Cambodia’s public servants risk losing jobs if they refuse vaccinations

Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Sen has warned those in the public service and in the armed forces that they would be removed from their jobs if they refuse to receive their COVID-19 vaccinations.

“It is true that the vaccine is given on a voluntary basis, but in the future it is clear that the vaccination will become mandatory, starting with [the] armed forces,” he wrote on his Facebook page, according to Khmer Times. 

“When the time comes with 70% of civil servants and armed forces have been vaccinated, those who have not won’t be allowed to come for work. They should just stay at home if they do not want to be inoculated to protect themselves,” he said, adding that “there is no need for them to work as a soldier or civil servant”.

“If officials avoid vaccination, they should avoid coming to the ministry,” the prime minister said. 

He noted that while many civil servants and armed forces personnel had come forward for their jabs, there were still some who did not want to receive inoculations. “Vaccines do not poison. They protect us, our organisation and our society,” he said. 

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The prime minister also warned against collusion between doctors and officials who falsify that they have received their vaccinations. To avoid this, those who are vaccinated will receive a certificate from the Ministry of Health. 

“In the future, if possible, in addition to the cards provided by the Health Ministry, we may introduce a badge to identify those who have been vaccinated by the relevant ministry,” he added.