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PHNOM PENH, July 24, 2013 (AFP) - Two of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun
Sen's sons have received military promotions, adding to speculation
that they are being groomed to succeed the long-ruling strongman.
The award of the ranks of lieutenant general and brigadier general -- made in royal decrees seen by AFP on Wednesday -- comes as Hun Sen seeks to extend his 28 years in power.
The former Khmer Rouge fighter's critics fear he is building a political dynasty through his three US-educated sons, the youngest of whom is running for a parliamentary seat in Sunday's general election.
“I think this is a plan for Hun Sen and his children to continue controlling the power within his Cambodian People's Party,” said Ou Virak, president of the Cambodian Centre for Human Rights.
“The timing of the promotions... with the national elections in just four days, shows a clear attempt by Hun Sen to guarantee support for the CPP (ruling party) within the military and can be seen as a show of strength.” The outspoken premier's oldest son, Hun Manet, is already the chief of the ministry of defence's anti-terrorism unit, as well as deputy commander of Hun Sen's personal bodyguard unit.
Last month the 35-year-old was promoted to the rank of lieutenant general, according to a copy of the royal decree signed by King Norodom Sihamoni.
Second son Hun Manith, 31, the deputy head of a powerful military intelligence unit, has been promoted from an army colonel to a one-star general, according to a separate decree.
Defence ministry officials could not be reached for comment.
Hun Sen is one of Southeast Asia's longest-serving leaders.
The award of the ranks of lieutenant general and brigadier general -- made in royal decrees seen by AFP on Wednesday -- comes as Hun Sen seeks to extend his 28 years in power.
The former Khmer Rouge fighter's critics fear he is building a political dynasty through his three US-educated sons, the youngest of whom is running for a parliamentary seat in Sunday's general election.
“I think this is a plan for Hun Sen and his children to continue controlling the power within his Cambodian People's Party,” said Ou Virak, president of the Cambodian Centre for Human Rights.
“The timing of the promotions... with the national elections in just four days, shows a clear attempt by Hun Sen to guarantee support for the CPP (ruling party) within the military and can be seen as a show of strength.” The outspoken premier's oldest son, Hun Manet, is already the chief of the ministry of defence's anti-terrorism unit, as well as deputy commander of Hun Sen's personal bodyguard unit.
Last month the 35-year-old was promoted to the rank of lieutenant general, according to a copy of the royal decree signed by King Norodom Sihamoni.
Second son Hun Manith, 31, the deputy head of a powerful military intelligence unit, has been promoted from an army colonel to a one-star general, according to a separate decree.
Defence ministry officials could not be reached for comment.
Hun Sen is one of Southeast Asia's longest-serving leaders.
His Cambodian People's Party (CPP) won the last two polls by a landslide amid allegations of fraud and election irregularities.
But he faces an opposition reinvigorated by the recent return from exile of its newly-pardoned leader Sam Rainsy.
Hun Sen's youngest son, Hun Many, 30, is an official in his father's cabinet and aiming to join parliament after the weekend polls, which are expected to be won by the CPP.
Hun Sen, who will turn 61 in August, has ruled the country since 1985. In May he said he would try to stay in power for another decade.
2 comments:
Son of Lee Duc Tho (Manet) will be next PM and Cambodia will rename to Nambodia if we don't change now!....Vote for CNRP to stop this from happening...
Prahok
This is bullshit. How could you promote some one that has no military or warfare experience? He just a pencil pusher at school. He needs to earn his credential first before he get promoted. No disrespect to him but he will not earn my respect. If I were him I will not accept the promotion. This is just plain wrong.
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