A New Beginning in Cambodian Politics

By William E. Todd, U.S ambassador to Cambodia

One of the great privileges of my job is that I get to talk to Cambodians from all walks of life.  In my conversations with them recently there is one question that keeps getting asked:  “Now that the political impasse is over, will our leaders work together to address the needs of the Cambodian people?”  Cambodians clearly want their elected representatives to work together to address the country’s many challenges.  More than a year after the national elections, Cambodia’s lawmakers are now in a position to really get to work.  

In order to work together effectively for the benefit of all Cambodians, the two major parties need to demonstrate a willingness to compromise and build on the week’s positive momentum .  A positive step toward creating an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect would be to release the youth leaders of the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) who were arrested in connection with the July 15 demonstrations. 

Although there are still obstacles to overcome, including completing the electoral reform already underway, the end of the opposition boycott of parliament creates a new political environment that creates an opportunity for real, substantive reforms that will make a real difference in the lives of ordinary Cambodians.  From my discussions with people across Cambodia, three areas for reform stand out in particular:  improving labor standards and working conditions; increasing access to high-quality education; and fighting corruption.  

Reforming the labor sector is one of the most pressing issues for Cambodia.  Tragically, this past year lives were lost due to violence stemming from the turbulent state of labor relations, which cast Cambodia in a negative light abroad.  Resolving labor problems is vitally important for Cambodia’s social and economic future.  Labor strikes are costly, and many people in the international business community have told me that they are very concerned about how labor problems could affect their business operations and the reputation of their brands.  

On the bright side, if Cambodia can reform its labor laws, improve working conditions, and implement an evidence-based minimum wage, it will be more attractive to foreign manufacturers and other job creators.  This will spur the development of more advanced industries in Cambodia and create more higher-paying jobs for Cambodian workers.  A productive and healthy work force means a more peaceful and stable society.

With a third of Cambodia’s population under the age of 14, fewer issues are more important to Cambodia’s future than education – a timely issue as students start a new school year.  Each year 300,000 young Cambodians enter the job market, but many of them are ill-equipped to do anything beyond the most basic work.  Having a large young labor force is an advantage, but only if workers have the requisite skills needed by the business sector.  With access to a quality education, every Cambodian child can have an opportunity to succeed and to become a responsible, productive citizen.  Neglecting education and job training is not only a waste of human potential but will also saddle the country with the serious problem of youth unemployment.  Investing in the education of its young citizens now will pay big dividends in the future.

Lastly, lawmakers must take real and immediate action to stamp down on the endemic corruption in Cambodia.  Corruption deters much needed foreign investment in infrastructure, education, and public health.  It is also an impediment to domestic job creation, discouraging Cambodian entrepreneurs and innovators from developing products and services at home instead of abroad.  Other detrimental effects of corruption include the perpetuation of injustice, the sense that elites can act with impunity, and the erosion of trust between government and citizens.

Some reform efforts to tackle corruption are already underway, for example in the area of education.  Corruption in the education system is particularly damaging because it robs honest students of the opportunities that they deserve and because it teaches young people that dishonesty is a way to get ahead.  This past week more than 93,000 secondary school students sat for the national exams, and thanks to the determination of Minister of Education, Youth and Sports Dr. Hang ChuonNaron and others, this year’s examinations were marked by a noticeable decrease in cheating incidents and corruption.  Dr. Hang ChuonNaron’s example shows the power that one person can have to make a positive difference, and he should be congratulated for his efforts on the behalf of young Cambodians. 

Implementing effective reforms will require a serious commitment from leaders in government and both major political parties to work together with each other and with civil society partners.  The political impasse delayed reforms by more than a year, so political leaders must work fast to make up for lost time.  There has never been a better moment to turn political promises into reality and to put the needs of the Cambodian people ahead of politics. 

Thank you very much for reading my column this week.  If you would like me to answer your question, please e-mail me at AskAmbToddPP@state.gov.

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