Welfare fund under scrutiny

SSO board election focus of debate

- CHAIRITH YONPIAM

The issue of transparency in the Social Security Fund (SSF) has emerged as a major point of debate in the lead-up to the general election, after the People's Party (PP) criticised the fund’s management, opaque investment decisions, and efficiency of its services.

In its latest campaign message, the People's Party (PP) called for a structural overhaul of the SSF to reduce political interference.

The party also affirmed its opposition to changes to the election method of the Social Security Office (SSO) board members, saying the changes are intended to block reformist candidates.

It said that SSF members must be able to elect a full team of representatives to ensure the board remains closely aligned to subscribers' interests.