Say Chhum and Two Other Senate Heads Appointed King’s Advisors
Senate President Say Chhum has been appointed personal advisor to King Norodom Sihamoni with rank equal to prime minister. Photo: Senate of Cambodia.
- By Romdoul Chetra
- March 30, 2024 5:00 PM
PHNOM PENH — Senate President Say Chhum has been appointed personal advisor to King Norodom Sihamoni with rank equal to prime minister, according to the Royal Decree issued on March 29.
On the same day, King Sihamoni also issued two separate royal decrees appointing Senate First President Sim Ka and Second Vice President Tep Ngorn as personal advisors to the King with equal rank to deputy prime minister.
Former Prime Minister Hun Sen will be sworn in as president of the Senate following the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) winning by a landslide as expected, in the fifth senate election on Feb. 25. The old guard is eager to maintain a backseat role as the new generation of leaders, primarily children of former CPP leaders, comes to power.
Since Hun Sen stepped down after 37 years in power—being replaced by his son Hun Manet—he has become head of the Supreme Privy Council with equal rank to the prime minister. Heng Samrin, the former president of the National Assembly and CPP’s honorary president, is now the council’s honorary president, with a rank equal to prime minister.
Former Interior Minister Sar Kheng, ex-Defense Minister Tea Banh and ex-Minister of National Assembly-Senate Relations and Inspection Men Sam An are members of the council with rank equal to deputy prime minister. They all are deputy presidents of the CPP.
In addition, Yim Chhay Ly, ex-chairman of the Council for Agriculture and Rural Development, ex-Land Management Minister Chea Sophara, ex-acting Minister in charge of the Office of the Council of Ministers Bin Chhin, ex-Minister of Foreign Affairs Prak Sokhonn and ex-Chairman of the National Authority for Combating Drugs Ke Kim Yan are members of the Supreme Privy Council with rank equal to deputy prime minister.
