PHNOM PENH: Ministry of Information Spokesperson, Meas Sophorn, has shared that as of this Monday, 27 February 2023, 25 former Voice of Democracy (VOD) staff have applied for civil state jobs at the Ministry of Civil Service. The deadline to apply for these jobs is today, Tuesday, 28 February.

Spokesperson Meas Sophorn confirmed to EAC News that the deadline to apply for these jobs is this evening, and the Ministry of Public Works and Ministry of Information will check all applications before sending them to the Prime Minister for his final word.

He said that after 5 pm today, those who did not submit applications will be deemed to have rejected the job offer.

He also said that he is not yet able to confirm how many of the former VOD staff who applied for civil state jobs are reporters, as he is now waiting for the final review.

Speaking at the 11th National Clean City Day event on Monday afternoon, Prime Minister Hun Sen said that the Royal Government welcomes all who wish to join and work with the state, and asked for these people to not be labeled as traitors, because in a democracy, every citizen has the right to choose whichever side they prefer.

The media outlet, VOD, had its broadcasting license officially revoked by the Ministry of Information on the morning of 13 February 2023, after the outlet failed to write a letter of apology to the Royal Government of Cambodia and Lt. Gen. Hun Manet. VOD had published an article alleging that Lt. Gen. Hun Manet had signed off on aid to Turkey on behalf of the Prime Minister, which would have been an overstep of his authority. This claim was immediately deemed false by the Prime Minister and the Royal Government.

Following VOD’s shutdown, Prime Minister Hun Sen offered civil state employment to former staff, saying that he understands it was not the employees who were at fault, but they are now affected by the mistakes made by the outlet’s editorial team. He added that there is no issue if staff do not wish to work for the state.