PHNOM PENH: The first blind person to receive the title of “His Excellency” was appointed by the King, through Prime Minister Hun Sen, as Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation on Tuesday, 27 June, three days prior to the start of the national election campaign.

Chab Tuo, known as the President of the Musical Association for People with Disabilities, has been active in improving the lives and amplifying the voices of persons with disabilities in Cambodia. This is the first time in the history of Cambodia that a blind man has held a senior position in the government.

The Royal Government of Cambodia, under the leadership of Prime Minister Hun Sen, has paid close attention to persons with disabilities. Many laws and regulations have been developed to protect persons with disabilities and increase their quality of life. In addition, more and more persons with disabilities are encouraged to seek employment in the private sector and in public institutions.

Secretary of State of the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation, Em Chan Makara, thanked Prime Minister Hun Sen for taking a historical step towards the inclusion of persons with disabilities in government roles. He said the Prime Minister’s kindness and encouragement towards Chab Tuo will serve as an inspiration to others to acknowledge the capacity of persons with disabilities.

On behalf of the Disability Action Council, Em Chan Makara congratulated Chab Tuo on his well-deserved promotion, which he believes will inspire other persons with disabilities to pursue their goals and live up to their true potential.

Chab Tuo was born in August 1993 as a farmer in Svay Rieng province. He is visually impaired and graduated in 2016 with a Bachelor in Management from the National University of Management. He is currently the President of the Musical Association for People with Disabilities and manages about 700 persons with disabilities.