Anti-corruption Card Debuts

Khmer Times
Tin Sokhavuth

“Together we fight against corruption” is the slogan on the card, with two numbers to call: the Anti-Corruption Unit and Transparency International. Photo: Supplied

PHNOM PENH (Khmer Times) – On Wednesday, Transparency International Cambodia officially launched its Anti-Corruption Card, a tool it plans to use to raise awareness in the fight against corruption nationwide.

Card holders are required to make a commitment to be personally free from corruption and fight against it in society.

Cardholders are also encouraged to make several pledges.

These include not paying or seeking bribes, campaigning against corruption, and only supporting candidates for public office who say “no to corruption” and demonstrate transparency, integrity and accountability.

After signing up on TI Cambodia’s website, users receive a membership card.

So far, around 7,500 people across Cambodia hold the card and the organization is seeking to expand its reach.

Gaining Support

Around 100 businesses are supporting the campaign by offering card holders discounts on goods and services, ranging from 3 percent to 50 percent. TI Cambodia plans to extend this initiative nationwide in the near future.

“A successful fight against corruption requires active participation from people,” said Mr. Preap Kol, executive director at TI Cambodia.

“The Anti-Corruption Card was conceived as a tool to encourage and empower citizens, especially youths, as well as the private sector, to join hands and become part of vibrant movement to curtail corruption,” he added.

Anyone can register for the card by signing the Declaration Against Corruption on TI Cambodia’s website.

Strategic Moves

As for the Royal Government of Cambodia, ideas to fight against corruption are laid out in its Rectangular Strategy for development. This strategy includes raising awareness about the dangers of corruption, concrete means to prevent corruption, reinforcing accountability, public support and involvement, private sector participation and the strengthening of law enforcement.

Ly Phally, a student at the Institute of Foreign Language, who participated in the launch, told Khmer Times: “I think this card is a good thing. We can receive discounts at shops.”