May 22, 2026
PHNOM PENH – Prime Minister Hun Manet has outlined sweeping reforms that he believes will enhance the administrative efficiency of his government. As he addressed the inauguration of the new General Department of Taxation headquarters today, May 21, Manet revealed that three general- and 30 sub-departments across several ministries will be eliminated.
At the same time, he refuted criticism that the downsizing of departments or the reduction of staff will target officials who are “out of favour” with leadership.
“Some people have agreed that downsizing reforms are good, but have question whether those who are affected by the reductions will be targeted because they have fallen out of favour with the leaders of their departments,” he said.
He explained that the government is executing the reforms based on functional role analysis and clarified that the move is unrelated to recent border conflicts. He noted that since the beginning of his mandate, the Ministry of Public Service has already conducted structural reviews of 16 ministries and institutions.
“Following the reviews, we planned to cut three general departments and 30 departments at different ministries, and we will continue to do this in the future,” he said.
“The important thing is that we have a clear mechanism. We will not set up a new department just to favour a specific person, nor will we downsize a department because we dislike an individual,” he added.
Last week, Manet spoke at length regarding reforms within the Ministry of National Defence. He explained that the ministry will undergo a reduction in management levels, as he views the current structure as being “top-heavy” or having a “big head” and in need of streamlining.
“At the defence ministry, we plan to abolish some departments and combine similar roles into a single office,” Manet said during a May 15 address held to mark the 19th Anniversary of Veterans and Retirees Day.
The prime minister provided an example of how this restructuring would work, noting that staff at the Royal Cambodian Army Headquarters will be reduced from 6,000 to just 600.
“We are undertaking a reform from 6,000 to 600. We are not just talking; we have already started, and the current staff has already been reduced to 2,000,” he said, noting that not all details can be made public.
Commenting indirectly on Manet’s commitment, Sok Touch, president of the Royal Academy of Cambodia (RAC), noted that the focus should also be on the quality of the lower levels, rather than just reducing the top leadership.
“If the ‘head’ is downsized and the ‘body’ increases, don’t forget to exercise to get muscle. Otherwise, you will only get a big belly, which is more dangerous than having a big head,” he said.