PHNOM PENH: Minister of Interior Sar Sokha said that if government officials or civil servants are involved in hit and run traffic accidents, they may lose their position.

On December 25, the Interior Minister spoke at the 18th International Day of Remembrance for Victims of Road Traffic Accidents in Sihanoukville, where he suggested that those involved in hit and runs will not be immune from consequences moving forward. He said that those involved in traffic accidents must come forward and confess instead of running from the scene.

He stressed that civil servants must be public role models and that their actions should show respect that others can emulate. He specifically mentioned driving under the influence at night as a danger while also minimizing the number of cases as insignificant. Traffic accidents remain a leading cause of death in Cambodia, especially as development increases the number of people on the roads.

The new attitude is in line with Prime Minister Hun Manet’s pledge to clean up the government by expelling officials and authorities that do not uphold a respectful image. The government has also been pushing for the removal of police officers and officials linked to drug use, trafficking and extortion.