Political Officials to be Retained in the New Government, Hun Sen Says
Longtime Cambodian leader Hun Sen said Wednesday, July 26, he will step down in three weeks as prime minister and hand the position to his oldest son, who won his first seat in Parliament in Sunday's election. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)
- By Mao Sopha
- July 30, 2023 5:07 PM
PHNOM PENH — Cambodia’s caretaker Prime Minister Hun Sen on July 29 announced that the politically appointed officials would remain in the new government and emphasized that public officials will not be affected despite changes in the country’s leadership.
"We will keep all the officials who have already been appointed," Hun Sen said, indicating that he had been informed that people were concerned about possible changes when the new government will be formed.
According to him, the decision to keep officials appointed by the old government was made during recent discussions between him and some senior leaders including President of the Senate Say Chhum, Interior Minister Sar Kheng, Defense Minister Tea Banh, National Assembly-Senate Relations and Inspection Minister Men Sam An, Finance Minister Aun Porn Moniroth, Justice Minister Keut Rith. and Royal Cambodian Army Commander and Prime Minister Hun Manet.
Hun Sen explained that the political office holders to be retained include those with secretary of state and undersecretary of state positions in ministries as well as government advisers. However, they will be re-appointed when the new government is formed, he added.
“People appointed by royal decree will be reappointed by royal decree,” Hun Sen said. “Others who are appointed by sub-decree will also be re-appointed by sub-decree. Civil servants will not be affected unless they reach the retirement age as indicated by laws.”
On July 26, PM Hun Sen made televised official announcement of resignation as Prime Minister after 14,099 days in power, becoming the longest serving leader in Asia. Hun Manet, his eldest son, will take over the prime ministerial post on August 22. As for the head of the new government, there are speculations that a big change could be made when Hun Manet takes office.
