old Hanuman dances his way into hearts of Cambodia

    A young talent from a new-established settlement has emerged, captivating the online world with his mesmerising performances of the traditional Cambodian monkey dance. Roeun Kakada is a five-year-old prodigy who has taken the social media sphere by storm with his exceptional dance skills and dedication

  • Fresh Covid warnings as Thai hospital fills

    A senior health official reminds the public to remain vigilant, as neighbouring countries experience an increase in Covid-19 cases, with the latest surge appearing to be a result of the Omicron XBB.1.5 sub-variant. Or Vandine, secretary of state and spokeswoman for the Ministry of Health,

  • Honda shutters Siem Reap football club

    Japanese football legend Keisuke Honda, the owner of Siem Reap football club Soltilo Angkor FC, has been forced to shut the club down, after it failed to attract sponsorship for the upcoming season. Honda, the former manager of the Cambodia men's national football team, said

  • Hun Sen warns of regional tensions

    ASIA is becoming a dangerous geopolitical hotspot, with several countries announcing that they intend to send naval vessels towards Southeast Asia and on to the South China Sea, warned Prime Minister Hun Sen. “Heated geopolitical issues can easily escalate, namely to war. I am not

  • PM declares ASEAN Para Games open

    The 12th ASEAN Para Games officially kicked off on the evening of June 3 at Morodok Techo National Stadium in Phnom Penh, with a spectacular opening ceremony featuring fireworks and performances by some of the Kingdom’s most accomplished talents. Tens of thousands of sports fans