Letter to the Editor
The Cambodia Daily
In the annual global corruption index released recently by Transparency International, Cambodia ranks closer to the bottom than the previous year, ("Cambodia Falls Near Bottom of Graft Index," Nov 8, page 1.)
The immediate, likely reaction to this is that corruption is getting worse. However, careful analysis of the index may reveal something different and even positive in terms of how corruption is dealt with.
The index may be based on reported cases of corruption available to Transparency International. If this is the case, the ranking should not be a surprise, as everybody knows that until two years ago, nobody would even talk about corruption openly, and it was hard to get information on corruption cases. But during the last two years, corruption has become a major public focus.
It should also be noted that the index is based on people's perceptions of corruption. The ranking could be based on the fact that many people now feel either safer or encouraged to talk about corruption and have had more access to reports about corruption.
These factors probably explain why Cambodia is further down the index and suggest that corruption is better addressed now than in previous years.
Sek Barisoth,
Phnom Penh
The immediate, likely reaction to this is that corruption is getting worse. However, careful analysis of the index may reveal something different and even positive in terms of how corruption is dealt with.
The index may be based on reported cases of corruption available to Transparency International. If this is the case, the ranking should not be a surprise, as everybody knows that until two years ago, nobody would even talk about corruption openly, and it was hard to get information on corruption cases. But during the last two years, corruption has become a major public focus.
It should also be noted that the index is based on people's perceptions of corruption. The ranking could be based on the fact that many people now feel either safer or encouraged to talk about corruption and have had more access to reports about corruption.
These factors probably explain why Cambodia is further down the index and suggest that corruption is better addressed now than in previous years.
Sek Barisoth,
Phnom Penh
4 comments:
Mr. Sek Barisoth,
There are some points that disagree with your viewpoint.
Quotation of your view: " until two years ago, nobody would even talk about corruption openly, and it was hard to get information on corruption cases. But during the last two years, corruption has become a major public focus."
The Cambodian people have been talking about corruption anywhere and anytime for a long time, not just over the last 2 years. People repeat the words "CORRUPTION" like a song. And it has become the topic of talking at breakfeast, coffee bread and bedtime.
We are allowed to talk about corruption. It is not different from "the dog is barking, but the ox-cart is moving." So, the the barking of the dog becomes a melodic rhythm for the oxen to pull the cart faster.
Corruption practice is bloody more widespread than ever before.??????
I disagreed with Mr. Sek Barisoth's view about the issue of corruption in Cambodia. I think it is taking too long and we have no time to waste. The government must change its view on corruption. Cambodian people is ready to move ahead and the gov't do everything it can smoothing it up for them.
Corruption and fraud start from the doorstep of PM Hun Sen's House in Phnopm Penh. The traffic police at the corner of his house near the Independence Monument are frequently seen by the public taking bribe, extorting motorbike and car drivers.
The corruption begins from PM Hun Sen's nose to head and toes in the Council of Ministers. No action is taken against it.
Look!! He always turns his blind eye to the corruption.
The corruption has become the best pratice to survive and a good culture in Cambodia.
A topic on corruption is now introduced and studied by children from the primary school. It will be a good topic at the university to learn how to commit the best corruption.
Dear Barisoth,
Although your point of view on corruption got unfavorable feedback from the readers, I appreciate you for making this vital issue alive. As far as I'm concerned, you are a outspoken fighter against corruption, but please be reminded that the government is not serious in combating it. We are like a barking dog behind a moving ox-cart as mentioned above. Let continue talking and make the corrupt guys headache non-stop.
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