Phnom Penh: Prime Minister Hun Manet has proposed the recruitment of contract officials, offering them the same salaries and benefits as their civil servant counterparts. This initiative aims to make the Cambodian government more flexible and inclusive, allowing a broader range of individuals to contribute to societal development.

During the Announcement Ceremony of the 2023 Model Public Service Provider in Education and Health, held on the morning of February 22, 2024, at Koh Pich, Phnom Penh, the Prime Minister highlighted the success of this policy during Cambodia's fight against COVID-19. The policy facilitated the recruitment of skilled doctors who played a crucial role in managing the pandemic.

Prime Minister shared insights into the potential benefits of this approach: "Some individuals, despite having started their careers in the private sector, express a willingness to serve the public. However, age or bureaucratic barriers might deter them. By establishing a more flexible framework, we can welcome such skilled professionals into the government, regardless of their age or previous positions."

He emphasized that professional contract officers would be employed under fixed-term contracts, enjoying the same salary and benefits as regular civil servants, without the constraints typically associated with government employment.

This policy not only aims to attract professionals with valuable skills and experience but also ensures that they are compensated fairly for their contributions to the public sector. By adopting such measures, the Cambodian government demonstrates a commitment to leveraging talent from various sectors to improve public services and governance.