AKP Phnom Penh, March 24, 2026 -- Information Minister H.E. Neth Pheaktra emphasised on Tuesday that national peace and public safety are the indispensable pillars of Cambodia’s development, providing the essential foundation for the Royal Government’s long-term strategic goals.

Speaking at a meeting to disseminate the "Safe Village-Commune-Sangkat" national policy at the Ministry of Information, H.E. Neth Pheaktra highlighted that public security is not merely a legal requirement but a prerequisite for economic and social progress.

The event was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Interior, led by Secretary of State H.E. Ouch Phea, representing Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister H.E. Abhisantibindit Sar Sokha.

The Minister underscored the social costs of instability, noting that communities plagued by theft, drugs, and gambling cannot achieve lasting peace or prosperity. He extended this logic to the domestic level, warning that substance abuse and gambling inevitably destroy family harmony and financial stability.

"The 'Safe Village-Commune-Sangkat' policy is not just a guideline for public dissemination; it is a fundamental educational tool for every citizen," he said. "It serves as a basis for educating our families, our neighbours, and our colleagues. A safe environment must begin at the workplace, which is itself a microcosm of the commune. When the workplace is secure, productivity and morale naturally flourish."

Highlighting the Royal Government’s proactive stance under Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, the Minister pointed to the ongoing national campaign against illegal drugs. He noted that the Ministry of Information was among the first state institutions to implement mandatory drug testing for its personnel.

The Minister revealed that more than 1,000 ministry officials have tested negative for illicit substances, a result he described as a successful "cleansing of the lake."

"Ensuring our civil servants remain drug-free is vital for the integrity of our institutions," H.E. Neth Pheaktra added. "Substance abuse impairs judgment. If those responsible for policy-making or administration are compromised, it poses a direct threat to the stability and future of the entire nation."

By K. Rithy Reak