In line with the provisions of a new anti-corruption law, on April 1st the prime minister, Hun Sen, disclosed details of his assets. He also claimed to draw a monthly salary of CR4.6m (US$1,160), even though he is not required by law to disclose this publicly. More than 100,000 officials must declare their assets and business interests under the anti-graft law, which was passed in early 2010. However, these declarations remain secret until there are grounds for making them public. Non-governmental organisations were quick to express doubts over the prime minister's claimed salary. Although Hun Sen may indeed draw only a small official salary, his assets, including an impressive property close to the Independence Monument in the capital, Phnom Penh, and a large compound in the suburb of Takhmao, suggest that he has a far higher income. Hun Sen's salary claim, made during a press conference, came with an appeal for other officials to follow his lead in disclosing their assets and incomes to the Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU). In this context, Hun Sen's declaration may be seen as encouragement to officials that they need not necessarily list all their income but disclose instead only a token "official" salary.

Corruption is the glue that binds together Cambodia's patronage networks, and so the authorities' critics doubt whether Hun Sen genuinely desires to eliminate graft-an erosion of the unofficial incomes underpaid officials rely on could undermine support for his government. The anti-corruption law has serious flaws, with the ACU, which is in charge of routine investigations, coming under the purview of the Council of Ministers (the cabinet). In the absence of any separation of power, it seems improbable that the institution will act as a credible check on the executive. Indeed, Hun Sen's assertion to have fulfilled his obligations under the anti-corruption law could be interpreted as representing the minimum needed to placate donors and development partners, who have long pressed for stronger anti-graft legislation. In addition to confidential asset disclosures, Cambodia's anti-corruption measures are weakened by not considering the assets of family members or assets held offshore.