Cambodian leader says officials must master mobile internet

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia — Cambodia’s long-ruling Prime Minister Hun Sen declared Monday that he wouldn’t appoint anybody to be a provincial governor who shouldn’t be educated in using social media and smartphones.

Hun Sen, an avid person of Fb, mentioned at a hospital inauguration within the capital Phnom Penh that officers want to have the ability to use purposes comparable to WhatsApp, Viber, LINE, Telegram, WeChat and Zoom to successfully do their jobs, comparable to organizing on-line conferences.

Hun Sen mentioned not too long ago he has arrange teams on WhatsApp and Telegram so he can use his telephone to coordinate with numerous authorities ministries.

The 69-year-old Hun Sen has led Cambodia since first turning into prime minister in 1985, when what developed into the web was nonetheless in its infancy and usually obtainable solely to tutorial establishments.

Hun Sen additionally urged members of his Cupboard, a few of whom additionally entered authorities service greater than three many years in the past, to ensure they have been adept in using smartphones and their apps.

Hun Sen posts feedback and pictures on his Fb web page virtually daily, and in addition makes use of the platform often to broadcast his speeches and different information occasions on Fb Reside.

His web page additionally permits individuals to ship complaints about their dealings with the authorities.

Hun Sen and Sam Rainsy, the nation’s important opposition chief, have competed up to now over who might appeal to probably the most Fb followers.

Hun Sen’s web page at the moment exhibits 13 million followers, whereas that of Sam Rainsy, who has been in self-imposed exile since 2015 to keep away from prison prices he says are politically motivated, lists 5 million.

Hun Sen’s critics, nevertheless, have charged that he boosts his variety of followers by shopping for them in bulk from shady operations that present such companies. Hun Sen has denied the allegation.