Kampot (FN), Apr. 21 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet announced the abolishment of the long-standing practice of appointing civil servants to manage public institutions. A legal amendment will now enable professionals from the private sector to take on leadership roles in state-owned enterprises, while the state will oversee only through a board of directors.

The premier spoke on Monday (Apr. 21) during the inauguration of the Kampot International Tourism Port.

Samdech Thipadei stated that if Cambodia wants the Kampot International Tourism Port to function as efficiently as a private enterprise, it should recruit experts from the private sector who understand the business. He added that it is unnecessary for the state to create a company solely for management purposes.

“Previously, most state-owned enterprises had a CEO, with a civil servant serving as chairman of the board, and often a woman as company president. Now, I propose an amendment to the statutes and bylaws to allow CEOs to be recruited from the private sector. They can then manage with a private-sector mindset, while the state limits its role to the board of directors,” the premier underscored.

He added that the board of directors should not interfere in daily operations. Even if the enterprise is state-owned, it must be run independently for greater efficiency. “This benefits us all. If we want private-sector performance, we must adopt a private-sector mindset. That means having the freedom to recruit talent and being accountable for results. This approach will lead to better outcomes for the nation and the people of Cambodia.”

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet added, “We have many educated individuals—some with PhDs—yet many have never run a private company. Some know how to draft plans and understand policy, but lack knowledge of how a private business is truly operated. Only those with practical experience in leading private companies can successfully take on such roles.”

Samdech Thipadei continued, “Let us not hold on to rigid distinctions—both black and white cats can catch mice. Whether someone comes from a private university or the state sector, as long as they can make the company profitable and benefit the nation, they are qualified to do the job.”
=FRESH NEWS