PHNOM PENH: Prime Minister Hun Manet posted a message on his social media on January 12 to all government officials, warning them to clean up their act to avoid losing their positions.

Since the PM took office in August, the new administration has been working to remove corruption from its governing systems. The government is using a metaphor that compares itself to a person trying to rid their body of an infection or cancerous growth. The PM is pushing a five-step approach that involves self-reflection and identifying the issue, cleaning the wound (immediate response), damage control, and treatment (resolving the situation). If the first four steps fail, the government says it will use the “surgery” approach to remove the corrupt official.

The post was made following the announcement that the Mayor of Kep had been terminated following an investigation of the Anti-Corruption Unit.

"I hope that all government officials, both national and regional, will adhere to the first through fourth approach on a regular basis and serve the people well to avoid reaching the implementation of the fifth approach,” he wrote.

The five-step approach was recommended by former Prime Minister Hun Sen continues to be used under his son’s administration. Simply put, it requires officials to own up to their mistakes and make an effort to correct them. Those who do not or cannot will face strict legal measures.