AKP Phnom Penh, May 07, 2026 -- Acting Head of State Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen has urged civil servants, particularly commune and Sangkat council members in Takeo province, to continue fulfilling their duties in serving the nation and the people more effectively, especially through faster and more efficient public service delivery.

Speaking during a meeting with 1,215 provincial, municipal, district, commune and Sangkat council members, as well as leaders of provincial departments and institutions at Techo Sen Takeo Regional Polytechnic Institute on May 7, Samdech Techo expressed pleasure at returning to meet local authorities in the province. He noted that Takeo is the fourth province he has visited as part of his nationwide outreach meetings with civil servants.

Samdech Techo recalled his intervention in 1994 to help farmers in Pot Sar commune, Bati district, during a severe drought that threatened rice production. Referring to his well-known saying, “Harvesting rice in water is better than having no rice to harvest,” he highlighted the importance of timely action to save farmers’ livelihoods.

He praised Takeo officials for their efforts in providing public services and maintaining security, public order, and social stability, while preventing activities that could create unrest in society.

Samdech Techo called on all officials to continue safeguarding national stability and strengthening the implementation of the “Safe Village-Commune Policy,” including cracking down on robbery, theft, and drug trafficking. He also expressed support for stronger tax collection measures and efforts to combat tax evasion.

He further instructed local authorities to resolve land disputes efficiently and fairly, particularly through out-of-court mechanisms, while also urging prudent macroeconomic management amid rising fuel prices by reducing unnecessary spending.

At the same time, Samdech Techo encouraged authorities to continue caring for veterans and retired civil servants, stressing the need to prevent them from feeling isolated and to recognise their contributions to national service. He also urged local authorities to protect natural resources and prevent environmental destruction.

Emphasising the role of public servants, Samdech Techo reminded officials that “officials are not the masters of the people, but loyal servants of the people,” and urged them to avoid abuse of power and serve citizens with honesty and integrity. He also encouraged Takeo authorities to strengthen cooperation with Vietnam to facilitate closer cross-border relations.

According to Takeo Provincial Governor H.E. Vei Samnang, the province has achieved significant socio-economic progress, with agriculture contributing 53 percent to the local economy, followed by industry and construction at 31 percent, and services at 16 percent. 

Meanwhile, Samdech Techo’s spokesperson Chea Thyrith stated that the purpose of the outreach meetings is to strengthen accountability between the Senate and voters, enhance transparency, improve local governance efficiency, and foster closer relations with local authorities while encouraging better public service delivery. 

By C. Nika