Touch Sokhak, spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior, welcomed various public comment regarding his idea of recruiting rehabilitated youth gang members to serve as village guards. He clarified that the plan was merely a suggestion, and will not be happening, following widespread debate.
He also noted that the backlash against the plan sends a clear message to the gangs that the public does not want to see their delinquent behaviour.
He clarified that the suggestion was his own personal idea, inspired by the experiences of some other countries, and did not represent the views of the interior ministry’s leadership.
“The public’s diverse opinions reflect that they do not support the delinquent activities of any individual or youth gang. Therefore, youths or those who engage in such activities must realise that society and that most citizens do not support their behaviour,” Sokhak said in a video clip released today, March 4.
He explained that his previous remarks were meant as an possible scheme that refered only to youths who committed minor misconduct and received administrative penalties — such as being ordered by authorities to pick up trash or having their heads shaved — before being educated and returned to their parents or guardians. He was not referring to those who have committed criminal offenses.
Sokhak’s clarification came a day after widespread debate and criticism erupted on social media over the idea of employing gang members as village guards. Various social observers argued that individuals with a history of offenses should not be entrusted with security-related roles.
