Cambodian NGOs slam anti-graft bill before debate

Tue Mar 9, 2010
By Prak Chan Thul

PHNOM PENH (Reuters) - Rights groups in Cambodia on Tuesday deplored an anti-corruption law that parliament will debate this week, saying it would not stop graft and offered no protection to whistle-blowers who uncovered corruption.

A coalition representing about 245 local non-governmental organisations (NGOs) told a news conference that debate on the anti-graft law -- in the works for 15 years but put quickly before parliament after being published on March 4 -- should be delayed for a month so the public could be consulted.

In particular, the groups wanted officials' assets to be declared publicly and whistle-blowers protected.

"If witnesses can't have protection, no one is going to come forward and report," said Pung Chhiv Kek, president of rights group Licadho, adding that witnesses could lay themselves open to defamation suits.

The debate is due to start on Wednesday.

Phay Siphan, a Cambodian government spokesman, rejected the criticism.

"The anti-corruption law will make the country an equitable society. The country will provide better public services and become a moral society," he said.

The main opposition Sam Rainsy Party said it joined the civil society groups in asking for a delay to the parliamentary debate.

"The draft is not good enough and was sent to parliament hurriedly," said party spokesman and lawmaker Yim Sovann.

"This law is not good, both in terms of the mechanism and the legal means to prevent corruption. There is not enough political will to fight corruption," he added.

(Reporting by Prak Chan Thul; Editing by Alan Raybould)