Ineptitude of Cambodian Embassy in the US?

US May 13, 2007
What Cambodia Royal Embassy Is Doing in DC?

Op-Ed By Kok Sap,
Posted Online

In light of US Embassy pronouncement regarding the Cambodia 2,000 deportable, anybody sees and reads anything about the Royal Embassy in DC position on it? For weeks the Royally Do Nothing Embassy in DC was mute. From the outlook, this is where the royal government needs to examine its work ethics and responsibility. Citizens have no confidence in the Embassy at all. This reflects on the government ineptitude in comprehension on how important the Embassy can be seen in its citizen eyes.

I was asked to call on behalf of few Cambodia citizens who needed help to be in touched with their Embassy. In my first attempt on Tuesday morning, No one answered call. Then next day I called again and plus sent direct emails to the Ambassador himself. Then next day re-emailed the concerns to the same Ambassador. I waited and waited as days went by, no reply. The citizens of Cambodia became hopeless and deeply concerned then called on me on Thursday night. As soon as next morning office time passed I placed calls again and again with the understanding that the Embassy might have limited incoming lines available but it was not the case. Friends warned me to be patiently and yes-sir no-sir always if I wanted something done properly.

Still wanted to help friends out, then I had called my US Representative staff in DC to verify if the Royal Embassy was still officially there since the Ambassador was a FUNCINPEC element. To my surprise, I was told that it still has the same Ambassador as someone had picked her call and advised her to have caller calling back. I was relieved to hear then placed calls instantly. I got same response, NO One available to answer your call right now, please leave a brief message, name, number so we will return your call(s) as soon as possible. What's the definition of ASAP in the Embassy operation manual?

Let me reiterate I had called for Cambodia citizens not the US Khmer origin citizens. But yet this office appearance was over relaxed. Worst, I called friend who lived nearby the Embassy and I was told the Royal Embassy has its staff live there or someone would be there all the time. But it appeared automated 24/7 instead. This was called blatant irresponsibility in work ethics and duty.

Imagine, for a second, if a Cambodia citizen was in emergency or life and death situation.From what I had seen so far, it was unlikely to happen. These guys wear big name tags, talk big talks but carry NO stick when come to Cambodia citizen interests. Thus the 2,000 cases are supposedly to fallen through the crack of the Royal Embassy's "don't give a damn mode."

Other hand, not to gloat, but if the US Embassy staff were contacted on behalf of citizens included the naturalized) who needed help or intervention, for sure someone will be there. Example I learned one of my old school mates had heart attack and had died on the way to Cambodia on the Taiwan flagged flight. Soon the plane landed in Taipei, the US Embassy staff were there with a dispatched translator on line to console his loved ones who spoke Khmer only. Then all intergovernmental arrangements were secured to ship body for funeral at the wishes of the survivors. This is clearly distinguished where the bottom line in government for the people, by the people and serve the people foundation really comes in.

From this made me wonder, what my US Representative staff really thinks about the Royal Embassy after fact. I had called her back and expressed my appreciation in stepping in to help out. Well, sir I am so glad and thank you for contacting our office. It is our job to serve our citizens, she said. I am still thinking whether her nicety was a sarcasm or sincerity since she knew that I am a Khmer origin constituent. This example demonstrated that civility and customer oriented bureaucracy has kept US government as best to no matter what or who or where.