Cambodia News (Phnom Penh): On 21 October 2022, students and teachers of the Tuol Prasat Sen Sok High School gathered to protest at the school gate demanding that Mr. Oum Sokom, Principal of Tuol Prasat Sen Sok High School be removed from office. This protest was held following the non-resolution of a complaint filed by the teachers and students of the school to the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports. The school is located along Street 1019 (Hanoi Blvd), Samrong Village, Khmuonh Commune, Sen Sok District, Phnom Penh.

Amongst other charges against him, the complaint alleges that Mr. Oum Sokam, the school principal, embezzled the school’s money and also required teachers to pay KHR10,000 per month to the school.

According to a letter dated 11 September 2022,the teachers and students at Tuol Prasat Sen Sok High School submitted a formal complaint to Prof. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, Minister of Education, Youth and Sports and the Phnom Penh Capital Hall requesting for immediate action to remove Mr. Ou Sokom from his position. The many irregularities committed by the principal include the concealment of school operating budget (SOB) and project budget (SIEP or GIEP), which was allocated for the development of teaching and other expenditures including the purchase of school supplies.

The complaint also alleges that the accused demanded money from parents of students and requested transfers of money. The principal also ordered withdrawal of the exam diploma and money from the inspection committee during the examination mission.

Mr. Oum Sokam was also accused of exercising oppressive power, threats, immoral conduct, affecting the teachers at the school. Teachers and students at Tuol Prasat Sen Sok High School claim that they are very dissatisfied with Mr. Oum Sokom, whom they allege is an immoral person, inciting, dividing and encouraging internal disunity in the staff, lacking virtues, selfish, unreliable, and more often staying at home than coming to work.

Please note that on 24 August 2022, Mr. Oum Sokom was summoned by the Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) to clarify the above complaint, but the ACU has not yet come to a conclusions on the findings .

Good for them.

October 24, 2022
Principal defiant as teachers, students join hands for his ouster
Nang Veasna / Khmer Times
Seeking the removal of an allegedly corrupt principal, a group of teachers and students protested in front of the Tuol Prasat Sen Sok High School on Friday.

They also filed a complaint against Principal Oum Sokom alleging financial fraud at the Department of Education, Youth and Sports.

However, the principal refuted all allegations and told the authorities whatever he had done was done in the interest of the school.

In their complaint submitted to Hang Chuon Naron, Minister of Education, Youth and Sports, and submitted to the Department of Education, Youth and Sports on September 11, the protesters have alleged that the principal had been misusing school funds and collecting $2.5 from teachers every month.

In the letter, they also sought a replacement for Sokom. The protesters said that the principal kept the school operating budgets hidden and used to demand money from parents of students who request certificates for school transfer and diplomas.

According to them, the principal embezzled money from the school examination fund and showed partisanship in his treatment of teachers which has affected the morale of several.
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